Youth Programs & Activities
Welcome Jamie Cohen, Youth Director and Assistant Camp Shalom Director
We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Jamie Cohen to the Mandell JCC team as our new Youth Director and Assistant Camp Shalom Director! You may know Jamie and her energy from Camp Shalom or the ECC! With a deep commitment to creating meaningful, fun, and inclusive experiences for children and teens, Jamie brings a wealth of experience to this role. She will lead our year-round youth programming, Youth classes and Kids Korner, and help bring the magic of Camp Shalom to life each summer. “We’re always looking for ways to take something great and make it even more awesome! I can’t wait to hear what kids and parents have to say about how we can grow, improve, and bring in cool experts to inspire and teach our amazing kids.” We look forward to the creativity, care, and leadership she will bring to our community. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!
The Mandell JCC offers a wide variety of outstanding programs for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Special attention is paid to after-school activities and the needs of children whose parents work.
We offer programs during the vacation days of the West Hartford Public Schools and Jewish Day Schools (subject to attendance minimums). All of our programs provide opportunities to learn, socialize and grow together as a community.
For more information contact Jaime Cohen, jcohen@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6334.
Classes and Programs | Spring 2026
For more information or to register, contact Jamie Cohen at jcohen@mandelljcc.org
Emerging Artists
In each of our art classes, children are encouraged to create works of art of their own design from influences in the world around them. With just your hands and a few simple tools, you can transform a chunk of clay or a piece of paper into a beautiful work of art.
For questions regarding pottery class placement, please contact Jaime Cohen at jcohen@mandelljcc.org.
Intermediate Pottery
Grades 2-5 or by request
Children will explore the basics of shaping, attaching, carving and glazing the pieces they have designed.
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
Mon | 4:00-4:45pm | April 20-June 1 (6 weeks)
No class May 25
$162/$120 JCC Member
Advanced Pottery
Expand on skills with an introduction to wheel throwing, sculpture and glazing techniques.
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
Tue | 4:00-4:45pm | April 21-June 2 (7 weeks)
$189/$140 JCC Member
Beginner Pottery
Grades K-3 or by request
Introduction to clay. Learn the basic fundamentals of pottery by creating, shaping and forming your work. All children will begin to learn the technique of glazing.
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
Wed | 3:00-3:45pm | April 22-June 3 (7 weeks)
$189/$140 JCC Member
Acting Classes
Whether your child is a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, this class will ignite their passion for performance and culminate in a special Share Day for family and friends. To top off the fun, we’ll draw inspiration from Dragons Love Tacos, with students embodying larger-than-life characters, expressing emotions, and creating dragon-sized stories—with a little taco-themed twist!
From unraveling the courage behind Elphaba’s unwavering fight for justice to understanding Glinda’s mission to spread kindness and light, students will embody these powerful characters like never before. They’ll also step into the roles of new allies and old foes, discovering the intricate dynamics that shape the magical land of Oz. Bursting with energy, exploration, and collaborative storytelling, this class encourages participants to develop their voices, confidence, and creative presence.
Fitness
8 Week Session with Coach Jaden
Belong. Develop. Achieve.
Ages 7-10
Step inside our performance center—where teamwork fuels growth and dreams take shape.
Our athletes aren’t just preparing for their next season; they’re building lifelong friendships along the way. Here, impact drives performance and consistency builds confidence.
This spring, we’re focused on more than just skill development. We’re shaping stronger athletes with a renewed mindset, a deeper commitment to training, and the confidence to perform at their best.
Wed | 3:00-3:45pm | April 22-June 10 (8 weeks)
Max capacity is 12 students
$280/$200 JCC Member
School Vacation Programs
Grades K-5 | 9:00am-4:00pm
Monday, April 13
Tuesday, April 14
Wednesday, April 15
Thursday, April 16
Friday, April 17
$110/$84 JCC Member per day
Before care is from 8:00-9:00am - $10/day
After care 4:00-5:30pm - $13/day
For more information or to register, contact Jamie Cohen at jcohen@mandelljcc.org
Kids Korner
Grades K-5
After School Care Mon-Fri until 5:30pm
(Unless otherwise noted on the Kids Korner Calendar)
We offer a safe, fun, and engaging program designed for every child’s needs. Enjoy our Kids Korner space including games, arts & crafts, building blocks & Legos, dramatic play, and more!
· Door-to-door transportation from school
· Outdoor play, gym, swim
· Escorts to after-school enrichment programs within the JCC
· Homework room and help available
Vacation Programs and Snow Day Programs available for an additional fee
Information: Jaime Cohen, jcohen@mandelljcc.org
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