Growth + Progress at the J: Fall 2026 Development Update

Dear Chevre (Friends),

The past several months have been a wonderful reminder of the many ways the Tucson J makes a difference in the lives of individuals and families across our community. Every day, people of all ages walk through our doors looking for connection, belonging, learning, wellness, and opportunity—and find it in ways that are as varied as our community itself.

 

This summer, that impact was especially visible. Campers built friendships and confidence, teens stepped into leadership roles, families found trusted care and connection, older adults discovered opportunities for wellness and community, and participants in Disability Program Services learned skills and practiced their creativity.

 

Across our campus, we saw strong participation and exciting growth. Camp J welcomed more than 500 children, with participation outpacing the previous year, Tucson J teens represented us at the JCC Maccabi Games + Access in Toronto and stepped into BBYO leadership, and we stepped into a new year of Early Childhood Education with 189 children enrolled. Aquatics, sports and recreation, and Healthy Aging also reached new heights over the summer with Healthy Aging programs experiencing increased referrals and enrollment and new partnerships fueling growth across department areas.

 

DPS participants, including youth in Gesher, our inclusive camp program for youth 12-21 years old, spent the summer swimming, cooking, exercising, exploring Tucson, and building meaningful connections. We are particularly excited about the upcoming launch of Pathways to Employment through Disability Program Services. This new vocational program gives eligible participants opportunities to build workplace skills and explore employment through internships with the J and community partners.

 

Jewish life and community engagement remain an important part of what makes the Tucson J unique. PJ Library met new engagement milestones, classes and clubs brought people together around shared interests, and new adult learning opportunities are taking shape for the fall. We are also looking forward to welcoming our new Community Shaliach, Shay Oren, and to Z3@Tucson this November—two opportunities that will bring new energy and perspective to Jewish life in our community.

 

None of this work happens without the generosity and partnership of our community. Donors make it possible for us to invest in programs, respond to emerging needs, and create opportunities that might otherwise not exist. Volunteers, partner organizations, and community leaders add their time, expertise, and energy to that effort. Together, they help make the Tucson J a place where people can find connection and opportunity throughout every stage of life.

 

As we move forward with Kadimah B’Yachad—Forward Together, our five-year strategic plan, we are focused on building on this momentum and preparing the J for the future. Thank you for believing in the Tucson J and for helping us create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

 

With gratitude,

 

Fran Katz,
Chief Development Officer

The Tucson J continues to grow as a town square where members, families, partner organizations, and the broader community can gather, connect, and engage. This season brought continued focus on strengthening the member experience, welcoming new and returning community members, and making the most of our facilities as spaces for connection and engagement. Membership efforts included new promotional opportunities and preparations for the fall, while our rental program continued to bring schools, community organizations, and celebrations through our doors. This quarter, we also focused on enhancing our facilities to best serve our community. Highlights include:

  • a successful Summer at the J promotion in May, and in June, lowering the enrollment fee substantially for the remainder of the year
  • hosting a variety of major rentals including Aqua Days for Douglass Elementary school, pool party for St. Michael’s, Khalsa Montessori graduation and pool party, and a movie night for Tucson Association of Realtors and continuing to host Sunset Cheer, YMCA League Games, the Modern Quilters Guild, the Southern Arizona Jewish Genealogy Society, Chai Circle, and more
  • offering new rentals add-ons to provide a high-quality, streamlined user experience
  • developing new partnerships with FC Tucson and Canyon View Little League; both groups will use our sports fields for their youth programming, bringing more families to the J
  • deep cleaning the courts at Sarver Tennis Center, now on a quarterly basis, and re-painting the Pickleball courts

  • updating our Early Childhood Education center with new carpet, poster frames, and dedicated bulletin boards for each classroom to display their artwork

  • installing new locker room carpet and preparing for a refresh of the sauna in October
newsletter graphic with the words Fitness and wellness on a teal background

Wellness at the Tucson J takes many forms! This season brought growth and momentum across aquatics, adult and youth sports, and Healthy Aging, with increased interest in several core programs and new opportunities for engagement. Our Stingrays Swim Team returned to high-level competition, swim lessons continued to expand, adult leagues remained strong, and Healthy Aging programs continue to expand with grant support. Recent highlights include:

