June Staff Spotlight Roundup

Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.  

 

Continue reading on for a preview of our latest spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!

Natasha Rosenstein | Floor associate and dance and gymnastics coach

Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!

A: I work two different jobs here at the J! I help manage the fitness center as well as coach students ages 3-13 in dance and gymnastics! My dance background is rooted in ballet, and I have been dancing since I was 3, and professionally since I was 10. I enjoy supporting all members with their exercise and lifestyle goals!

Q: If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be and why? 

A: I would want to learn all the languages (Russian, Romanian, Yiddish) my ancestors spoke to keep their cultures and memories alive.

Q: What does community mean to you?

A: Community means having mini-families I can always return to. I have moved around a lot, and they make me feel appreciated, seen, and welcome when I go back to visit!

Jeevaj Bondalapati | Youth Tennis Specialist

Watch Jeevaj’s video Q+A here!

Isabella Holwick | Membership Services Associate

Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!

A: I’m a member services associate, so I’m usually one of the first people you see when you walk in. I help check members in, answer questions, and keep things running smoothly. A big part of my role is making sure everyone feels welcomed and taken care of from the moment they arrive. I primarily work at the Wellness and Tennis desks. 

Q: Tucson must-see or do?

A: Watching a desert sunset is a must. I recommend going out to Gates Pass or the Saguaro National Park to take in the scenery that makes Tucson so special. 

Q: What does community mean to you?
A: To me, community is about creating a space where people feel comfortable, recognized, and connected. Working at the desk, I get to see how small interactions, like greeting someone by name, can really make a difference in someone’s day.

Laura Hatfield | Camp J Nisayon Unit Head

Tucson JCC

Watch Laura’s video Q+A here!

Devin Johnson | Applications Administrator + Data Manager

Watch Devin’s video Q+A here! 

Collage and Culture: Bringing Jewish Artist Alex Woz to Tucson 

From the desk of Chloe Loos, Director of Arts + Culture

Chloe Loos

This August, we’re thrilled to welcome Alex Woz to Tucson for a special residency built around three opportunities to engage with his work and ideas. 

 

An Argentinian Jewish artist based in Los Angeles, Woz has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary Jewish art. Blending collage, photography, painting, archival imagery, and graphic design, his work draws inspiration from Jewish communities around the world, vintage Israeli design, and the visual language of 1970s album covers to create something entirely his own. The result is art that feels both rooted in Jewish history and vibrantly focused on the future. 

 

What excites me most about Alex’s work is that it asks big questions. His art explores identity, memory, belonging, resilience, and Jewish pride through images that invite curiosity and conversation. At a time when many Jewish communities are grappling with questions of visibility, representation, and connection, Alex’s work feels especially relevant. 

 

The residency begins with Planting Seeds, a pop-up exhibition in the Tucson J Fine Art Gallery featuring a selection of Alex’s prints. Drawing from archival materials, contemporary imagery, and Jewish visual culture from around the world, the exhibition offers visitors a chance to experience his distinctive artistic language up close. The exhibition will run from Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13, and will be open to the public during the J’s normal hours of operation. 

 

The centerpiece of the residency is a free community conversation on Wednesday, August 12th, facilitated by local Jewish artist, Amy Pozez. Together, Amy and Alex will discuss contemporary Jewish identity, artistic practice, and the role of art in shaping memory and cultural narrative. We’ll explore what it means to create art today, if that art is Jewish or just by Jewish artists, and why visual storytelling is such a powerful tool for building pride and connection. The conversation will be followed by a casual reception in the J’s fine art gallery, giving attendees an opportunity to continue the discussion while viewing the exhibition and meeting the artist. 

 

The residency culminates in a hands-on collage workshop on Thursday, August 13th, inspired by Alex’s own creative practice. Participants will be invited to create original artwork rooted in personal and family stories, using photographs, archival materials, and mixed-media techniques. Whether you come with a shoebox full of family photographs or simply a curiosity about your own story, the workshop offers a chance to reflect on memory, identity, and belonging while creating something uniquely your own. 

 

At its heart, this residency is not just about art, but about storytelling and identity. It’s about seeing ourselves reflected in Jewish culture in new ways, and about creating space for conversations that connect past, present, and future. 

 

I can’t wait to introduce Tucson to Alex and his work, and I hope you’ll join us for one, or all three, of these special events. 

