J Day Camps proudly runs ACA-accredited day camp at two locations: Camp Essman at the J – St. Louis’s Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield (available to grades K-6) and Camp Baer at J – St. Louis’s Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur (available to grades K-7). At both camp locations, campers enjoy full days of movement, creativity, and hands‑on exploration. They jump into outdoor activities like soccer, flag football, sack races, capture the flag, Ultimate Frisbee, and obstacle courses! Campers cool off with most days by swimming in our outdoor pools, featuring big‑splash water slides, an aquatic climbing wall, and our signature tree swing. They can enjoy free swim and can boost their skills through fun, confidence‑building lessons led by certified instructors. And with indoor and outdoor pools at both locations, there’s no time lost on bus rides. Indoors, campers explore arts and crafts, skits and dance, science projects, and cooking. Depending on age and location, they may also climb the rock wall, use racquetball courts, play in full‑size gyms, or join weekly Shabbat celebrations. With choices spanning sports, arts, science, cooking, and more, campers build friendships, discover new skills, and enjoy a classic J Day Camps summer.

J Day Camps proudly runs ACA-accredited day camp at two locations: Camp Essman at the J – St. Louis’s Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield (available to grades K-6) and Camp Baer at J – St. Louis’s Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur (available to grades K-7). At both camp locations, campers enjoy full days of movement, creativity, and hands‑on exploration. They jump into outdoor activities like soccer, flag football, sack races, capture the flag, Ultimate Frisbee, and obstacle courses! Campers cool off with most days by swimming in our outdoor pools, featuring big‑splash water slides, an aquatic climbing wall, and our signature tree swing. They can enjoy free swim and can boost their skills through fun, confidence‑building lessons led by certified instructors. And with indoor and outdoor pools at both locations, there’s no time lost on bus rides. Indoors, campers explore arts and crafts, skits and dance, science projects, and cooking. Depending on age and location, they may also climb the rock wall, use racquetball courts, play in full‑size gyms, or join weekly Shabbat celebrations. With choices spanning sports, arts, science, cooking, and more, campers build friendships, discover new skills, and enjoy a classic J Day Camps summer.

Fostering a connection to the outdoors and comfort in nature, this session explores the basics of tent camping and outdoor exploration. Utilizing our own adventure education gear, campers will learn how to choose a safe and comfortable campsite, set up tents, utilize camp gear, and care for their camp space. Younger campers will focus on imaginative play within their camp, learning through games, stories, and creative exploration. Older campers will build practical outdoor skills, including basic orienteering, map reading, and teamwork challenges. Throughout the week, campers will learn through play, practice, and adventure while developing respect for nature and a love of being outside. Staff will heavily support the set up of tents and basecamp so that the focus is on fun! Field trips will include our Jan Phillips Learning Center / LaBarque Campus

Climb on! Climbing! ALL campers can participate in this TCS tradition. Our campus rock climbing wall will challenge and strengthen campers as they learn the safety and climbing skills necessary to summit. Climbing is an important part of our curriculum and our equipment is designed to fit campers of all ages. Harness and helmet fitting, basic knot tying, and climbing techniques are some of the topics discussed during this fast paced week. In addition to climbing, our youngest campers will engage in fun and interactive art projects while learning about famous climbers and explorers. Field Trips will be to the Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym.

This high-adventure, 6-day, 5-night expedition will have campers paddling two National Scenic Rivers: the Buffalo River, located in Northern Arkansas, and the Eleven Point River, located in southern Missouri. Campers will utilize National Park Service campgrounds while floating the Buffalo River and gravel bar camp while on the Eleven Point River. Both rivers are truly stunning in terms of natural beauty. Our first three days will be spent on the Buffalo River, the first river in America to be designated a National River. The upper sections are widely regarded as the best and most scenic floats in the entire Midwest because of the towering bluffs and waterfalls, including Hemmed-in-Hollow, the tallest from the Rockies to the Appalachians! Next, the trip heads north and back across the state line to the Eleven Point River, which was the first river in Missouri to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The Eleven Point is fed by more than 30 natural springs (including Greer Spring, the second largest in Missouri), which contribute significantly to the river’s clean waters and scenic beauty.

The CIT (Counselor In Training) program is for students interested in developing leadership skills, gaining experience working with children, and building self confidence. The program includes many aspects of a camp counselors role including: CPR certification, training sessions on such topics as basic child development and behavior management, counseling techniques and best practices, communication and leadership, and environmental stewardship. In addition to obtaining CPR certification and childcare experience, CITs will be mentored by camp leaders, and interact with professional educators to obtain the skills necessary to create a fun, engaging, safe, and upbeat camp experience. Volunteering a minimum of four one-week sessions per summer is a requirement to complete each level. CITs may volunteer more than four sessions per summer.

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!

Led by De Smet Jesuit coaches, teachers, and students, our camps are all about pushing yourself, making new friends, and having an unforgettable summer. Come see what it means to be a Spartan!