  • continuing to grow JWellness Collective offerings with Yoga for Athletes, Pelvic Floor + Core Rehab, Pre-natal Yoga, Postpartum Strength + Stretch, Self-Defense, and more
  • offering a new Fit Strong small group fitness training program
  • receiving a grant from the Sephardic Foundation on Aging (SFOA) to provide Dementia-Friendly training to organizations in the Tucson Jewish ecosystem
  • receiving a grant from American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and co-hosting a Music/Art event to bring together people with Parkinson’s Disease and their loved ones
  • working in partnership with Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and collaboratively with Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Handmaker to put on the sixth AgeWell Conference, this time at the the Chabad of Oro Valley to provide more outreach to Jewish older adults residing in the northern Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana areas; and planning the next AgeWell for October
  • increasing referrals and/or enrollment across the three core Healthy Aging programs: Bone Health/Osteoporosis and Osteopenia, Parkinson Exercise Wellness, and Movement/Arts Immersion (for those with early/mild stage dementia)

  • helping over 100 registrants learn to swim in the JRays Swim School, with this season’s new Saturday lessons being a popular option
  • supporting nearly 40 adult Masters Swimmers achieve their best in the water, including Diego Rogers, who took home three gold medals for swimming at the US Special Olympic Games
  • an outstanding season for 75 Stingrays Swim Team Swimmers with many medals and personal bests across several meets, including regional and state championships, and Senior State, which the team attended for the first time since 2019
  • steady participation in adult sports, with over 70 players in both the Men’s Basketball League and the Co-ed Volleyball League

  • reaching capacity for youth Summer Sunday Basketball Clinics

  • welcoming over 80 young athletes back to campus for the 5th Annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group basketball clinic

The Tucson J continues to create meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, creativity, and belonging through our Arts, Culture, and Community programming. Clubs like mah jongg were going strong all summer long, while important groundwork was laid for a spectacular year of inspiring arts and culture programs, expanded learning opportunities, and special events including the 36th Tucson J International Film Festival. Recent highlights include: 

  • hosting successful Young Adult Shabbat Pool Party and Tu B’Av Happy Hour events with community partners in July and a three-part Artist Residency with Alex Woz in August

  • looking ahead to the continuation of Partners Tucson from August through next Spring, offering chavruta-style Torah study based on the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l; and developing new opportunities through the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, which will begin in the fall

  • booking exciting wrap-around programming for the 36th Tucson J International Film Festival (coming January 14!), including Tovah Feldshuh, star of the documentary “Tovah”

  • coordinating the finishing touches on the 2026-2027 Fine Art Gallery Season, with the first show, “Meditation + Metaphor” opening August 20 and a bigger-and-better-than-ever annual Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden opening SCULPT event planned for October 18

  • developing the 2026-2027 Signature Series with donor support, which will include a winter performance in partnership with Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra, and a spring concert by Nefesh Mountain

  • ending the school year with 776 PJ Library engagement touchpoints, setting new goals for the coming year, and looking to the new year with“Sweet Beginnings: A Rosh Hashanah Family Experience”

  • preparing to welcome Shay Oren as the new Community Shaliach

PJ Library is a gift from the Tucson J, and is made possible by the Einstein-Sim, Hazan, Kippur, Langer, Loebl, Margolis, Rosenzweig, and Sharpe families, with support from Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona, in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. 

The Tucson J’s Children + Youth programs give kids of all ages the confidence to be themselves, the opportunity to develop leadership skills and form lasting connections, and the foundation of a community supporting them. Campers felt the ruach all summer, experiencing everything from Gaga to cooking and art to Israeli culture with a variety of field trips and special activities in between. Early Childhood Education continued to strengthen relationships with families while preparing for the new school year, and our teen programs built momentum through BBYO leadership opportunities, the JCC Maccabi Games + Access, and the launch of the J’s inaugural Teen Council. Recent highlights include: 

  • ending the ECE school year with 100 families in attendance at our annual Shabbat picnic dinner, welcoming 40+ children to join us for ECE Summer Camp, and starting the new school year with 189 kids

  • a record-breaking 546 unique campers in Camp J for the summer

  • making extra special camp memories with surprises like a live bluegrass band, bagpipes at the Maccabiah closing ceremony, a ventriloquist performance, and the Tzofim Scouts Friendship Caravan

  • new Chugim (elective) options like TRAK with real animals, Taekwondo, Lego Building, Flag Football, Water Polo, and Dance with the Tucson Sugar Skulls (and the return of old favorites like Why Things Fly!)