Kadima B’Yachad: Forward Together – The Tucson J Sets its Strategic Vision 

From the desk of Todd Rockoff, CEO and President of the Tucson J

In January, the Tucson J Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that builds on our past success while boldly embracing the opportunities ahead. Appropriately titled Kadima B’Yachad: Forward Together, this plan reflects not only where we are going, but how we intend to get there: as one community. 

  

Approximately 1.5 million people walk through JCC doors each week. The Tucson J has over 10,000 members from across Tucson encompassing a diversity of backgrounds and identities. Yet JCC’s operate within a web of federations, day schools, Hillels, synagogues, camps, and countless agencies. As Rabbi Avraham Infeld teaches, “We all have the same job; we just have different tasks.” Our collective job is to build vibrant, durable Jewish life, and no one thread in that web can do it alone. 

 

We are deeply grateful to Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona for their generous grant support that helped make this important work possible. Their partnership reflects a powerful truth our shared success as a community is based on collaboration, not fragmentation. When we work together, we are not giving up power; we are gaining strength. 

  

The J is not simply a facility. It is a gathering place of belonging, strength, and shared purpose. The previous strategic plan, spanning the years, 2021 to 2025, culminated in the Tucson J hosting the JCC Maccabi Games and Access ®, an effort that was successful because of the involvement of the entire Jewish and broader community. 

  

Our new plan is built around six strategic pillars: 

  

Enhance the JCC’s role as the heart of Jewish Tucson, ensuring every Jew feels welcome and finds connection here. 

  

Invest in new marketing capabilities to expand awareness of the JCC and drive increased membership and participation. 

  

Drive growth in programming for school-age youth through innovative new offerings and meaningful collaborations. 

  

Revitalize our fitness, wellness, and sports/recreation offerings to meet the evolving interests of active adults. 

  

Develop a stronger, more agile technology infrastructure that advances user experience, supports staff productivity, and expands our reach. 

  

Explore campus enhancements that make the JCC an even more attractive center for the community and create capacity for future growth. 

 

We are living in a moment of extraordinary change in Jewish life, shaped by geopolitical instability, rising antisemitism, generational transition, economic pressure, technological disruption, and profound shifts in identity and affiliation. Complexity is no longer episodic; it is constant. And in such a moment, leadership cannot be reactive. Nor can it be solitary. 

 

Rabbi Shai Held teaches, “Hope is the refusal to give up on the possibility of transformation.” That spirit animates this moment. We are not standing still. We are moving forward with intention, with courage, and with one another— and we believe our strategic plan will be a powerful vehicle to get where are going, together.  

   

In addition to our partner organizations, we are proud to have support and guidance from the lay leaders who helped steer the direction of the strategic plan, and to the many community members who participated in a variety of ways, including focus groups, individual interviews, and a user experience survey.  

 

As we look ahead, I feel a great deal of hope for our collective future. Hope rooted in our history. Hope strengthened by partnership. Hope energized by the extraordinary people who make up this community—donors, leaders, board members, staff, and families. 

 

Kadima: forward. 
B’Yachad: together. 

 

Growth + Progress at the J: Summer 2026 Development Update

Dear Chevre (Friends),

The first half of 2026 has been filled with tremendous energy, momentum, and purpose. From packed fitness classes and thriving youth programs to meaningful Jewish engagement opportunities, the Tucson J is a place where our community grows, connects, and thrives together.

 

Across campus, we saw community members of all ages deepen their connection to the J. Families gathered to celebrate Jewish holidays and traditions, teens stepped into leadership opportunities, older adults found support and belonging through Healthy Aging programming, and participants in Disability Program Services continued building confidence, independence, and community through innovative vocational and enrichment opportunities.

 

With each season, we see the spirit of partnership and collaboration shine, fueling our mission and building our community. Through relationships with partner organizations, grants, volunteers, donors, and community leaders, we were able to deepen and expand wellness programs, create impactful learning experiences across departments, and continue strengthening the Tucson J as a welcoming home for all.

 

We are especially grateful to the generous donors who supported our work through the Arizona State Tax Credit program, helping provide vital scholarships for Early Childhood Education, Camp J, and the JCare afterschool program so that more children and families can access our award-winning childcare regardless of financial circumstances. As we dive into summer, the excitement and enthusiasm we are seeing from returning campers, staff, families, and participants across departments speaks to the deep sense of belonging that defines the Tucson J experience.

