Welcome to Camp Centerland! We are proud to be the premier summer day camp in Western New York, where every child is welcomed, valued, and celebrated for who they are. At Camp Centerland, our mission is simple: to create a safe, inclusive, and joy-filled environment where campers build confidence, form lasting friendships, and make unforgettable summer memories.
Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to ensure that each day is packed with exciting activities, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for growth. Whether it’s trying something new, discovering a hidden talent, or simply having fun with friends, Camp Centerland is a place where every camper belongs.
We can’t wait to welcome your family to an incredible summer at Camp Centerland!
Warmly,
Nick Utz
Camp Director
Camp Mission
Camp Centerland provides a stimulating, nurturing environment grounded in Jewish values for kids of all faiths and backgrounds.
Camp Vision
Camp Centerland is a place where each child develops the confidence to be their best and, in turn, becomes a contributing member of the broader community.
Camp Philosophy
Camp Centerland's philosophy is rooted in the belief that teaching and demonstrating the Jewish values of Chesed (kindness), Kehillah (community), and Tikkun Olam (healing the world) is as important as splashing in the swimming pool, enjoying a Popsicle on Wednesday, or singing favorite camp songs. Limud (learning) is at the heart of everything we do—building identity, belonging, and a thriving, diverse camp community.
Parent Communication
Communicating with parents is very important to us. Please email the camp office or call when reaching out to Camp.
Contact
Camp office number: 716.444.8901
Email: [email protected]
When will the Health Center call a guardian?
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Safety Is Important To Us
Even though summer is filled with fun, safety is our number one priority. We take the care of your children seriously. Each year, our Camp is registered with the State of NY Local Health Department and licensed as a Summer Day Camp. Our annual inspection ensures we comply with all safety standards.
In 2019, Camp Centerland received accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. The mission of the American Camp Association is to enrich the lives of children, youth, and adults through the camp experience.
Additional safety measures include:
- A sunscreen policy to help ensure all campers are covered
- Health staff on-site
- CPR/First Aid certified staff
- Background checks on all camp employees
- Amherst Police and the University of Buffalo Police are notified when Camp is in session
- Amherst Police conducts checks throughout the camp season
Day’s Structure / Typical Camp Day
SWIMMING
Campers will swim daily, weather permitting. Monday and Friday campers will have free swim in the outdoor pool. Tuesday and Thursday will be swim lessons in the indoor pool. Wednesday will be free swim in the indoor pool.
MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
Camp Centerland is broken into five daily 45-minute periods, called "mods", Monday through Thursday. Each week, all campers will engage in these activities at least once. Your child's activities include Swimming, Omanut (Art), Teva (Nature), Meddah (Science), Tarbut (Israel Culture), Music, Theater, Sports, and Team-Building. Negev will be introduced to Rock Climbing.
Senior Campers will also have High Ropes, Archery, and Rock Climbing.
Swimming will be available to all groups, and your child will swim 2 to 4 times per week. Our Water Safety Instructor will conduct a swim test each week and place your camper in a swim group to improve their water skills.
FRIDAY
Each week, we host a special camp activity. Campers will join together for a variety of fun activities.
Each Friday at the end of the day, all campers will meet in the Rein Family Amphitheater for our Shabbat closing of the week. Led by staff and guests, each Shabbat includes songs, performances, and a special feeling of togetherness!
CHUGIM
These Hobby groups allow your Senior Camper to choose the fun. Campers can choose from a variety of activities offered every day. Campers can pick from weekly offerings that change to keep them fresh.
MACCABI WEEK
You don't want to miss this week of Camp. It is one of the largest weeks of Camp. Your camper will be assigned to one of four colors (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green). You will be notified on Monday with a note home. Have your child dress in their team color and show their pride. A special all-camp activity on Friday will round out the week.
When it rains?
Rain
We get wet when it rains. Activities may be canceled depending on the severity of the rain. We move to covered spaces during activities, but they will be outside when they move. Raincoats and boots are essential these days.
Thunder and lightning
Shelter in grounded shelters. We have several covered and grounded spaces at Camp. We move all activities to these spaces to ensure campers' safety. There may be limited movement for them, so we will rotate activities.
Tornado warning
Shelter in rigid structures. We monitor the weather every 15 minutes for updates. Junior Camp moves into the JCC building, and we bring modified activities to them. Senior Camp relocates to Omanut and Shirah for shelter. We ask that you not call the office during a storm. We will be tending to the children and cannot give an update on your child at this time. We also ask that you not come early to pick up your child. We cannot accommodate early pickups under weather conditions.
Camp Through A Jewish Lens
Camp Centerland is the face of Jewish Camping in Buffalo. We have designed specific touchpoints at Camp to ensure our Jewish Values are embedded in everything we do. The mission states: "Camp Centerland provides a stimulating and nurturing environment based on Jewish values for kids of all faiths and backgrounds." This is our culture, and we are here for everyone.
One of the tools we use is the JCC Association's TAG initiative. TAG stands for Torah (learning and living), Avodah (service and spirituality), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving-kindness). According to the saying of our sages in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Sages), these are the three principles upon which the world stands. TAG consists of over 40 units that address the weekly Torah portion, Israel, and daily life through Jewish values. The Buffalo Jewish Federation powers TAG.
Our TAG Program
Friday, we hold a Shabbat program. This program is designed to focus on Judaism through songs and stories. We serve Challah and a wine substitute: grape juice. This program is led by specifically trained staff and assisted by our Shlichim.
Inclusion at Centerland
Camp Centerland welcomes all campers regardless of gender identity! Families can choose how much information they'd like to disclose to staff and to whom, whether that's to administrative staff, counselors, or no one. We will use the camper's preferred name and pronouns. All information shared will be treated with sensitivity. Counselors also receive training on all inclusion practices.
Our campers may use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. Campers typically change for pool time in large or small same-sex groups, but may change individually if they prefer. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help support your camper. We make a strong effort not to separate campers by gender or sex at Camp in every other situation.
Sunscreen at Camp
- Parents/guardians should apply sunscreen to children before they come to Camp in the morning.
- Sunscreen will be reapplied after swimming or other water-based activities, mid-morning, and again mid-afternoon.
- Parents should provide their own sunscreen. Please put the sunscreen in your child's backpack, labeled with your child's name.
- If the sunscreen is in a soft container, please put it inside a zip-lock bag to prevent it from "popping" in the child's bag.
- Campers will not be permitted to share sunscreen.
- Parents should provide a hat for sun protection every day.
- Parents may apply bug repellent before coming to Camp. The Camp will not reapply bug repellent throughout the day unless a medical note is provided.
Questions?
Call 716.444.8901 or email [email protected]