  • engaging in a variety of professional development opportunities, including a training about implicit bias and learning that explored the Sheva Lens Core Element of Families as Engaged Partners

  • hosting three well-attended ECE Director Breakfasts in the Open Space, with more to come!

  • developing new partnerships with Tanque Verde Pediatrics and Intuitive Training with the goal of reaching more expecting and early post-partum families

  • bringing back Homework Help and launching Learning Lab for participants in our JCare after school program

  • participating in the BBYO Spring Conclave in Prescott and multiple BBYO leadership camps

  • celebrating three BBYO members who ran for Regional Board positions (including a win for the Regional Presidency for Mountain Region AZA)

  • launching the application and initial promotion for the Tucson J’s inaugural Teen Council, designed for J members ages 11–15 with a focus on youth leadership, engagement, and community building

  • sending a delegation of nine athletes to compete as Team Tucson in JCC Maccabi Games + Access in Toronto

Disability Program Services continues to expand what is possible for participants and this season marked an important step forward as we received funding for Pathways to Employment, a new DPS program that will bring vocational training and job exploration opportunities to eligible participants in Southern Arizona beginning later this fall. At the same time, the Day Program and summer camp continued to grow, with new campers joining the program for a third consecutive year and participants engaging in swimming, fitness, cooking, community outings, and shared experiences with Camp J. This season also brought a new name for the Day Program, Taglit B’Yachad—“Discovery Together”—reflecting the department’s continued focus on inclusion, connection, and growth. Recent highlights include: 

  • receiving approval from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to add the new service, Pathways to Employment (PTE). Offered to all eligible DDD members residing in Southern Arizona, students will learn and practice skills in classes for up to twelve months, including internships at the J and with community partners who provide job exploration experiences.

  • increasing enrollment in our Gesher Camp program for middle and high schoolers with disabilities, for the third consecutive summer

  • adding cooking classes, fitness classes with J trainer Jamie High, and staff-led activities across programs

  • outings at venues across Tucson including movies, the Tucson Museum of Art, coffee shops and more

  • the return of the DPS summer concert series featuring a variety of local bands

  • joining Camp J for Maccabiah Week

  • partnering with Arizona Public Media and Tucson Spotlight for a workshop designed to help DPS program participants share their stories about bravery; the stories will be showcased at a public event August 29

  • creating a new and inclusive day program name: Taglit B’Yachad, meaning “Discovery Together”

5 Ways to bring meaning and joy into the Jewish New Year 

a group of people posing with their pickleball paddles

L’Shana Tovah U’Metuka

Soon we will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The holiday offers a meaningful pause to reflect, reset, and return to our best selves before embarking on the journey of a new year. Whether it’s your favorite Jewish holiday or completely new to you, everyone can benefit from taking a moment to think about how you will grow, thrive, and find joy in the year ahead. 


Continue reading to explore some meaningful rituals and questions for reflection to bring with you into the Jewish year 5786. L’Shana Tovah U’Metuka, wishing you a good and sweet new year! 

Daily movement that brings you joy

Exercise is not only essential for our health, but for our minds and spirits. It can evoke more creative thoughts, boost our moods, and improve our sleep. 


While movement is often viewed as a chore, it doesn’t have to be! You must find what movement works for you. When we enjoy exercise, we will stick to it as part of a daily routine. 


Whether it be through dance, a walk in nature, or a spin class – find your favorite activity and see how it changes your day. The Tucson J is a wonderful place to start. With lap-lanes for swimming, pickleball and tennis courts, a full Fitness Center, and a variety of group fitness classes, you are guaranteed to find something for you! 


Reflection question: How have my body and mind changed through joyful movement?  

Entirely tech-free Shabbat

In Tiffany Shlain’s acclaimed book, 24/6: Giving up Screens One Day a Week to Get More Time, Creativity, and Connection, she shares about how her Jewish family adopted a tech-free Shabbat and how that weekly ritual improved their lives. The best part about this practice: anyone can do it! 


Although it may be challenging for some, explore how one less day of scrolling and texting and one more day of in-person conversations and screen-free time can change how you feel and think.  