 

Early this year, we launched a new 5-year Strategic Plan, Kadimah B’Yacha—Forward Together. The plan is designed to propel the J forward by investing in new marketing capabilities; driving growth in our programming for school-age youth; revitalizing our fitness and wellness and sports and recreation offerings to meet the evolving interests of active adults; enhancing the J’s role as the heart of Jewish Tucson and a place where all Jews feel welcome and find connection; developing a stronger and more agile technology infrastructure, and exploring campus enhancements.

 

Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering Jewish joy, wellness, inclusion, and lifelong learning in every corner of our organization. None of this meaningful work would be possible without the generosity and support of our community. Thank you for believing in the Tucson J and for helping us continue to build a stronger, more connected future together.

 

With gratitude,

Fran Katz,
Chief Development Officer

The Tucson J entered 2026 welcoming new members, supporting vibrant community engagement opportunities, and continuing to strengthen the J as a gathering place for wellness, connection, and Jewish life. While winter is often a quieter season in Tucson, the J remained active and energized with programming and services for community members of all ages. From welcoming new members to strategic partnerships and facility usage, the J continues to evolve to meet the needs of our growing community. Additionally, this quarter we are proud to share developments including:

  • launching two membership campaigns in December and May, resulting in 128 new member units, expanding membership and community
  • strengthening community partnerships and facility usage opportunities through collaborations with organizations like the YMCA and the Tucson Sugar Skulls Dance Team.
  • resurfacing the Sarver Tennis Center Courts, replacing the carpet in the locker rooms, and refreshing the cardio equipment in the gym (including the addition of a Plyo Set we’ve never had before!)
  • welcoming nearly 200 people to the Annual Celebration in May, where we elected new board members, celebrated staff and leadership award-winners, reflected on the work we did in 2025 (including shining a spotlight on the JCC Maccabi Games + Access), and enjoyed a conversation between special guest Zach Bodner (CEO of the Oshman Family JCC, author of Why Do Jewish, and founder of the Z3 Conference) and Tucson J President + CEO, Todd Rockoff.
newsletter graphic with the words Fitness and wellness on a teal background

At the Tucson J, wellness is about much more than exercise—it is about creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. The first quarter of the year is traditionally one of the busiest seasons for Fitness + Wellness programming and this year was no different! This season brought exciting developments across aquatics, sports leagues, Healthy Aging initiatives, and specialized training programs, while continued grant support and volunteer leadership strengthened our ability to serve the community in impactful ways. Highlights from the quarter include:

  • hosting Lunch and Learn programs for the Parkinson’s community in partnership with sponsors including AbbVie and Medtronic.
  • welcoming 125 registrants across four Aging and Social Connections sessions, with strong ongoing participation and positive community
  • receiving a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) to support participant fees, screenings, and instructor costs for the J Parkinson Program from May 2026 through April 2027; and receiving a grant from the Sephardic Foundation on Aging for a collaborative dementia-friendly community initiative involving Jewish organizations throughout Tucson.
  • celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month by honoring three dedicated Healthy Aging volunteers who collectively contributed more than 2,000 hours to the Movement/Arts Immersion Program.
  • launching the Spring Co-ed Volleyball season with 34 participants and continued enthusiasm for future league offerings later in the year.
  • serving 65 athletes across 10 teams in the Men’s Spring Basketball League and preparing for the return of the 3v3 league.
  • welcoming participants to Youth Basketball programs including Lil Ballers, Mighty Mites, and All-Stars, while PeeWee Sports programs continued to trend upward in enrollment.
  • growing the Tucson Jays basketball program to 12 participants, while athletes and families raised $1,300 through a car wash mitzvah project to support scholarships for teammates.
  • launching Elite Basketball Private Lessons and Yoga for Athletes with seasoned coach Inti Salinas.
  • bringing back Massage Therapy through the JWellness
  • hosting Olympic gold medalist and Maccabi athlete Jason Lezak for a special aquatics event attended by 46 swimmers and community members, inspiring Stingrays Swim Team athletes ahead of championship season.
  • closing out Stingrays meet season with numerous personal bests and top finishes across all age groups.
  • serving 138 registrants in JRays Swim School lessons since March 1, when the season began.
  • wrapping up the inaugural season for the Tucson J NICA Youth Mountain Biking team after competing in five races throughout the season.

