If you were lucky enough to grow up in a community with a great Jewish Community Center (JCC), you know that it’s so much more than a fitness center or a pool. It’s an amazing resource that welcomes families and individuals from all walks of life, providing opportunities to gather, collaborate, learn, celebrate, reflect, and so much more. Sometimes, you’re even lucky enough to have a JCC like the Stroum JCC nearby, with additional resources like an Early Childhood School and fabulous summer camps! The Stroum Jewish Community Center Mercer Island is an amazing perk to living here, and I’m here to show you why!
About Jewish Community Center Mercer Island
3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
The Samuel and Althea Stroum Jewish Community Center of Greater Seattle is a wonderful community resource for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Since 1949, the Stroum JCC on Mercer Island has been serving the Jewish and general community in the greater Seattle area. From newborn babies to seniors, there are plenty of activities, facilities, and events to enrich the lives of everyone in your family.
Before we jump into some of the specifics about what the Stroum JCC has to offer, let’s start with a quick overview! You can find parenting classes, before and after-school care, sports teams (for kids and adults!), a lap pool and fitness center, and popular summer camps. The Stroum JCC is also home to an Early Childhood School, a newly remodeled state-of-the-art auditorium, and beautiful gardens.
The vision of the Stroum JCC hasn’t changed much over the years; their goal is “to be Puget Sound’s most open and welcoming community-centered Jewish organization.” You’ll feel a sense of “Jewishness” in everything about the JCC, connecting Jewish and non-Jewish families in a way that is collaborative, mindful, and supportive. It’s a true sense of connection and community you have to experience to believe!
Programs And Services At Jewish Community Center Mercer Island
The Stroum JCC offers a variety of programs, services, and facilities to enrich the lives of members of the community. Here are a few highlights you can find!
Early Childhood School
The Stroum JCC’s Early Childhood School (ECS) is a Reggio Emilia-inspired program with full-day and part-day options for children ages 3 months through 6 years old. Your family doesn’t need to be Jewish to join – everyone is welcome, and as soon as your child is enrolled, you’ll become a valued part of the larger JCC community! In each of their programs, you’ll find content and activities that combine Jewish values with leading early childhood development theories. Little ones of all ages will become compassionate, curious, and confident learners through innovative learning experiences.
The ECS offers low child-to-teacher ratios and class sizes that allow students to receive individualized attention. Their beautiful, open classrooms are filled with high-quality natural materials, and outdoor spaces allow for hands-on environmental learning, too. They’ll get to participate in music classes, swimming, and plenty of other activities that support each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Children in the Threes and Fours program also have the option to join a bilingual Hebrew/English classroom, too!
Families
As a family, it can sometimes be a challenge to find activities and opportunities to enjoy together. Jewish Community Center Mercer Island offers a variety of programs designed for families with children of all ages! Jewish families with little ones can gather together every Friday for Tot Shabbat, presented by Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, PJ Library, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Celebrate Shabbat with singing, dancing, friends, and fun every week!
Another great Shabbat tradition to enjoy with your family and friends is Challah Baking. The JCC will have the dough already prepared, so you can come and practice your braiding and baking skills! Bring home a fresh loaf of challah for your Shabbat dinner!
Parents, if you’re looking for a night off (or, gasp, a date night?!), you can take advantage of J Camp’s Parent’s Night Out. Drop off your little ones for a pool party/pizza/movie night while you take some time to yourself, whatever the cause.
Don’t forget about their amazing J Camp summer camps, after-school enrichment classes, swim lessons, and so much more!
Lifestyle
In addition to activities and events, Stroum JCC has some awesome facilities for staying active and healthy. Their 25-yard indoor pool has swim lessons, aquatic classes, and lap swims for a refreshing workout. They’re also home to the largest fitness center on Mercer Island, stocked with cardio and strength equipment, an indoor track, and a staff who is dedicated to helping you get – and stay – fit! With over 40 weekly fitness classes, both live and online, it’s easy to find an activity you love to help you stay active. Additionally, Stroum JCC’s courts are great for pickleball, racquetball, and basketball. Beginners and enthusiasts can take advantage of open court hours or join a team!
Specialty
As a parent of a teenager, you may know how much of a challenge it can be to find programs, particularly Jewish ones, with which your teen can engage. Sometimes it feels like once they’ve been Bar or Bat Mitzvah’ed, they’re on their own! Jewish Community Center Mercer Island offers a variety of opportunities for teenagers to come together, find community, and stay connected to their Jewish identities.
One of the most valuable resources for teens offered by Stroum JCC are their peer groups, where teens in 6th – 9th grade can come together to talk about Jewish values and traditions and how they can help guide the teenage experience. There are 3 separate groups based on gender identity: Rosh Hodesh for girls, Shevet for boys, and Tzelem for non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender-questioning teens. Led by a trained mentor, these groups foster new relationships and provide ample opportunities for growth, learning, and fun.
The Giving Initiative for Teens (GIFT) is a national program to teach teens about grant-making, nonprofit management, fundraising, and Jewish values. Participants find ways to engage within the community, working together to raise and allocate funds to then distribute to local nonprofits.
Of course, the JCC is also a great place for teens to work! Whether it’s as a camp counselor, a lifeguard, or even welcome desk staff, there’s a place for every teen to flex their skills as a valued employee.
There is Something For Everyone In The Wonderful Community At Jewish Community Center Mercer Island
The Stroum Jewish Community Center Mercer Island is an incredible place to gather, learn, exercise, celebrate, and come together as a family. Check out their website to learn more about everything they have to offer, including upcoming events and holiday celebrations.
If you’re looking for another way to make this stage a little more enjoyable, I would love to connect. I’m a Mitzvah photographer, and I adore working with parents so they can remember this amazing celebration. If you’ve been considering booking a photographer for your child’s Mitzvah, then let’s chat! So you can decide if my style is right for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