Reflection question: How can I be more intentional about my technology use? 

Find awe in the everyday 

Practice the art of Hakarat Ha’tov, Hebrew for recognizing the good, by cultivating awareness and gratitude for even the smallest things—a colorful sunset, a chat with a friendly neighbor, the sound of a child’s laughter. A daily moment of wonder can shift your perspective, soften your heart, and reconnect you to something greater than yourself. 


Start your morning each day with a gratitude moment, keep track of your “good” in a special notebook, or simply be more intentional about slowing down to take deeper notice of the world around you and see what happens.  


Reflection question: When do I feel most present? 

Community activities and engagement

Did you know that strong social connections help you live longer? This new year, find new or more ways to connect with others and be in community.  


At the J, community is the heart of everything we do, and there are endless ways to socialize. In Masters Swim Club, participants have bonded over a shared love of swimming- and now are friends for life! In our Movement/Arts Immersion program, participants and their families are so close that they held a Friendsgiving together! 


From weekly mah jongg to Men’s Basketball League, PJ Library get-togethers to art gallery openings and monthly book club, connect over shared interests and make new friends at the J. 


Reflection question: What does community mean to me? 

Be of service 

Chesed (loving-kindness) is a Jewish value that transforms both giver and receiver. Volunteer your time or skills, donate to an organization making an impact, or show up for a friend who needs support. Even small acts like holding a door, offering a smile, or checking in on someone can create ripples of healing in a world that deeply needs it. Let your presence be a blessing to others in small, everyday ways. 


Reflection question: How do I feel when I show up in service to others and my community? 

Click here to learn more about Rosh Hashanah and explore additional resources to celebrate the New Year! 

J Stories | The Arroyo Family

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The Arroyo family

Four years ago, Melissa Arroyo was handed a diagnosis that would reshape how she thought about her daughter’s future. Her daughter, Valentina, had autism—and with it came a clear message from doctors: she would need the right environments to truly thrive. School, childcare, even something as quintessential as summer camp, would have to be chosen with care, intention, and trust. 

 

For many families, summer camp is a given. For Melissa, it was a question mark. 

 

Today, that question has an answer. For the last several summers, Valentina has spent her days at Camp J, swimming, playing, and making friends just like any other camper. What once felt uncertain has become a place of belonging, growing, and thriving—at the J, Valentina is not defined by her diagnosis but reaching beyond it. 

 

Melissa and Valentina’s journey is not just a story about one child at camp. It is a window into what becomes possible when the right support systems are in place—and why access to them matters for every family. 

 

“Camp J is a place where every kid, regardless of ability, is empowered to grow and learn in a community-centered environment,” said Cass Johnson, the director of camp and youth at the Tucson J. “Our camp is focused on fostering independence and helping kids to get out of their comfort zone, so they leave with more confidence than when they first arrived.” 

 

Melissa first heard about Camp J from other families in the community. “I asked a lot more questions and I visited the facilities, and what we noticed was that we saw a lot of different types of families… It made us very comfortable as a family to consider bringing our daughter here.”  

 

Melissa reflected that Camp J provided Valentina with the appropriate level of support and attention from counselors, allowing her “to be the child that none of us knew that she could be.” 

 

Camp J takes incredible care in staffing and training counselors, ensuring that campers can get one-on-one support if needed. “Accessibility and inclusion are central to Camp J. We think of families as partners, because when families and camp are aligned, we can create a safer and more successful environment for kids to thrive,” said Cass. 

 

“Every day, my daughter would come home and would have done something different. It was very clear that the program was developed and built specifically for all these kids, giving them the ability to not just do things that they love to do or like to do, but actually try new things.” 

 

Camp J is filled with activities like swimming, cooking, sports, art, and wilderness, allowing campers to engage with their favorites, while having space to explore and embark on new adventures.  

 

As camp went on, Melissa watched Valentina blossom. The family was working on improving her storytelling skills, and at Camp J, Valentina made incredible progress. “[Valentina] would come home with stories all the time. She would know exactly what she was doing during the day… It was a first experience for us being able to see how animated she could get and actually articulate things that she did and was excited about,” Melissa said. 