Jewish life at the Tucson J was vibrant and deeply felt this season, bringing people together through film, learning, holiday celebrations, and shared experiences rooted in connection and community. From the success of the Tucson J International Film Festival to hands-on PJ Library programs, Community Shabbat, and new adult learning opportunities, community members of all ages found meaningful ways to engage with Jewish culture, tradition, and one another. This quarter, we focused on:

  • celebrating the 35th Tucson J International Film Festival, which welcomed approximately 946 unique attendees, issued 2,868 tickets, and scanned in more than 2,300 guests throughout the festival.
  • welcoming Rina Fox as Chair of the Jewish Life + Engagement Committee, helping guide new and existing initiatives connected to Jewish learning, joy, and community engagement.
  • partnering with PJ Library, PJ Our Way, and the Northwest Tucson Jewish community to celebrate Tu Bishvat at Tohono Chul with hands-on family activities, learning opportunities, and take-home seder kits.
  • welcoming nearly 450 participants to Community Shabbat services and approximately 370 guests to dinner in partnership with local synagogues and Jewish organizations.
  • adding a new Tot Shabbat experience to Community Shabbat programming for families with children.
  • hosting 120 adults for a special conversation with author Mimi Nichter about her memoir, Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience.
  • supporting AEPi’s Charity Basketball event at the Tucson J, creating additional opportunities for college student engagement and philanthropy. 
  • signing a contract with the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, paving the way for expanded adult Jewish education offerings beginning in Fall 2026.
  • partnering with the Tucson Torah Center Women’s Division to host a Hamantaschen Bake for more than 120 women and children.
  • fostering Jewish Peoplehood as we honored Yom HaShoa, Yom HaAtzmaut, and Yom HaZikaron with hundreds of community members united in shared stories.
  • celebrating Shavuot with 130 community members at our annual Tikkun Leil program in partnership with Jewish communal partners and
  • expanding Jewish engagement programming for participants in J-Care, Early Childhood Education, and Disability Program Services through partnerships and collaborative learning opportunities.
  • growing Spanish and Hebrew language class participation and seeing continued high participation in mah jongg club and classes.
  • preparing for continued PJ Library growth and engagement opportunities, including sending Jennifer Lorch Selco, Director of Jewish Life + Engagement, and Suzette Jofroy, PJ Library Parent Connector, to the international PJ Library conference.

Children and teens continue to find belonging, leadership, creativity, and joyful learning experiences at the Tucson J. From Early Childhood Education, to JCare, Camp J, Parents Night Out, School Days Out, and BBYO, our Children + Youth programs foster confidence and connection at every age and stage. This season brought strong Camp J enrollment, meaningful Jewish experiences across programs, and exciting preparations for another impactful summer ahead. Highlights from the quarter include:

  • celebrating Jewish holidays, Martin Luther King Day, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot throughout Early Childhood Education classrooms with hands-on activities, staff performances, and community gatherings.
  • promoting literacy with guest readers, a book fair, and our annual Book Character parade during Love of Reading month.
  • building community at the end-of-year Family Shabbat Picnic and honoring our future leaders at Pre-K graduation.
  • surpassing previous Camp J enrollment numbers, reaching 493 unique campers as of May 26.
  • onboarding returning leaders Alma as Assistant Camp Director and Kassandra as Camp Office Manager in preparation for summer programming, plus more than 30 returning staff for Summer 2026.
  • welcoming two Camp Schlichim (ambassadors) from Israel for summer 2026, one of whom is leading a new theater chugim (speciality) for
  • relaunching the Homework Help block within the JCare after school program, supporting an average of 10 students daily, and planning for a new Learning Lab tutoring option in the fall.
  • learning, playing, and growing with 461 kids for several weeks of Spring Break School Days Out and five super-fun Parents Night Outs (including two that sold out!)
  • launching a successful new BBYO term with expanded Rush Week programming, additional events, and a joint AZA and BBG Shabbat.
  • participating in the fourth and final year of meaningful Better Together programs, which brought BBYO and residents from Handmaker Home for the Aging for intergenerational initiatives.
  • sending four Tucson teens to the BBYO International Convention, where they joined thousands of Jewish teens representing more than 60 countries
  • preparing for this summer’s JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto with team building outings including going to the Tucson Village Farm’s ropes course together.

