In STEM, campers dove into the world of 3D printing using the Tinker app. They designed shapes, models, and diagrams that were then brought to life through a 3D printer right before their eyes. What might seem like a geometry or engineering lesson in a classroom became a thrilling and creative experiment. To encourage innovation, the camp runs an award system where the best design wins a prize—on that day, a computer mouse. For middle school boys, making tangible 3D creations in the summer is not just impressive, it’s inspiring.
Pictured Above: A camper brings their ideas to life by creating 3D figures using the Tinker app at camp.
Meanwhile, the baking class exposed campers to new tastes and cultures. Campers rolled up their sleeves to make churros entirely from scratch—introducing many of them to a food they had never seen or tasted before. It was a delicious and eye-opening cultural experience, teaching practical cooking skills while broadening their horizons.
The archery session gave campers the chance to build focus, discipline, and patience. Far from “kiddie equipment,” the camp provided quality gear that made the experience both exciting and empowering. The boys practiced their aim and concentration in a safe, supportive environment. Between activities, the boys found creative ways to stay engaged; like hosting a race car tournament while waiting for their churros to finish frying.
Pictured Above: A camper takes aim during the archery activity at camp.
What makes Machane Heights special is its variety of enriching experiences. The boys enjoy basketball, table tennis, trampoline parks, bowling, and even fishing trips. They stay active, engaged, and energized throughout the summer while always learning new skills. Each day also includes prayer and Jewish activities, grounding the program in values and tradition, and creating a strong sense of identity and community.
The balance is what makes this camp so unique: biking for fitness and exploration, STEM for intellectual growth, cooking for creativity and life skills, sports for teamwork and energy, and Jewish values to tie it all together. The result is a summer that is not only active and fun but also educational, inspiring, and memorable. The boys of Machane Heights are encouraged to challenge themselves, discover new passions, and create friendships that last far beyond the summer months.
None of this would be possible without the vision and commitment of Rabbi Yanky Blasberg, who has dedicated himself to ensuring the boys of Machane Heights have the best possible summer. His passion and leadership shine through in every detail of the program, from the quality of the activities to the encouragement he gives to each camper.
Pictured Above: Campers enjoy a fishing adventure on a boat, learning the ropes on the open water.
JCCGCI is proud to sponsor this camp, and to see firsthand how it enriches the lives of participants. By combining fun, education, fitness, and Jewish identity, Machane Heights Biking Camp is creating not only incredible memories but also real growth.
The campers of Machane Heights are the leaders of tomorrow—and this program is helping them build the confidence, knowledge, and resilience to get there. We would also like to thank the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), through its Comprehensive Afterschool System of NYC (COMPASS) / School’s Out New York City (SONYC) program, for their invaluable support in making this camp possible.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this program, or has questions about next year’s session, we encourage you to reach out. For inquiries or questions about the camp, please contact info@jccgci.org.
Pictured Above: Campers dive into a STEM workshop, using the Tinker app to design 3D objects for printing.
ABOUT JCCGCI
Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI) is a community-based organization with a citywide scope, providing a wide-spectrum of senior citizen, career, educational, crime-reduction, mental health, community revitalization and related services benefiting all segments of the population. JCCGCI is also a technical assistance provider, offering capacity building services to nonprofits in all five boroughs through its NonProfit HelpDesk division (www.nphd.org). With 40 program sites throughout New York City staffed by almost 400 social service professionals, JCCGCI assists an average of upwards of 2,500 needy individuals and families each day.
JCCGCI’s Holocaust Survivor Support Services is one of the largest in the world, providing critical assistance to over 4,000 Holocaust Survivors annually. Services include Homecare, Transportation, Case Management, Friendly Visiting, Medicaid Appeals, Socialization, and Home Delivered Meals.