 

Ultimately, Camp J has given Melissa and her family the one thing that every parent wants—peace of mind. “As a parent of a child who has [autism], to be able to know and feel safe when we leave her and not feel the constant anxiety of wondering how she’s doing, how people are treating her, is she enjoying herself? We always felt safe knowing that she was going to be taken care of and included… because of who she’s being cared for by at the J.” 

 

All children deserve an experience like Valentina’s, filled with the support and space needed to flourish all summer long and to take those skills and memories with them when the camp season ends. The J’s Annual Send a Kid to Camp campaign makes that possible. Donations provide scholarships for those in need, as well as help to make important investments in staff, enhance programming, and contribute to facility updates that make the J a truly child-friendly place.  

make an impact + donate today!

Support the J

Wellness A to Z at the Tucson J

Adults play tennis outside on a court

When you think of wellness, what do you think about? Layering paint on a canvas? Meeting up with your favorite trainer for a session at the gym? Chatting with a friend on the phone? Five minutes of time alone?  

 

At the Tucson J, when we think of wellness, we think about taking care of one’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It’s enjoying time at the Fitness Center and tennis courts, but also at art classes and meetups in the Cafe. Wellness is playing Mah Jongg with your friends and having access to safe, enriching childcare for your family. 

 

So, while wellness means something different to everyone, the Tucson J is proud to embrace every definition— keep reading to explore wellness options A to Z at the J! 

Attend one of our arts and culture events 

Become a member of the J
 

Cool down with a swim in the pool
 

Discover a competitive sports league to keep you moving and socializing 

 

Embrace creativity and community in an art class 

Focus your mind and connect with your body in a yoga class 

Grab a basketball and shoot some hoops in the gymnasium 

Have a delicious meal at our kosher cafe 

Introduce yourself to someone new 

Join our Masters Swim program for adults and get coached pool workouts six days a week 

Keep track of your favorite workouts in the Fitness Center 

Learn a new language in a Spanish or Hebrew class 

Meet your fitness and wellness goals with the help of a personal trainer 

Notice the latest gallery show in the Fine Art Gallery 

Open your mind to new possibilities, connections, and opportunities for growth 

Prepare for the school year ahead by enrolling your child in our Early Childhood Education program or our afterschool program, JCare 

Question: what does community mean to you? 

Register for a Healthy Aging program, with options for those living with Parkinson’s Disease and early/mild stages of dementia 

Stroll through the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden and enjoy one of the largest sculpture gardens in Southern Arizona 

Try out a group fitness class—included free with a membership to the J 

Utilize our free wifi to take a work call or respond to emails 

Visit our Sarver Tennis Center and sharpen your skills with our Racquet Sports pros  

Walk or run on the treadmill (plus… you can even watch Netflix and YouTube on the machine!) 

X-out stress, anxiety, and all the problems of the day with a massage in our dedicated massage studio 

Yield to reflection and renewal in the Gan Tikvah: Garden of Hope 

Zoom around The Loop on your bike, scooter, or skateboard, located just across from the Tucson J 

What does wellness mean to you? 

From art classes to fitness classes, explore endless wellness options at the J.

Explore our Programs

Rosh Hashanah Resources, Recipes, and Crafts from PJ Library of Southern Arizona

Three elderly adults and one child paint ceramic flowers

Shanah Tovah (good year) from PJ Library of Southern Arizona! Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, invites us all to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new year. Plus, it’s an especially meaningful and fun holiday to celebrate with kids.  

 

To celebrate PJ Library’s upcoming event, Sweet Beginnings: A Rosh Hashanah Family Experience on Sunday, August 23, we are sharing some at-home crafts, recipes, and easy resources to keep the holiday fun going. With minimal supplies, bring the holiday to life with the whole family! 

FROM PJ LIBRARY

Make your own Shofar 

Make apple print cards 

Free printable Rosh Hashanah cards 

Learn how to braid a round challah 

Rosh Hashanah cheat sheet for families 

MORE TO EXPLORE

Explore PJ Library books celebrating the holiday 

Seasonal Rosh Hashanah Crafts 

Amazing Apple Crafts 

Rosh Hashanah Recipes for Kids

Rosh Hashanah Recipes from around the worldFor your holiday table 

How are you celebrating Rosh Hashanah with your family? Drop us a message at @pjlibrarysaz on Instagram and Facebook!  