At the J, Disability Program Services continues to redefine what belonging looks like by creating opportunities for independence, social connection, and creativity. This quarter brought exciting growth in vocational programming, volunteerism, culinary education, and family engagement, while participants continued building meaningful relationships both at the J and throughout the Tucson community. Recent developments in Disability Program Services include:

  • increasing average attendance hours in the day
  • launching the second Sprouts Foundation-supported Cooking Club session, providing participants with healthy cooking experiences, adaptive kitchen equipment, and accessible recipes to recreate at
  • preparing a DPS Cooking Club recipe book to share with families at the conclusion of the grant cycle.
  • honoring Black History Month through educational experiences including a visit to the African American Museum of Southern Arizona.
  • continuing diverse and educational field trips for day program participants including visits to the Tucson Museum of Art, Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center, Garden Kitchen, Bet Shalom, Casas Adobes Rehabilitation Center, and Tucson Village Farm.
  • completing 30 hours of volunteer service at La Madera Park, resulting in permanent recognition through a community plaque.
  • participating in the Early Childhood Education Passover story.
  • attending the Wheelchair Basketball National Championships at McKale Center and tabling at the University of Arizona’s first Disability Resource
  • opening a second J Shop location in the J’s front entryway featuring a custom-designed accessible coffee cart funded through a grant.
  • hosting two DPS Family Nights at the Tucson J, bringing together families, staff, board members, and community partners to strengthen relationships and connection across departments.
  • tabling at the U of A’s first Disability Resource Fair during the games outside of McKale.
  • developing and getting grant funding for a new Pathways to Employment vocational program. The program is designed for all eligible DDD members of any skill level and ability to access employment options in such a way that takes into account the Member’s preferences and goals, and supports them to obtain Competitive Integrated Options available in this service will help the Member learn the skills necessary to increase the likelihood of employment.

May Staff Spotlight Roundup

Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.  

 

Continue reading on for a preview of our latest spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!

Sue Vega | ECE Teacher

“I have been working with children for 35 years at different centers. I will soon be celebrating 7 years at the J, five years as a lead teacher, and two years as an assistant teacher. In June, I will be in semi-retirement, and I am looking forward to becoming support staff.

 

 

What I love most about working with children is how loving and honest they are. My interests include needlework, and I am hoping to become involved with volunteer hospice work in honor of my late husband. I share my home with my daughter, grandchildren, two cats, and one dog.”

Natalie Ahumada | JPlay Childcare Associate

Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!
A: As a childcare associate, I care for children who are dropped off by their parents while they exercise, relax by the pool, or enjoy a meal at the café.

Q: If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be and why?
A: If I could instantly learn any skill, it would be to become more artistic. As a childcare associate, we are constantly creating fun and engaging activities for the children.

Q: Tucson must-see or do?
A: I highly recommend visiting La Michoacana and trying something from their extensive menu! My personal favorite is the loaded tostilocos.

Q: What does community mean to you?
A: Community, to me, means laughter, connection, and creating lifelong friendships.

Lily Landers | Membership Services Associate

Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!

A: I am part of the Member Services team, so I am often the first point of contact for members and guests. I help with check-ins, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels welcomed and supported when they come in.

 

Q: If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be and why?

A: I’d love to instantly learn how to speak every language so I could connect with anyone, anywhere. It would make meeting new people even more fun.

 

Q: Tucson must-see or do?

A: Tucson sunsets are a must! They’re the greatest. I’d also recommend checking out the local small businesses and just enjoying the desert scenery.

 

Q: What does community mean to you?

A: Community means creating a space where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected. It’s about showing up for each other and making everyone feel like they belong.

Oron Tadmor | JCare Program Specialist

Watch Oron’s spotlight here!

April Staff Spotlight Roundup

An adult hands a child, sitting at a table, a paper bowl

Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.  

 

Continue reading on for a preview of our April spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!

Jase Colson | Personal Trainer

Q: Tell us about your role at the Tucson J?

A: I’m a Personal Trainer at the J, which pretty much means that I’m helping clients with achieving their fitness goals, whether it be getting stronger, building muscle, or getting better at balancing.

 

Q: Exercise can be overwhelming and hard to stick with. What’s your approach to helping clients build long-term, sustainable habits?

A: I give them movements that they enjoy or that I feel like they need to do, and I have them progress just a little bit each week or each session. It could be an extra rep or adding an extra 5lbs to the lift, but from what I’ve seen, it creates anticipation for what they’re able to do in the future and minimizes the crushing feeling of failing a lift. The social aspect is also important. I always make an effort to be someone that a client is comfortable with and actively wants to be around.

 

Q: What’s the biggest myth in fitness that you wish more people understood?

