:: Camp Keetov

Camp Keetov, Washington Hebrew Congregation’s exciting summer program for young children is available at both the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center in Potomac, Maryland and at the Temple in Washington, D.C.

From its beginning in 1990, Washington Hebrew Congregation’s early childhood summer programs, Camp Keetov and In The Beginning, have earned a reputation of excellence in both programming and preschool camping. Our camp directors are always on-site and available to parents and campers. We offer the children a summer full of fun activities in a safe, warm and caring environment under the enthusiastic leadership of a mature and professional staff. Each group is supervised by an adult group leader and supported by two responsible counselors. This low staff/camper ratio assures that each child receives the attention her/she deserves. Our group leaders bring to their roles their talents, love of children and extensive experience in early childhood education.

We believe play is the focus of childhood and therefore the program emphasizes activities such as water play, arts and crafts, music and creative movement, dramatics, nature study, sports instruction, cultural arts and Jewish values and customs. Each week at camp the children have an opportunity to enjoy a special on-site program. This might include a puppet show, a nature or science program or a musical production. The children celebrate Shabbat every Friday with a visit from one of the Rabbis or Cantors who always has a special story related to Jewish ethics and values.

In The Beginning is a transitional summer program open to children registered to begin our regular two-year-old program in the fall. This unique program gives children an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new school environment, establish a daily routine, share in group play with other children and have an easy, happy and secure transition into their first school experience. Within the context of a warm and nurturing environment, In The Beginning offers a varied program of creative play.