The J Center for Early Learning

What happens when science becomes something children can see, touch, and explore? 🧲✨

This week, Magnet Mania sparked excitement as campers experimented with the invisible forces of magnetism. From creating colorful magnet paintings to testing attraction and repulsion through interactive games, each activity encouraged children to observe, predict, and discover how magnets work in surprising ways. Watching magnets "dance" and move without touching was a favorite moment that filled the room with excitement and questions.

These engaging experiences help build early scientific thinking while encouraging children to investigate, make connections, and see that learning is full of possibilities.

Thank you to Brian, Kimberly, Jackie, and Daniel from Insights Science Discovery for bringing such an engaging and memorable STEM experience to Camp Shamayim! 💛

This week, our campers journeyed to Poland and launched into an unforgettable adventure through space, science, and culture! 🚀🌍

The excitement took off as campers explored the fascinating world of rockets, planets, and space exploration. Through hands-on experiments, they discovered the science behind astronautics and Newton's Third Law of Motion by launching stomp rockets, balloon rockets, and even rockets powered by chemical reactions. Watching their creations soar into the sky gave them a firsthand look at how pressure, force, thrust, and motion work together to make space travel possible. A special thank you to Alfred Olivas from Insights Science Discovery and student intern Gwen, who brought science to life with engaging demonstrations, exciting experiments, and interactive learning experiences.

Our young explorers also learned about Nicolaus Copernicus, the groundbreaking Polish astronomer whose revolutionary ideas transformed our understanding of the universe.

Back on Earth, campers immersed themselves in Polish culture through language, food, games, and traditions. They practiced simple Polish phrases, enjoyed traditional games, made refreshing cucumber salad, and sampled delicious pierogi.

Inspired by Poland's vibrant artistic heritage, campers created colorful folk-art designs featuring symmetry and patterns and painted beautiful Polish nesting dolls.

Of course, the week was also packed with outdoor adventures, water play, laughter, and unforgettable moments with friends.

From rockets and astronomy to art, culture, and discovery, it was an incredible week filled with curiosity, creativity, and adventure. Poland truly took us to new heights! 🚀✨

This week, our campers had the opportunity to learn from two inspiring members of our community: Alfred Olivas from Insights Science Discovery and Gwen, a local high school student and National Science competition winner who will be interning with NASA this summer before attending the United States Naval Academy. 🚀✨

Together, they helped bring the science of rockets to life through hands-on exploration and exciting demonstrations.

Campers discovered how rockets rely on the scientific principles: thrust, pressure, force, gravity, and Newton's Third Law of Motion. Whether powered by compressed air or a chemical reaction, these rockets demonstrated how rapidly escaping air or gas can create enough force to send a rocket soaring into the sky.

Experiences like these inspire curiosity, spark questions, and help children see science in action. Thank you to Alfred and Gwen for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of discovery with our young learners!

This week, we traveled to the Netherlands and discovered a world of wind, innovation, art, and adventure!

Our campers explored the fascinating science of air and movement through wind tunnels, floating boats, paper airplanes, spinning windmills, and hands-on experiments inspired by the Bernoulli Principle. We were also excited to welcome the El Paso Radio Controllers, who introduced us to model helicopters and airplanes, giving children an up-close look at the aircraft and the science behind flight.

The adventure continued as we explored Dutch traditions through games, creativity, and food. Children enjoyed trying Zoetzure (Dutch sweet and sour egg salad) and Kibbeling-style fish cakes while learning about some of the flavors and customs of the Netherlands.

Inspired by Dutch artists and culture, our young creators painted colorful masterpieces, explored abstract expressionism, created Delft tile-inspired artwork, and designed beautiful decoupage plates. Along the way, they learned about famous artists including Vincent van Gogh and Willem de Kooning.

Of course, no Camp Shamayim week would be complete without sunshine, water play, bubbles, laughter, and making memories with friends. From morning flag raising and camp songs to afternoons filled with discovery and exploration, every day brought new opportunities to learn, create, and wonder together.

What an incredible first week of Camp Shamayim! 🇳🇱✨🌬️

Members of the El Paso Radio Controllers visited us this week to share an exciting hands-on lesson about the science of flight.

Our students got to see how model airplanes and rockets work while learning about forces like lift, thrust, gravity, and drag, as well as the Bernoulli Principle, which helps explain how wings create lift.

It was an exciting experience of science, engineering, and curiosity taking flight together. Thank you to Mike Hicks and Kevin Parker for inspiring our young learners! ✈️

Today we honor and remember the fallen heroes who served our country. ❤️🇺🇸

We are grateful for their courage and sacrifice, and we wish all of our families a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day.