Why Camp Shalom is the Summer Experience Your Child Will Never Forget

Published on
December 17, 2025

Summer at Camp Shalom has a rhythm families recognize the moment they arrive: kids greeting friends with big smiles, counselors calling campers by name, and days filled with shared traditions that bring everyone together.

At the Mandel JCC, camp is a place where friendships grow naturally, children gain independence step by step, and every camper feels part of a welcoming community.

Whether it’s a first summer or a long-standing family tradition, Camp Shalom offers an experience that feels familiar, meaningful, and joyful.

What Is Camp Shalom?

Group of six girls in swimwear posing by a poolside on a sunny day, with colorful flags and other people in the background

Camp Shalom is the Mandel Jewish Community Center’s summer day camp serving families across Palm Beach County. Campers spend their days building friendships, trying new activities, and growing more confident in a supportive Jewish community environment.

Programs run all summer at two convenient locations—Palm Beach Gardens and Boynton Beach—with age-appropriate experiences designed to help children explore interests, connect with peers, and develop independence.

With experienced staff, attentive supervision, and a strong community spirit, Camp Shalom continues to be a summer tradition families return to year after year.

Two Locations, Two Distinct Experiences

Palm Beach Gardens

At Camp Shalom Palm Beach Gardens, creativity and the great outdoors take center stage. This campus offers lake access and boating activities that bring an exciting, one-of-a-kind dimension to the camp day. Whether your child is paddling across the water for the first time or soaking in the beauty of the outdoors, these experiences foster confidence, teamwork, and a genuine sense of adventure.

Boynton Beach

The Camp Shalom Boynton Beach location offers its own vibrant and well-rounded camp experience, with a program structure thoughtfully designed for its campus community. Campers enjoy a full schedule of arts, sports, swimming, and outdoor exploration that keeps every day active, creative, and full of connection.

The Boynton Beach campus delivers a warm, family-like culture that defines Camp Shalom—where every child is known, every friendship matters, and every summer day is one to remember.

What Makes Camp Shalom Stand Out

There are plenty of summer camps, but few offer the balance of safety, spirit, and support that Camp Shalom delivers.

Safety, Supervision, and Peace of Mind

Camper safety is central to every part of the Camp Shalom experience. Low camper-to-counselor ratios allow for close supervision, stronger relationships, and attentive care throughout the day.

Trained staff, secure check-in and check-out procedures, and consistent on-site supervision help create an environment where children feel supported and parents feel reassured.

A Community Where Kids Belong

Campers are welcomed into small groups where friendships form quickly and counselors know each child. Being part of a close-knit group helps campers feel comfortable, included, and ready to try new things.

Staying Connected as a Family

Families stay involved throughout the summer with weekly updates, photo galleries, and open communication. Parents can follow along, celebrate milestones, and stay informed about their child’s camp experience.

Daily Experiences Kids Look Forward To

Camp days are active, social, and full of variety. Free swim, Israeli dancing, talent shows, hands-on activities, and camp-wide celebrations keep campers engaged while giving them time to connect, collaborate, and enjoy being together.

Signature Camp Shalom Experiences

Camp Shalom offers the kind of classic summer fun and standout traditions that make camp feel truly unforgettable. Campers enjoy time in the pool, giving them a chance to stay active, build confidence in the water, and cool off during the summer day. Weekly and daily special activities add even more excitement, bringing fresh energy and surprises to each session.

Unique camp experiences like Color War and other camp-wide traditions help create the spirit, teamwork, and lasting memories that set Camp Shalom apart from other summer programs.

Programs for Every Age & Interest

Camp Shalom grows with your child, offering age-based programs that support development, independence, and connection.

Preschool

Our preschool program offers young children a gentle introduction to camp life. Through guided play, sensory exploration, and social interaction, children build early independence while feeling supported by caring staff.

Grades K–3: Discovery and First Camp Experiences

Early elementary campers explore camp with growing independence. They move between activities, make new friends, and discover interests through creative projects, group games, sports, and hands-on experiences.

For many children, this is where camp traditions begin and confidence starts to build.

Grades 4–8: Growing Independence and Deeper Connections

Older campers take on new challenges, strengthen friendships, and enjoy experiences designed for their age group. Activities encourage teamwork, responsibility, and self-expression while giving campers more ownership of their daily experience.

Two children in neon green shirts raising their arms, standing outdoors near an inflatable structure on a sunny day

A Commitment to Inclusion

Camp Shalom proudly offers Inclusion programs to ensure campers are fully supported and included. With trained staff, Mandel JCC creates a space where every child can experience the joy and community of summer camp.

Grades 9–10: Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program

The CIT program helps teens take meaningful steps forward as leaders within the camp community. Participants work alongside experienced staff, support younger campers, and learn through hands-on involvement.

The program focuses on building confidence, kindness, leadership skills, and connection—preparing teens for future roles while strengthening their place in the Camp Shalom community.

Make a Difference: Join the Camp Shalom Staff

Camp Shalom isn’t just life-changing for campers. It’s also a deeply rewarding experience for the staff who lead them.  

If you’re a high school upperclassman, college student, or educator looking for a summer job that means something, Camp Shalom could be the place for you. As a counselor, lifeguard, or specialist, you’ll gain:

  • Leadership and youth development experience
  • Lifelong friendships and mentorship

Why Camp Shalom Matters

At its heart, Camp Shalom is about more than just summer fun; it’s about building confidence and providing an environment for campers to thrive. Through play, exploration, and shared traditions, campers build life skills they carry with them long after the last day of summer.

The values of the Mandel JCC—inclusivity, community, and personal growth—are woven into every aspect of the camp experience. Whether your child is learning to swim, making their first friendship bracelet, or stepping up as a teen leader, they’re part of something bigger: a safe, welcoming environment that celebrates who they are and who they’re becoming.

Group of children sitting on the floor indoors, some with arms raised, engaged in an activity or event

Take the Next Step: Your Child’s Best Summer Starts at Camp Shalom

Ready to plan a summer your child will talk about all year? Explore the programs, look through the schedules, and choose the camp experience that feels right for your family.

Contact the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches locations in Boynton Beach or Palm Beach Gardens to learn more and register.

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