Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS) is offering four new camp programs this summer. Each is located on the JF&CS campus, 10950 Schuetz Road in the Creve Coeur area.

JF&CS therapists who work with youth throughout the year have created the groups for children and will offering them on various days throughout the summer. Those interested must register in advance. 

Program fees and contact information vary with each camp program. Parents may call 314-993-1000 for more information. The four camps are:

• “Surviving TWEEN Status” is a four-week summer program designed to help youth ages 10-13 cope with everyday life challenges. Participants will learn ways to communicate with others and gain control of their emotions. The program will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in two sessions: June 6-27 or July 11-Aug. 1. Discussion questions include: Why are my parents so annoying?; Why do my friends always irritate me?; How do I increase my happiness?; and Why can’t I just handle my anger? To register, call Deborah Hargrove at 314-812-9322. 

• “Music to my Moods” is a creative, interactive group for teens ages 13-18. Classes are all held from 1 to 3 p.m. and will explore the ways that music affects moods. Each week will center around a different mood “theme.” Participants and group leaders will each bring one or two samples of music that create the emotion of the week for them. Discussion will cover  the ways that different musical elements can actually affect the brain’s chemistry, altering mood and allowing music to be used as a tool for people to control and regulate their own feelings. Dates for this program are June 11 and 25 and July 9 and 23 and is free of charge to St. Louis County residents. To register, call 314-993-1000.

• “Curing Boredom: Finding Fun in Your Own Backyard” is a creative craft program which focuses on eliminating summer boredom by using “stuff” found at home or at a nearby dollar store. By setting aside electronic devices, and using the options offered by therapists, the campers can learn to have fun when they are feeling down. This program is open to children ages 10-14 for a $5 fee. Each session is from 10 a.m. to noon. Dates are June 16 and 30 and July 14. Registration required by June 12, June 26 and July 10, respectively. Contact Amanda Bohnenstiehl at 314-812-9316 or Kristen Caldwell at 314-812-9371 to register.

• “Teen Fiction Summer Book Club” is offered to those ages 13-17 and explores popular teen fiction. The sessions are held at no cost to St. Louis County residents and participants can sign up for any or all sessions. Book selections and dates are: “Hunger Games,” 2 to 4 p.m. on June 9, 16 or 23 with registration deadline May 30; “The Fault In Our Stars,” by John Green from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 30 and July 7 with registration deadline June 21; and  “Diversion,” from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 14 or 21 with registration deadline July 5. Contact Deborah Hargrove at 314-993-1000 to register.