Boulder Jewish News Arts, Culture, Events, Lifestyles, Holidays, Synagogues, Education
Notable updates include new ropes course and zip line, new center of camp with updated gathering area
DENVER, Colo., March 26, 2019– A transformational gift of $2 million has been designated by Don Sturm and the Sturm Family to JCC Ranch Camp, a overnight camp in Elbert, Colo. This extremely generous gift will support renovations to meaningfully enhance the camper experience. The updates will also improve facilities to support off-season rentals for meetings, business retreats, weddings, and other social events.
“Summer camp can be a foundational and transformational experience for kids; an opportunity to grow individually and connect with peers while building skills and enjoying the outdoors. Our goal is to make Ranch Camp stand out as a top tier overnight camp, where children from all over the country can experience outdoor education and activities through a Jewish lens. We’ve honed in on the capital projects that will enhance the camper experience, encourage personal growth and build community amongst the campers.”
— Donald L. Sturm, Chairman of ANB Bank.
Exciting updates at the JCC Ranch Camp include:
- A new ropes course and zip line
- A modernized center of camp with seating and play areas
- Shade structures for the soccer field and pavilion
- Both new and renovated bathhouses
“These renovations build on updates that were made in 2018 including a new turf sports field and an updated campfire area, helping us stand out as a best in class Jewish residential summer camp and retreat center. We are so appreciative of the Sturms’ ongoing support. Their focused giving empowers us to make improvements to the camp and to more powerfully impact our campers and guests.”
— Lara Knuettel, CEO of the JCC Denver
JCC Ranch Camp, celebrating 66 years, has 380 acres in the Black Forest in Elbert, Colorado for campers to explore, connect with other Jewish kids, and have an enriching summer experience. At Ranch Camp, lifelong friendships are born, identities are discovered and youth are challenged to grow in mind, body and spirit in a vibrant Jewish community. Activities include hiking, biking, a top-notch equestrian program, climbing and zip-line at the challenge course, swimming, arts and crafts, sports and many others. The facility is available for off-season rentals perfect for business retreats, weddings, and other life events. Registration for Ranch Camp is currently open for summer 2019. To learn more, watch the Ranch Camp video:
For more information, visit https://www.ranchcamp.org, call (303) 648-3800 and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @JCCRanchCamp.
ABOUT JCC RANCH CAMP
JCC Ranch Camp offers overnight camp experiences for kids in grades one through 11. The camp is located in Elbert, Colorado and sits on 380 acres in the Black Forest. Each night campers sleep in cozy cabins after a full day of exploring miles of trails on foot, bike or horseback, climbing high on the challenge course and playing on the new 60,000 sq. ft. sports field. Camps offered are for kids ages 6-18 and include: Ranch Program for grades 3-7, Mini Camp for grades 2-4, Equestrian Camp for grades 5-9, Eighth Grade Ranch for kids in 8th grade, T.A.S.C. for grades 9-10, Teen Village for kids in 10th grade, Pack N Ride for grades 8-10, Baktanna for grades 1-6, Leadership in Training for 10th grade and In-Training (Staff and Wrangler) for grades 10-11. For more information about JCC Ranch Camp visit www.ranchcamp.org, call (303) 316-6384 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @JCCRanchCamp.
ABOUT STAENBERG-LOUP JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
The Staenberg- Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC Denver) serves the metro-Denver area through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs that are rooted in Jewish values. The JCC Denver’s mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive family and social gathering place, guided by these timeless Jewish values. The J’s four program areas focus on connection, community and well-being and include: a robust fitness, sports, tennis and aquatic center; Early Childhood Engagement, including an Early Learning School and a variety of programs for families; the Mizel Arts and Culture Center which offers Denver Children’s Theatre, JAAMM Fest (Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies & Music), Denver Jewish Film Festival, Wolf Summer Theater Academy, Art Academy and adult art classes; summer camps including Ranch Camp and Camp Shai; intergenerational and older adult programming like the Grandparent Connect Group and Jewish Aging Mastery Program (JAMP). The JCC Denver is located at 350 S. Dahlia St. in Denver. For more information, visit www.jccdenver.org or call (303) 399-2660, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @jccdenver.