A:You don’t have to do a boatload of reps and sets to make progress on a movement. I see people do 15-20 reps and 3-4 sets, and I don’t feel like you need to be doing all of that. You can be a lot more efficient and feel a lot less tired by doing 2 sets of 5-10 reps.

Kassandra Ramierez | Camp J Office Manager

Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!

A: As the Office Camp Manager, I help keep camp organized, on track, and stress-free from registrations to connecting with families so campers, parents, and staff can focus on the fun.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to during Camp J?

A: Problem-solving, fast-paced days, and lots of camp spirit!

 

Q: If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be and why?

A: Cooking. Being able to memorize and recreate any recipe after one look would be amazing!

 

Q: What is your favorite summer camp activity?

A: Any moment when campers are smiling, and everything’s running smoothly.

Sage Crofts | Member Services Associate

Q: Tell us about your role here at the Tucson J!

A: My role at the J consists of providing general information and customer service to all of our members and guests. Not only do members of our community stop in, but guests from all over the country stop by to use our amenities with their families as well. I also assist other staff members in successfully carrying out their day-to-day work. Above all, my role is to create a welcoming environment for our members, guests, and staff so they can fully experience all that the J can offer.

 

Q: What does community mean to you?

A: Community to me is a feeling of respect, safety, and kindness in which people make an effort to support others around them, regardless of who that person is. Community is a way to recharge your social battery, create friends, and find opportunities to improve yourself and the lives of others!

Q: What is your favorite memory at the J or favorite part of your role?

A: My favorite part about my role is the guidance that I can provide to help resolve frustrations or answer questions from guests and members. Nothing is more satisfying than helping resolve these, no matter how small, and leaving our community members feeling happy, supported, and heard.

Alma McCune | Assistant Director of Camp J

Learn more about Alma when you watch her video Q+A here!

Navigate Camp J with Confidence: Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp! 

Kids play on a playground

In just a few weeks, a new summer at Camp J will begin! The Tucson J and Camp J staff are looking forward to welcoming new and returning campers for an enriching summer of wonder, friendship, adventure, and fun. Campers can expect adventures all around the J, from the pool to the art studio, and even some exciting special guests and musical performances throughout the summer. 

 

Camp J While Camp J is busy camp-ifying the J, we encourage families to begin preparing campers so that they can navigate the summer with confidence.  

 

Keep reading to learn more about preparing your camper for the summer!  

two kids and two counselors smiling to the camera
two kids smiling with paint on their hands
kids playing soccer in a gymnasium
kids mixing food in a bowl
three girls smiling around a cake
kids running across a gymnasium
kid splashing a water balloon over another kid's head
kids using chalk to color in an outside mural
Kids sitting along a pool in bathing suits

Finalize your paperwork and submit it on Brightwheel 

Our staff uses camper paperwork for understanding allergies, medications, and buddy requests, and it also allows our staff to get to know your camper before camp begins! 

 

Please make sure all of your paperwork is ready to go in Brightwheel as soon as possible and reach out if you have any questions. 

Attend New Camper Orientation 

On Tuesday, May 19 at 5pm, Camp J welcomes all campers and families to our Meet the Camper Night! Join us in the ballroom at the J to meet staff, campers, and get a sneak peek at the summer ahead.  

 

Both returning and new campers are encouraged to attend, and a new family orientation presentation will begin at 6pm.

Emotional Preparation 

Summer camp welcomes a new routine, new faces, and new activities. These new experiences can be overwhelming for some campers, so it’s important to normalize emotions and talk about camp ahead of the first day. 

  • Talk about what to expect, including new friends, your summer routine, and some of the activities coming up at camp. 
  • Normalize feeling a little bit nervous. We all get nervous before starting something new! 
  • Encourage independence and trying new things. Chat about the importance of taking risks, making new friends, and navigating challenges. 

Packing for Camp J 

You likely have most of the items your camper will need for the summer, but it is important that you LABEL all items with your child’s name — from water bottles to towels. Hundreds of campers will be at the J each day, so it’s important to make sure campers and counselors can keep track of items… before they end up in the lost and found!  

