Summer is the perfect time for kids to step away from the classroom, but that doesn’t mean learning should stop. Enter CJF Summer Camp, a program that combines fun, education, and personal development into one unforgettable experience. Originally known as Durham Youth Alliance (DYA), the camp has expanded its reach across the nation as CJF Summers, bringing its mission of nurturing young leaders and providing an edutaining environment to communities everywhere.
Here’s why CJF Summer Camp should be at the top of your child’s list this year!
A Legacy of Empowerment and Excellence
For over ten years, DYA Summer Camp was a cornerstone of youth development in Durham, NC. In fact, the camp made a significant impact in 2012 when it was featured in the Durham Herald as the “Powerhouse Camp of Durham,” gaining recognition for its innovative approach to blending fun with education. Now, as part of the growing CJF America network, the legacy of DYA Summer Camp lives on through CJF Summers, offering the same impactful programming but with a broader, nationwide reach.
As CJF Summers continues to expand, it maintains the core values that made the original camp such a transformative experience—empowering children, fostering personal growth, and creating a safe, supportive space for learning and fun.
What Makes CJF Summer Camp Unique?
So, what sets CJF Summers apart from other camps? It’s the perfect combination of education and entertainment, designed to help campers thrive in every aspect of life.
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Edutainment at Its Best: CJF Summers focuses on EDUTAINMENT—a unique blend of education and entertainment that keeps kids engaged and excited. From coding and robotics to painting, theater, and dance, campers have access to a wide variety of hands-on, interactive activities that stimulate creativity and learning.
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Mentorship: At CJF Summer Camp, college students serve as mentors, guiding kids through different activities, sharing their educational experiences, and serving as role models. These mentors help campers learn new skills while also providing invaluable guidance on schoolwork and life choices.
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Life Skills Development: Beyond the fun activities, CJF Summers provides campers with opportunities to develop essential life skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are woven into every activity, ensuring that kids leave camp with not only new talents but also stronger character and emotional resilience.
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A Wide Variety of Activities: Whether your child is interested in sports, the arts, coding, or science, there’s something for everyone at CJF Summers. Campers can dive into activities like painting, fashion design, music recording, circus arts, and even dodgeball—all designed to keep them active, engaged, and learning in new and exciting ways.
A Day at CJF Summer Camp
A typical day at CJF Summer Camp is filled with exciting and enriching activities. Kids get to try new things, develop their talents, and make new friends in a supportive environment. Some of the activities they’ll enjoy include:
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Creative Arts: From drawing to theater and fashion design, campers can explore their artistic side and express themselves through various mediums.
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Sports and Physical Activities: Whether it’s soccer, basketball, yoga, or swimming, physical activity is an integral part of the camp experience. Campers will stay active, healthy, and energized all summer long.
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Coding and Game Design: With the increasing importance of technology in today’s world, CJF Summers offers campers the chance to learn valuable skills like coding, game development, and robotics—preparing them for future success in the digital world.
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Learning and Mentorship: Campers also participate in educational sessions led by college mentors. These sessions cover everything from reading and math tutoring to EOC test prep, ensuring that kids are prepared to return to school stronger and more confident than ever.
Special Highlights of CJF Summer Camp
CJF Summers is all about creating lasting memories, and that’s why they offer special events like the Overnight Camping Day & Night and the Talent Show. The Overnight Camping Day is an exciting opportunity for campers to spend the night in the great outdoors, participating in team-building activities, campfire storytelling, and hiking—all while bonding with their new friends.
And don’t forget the Talent Show at the end of the summer, where campers can showcase everything they’ve learned. Whether it’s a musical performance, a dance routine, or a theatrical performance, the Talent Show is a celebration of the campers’ growth and creativity.
A Safe, Nurturing Environment
The safety and well-being of every camper is a top priority at CJF Summer Camp. With an experienced and caring staff, the camp provides a nurturing environment where kids can feel safe, supported, and empowered. From the structured programming to the personal guidance from mentors, CJF Summers ensures that each camper has the best possible experience.
Register for CJF Summer Camp Today!
Are you ready to give your child a summer they’ll never forget? CJF Summers offers the perfect mix of fun, learning, and personal growth, all in one exciting, action-packed camp. Don’t miss the chance to let your child join the next generation of world changers. CJF Summer Camp will help them develop valuable skills, make lifelong memories, and have fun in the process.
Register now and message us at summercamp@cjfamerica.org and set your child on the path to an incredible summer!
CJF Summers isn’t just a camp; it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive—in a place where kids are inspired to be their best selves and encouraged to make a difference in the world.