JCC Maccabi Games^® and ArtsFest^®

All staff, coaches and chaperones for the entire JCC Maccabi Games must complete and pass a background check in order to participate. The Peninsula–Palo Alto Delegation staff includes Delegation Head Cole Cretcher, Assistant Delegation Head Keren Erlich, and other coaches or chaperones, maintaining an 8:1 ratio.

$1,750 until March 2nd plus $125 refundable late forms fee. $1,900 for those who register after March 2nd. Fees include JCC Maccabi Games registration and administration, pre-trip bonding activity, transportation, housing, food, delegation uniforms, bags, pins, practices, coaching, and supervision.

Deposits of $525 plus the $125 late forms fee ($650 total) is due upon acceptance of the position in the delegation to confirm the athlete or artist’s spot in the Delegation. Families may pay their fees by check or credit card. Families may pay the remaining fees in two additional installments, with the balance due by June 1, 2020. Further correspondence will be sent with specific dates. To set up a payment plan, please contact the Delegation Head, Cole Cretcher, at ccretcher@pjcc.org or via phone by calling 650.378.2783.

Program deposits are non-refundable. Forms fee deposit of $125 is refundable dependent upon all forms being completed within the given deadlines. Forms fee will be returned via the same method of payment, after the completion of the Maccabi Games. Please allow two weeks for the refund to post for all credit card transactions. Cancellations made prior to Friday, March 27, 2020, may be refunded the amount paid less the $525 non-refundable deposit and $125 late forms fee. The deposit is considered non-refundable once a signed welcome letter has been received. There will be no reduction or refund of fees for reasons including but not limited to absence, illness, or withdrawal due to changes in family circumstances.

Financial assistance may be available. Contact Cole Cretcher at ccretcher@pjcc.org for more information. Families requesting financial assistance will need to complete a separate application. Applications do not guarantee financial assistance. In order to be considered for financial aid, all paperwork must be submitted by Friday, February 14, 2020. Families are required to pay a $100 refundable deposit on the program to secure their position in the Delegation pending their financial assistance award letter.

Athletes and artists will be housed by host families in the host city. Athletes and artists will be housed with members of our Delegation, as well as teens from the local community and/or other delegations. This truly gives the athletes a unique and exciting experience. Please note that families may put in requests for housing matches; however, these are only requests. The Peninsula–Palo Alto Delegation is not able to make any adjustments to housing assignments as these are completed by the host community.

Roei Z. has participated in the JCC Maccabi Games for the past 4 years (since he was 12!). As a member of our boys soccer team, Roei shows tremendous leadership on and off the field. On the field, Roei has grown into a talented soccer player. He can be found giving it his all until the very end of the game, encouraging his teammates to do the same regardless if the outcome does not look positive. Off the field, Roei is actively participating in all that the Maccabi Games offers (including Hang Time and JCC Cares), often bringing new members of our delegation or teens from other delegations with him. Roei has one more year with the delegation and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for his last year!

Simon I. has participated in the Maccabi Games for the past two years. Coaches were quickly impressed by his maturity. As the only baseball player in his division, coaches could rely on Simon to communicate his whereabouts and changes to his schedule. Simon also immerses himself into the Games, quickly forming close bonds with his teammates and other members of the Peninsula–Palo Alto delegation. Even when playing on a team that doesn’t win any games, Simon always tries his hardest on field (and with a big smile on his face!). As one of the older teens in our delegation, Simon is a great role model to the younger members of our delegation. We’re excited to see what Simon brings to the delegation for his final year participating in the Games!

Lily J. is a three-year Maccabi Games participant, competing in Girls Soccer. She has been an asset to our delegation on and off the field, leading everyone to become the best versions of themselves. Lily exudes kindness, making quality contributions to the local Jewish community through her volunteer work and involvement with Jewish youth groups.

Noah K. participated in his first Maccabi Games in Orange County this past summer. The coaches were impressed with his commitment to the Games. Noah shared his enthusiasm for the Games with his teammates on his U16 boys soccer team and fellow members of the delegation. He was a great role model for younger members of our delegation.

Jordan L. is a two-year Maccabi Games participant, competing in swim. He is an innate leader, especially among the younger participants, encouraging others (as well as himself) to perform their best. Jordan represents the Jewish community well through his maturity and leadership.

Jason R. participated in his first Maccabi Games this past summer. He has relentless positivity both on and off the basketball court. When not competing, Jason could be found supporting other members of the delegation at their competitions. His inclination to support his Delegation was contagious, prompting other athletes to follow in his footsteps.