 

What to Pack 

  • Wear comfortable clothes that can get messy (and if you think a change of clothes is a good idea, go ahead and include it!) 
  • Closed-toe shoes (sneakers recommended, and crocs must be in sport mode!) 
  • Hat for sun protection  
  • Swimsuit and towel 
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Backpack to carry belongings  
  • Sunscreen (Camp J has sunscreen for reapplying, but all campers should bring their own) 
  • Lunch and snacks in a labeled lunch bag (all food must follow the J’s kosher policy which is featured in the Family Guide that will be sent to camp families ahead of time) 
  • Don’t forget — each Wednesday, campers are encouraged to dress up according to our special theme! 
  • Each Friday, wear your special Camp J t-shirt for some matching fun! 

 

What NOT to pack 

  • Electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices) 
  • Valuables or sentimental items 
  • Toys from home (unless specifically allowed) 

If you or your camper has any questions leading up to camp, please send them to camp@tucsonjcc.org, and we would be happy to respond. Also, check out more Frequently Asked Questions here.  

 

We look forward to an amazing summer! See you soon! 

March Staff Spotlight Roundup

An adult woman rolls out dough, assisting another adult

Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.  

 

Continue reading on for a preview of our March spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!

Inti Salinas | Basketball Coordinator

Learn more about Inti and his basketball coaching philosophy in this video! 

Dyana Martin | ECE Teacher

“Hello, my name is Dyana. I’ve been at the J for almost a year and carry around 12 years of childcare experience. My love for childcare stems deep within me, as I was a daycare child myself and was inspired by my own teachers’ love and guidance throughout my life. I chose childcare because working with young children feels meaningful and grounding to me.

As a mom, I understand how important it is to know that your child is safe, cared for, and truly seen. I love being part of children’s early growth and watching them build confidence, independence, and trust in the world around them. I love creating a nurturing environment where children feel supported, and it’s something I care deeply about, and of course, it’s rewarding to play a small role in those early experiences.”

Morgan Montague | JRays Swim School Coordinator

Q: Tell us about your swimming background and role at the J!

A: I have competitively trained in swimming since I was 5 years old, eventually joining the @tjccstingrays in 2012, then teaching lessons in 2016. I help organize and coordinate all the swim lessons at the J, group lessons and privates, and I teach as well!

 

Q: Why is it important for all children to understand water safety and learn to swim?

A: Tucson is a unique place in terms of swimming; we live in a desert, yet there is a pool in every other backyard and community pools almost everywhere you look. This means simply for safety purposes, everyone should learn how to swim and know how to be safe around large bodies of water. And when it’s 110°, where else would you want to be other than in a pool?

 

Q: What is your favorite part about your role at the J?

A: My favorite part is definitely teaching. Seeing the joy and understanding light up the face of one of my swimmers… best experience ever!

 

Diana Ramirez | DPS Transition to Work Instructor

Q: Tell us about your background and role at the J!

A: I have a background in Pedagogy and Neuropsychology and have always been passionate about helping others thrive through education and inclusivity. I’m excited to take on this role within DPS, providing support to our participants, creating meaningful experiences, and making a positive impact in our community.

 

Q: Favorite item for sale at the JShop Retail Store or Coffee Cart?

A: The Coffee! We partner with local roasters, Adventure Coffee, and it’s delicious. The Chapstick is also a favorite of mine.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to as you get deeper into your role? 

A: I’m excited to contribute to the growth of the program and see our interns learn new skills and thrive in their roles. It’s really rewarding to watch people gain confidence, build independence, and discover what they’re capable of, and I’m looking forward to supporting that journey.

Q+A: Robert Feldman, Artist

The 2025-2026 Tucson J Fine Art Gallery Season will end with a sparkling finale! From Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, May 17, Shards and Sparks: Fires of Creation will display a variety of juried glasswork along with artist Robert Feldman’s fire paintings.


ABOUT THE SHOW

Shards and Sparks: Fires of Creation is an exploration of transformation, fragmentation, and renewal through the elemental force of fire. Inspired by Lurianic Kabbalah’s mystical vision of shattered vessels and the cosmic sparks within, as well as the creation story of Parshat Bereshit, this exhibit brings together two dynamic art forms. Featuring the mesmerizing fire paintings of Robert Feldman alongside a juried selection of glassworks, Shards and Sparks captures the tension between destruction and creation—where what is broken can be remade, and where light emerges from the fractures.

ABOUT ROBERT FELDMAN

Robert Feldman’s work as a poet, musician, and painter originated while in his late teens in his hometown of Paterson, NJ. Later, he began experimenting with applying fire to augment and enrich his paintings during his years living in Bisbee and Tucson; it was during this period that he acquired skills as a stonecutter and silversmith as well. Subsequently, upon returning to NYC, Robert transitioned into designing sculptural jewelry for women, where his metalwork appeared in several prominent stores throughout the country, including Saks 5th Ave and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as being featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Mr. Feldman holds an MA in English, Linguistics, and Languages from the University of Arizona.