Supporting the Tucson J through Qualified Charitable Distribution

From the desk of Caron M. Mitchell, CPA + Tucson J Immediate Past Board Chair

Caron Mitchell

Reaching the age of 73 and beyond comes with many milestones, including the annual obligation to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs. The IRS mandates these withdrawals, which unfortunately boosts taxable income—even if that extra cash isn’t actually needed for daily living.

Fortunately, there is a brilliant financial tool designed to ease this burden: the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). A QCD allows individuals to direct money straight from an IRA to a qualified charity, like the Tucson J. The beauty of this strategy is that the donation counts toward the annual RMD, but the distributed amount is completely excluded from taxable income. It is a highly effective way to support a worthy cause while keeping taxes in check.

To ensure the IRS approves the donation, a few guidelines must be followed:

  • Funds must move directly from the IRA custodian to the eligible charity. If a check is made out to the account owner first, the tax benefit is lost.
  • Account holders can donate up to $111,000 per year via a QCD. For married couples where both spouses have their own IRAs, each can donate up to $111,000.
  • Most standard 501(c)(3) nonprofits qualify, though Private Foundations and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are generally excluded.

Since tax laws changed to significantly raise the standard deduction, the vast majority of retirees no longer itemize. Consequently, traditional charitable donations often yield no tax benefits. Because a QCD bypasses adjusted gross income (AGI) entirely, the tax benefit is realized regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes or takes the standard deduction. Bonus: Keeping AGI lower does more than just reduce income tax. It can also help reduce costly Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA) and keep a larger portion of Social Security benefits tax-free.

For those planning charitable giving, contacting an IRA custodian or financial advisor before taking the next RMD is an excellent way to maximize the impact of every dollar.

Learn more about supporting the Tucson J

JCare afterschool program offers safe and fun afternoons for Tucson students 

At the Tucson J, we are dedicated to ensuring that families have everything they need for a meaningful one-stop shop experience, blending childcare and wellness experiences so that everyone can thrive. 

 

One way we are making family schedules easier to manage? Our JCare afterschool program.  

 

JCare offers a safe, welcoming environment where children in grades k-5 spend after-school hours learning, playing, moving, and exploring. Students are split up into small groups based on age and engage with activities such as cooking, Learning Lab, art, time outside on the playground, and other enriching experiences designed to support their growth beyond the school day. 

 

IMPORTANCE OF AFTER-SCHOOL CARE
 

For many families, after-school care is a necessity. Work schedules and school schedules seldom align, so safe, reliable, and engaging childcare is critical. Parents can remain focused at work knowing their children are in a safe, supervised setting where they are engaged in meaningful activities rather than simply passing time until pickup. 

 

Additionally, research consistently shows that participation in structured afterschool programs can support academic achievement, strengthen social-emotional skills, and promote healthy behaviors. Studies have found that children who participate in quality afterschool programs demonstrate improved school attendance, stronger classroom engagement, and gains in important life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-confidence. 

 

Afterschool programs are often free-play experiences, gathering students for a place to relax under supervision until parents arrive. But JCare is different— it’s intentionally designed to combine enrichment activities, physical movement, and caring adult mentorship to help children feel more connected, confident, and successful both in and out of the classroom. Also ever-important in today’s world: afterschool programs provide engaging alternatives to spending several unsupervised hours on devices, cutting back on screen time in favor of building lasting friendships and making memories.  

 

OUR PROGRAM
 

JCare runs from 2-6pm when school is in session, offering transportation from a variety of elementary and middle schools, including: 

  • Basis Primary 
  • CFHS 
  • Fruchthendler 
  • Khalsa Montessori (River + Camden Campuses) 
  • Manzanita 
  • Orange Grove Middle 
  • Sam Hughes 
  • Sunrise Dr. 
  • Tucson Hebrew Academy 
  • Ventana Vista 
  • Esperero Canyon Middle School 

 

Once at the J, students spend the afternoon in small groups based on grades, guided by caring and well-trained staff. Students get to utilize the state-of-the-art facilities of the Tucson J, including the art studio, demo kitchen, and playground. Grown-ups can also enroll their children in Learning Lab to get additional help on homework.  

 

When school is on a break, the Tucson J offers School Days Out, structured similarly to JCare, but with added field trips and programming. Plus, keep an eye out for our monthly Parents’ Night Out, offering crafts, games, dinner, and a movie on select Saturday evenings throughout the school year. 

