It has been great! Thank you so much for such a well-prepared and constantly engaging experience.
— Camp Keff Parent
It has been great! Thank you so much for such a well-prepared and constantly engaging experience.
— Camp Keff Parent
We are dedicated play enthusiasts because we know the importance of purposeful play can’t be underestimated in healthy human development. That is why PLAY takes center stage at Camp Keff. Play allows children of all ages and at all developmental stages to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is critically important to healthy brain development.1
Play within structured boundaries and under responsible supervision provides children and teens the freedom to safely experience personal agency and creativity. The learning and social development that takes place in the midst of play is equally important to time spent in the classroom.
Additionally, there is plenty of research that proves play is not just for the young. Adults benefit mightily from daily play. That is one of the reasons that Camp Keff gathers the whole family for several fun events and activities throughout the summer. We all need more play — come get yours this summer at Camp Keff!
1 – Shonkoff JP, Phillips DA, eds. From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000
We provide an environment where campers, families, and staff members develop and maintain friendships, grow through creative and developmentally appropriate activities, increase self-confidence, and have a positive association with Jewish culture.
Though our most-treasured awards come in the form of high-fives from campers and heartwarming thank-you notes from parents, we’re also proud to have been recognized as a top local day camp by readers of Bay Area Parent, J.Weekly, and more.
As part of the PJCC staff since 2008, Nicole has devoted her career to working with youth. She has supported the social, emotional, and intellectual development of children of all ages: first as a counselor at Camp Keff; then, as the founding manager of the Treehouse @ the J afterschool program. Prior to becoming ECE Director, she served as the PJCC’s Director of Youth, Family, and Recreation, where she supervised the administration of the PJCC’s many youth programs, including Camp Keff, sports leagues, and enrichment classes.
Nicole is herself is an alumnus of both PJCC Preschool and Wornick Jewish Day School, and her family is carrying on the PJCC tradition—her daughter, Aliyah, is a proud camper as well as a student at our preschool. Nicole looks forward to developing and overseeing Camp Keff programs for our youngest campers.
Char is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. After attending New York University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she started work at the hardest job there is: stay-at-home mom. Upon enrolling her son in the PJCC Preschool, Char found such a warm, welcoming community, she embraced the opportunity to work at the PJCC.
Char is proud to be both a Camp Keff employee and parent and she believes that all children need to learn through play so they can develop into their best selves.
When not supporting families at PJCC, Char and her family find Keff in their lives by attending musicals, plays, and baseball games (Go Giants!).
Renee was born and raised in the Bay Area and started working with young children in high school, coaching at local summer basketball camps. Renee earned her Associates Degree from the College of San Mateo, then transferred to the California State University of Hayward to study Kinesiology. She loves to see the wonder and joy in children as they learn new things about the world around them, and enjoys working with families to ensure everyone’s camp experience is memorable.
Carly has been with Camp Keff since 2017, first as the Assistant Camp Director and now as Camp Manager. Having spent many of her childhood summers at Jewish overnight camp, she is thrilled to be part of the Keff team. Carly brings an extensive background in youth development, experiential education, and outdoor recreation. She holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Education from San Jose State University. When not in the camp office, you can find Carly rock climbing, working in her garden, and going on outdoor adventures with her partner.
Bryna was born and raised in the Bay Area. She attended San Francisco State University, where she earned her bachelors degree in Business. Since graduating, Bryna has worked with various non-profit organizations including the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, as well as three years as part of our PJCC Member Services department. Bryna is excited to be a part of our Youth and Family team, supporting camp and ensuring every child has an amazing experience!