Keep reading to learn more about Robert and his work, and join us for the show to explore a variety of artists and glasswork!

Can you share your creative process, both in the studio and in shaping the overall vision for the show?
When I paint (or write poetry), expressing color and cadence are primary. I love exploring “unchartered” techniques in applying paint, as well as other mediums, with the understanding that making art, like life, is a process: “there are no mistakes.” And as a former jewelry designer, I developed the ability to integrate fire, using a torch, to burn the various pigments and other applications used to embellish unique textures and color transitions that are possible only by applying a direct flame. Thus, it is with these notions and convictions that I look forward to sharing my perspectives and exhibiting and my “fire paintings” at the Tucson J.

What themes are you exploring in this show, and why are they important to you?
Confronting conventions, embracing experimentation, and celebrating abstract expressionism.

Who is your favorite artist or one you draw inspiration from? 
Yves Klein, Wassily Kandinsky, along with the “New York School”, and of course the post-impressionist painters.

Is there a particular piece in the show that holds a meaningful story or memory for you?
Many do, but I suppose “Ocean of Winter” (because it is accompanied by its namesake epic poem I began writing at the same time).

How do you hope viewers feel after experiencing the show?
Inspired, intrigued, and perhaps fancying to own one of my paintings.

Why are you excited to share your work at the Tucson J?
First and foremost, because I am a Jewish man who has been an active member of the J since rehoming to Tucson— this is a blessing. Moreover, the opportunity to share my work with the Tucson Jewish community as well as the greater Tucson populace is truly an honor. Finally, I am well aware that the J is committed to serve as a hub for art and the creative experience via the Fine Art Gallery and the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden, not to mention all the rich and motivational programs and presentations it hosts. Yes, I am appreciative and jazzed to be part of this effort!

On Thursday, April 16 from 6-7:30pm, everyone is invited to a free reception celebrating the show. Stop by and meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments and conversation!
Learn more about the Show and Reception!

Celebrating STEAM Education at the Tucson J

Each spring, the Tucson J’s Early Childhood Education program highlights its incredible curriculum, staff, and facilities through STEAM Sunday, a free afternoon of engaging activities for families.  

 

STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, all knowledge areas that instill curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. 

 

“For young children, STEAM activities provide a foundation for future development, allowing them to learn cause and effect, develop strategies, and build executive function skills like memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control,” said Joline Riddle, senior director of early childhood education at the Tucson J. 

 

In the Tucson J’s Early Childhood Education program, STEAM education is infused in daily activities through hands-on and collaborative learning and lots of exploratory play and interactive experiences.  

 

“Hands-on learning not only develops curious learners, but prompts students to be actively engaged and truly interested in what they are learning about,” said Joline. “STEAM education is an important part of our curriculum and key to developing lifelong learners.” 

Here’s how Joline breaks down what STEAM means in ECE at the J:   


Science – Figuring out how the world works 

Technology – Using and creating pulleys, wheels, levers, scissors, and ramps 

 

Engineering – Constructing while problem-solving 

 

Art – Creatively solving problems, representing feelings, events, and experiences 

 

Math – Number, operations, measurement, patterns, geometry, and spatial sense 

Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, April 12, from 10am-12pm, for STEAM Sunday. Designed for families with children 2-8 years old, enjoy a morning of fun, with hands-on, educational activities led by the Tucson J Early Childhood educators and special guests.  

  

Plus, the first 125 registered guests will receive a special goody bag, and a light snack will be served for attendees. 

 

During the event, you can also take a tour of our preschool, and registration fees for ECE summer camp and the 2026-2027 school year will be waived. 

 

 

Get into the STEAM Sunday spirit with some of the activities below!  

Science 

 

Check out 20 science experiments you can do with items you already have around the house.

Technology 

 

While the word technology evokes images of computers and screens, it actually refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. From wheels to zippers— technology surrounds us!  

 

Try this activity to get your child thinking about technology.    

Engineering 

 

Here is a collection of projects to explore the field of engineering!  

Art 

 

Explore creativity and solubility with this activity.  

 

Math

 

Embrace the world of math with these fun activities for preschoolers.  

Learn more + Register for STEAM Sunday