Youth Programs & Activities
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 Eve Laub, elaub@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6334.
Classes & Programs | SPRING 2025
For more information on youth programming, contact Leslie Sax, 860-231-6455, Lsax@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 elaub@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6334.
Beginner Pottery
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 | Apr 23-June 4 (7 weeks)
$172/$133 JCC Member, $119 Kids Korner
Intermediate Pottery
Children will explore the basics of shaping, attaching, carving and glazing the pieces they have designed.
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
Mon | 4:00-4:45pm | Apr 21-May 19 (5 weeks)
No class May 26
$123/$95 JCC Member, $85 Kids Korner
Advanced Pottery
Expand on skills with an introduction to wheel throwing, sculpture and glazing techniques.
Instructor: Geralynn Kay
Tue | 4:00-4:45pm | Apr 22-May 27 (6 weeks)
$147/$114 JCC Member, $102 Kids Korner
Science Programs
New Shorter Sessions for Kids! Now children can explore both science classes with our new six-week sessions.
Just Plants
Grades K-3
Plants are more exciting than you might expect! Learn about flowers, spices, trees, and the plants that you eat. We will explore plants outside, learn how to make plant presses, and do plenty of fun botanical crafts.
Instructor: Brigette Zacharczenko
Tue | 4:00-5:00pm | Apr 22-May 27
No class May 6
$125/100 JCC Member, $85 Kids Korner (5 weeks)
Class max: 12 students
Theater Classes
Acting classes are in collaboration with Playhouse Theatre Academy and are held at the Mandell JCC. The classes will culminate with a student showcase!
Under the Sea Adventure
Grades K-2
Far far away in the deep sea at the JCC lived mermaids, pirates, coral, fish, and TONS of under the sea creatures! Since summer is just around the corner, what could be better than the ocean? Students will partake in under the sea games, skits, and a dance! Not just this, but students will create their own under the sea play, which will be performed at the end of the course! Join us for an ocean filled time of energy, fun, and creativity!
Instructor: Emma MacLaren
Thu | 4:00-4:45pm | Apr 24-June 5
$154/130 JCC Member, 7 weeks
Class max: 12 students
Musical Theatre Cabaret: Friendship
Grades 3-8
Getting your dancing shoes on, singing voice loud, and turn your acting faces on high as we put the JCC on Broadway!!!! In the Musical Theatre Cabaret, students will learn what it’s like to audition for a show, to work in small groups in musicals, and practice stage presence as well as confidence!!! The course will conclude with a final performance with a theme of friendship!!! Join us for excitement, to strengthen skills, and for friendship!
Instructor: Emma MacLaren
Thu | 5:00-6:00pm | Apr 24-June 5
$154/130 JCC Member, 7 weeks
Class max: 12 students
Welcome Emma MacLaren!
Emma MacLaren is thrilled to be on the staff of Playhouse Theatre Academy! She is a theatre B.A. student at The University of Vermont. Previously, Emma has worked as both an assistant teacher as well as intern at Hartford Stage, working with students 5-14! Her non-performance credits include choreographing WILLY WONKA KIDS, assistant directing SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL, working on costumes on the BOOK OF MORMON NATIONAL TOUR, as well as acting as the assistant stage manager for IMOGEN SAYS NOTHING. Emma also acts as the student representative for theatre at The University of Vermont.
Emma has also performed in CARRIE THE MUSICAL as Carrie, THE TEMPEST as Prospero, DANCE NATION as Vanessa, Xanthias in THE FROGS, Rosie in MAMMA MIA, Emma in EMMA A POP MUSICAL, and about twenty-five other productions. She is also currently working on a production of CINDERELLA at the Warner Theatre as Portia. Emma is twenty years old, and has been performing for eighteen years. Her training includes eleven years of voice lessons, eleven years of theatrical performance, and eighteen years of dance.
School Vacation Programs
Grades K-5 | 9:00am-4:00pm
$105/$80 JCC Member per day
Early morning care beginning at 8:00am: $10/day
Evening care until 5:30pm: $13/day
For more information or to register, contact Eve Laub at elaub@mandelljcc.org
Registration for vacation programs typically opens about 2-3 weeks before the program begins. Registration is handled directly through the Youth Program Coordinator. To stay informed about registration dates and updates, please contact Eve Laub to be added to the email list. You can reach Eve Laub at ELaub@mandelljcc.org
Kids Korner
Grades K-5 After School Care
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: Eve Laub elaub@mandelljcc.org
BBYO Connecticut Valley Region
BBYO is the largest pluralistic Jewish Teen movement connecting more Jewish teens to more Jewish experiences. You will get the chance to meet and make new friends, enhance your leadership skills, support your community and take part in one-of-a-kind experiences. BBYO meets at the JCC on Wednesday evenings. Check the JCC website and the BBYO Website (www.bbyo.org) for meeting dates starting in the Fall or email Josh Cohen, Senior Regional Director, JCohen@bbyo.org, to get on the chapter mailing lists.
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