Blog

This past year has been a transformative one at the J. Across our campus, we’ve invested in meaningful renovations designed to enhance the way our community gathers, moves, relaxes, and connects. Each project was approached with intention, care, and a deep understanding that the J is not just a facility—it is a shared home for our community.

More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to fitness. In fact, rest is just as important as the work you put in. In this article, we’ll dive into why recovery days are essential for anyone with a fitness routine, how rest contributes to overall health, and tips for maximizing your rest periods to maintain a healthy, balanced workout plan.

To kids, a shaded grove, a sandbox, or just a patch of grass can feel like the world’s biggest classroom. For young children, time outside is more than a break from screens — it is a proven way to build healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger social skills.

Social-emotional skills play a crucial role in a child’s development, shaping their ability to interact with others, manage emotions, and navigate the world with confidence. While children naturally develop these skills over time, early learning centers provide structured opportunities for growth in a supportive environment. High-quality early childhood programs focus on helping young learners build strong relationships, develop empathy, and regulate their emotions — setting the foundation for lifelong success.

Summer camp is more than just a place for children to enjoy the great outdoors — it's a transformative experience that helps kids develop crucial life skills. Among the most valuable of these are social skills and team-building abilities, which play a critical role in a child's emotional and intellectual growth.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that emerges during certain seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. For many, the reduced exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Although often associated with adults, youth are not immune to the challenges posed by this condition.

When the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, staying active can feel like a daunting task. However, exercising in winter is not only important for maintaining your physical health, but it’s also a great way to support your mental well-being and boost your energy during the colder months. In this article, we’ll explore why winter exercise is essential and suggest some fun, effective activities to keep you moving. Plus, we’ll highlight how Siegel JCC can help you stay fit and motivated all season long!

This fall, the Siegel JCC applied to and was accepted into the JCC Global From Good to Great Program. This three-program designed to enhance the capacity and sustainability of JCCs in Ukraine, which have been impacted by war, simultaneously develops global collaborations with partner JCCs worldwide.

Lifeguarding is often seen as a casual summer job, but it’s much more than that; it's a vital service that saves lives and ensures safety at pools, beaches, and aquatic facilities. Lifeguards are the first responders in aquatic emergencies. They are trained to prevent accidents, respond swiftly to incidents, and provide critical first aid. The role of a lifeguard requires a unique set of skills and extensive training, making lifeguard certification programs essential for anyone looking to pursue this rewarding career.

Whether you're swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, safety should always be a top priority — for swimmers at every age. Here are some essential swimming safety tips to ensure a fun experience for everyone.

Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, has become a popular form of exercise and relaxation worldwide. It combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health and well-being. Whether you're looking to increase flexibility, reduce stress, or simply find a new way to stay active, yoga offers a range of benefits for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the basics of yoga and answer common questions, helping you get started on your yoga journey.

On Monday, June 10, the Siegel Jewish Community Center (JCC) held its annual meeting, marking a significant transition in leadership and a renewed commitment to its mission. The evening was filled with reflections on the past year’s accomplishments, the celebration of dedicated volunteers, and the introduction of new leadership.

Summer camps are more than just a way to keep children busy during their school break. They offer a unique environment where kids can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills that are beneficial in their schooling years and beyond. Here’s a look at the crucial skills children learn at summer camp and why they are so important.

Today, kids ages 8-18 have an estimated 7.5 hours of screen time per day. In light of this digital lifestyle, the allure of the great outdoors is an essential and grounding force for the younger generation. Nature's classroom offers invaluable lessons and experiences, contributing significantly to a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted benefits of nature for children and how summer camps like Camp JCC serve as a gateway to these enriching outdoor experiences.

Dance isn't just a form of art or entertainment; it's a powerful medium that offers a plethora of benefits, ranging from physical health to emotional well-being and beyond. Whether you sway to the rhythm of ballroom beats, tap into the quick steps of salsa, or find peace in the fluid motions of contemporary dance, incorporating dance into your life can be transformative. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of dance.

The new year is a time of renewed hope and aspiration, especially when it comes to personal fitness. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or a newcomer, setting achievable fitness goals is the first step toward a healthier and happier you. In this article, we’ll walk you through setting fitness goals for the new year — and setting yourself up to achieve them.

“When I approach a child,” said Louis Pasteur, “he inspires me in two sentiments: tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become.” This sense of affection in the present and possibility for the future is part of what makes working with kids so inspirational and rewarding. Though not without its challenges, working in early childhood education (ECE) provides a wealth of benefits and personal fulfillment.

Today, we’ll take a closer look at ECE, its far-reaching importance, and the joys of working in the field.

Pickleball has been making waves in the sports world, and if you haven't heard of it yet, you're in for a treat. This sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offering a unique and exhilarating experience for players of all ages. In this article, we'll introduce you to the world of pickleball, exploring its origins, how and why you should be playing, and where you can get in on the action.

