While winter has only just arrived, Tucson J staff are already busy preparing for summer, putting the final touches on what will be a magical summer at Camp J. From May to July, the Tucson J transforms to support hundreds of campers who spend the summer swimming, creating, playing, competing, and exploring.
This summer will be particularly special as we welcome a new Camp J leader— Cass Johnson, who has joined the Tucson J as the director of youth + camp.
Meet Cass Johnson
Across every chapter of her career, from running high–energy summer camps at the YMCA and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Cass’s passion lies in creating spaces where people can grow, connect, and shine — the same core values that make camp a magical and transformative space. Cass’s primary goal is to create micro-communities where kids and adults alike can feel supported, confident, and engaged. This combination of experience and drive equips Cass to lead programs, support teams, and deliver impactful, well–executed initiatives that reflect strong organizational values and a commitment to growth and excellence.
More than Just Summer Fun
“Camp is a uniquely magical place where kids get to step outside their everyday routines and discover who they are,” said Cass. “It’s one of the few environments designed entirely for growth, joy, and connection. Friendships form in minutes, confidence builds through meaningful challenges, and every day is filled with moments that are memorable and big.”
“Camp gives kids space to try new things, take safe risks, and feel pride from realizing ‘I can do this.’ It’s exciting, transformative, and an experience that stays with them long after their journey.”
Camp J is designed to ensure that all children can succeed, feel comfortable trying new things, and become more confident by summer’s end — whether that be trying new food in cooking, learning a new stroke in the pool, or creating a beautiful piece of art.
“Kids spend a lot of time being told what to do, but camp gives them the freedom to play, explore, and learn who they are,” said Cass.
The Camp J Experience
As one of the only American Camp Association-accredited camps in Tucson, Camp J adheres to the highest standards of safety, quality, and child-centered programming. The program is thoughtfully designed so that all campers can develop life skills, build confidence, and most importantly, have fun while doing so.
“Camp J is distinctive in that our staff is trained to facilitate not only activities but to foster a deep sense of belonging and joy,” said Cass. “Every week, we include character-building themes that help kids grow not just as campers, but as people. Everything we do is intentionally focused on encouraging kids to recognize the strengths they have built and to explore new possibilities.”
Campers are split into small groups based on age and spend the summer engaged in a variety of activities such as art, STEM, swimming, athletics, wilderness, cooking, and, for older campers, field trips around Tucson and Southern Arizona.
The program is open to rising kindergarteners through 9th and 10th graders who enjoy a leaders-in-training program to prepare them to be counselors. Families enjoy flexible schedule options with camp running 9am-4pm and optional before and after care from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm.
Camp J also has access to the full amenities of the Tucson J — pool, splash pad, indoor play space, gymnasium, Fitness Center, sculpture garden, art studios, tennis courts, and outdoor areas — making each day dynamic and full of wonder.
“Camp J is deeply inclusive. It’s a place where every child is known, supported, and given the chance to grow,” said Cass.
Mark Your Calendar!
Registration for 2026 Camp J opens on January 4 for new and existing Tucson J members, and on January 11 for all guests. Pick and choose which weeks your camper will be at Camp J or register for all 10 weeks!
Please contact Cass Johnson at cjohnson@tucsonjcc.org with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you next summer!
