Explore a Variety of Themed Albany Summer Camps From JMU 4 Kids
Multiple locations. A variety of themed camps including Performing Arts and a brand new offering: Ninja Xtreme. Quality child care from a reputable, longstanding organization in the Albany area. Learn how JMU 4 Kids got its start, the types of camps they offer, and how you can enroll your child today for the summer of 2023.
Popular Summer Camp Prepares for an Exciting Experience
Founded by Joe Urschel in 2005, JMU 4 Kids is a local summer camp that's committed to providing kids a safe, secure, fun, and enriching experience each year. They host themed summer camps for children and teens ages 4-14, and some of the activity-filled programs include the well-rounded Day Camp, the high-energy Sports Camp, and the dazzling Performing Arts Camp.
How This Family-Run Organization Made a Name for Itself in Albany
The organization got its name because all four members of Joe Urschel's family have the initials JMU. Urschel refers to the business as more of a family hobby, and says they're a "corner store in a world of big boxes." They have no board of directors, no committees, and no restrictions to creativity - great ideas can come from anyone.
Urschel previously directed the summer program at a local private school for 10 years before starting his own summer camp business. 2023 will be their 19th summer as JMU 4 Kids, and Urschel's 29th year directing summer camps. Today, his wife June and daughter Jessica assist with the day-to-day operations of their programs both on campus and behind the scenes.
From Performing Arts to Ninja Xtreme, Choose From Multiple Camp Themes
JMU 4 Kids' 2023 summer camp season will run for 10 weeks from June 26 - September 1. This year they are bringing back their popular Performing Arts Camp, founded by the late, great Alan Weeks, for a six-week run at All Saints Academy starting the week of July 10 and ending the week of August 14. They are also introducing a brand-new camp offering called Ninja Xtreme which will run for six weeks at Mater Christi starting the week of June 26 and concluding the week of July 31.
Here's a breakdown of what each summer camp focuses on:
- Day Camp (Ages 4-12): A well-rounded program featuring crafts, drawing, singing, sports, daily swimming, and other fun activities
- Sports Camp (Ages 7-14): Each day campers will play a variety of sports together, such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and more; daily swimming is included with this camp
- Performing Arts Camp (Ages 8-14): Awaken the creative spirit and imagination through dance, drumming, singing, and performing! Each week will have a unique theme, and campers will have the opportunity to show off their new skills to family & friends during a weekly Friday afternoon performance. Daily attendance for this camp is mandatory
- Sports & Fitness Camp (Ages 7-14): Designed for the serious young athlete who wants to participate in major sports and learn how to train for them; daily swimming is included with this camp
- Science Camp (Ages 8-14): Explore, investigate, and discover the world of science; kids also learn how to fly indoor drones through coding flight patterns; daily swimming is included with this camp
- Laser Quest (Ages 8-14): This Live Action Role Playing program gives campers the chance to become the hero of a mythical galactic journey using high-tech laser tag equipment
- Ninja Xtreme (Ages 7-14): This new camp will include a variety of activities that will foster teamwork, individual growth through physical and mental conditioning, self defense instruction, and the teaching of the 8 ideals or virtues which the Samurai Warrior needed to follow: Benevolence, Courage, Respect, Sincerity, Righteousness, Honor, Self-Control, and Loyalty
According to Urschel, his family's favorite part about operating JMU 4 Kids is, "constantly coming up with new activities and seeing the joy it brings to the campers."
2023 will be no exception with the reintroduction of the popular Performing Arts Camp which went on hiatus due to COVID, and their newest camp offering: Ninja Xtreme.
Day Camp, Sports Camp, and Sports & Fitness Camp will continue to offer an Interactive Play System (Battle Cones) and Inflatable Gaga Pit (two fast-paced group games).
Get details on each of the themed camps »
The JMU 4 Kids Camp Difference: The Counselors, the Price & More
The camp counselors and staff for JMU 4 Kids include guidance counselors, specialists in the arts, lifeguards, nurses, coaches, gamers, technology teachers, and food tent workers. Urschel has known a lot of the employees for years, and many are former campers. All counselors undergo a background check, and the counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1:7.
Parents can be reassured that all of their summer camps operate under a permit from the Albany County Health Department, and are inspected at least twice during each summer. And, believe it or not, JMU 4 Kids has not changed their price since opening in 2005, so you know you're getting a great deal.
To recap, JMU 4 Kids offers a variety of uniquely themed camps (including Performing Arts Camp and Ninja Xtreme), they hire reputable individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and varied skill sets, and this is all at a more-than-reasonable cost.
Ready to Register? Don't Wait - Visit Their Website Today!
Summer camp is an amazing experience for kids as it teaches them the value of teamwork, helps them develop new skills, and allows them to forge new friendships with their fellow campers. Registration for JMU 4 Kids' summer camps opens on April 1, 2023, and the season begins on June 26 and concludes on September 1.
To view the full summer camp lineup and find the best program for your child, check out their website today. Camps tend to fill up fast, so don't delay in signing up your kid this year.
See the 2023 summer camp lineup »
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