"No man,” wrote author and scholar John Donne, “is an island." As social creatures, we inherently seek connection, belonging, and purpose, all of which a community provides. Communities foster social connection, which is integral to our mental health, and encourages socialization that has a range of health benefits. Let's delve deeper into the beneficial aspects of community involvement for both our mind and body.

Everyone knows exercise is essential, but as people age, maintaining physical fitness becomes even more important. Not only can regular exercise help seniors feel healthier and more energetic, but it can also contribute to better balance, reduce fall risk, and even help manage chronic diseases. Let’s take a closer look at how fitness can benefit seniors, some effective exercises, and our best exercise tips for older adults.

Embarking on a fitness journey can be overwhelming, and with so many options available, it can be challenging to find the right path for your unique needs. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years is counting macros, a nutrition strategy designed to help you meet your goals, whether that's weight loss, muscle gain, or improved overall health. Here’s what counting macros means, why a macro-based nutrition plan could be beneficial for you, and how to get started counting macros.

On Sunday, May 6th, the Siegel JCC of Delaware was proud to bring a 23-person delegation to the Mid-Atlantic Mini & Junior Maccabi Games in Baltimore, the first since COVID. This one-day, Olympic-style event for Jewish youth ages 9-12 rotates between host sites in the region. For our 12-year-olds, this was their first and last year of eligibility; they were only eight the last time the games were held. Despite getting the short end of the stick, these athletes paraded onto the field with their heads held high in solidarity with the other 500+ participants, fully embracing their common interest in sport and common heritage as Jewish kids.

In 2018, J staff member Sarah Segestrom died by suicide at the age of 16. The loss of Sarah had a profound impact on our community, with teens, parents, grandparents, and educators seeking support in helping themselves and those they care about through mental health struggles.

5 years ago, Sarah’s journey and memory inspired the creation of the Wellness Summit, a program with goals of opening up honest lines of communication around mental health and reducing the stigma around mental illness. Over the last five years, the Wellness Summit has been a forum for sharing grief, learning about the impact of mental health, and finding ways to cope as a community.

Does the idea of sitting at a desk all day make you feel physically sick? Are you happiest when spending time outside, being active, with other people? Do you enjoy working with a team of supportive, like-minded people? Are you a student looking for a seasonal job that is both enjoyable and will make a good addition to your resume? If the answer to any of those questions is "yes," then a job as a camp counselor might be the right fit for you. As a member of a summer camp staff team at a place like Siegel JCC, you'll get to experience a truly unique opportunity to grow as a leader and a person—while also having the time of your life. 

For parents of adolescents and pre-teens, the question of what to do with your kid over the summer can be a stressful one. Kids at that age are too old for daycare, but too young for a job. And while some older kids are trustworthy and mature enough to be left at home alone, many parents worry that leaving them to their own devices will keep them on their devices all day, every day—not a great way to spend a summer. 
Even as they mature, kids can still benefit from structured, positive activities, time to socialize, and supervision by trusted adults. If you're looking for something that checks all those boxes, summer camps for older kids offer all that and more. Here, we've outlined a few of the benefits of summer camp for teens and adolescents.

This month we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the new year for the trees. Trees, and the idea of sustainability, have always held a special place in the Jewish faith. The Midrash in Vayikra Rabbah teaches that “God planted a garden of trees in Eden. So you, too, when you will enter the land of Israel, planting trees should be your first involvement.” Many have truly taken this teaching to heart. In fact, according to embassies.gov, over 200 million trees now stand in Israel; making it one of the few countries in the world to have more trees now than it did 100 years ago, thanks to the efforts of its people in keeping the land healthy and intact for future generations.

Last week the Siegel JCC, along with our fantastic community, were featured in the podcast, Unorthodox. Listen to interviews with Ivy Harlev, CEO of Siegel JCC, and other members of the community, on the first segment of Across the JEW.S.A. 

In a society that is increasingly defined by loneliness and isolation, community centers offer an opportunity to connect with others in a family-friendly space. However, in addition to creating a space for meaningful interactions, there's a lot more to community centers than might initially meet the eye. Community centers, particularly Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), are dedicated to creating a sense of belonging and supporting the health and wellness of their members. 

Whether you're thinking about joining or are a new member still trying to get your bearings, here are a few of the benefits you can expect from your Jewish Community Center membership.

Maybe you've hit a plateau in your fitness routine. Maybe you're working toward a specific goal, whether that's losing weight, building muscle, preparing for a competition, or reaching a new personal record. Or perhaps you're trying a new type of exercise, starting a gym habit for the first time, or simply trying to deepen your fitness routine.
If any of the above apply to you, it might be time to look into personal training.

Not all fats are created equal, and too much of the wrong kind can do serious damage to your health. Here, we'll discuss the different types of fats, their benefits and dangers, and where to find them in the wild (er, that is, the supermarket).