 

Curious to learn more? Click here to register for the 2026-2027 school year, running August 3, 2026, through May 25, 2027, or reach out to Caitlin Jacob, Director of After School Programming, at cjacob@tucsonjcc.org to learn more.  

Learn more about JCare

Q+A: Sam Thomas + Dominique McBryde

This summer, the Tucson J is proud to host the 5th annual Sam Thomas Hoop Group Basketball Clinic for youth athletes from all around Southern Arizona. Sam Thomas is a former University of Arizona and Phoenix Mercury player who has dedicated time every August to sharing her wisdom and passion for basketball with the next generation of players. 

 

Joining her again on Sunday, August 9, is Dominique McBryde, Sam’s former teammate at the University of Arizona, for a one-day, three-session clinic for athletes ages 6-18. Each session is designed to foster skills and challenge athletes at an appropriate skill level: 

 

Ages 6-10, 10:30am-1:30pm 

Ages 11-14, 1:45-4:45pm 

Ages 15-18, 5-7pm 

Ahead of the clinic, Sam and Dominque reflected on the impact of sports, favorite snacks, and what the clinic’s longevity means to them. Keep reading to learn more! 

Favorite pre- and post-game/practice snacks? 

Sam: My favorite pregame snack is Goldfish. I would eat at least two bags before each game, only the regular kind, although all flavors are great! My favorite post-game meal is some spicy rigatoni pasta. If it wasn’t too late after a game, I loved going to North Italia for their pasta. 

Dominique: My favorite pregame snack has always been sour gummy worms. It became part of my routine before games and helped me loosen up and have fun before competing. My favorite postgame meal is definitely a burger and fries, but when I was playing overseas, I loved getting gyros or döner kebabs after games. 

 

What is your biggest piece of advice for young athletes?  

Sam: My biggest piece of advice for young athletes is to try everything and not limit themselves. If you grow up unsure of what sport you want to get into, try them all! Especially at a younger age, you can learn so much coordination through all sports. There is no right or wrong path to take when wanting to accomplish your dreams. 

Dominique: My biggest piece of advice for young athletes is to find out who you are and what you enjoy outside of basketball. The game can become such a huge part of your identity, but it should never be the only thing that defines you. The more confident and grounded you are off the court, the more freedom and confidence you will play with on the court. Basketball can teach you discipline, resilience, and teamwork, but who you are as a person will always matter most when it is all said and done. 

 

How has basketball influenced your life off the court? 

Sam: Basketball has been and continues to be a huge influence in my life. The camp itself is a great example of allowing me to come back to Tucson, a place I love so much, and sharing the game of basketball with younger athletes and hopefully help them get one step closer to their dreams. It is more than basketball, it is about being a good teammate and meeting new people. Basketball has brought me some of my lifelong friends, including the one and only Dominique, going on almost ten years of friendship! 

Dominique: Basketball has influenced almost every part of my life off the court. It has taught me leadership, discipline, adaptability, and how to connect with people from all different backgrounds. The game has taken me all over the world and introduced me to lifelong friendships, including Sam. Basketball has also helped shape my perspective on life by teaching me how to handle adversity, embrace new experiences, and grow through challenges both on and off the court. 

 

What is your favorite drill or workout for improving gameplay? 

Sam: My favorite drill to help me prepare for gameplay is probably a drill we did called “Stop, Score, Stop”. It was a game of 5on5 but your goal was to get a defensive stop, score, and then get another stop. This helped simulate a real game because basketball is a game of runs. One team typically will go on a scoring streak, and that can be tough mentally to try and keep a positive mindset. You cannot think ahead or get upset; you have to focus on the next play to work on getting a defensive stop and turn the momentum with a score. 

Dominique: One of my favorite drills for improving gameplay is anything competitive and game-like, especially small-sided games that force quick decision-making and communication. I also love drills focused on pace and reacting in real time because those situations translate directly into games. Basketball is such a mental game, so I think the best workouts are the ones that challenge both your skill and your confidence at the same time. 

 

As the clinic celebrates its fifth year, what motivates you to return year after year? 

Sam: I cannot believe we are already at year 5! One of the things that keeps me coming back is the kids. I keep all the photos that I am sent from my time playing, and each year I usually see at least one camper that I met at a young age and they come to me years later, 4 feet taller and in their own personal sports journey. It is such a cool experience getting to be somewhat in their lives through that transition and knowing that they actually remembered what I would tell them at the camps or games. They are the reason I keep coming back and wanting to make it bigger and better each year! 

