A Little History
From its beginning in 1990, Washington Hebrew Congregation's early childhood summer programs, Camp Keetov and In The Beginning, have earned a reputation of excellence in both programming and preschool camping.  Our directors, Maxine Perlmutter at the Potomac campus and Lynne Bluestein at the Washington campus, have been with the program since its inception and each has more than 30 years of early childhood experience.  Both directors are always on-site and available to parents and campers. 
 

Who are our campers?
Camp Keetov & In the Beginning, Washington Hebrew Congregation's exciting summer programs for young children, are held at both the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center (JBSC) in Potomac, Maryland and at the Temple in Washington, DC. Camp Keetov is for children ages 3-5. Enrollment is open to our current preschool students as well as the general community. In the Beginning is an introductory camp program for 2-year-olds. Enrollment is limited to children who are current T2's students or who are registered for our 2010-2011 school year 2-year-old program.

Who are our counselors?
We provide your child a fun-filled summer in a safe, warm and caring environment under the enthusiastic leadership of a mature and professional staff. Each group is supervised by adult group leaders, supported by well trained, responsible counselors. All staff participate in an extensive orientation as well as training throughout the summer. A low camper/staff ratio assures that each child receives the attention he or she deserves.  Our group leaders and specialists bring to their roles their talents, love of children and extensive experience in early childhood education. 
 

How do we keep our campers safe?
Camper health and safety is of utmost importance at Camp Keetov.  We are licensed by the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services at the JBSC and by the District of Columbia at the Temple. We maintain fully-equipped health rooms at both locations. Camp at the JBSC also employs a full-time registered nurse who consults, as needed, with camp at the Temple. Members of our staff at both locations have first aid certification and CPR training.  All staff have criminal background checks completed by the FBI and as applicable, the State of Maryland or District of Columbia.  Washington Hebrew Congregation also provides full-time security personnel at both locations.
 

Our goal
Our goal each summer is to create a memorable childhood adventure filled with age-appropriate activities and opportunities for enjoyment, learning and growth. We want each camper to wake up in the morning excited to come to camp and ready for fun. We also want you, their parents, to be confident that your children are safe, loved, and having a great summer experience in a familiar environment with caring, dynamic staff.