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Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis Camp Olami — Summer Camps in Minneapolis

Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis Camp Olami

4.5(20)4.5 out of 5 stars, 20 reviews Minneapolis, MN

About Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis Camp Olami

Camp Olami is a summer day camp program hosted at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center, a community center known for its amenities including indoor and outdoor pools. While some parents report positive experiences with counselors and general activities like crafts and exercises for 5-year-olds, there are significant concerns regarding the variety of daily activities, camp management's responsiveness, and safety protocols, particularly concerning communication during health crises and child privacy during changing.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Parents seeking a summer camp for children around 5-6 years old within a community center setting that offers general activities and access to pool facilitiesFamilies who prioritize access to diverse recreational amenities through the community centerSpecifically mentioned for 5 and 5.5-year-olds (Review 2, Review 4)Review 3 states the 'entire facility is geared towards kids of all ages' during the summer, implying broader appeal, but specific camp feedback is for younger elementary children

Why families love it

  • Operates out of a well-equipped Community Center with indoor and outdoor pools (implied use for camp activities based on facility description)
  • Some parents report a positive 'first time at camp' experience for 5-year-olds (Review 4)
  • Counselors generally described as 'nice' (Review 2, Review 4)
  • Offers general activities including 'crafts' and 'exercises' (Review 3, Review 4)
  • Staff are described as 'knowledgeable' (Review 3)
  • Access to a Community Center with indoor and outdoor pools (implied from Review 1's description of the facility)

Insider tips

  • Inquire about the specific daily activity schedule and variety, especially for crafts, if your child thrives on diverse engagement (Review 2)
  • Verify camp director presence and communication protocols, particularly for health and safety concerns, as unresponsiveness was a reported issue (Review 2)
  • Discuss privacy policies for changing rooms or swim activities with camp staff directly if this is a concern for your child (Review 2)
  • Compare the camp's pricing against other high-rated camps in the area, as it's reported as significantly more expensive (Review 2)

Good to know before you go

  • If you require highly varied, sophisticated craft activities daily (Review 2)
  • If responsive, proactive, and visible camp management for health and safety issues is a top priority (Review 2)
  • If budget is a primary concern, as the camp is reported to be significantly more expensive than alternatives (Review 2)
  • Craft activities were 'limited to the same simple rock painting each day' (Review 2)
  • No apparent camp director on site at drop-off in the morning (Review 2)
Value
One parent reported the 'Price is 50% higher than other high rated camps,' leading to a perceived poor value given the issues encountered (Review 2). No other specific pricing mentioned.
Accessibility
No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews
Safety
Reported lack of visible camp director on site at drop-off (Review 2)

What parents say

Jennifer Tarantino
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Hidden gem in St Louis Park! This beautiful Community Center features an amazing Health and Wellness Fitness Center with outstanding ammenities. There are both indoor and outdoor pools too- and sauna, steam and whirlpool in the locker rooms. If you are looking for a great place to workout- check it out!"

a year ago

L W
2.02.0 out of 5 stars
"Enrolled my 5.5-year-old upon recommendation of friends. Crafts limited to the same simple rock painting each day. My daughter said she changed into her swimsuit in front of boys--was not able to confirm since no apparent camp director on site at drop off in the morning to ask questions and camp director failed to respond to emails, even about Covid after 24 campers/counselors tested positive. Price is 50% higher than other high rated camps too. While the teen counselors seemed nice, I didn’t bother sending my kid back to prepaid sessions."

a year ago

Larry Lange
4.04.0 out of 5 stars
"Camp Olami is obviously closed this time of year due to 3 feet of snow but during the summer, this is a great place for kids. Crafts, exercises and knowledgeable staffers make it a daytime destination. The entire facility is geared towards kids of all ages."

6 years ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.