Dominique: It is really special seeing the clinic celebrate its 5th year. What motivates me to keep coming back is the opportunity to give back to the next generation and create a positive experience around the game. When I was younger, I always looked up to older players and loved learning from them, so being able to now provide that same encouragement and support means a lot to me. Seeing campers grow each year in both their confidence and love for basketball is something really rewarding, and it makes me excited to continue being part of it. 

Explore previous clinics: 

Former U of A star Sam Thomas hosts 3rd annual basketball camp | KVOA

Former U of A star Sam Thomas hosts 4th annual youth basketball camp | KVOA 

What incredible advice and reflections! Thank you, Sam and Dominique. See you in August!  
LEARN MORE + REGISTER FOR THE CLINIC

Water Safety Tips from the Tucson J

Summertime in Arizona means 24/7 sunscreen, cooling down with an Eegee, and lots of pool time. With more swimming and time spent outside, now is the time to brush up on your water safety education. Let‘s make sure everyone stays safe this summer!  

The Basics 

 

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under 5, and even more concerning, Arizona ranks among the states with the highest rates of child drowning incidents. We all have the responsibility and ability to change that.  

 

Take note— many youth drownings actually occur during non-swim times. Think family gatherings near the pool or any brief lapse of supervision.  

Now What?  

 

Swim lessons and water safety education are the most important ways to prevent accidental drownings. When it comes to water safety, the earlier, the better! Kids of all ages, especially toddlers, should take annual swim lessons to maintain skills and knowledge.  

 

Parents and guardians! It is never too late to learn how to swim or re-learn the basics. Along with group and private swim lessons for kids, the Tucson J also offers private lessons year-round for people of all ages.  

 

Adults should also consider training in CPR so that if an emergency does occur, they are prepared for anything.  

Layers of swim protection

  • Swim lessons 
  • Never leave children unattended by any body of water of any depth (drownings can happen in the bathtub!) 
  • Wear life jackets when appropriate 
  • Residential pools should be enclosed with self-closing and self-latching gates 
  • Do not rely on floaties or inflatable toys as safety devices 
  • Teach children to wait for permission to get in the water 

 

Enforce these pool rules at all times

  • No running 
  • No rough play 
  • No breath holding games 
  • No diving in shallow water (6-7 feet minimum dive depth recommended) 

 

This summer, join the Tucson J aquatics staff for our annual TMC Community Water Safety Day! In honor of Drowning Impact Awareness Month, on August 2 from 12-4pm, everyone is welcome to join for a free afternoon of water safety demonstrations, raffles, bounce houses, snacks, and more!   

Learn more about TMC Community Water Safety Day

Celebrating Pride Month at the Tucson J

The Tucson J is proud to be a place where people of all identities gather to learn, connect, exercise, and relax, promising a space where everyone feels comfortable being their true selves. Our JPride initiative is one example of our commitment to inclusion. Throughout the year, JPride offers programs specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, giving folks opportunities to connect and build community. 

 

To celebrate Pride Month, the Tucson J and JPride will host a screening of the classic film, Yentl, on Sunday, June 21 at 2pm. Starring and directed by Barbra Streisand, this beloved film is a powerful and tender exploration of identity centered around a young Jewish woman who defies convention by disguising herself as a man in order to pursue sacred learning, raising timeless questions about gender, access, and belonging. 

 

In the spirit of the film, gender-expansive dress is warmly encouraged, and after the film, community members will discuss the film and its themes of identity and gender.  

 

Read on to check out some LGBTQ+ resources!

Learn more + purchase tickets for Yentl!

People 

Michael Twitty  

Rabbi Sandra Lawson  

Rabbi Koach Baruch Frazier  

  

Organizations 

Keshet: Keshet works for the full equality of LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. 

University of Arizona Hillel 

  

Learning 

SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva 

  

Practice 

Shabbat and Havdalah Guide for BIMPOC and BIMPOC LGBTQIA+ Jews 

  

Sports

Let Them Play: A Collection of articles about trans kids and youth sports 

  

Healthy Aging 

Tucson J Healthy Aging Resources