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.

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.

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.

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.

Flexibility and mobility are often overlooked aspects of physical health, yet improved flexibility and mobility come with valuable benefits, enhancing your overall physical performance and contributing significantly to your everyday well-being. Read on to learn more about the benefits of improved flexibility and mobility and discover some practical ways to enhance these essential elements of physical fitness.

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.

February is not just the month of love and affection symbolized by Valentine's Day; it's also a time when the Jewish community embraces a profound form of love through understanding and inclusivity. Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is an essential observance that underscores the importance of inclusion in every facet of community life. JDAIM is a call to all members of the Jewish community to implement full inclusion in every community aspect, reflecting the inherent value in each person.

"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.

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.

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. 

Increasingly, stress seems to have become an inseparable part of modern life. Current events (particularly concerns about money and the economy), combined with the demands of work, relationships, and family have all contributed to driving up stress levels around the nation—if not the world. 

Although we experience stress primarily as a feeling, prolonged exposure to negative stress can have major repercussions for our health and well-being. Chronic stress can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches, and more. Similarly, the effects of stress on mental health include increased likelihood of depression and anxiety. According to the American Institute of Stress, "We are facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come."

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). 

Strength training is an important part of any fitness routine. It's essential for building muscle mass, improving endurance, and maintaining a healthy weight. In fact, contrary to what many people might think, researchers have discovered that strength training can be just as or more effective than cardio at helping people lose weight and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to these, there are a slew of other benefits of strength training that might not seem obvious, such as better mental health, stronger bones, and improved balance. 

Strength training is also an extremely versatile form of exercise that includes bodyweight exercises, resistance training, and weight lifting. Regardless of where you're at in your fitness journey or what your long-term goals are, there are plenty of ways to make strength training work for you. Whether you're just getting started and are feeling a little lost, or whether you're looking to try something new, here's a step-by-step guide to incorporating strength training into your workout routine.

Looking for fun Jewish experiences over the Summer? Look no further than our list of favorites!