Get in the game!
Sports and Recreation
The Bender JCC offers instructional skills classes, pick-up games, and league play in a variety of sports. With recreational sports programs for all ages and skills, everyone from rookies to seasoned vets can get in the game at the Bender JCC!
Adult and Youth Sports
Whether introducing your children to their next favorite sport, joining a pick-up game of basketball or pickleball, competing in a social league like racquetball or softball, or going for gold in the JCC Maccabi Games, you’ll find the sports and recreation programs to get you off the bench and into the game at the Bender JCC.
From weekend warriors to budding superstars our sports classes, games, and leagues not only build athletic skills, they build character, confidence, and most importantly, connections. No matter your age, the Bender JCC’s youth and adult sports and recreation programs are a great way to have fun with life’s most valuable teammates: your friends and family.
Youth Sports
Participants learn the fundamentals of the game, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. The instructor will incorporate mini-games and activities to improve these skills.
Participants learn the fundamentals of the game, such as ball-handling, shooting, and defense. Two levels of classes offer in-depth instruction.
Young gymnasts will develop balance, flexibility and coordination, and social skills including confidence and self-esteem.
Welcome to Yoga for young teens! This class is designed for kids ages 12 to 16 years old to learn foundational yoga stretches, meditation and mindfulness techniques intended to holistically strengthen their mind and body. Participants will develop improved flexibility and strength. They will also learn stress relieving techniques that will complement their development both in school and other extracurricular activities.
Kang’s Blackbelt Academy, the Bender JCC’s karate program, promotes a non-competitive lifestyle, inner balance, and discipline. We offer a variety of classes for all age ranges and ability levels.
Perfect for sports fanatics, we offer a variety of multi-sports programs to keep participants active and engaged. Activities include floor hockey, basketball, dodge ball, T-ball, tennis, and more!
Gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit. The more players the better! Dubbed a kinder gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. Fun and easy, everyone gets a serious workout.
Participants learn the fundamentals of both tennis and volleyball, such as serving, volleying, and scoring. Both of these sports encourage participants to think on their feet while they move quickly.
The pickleball sensation is here for kids ages 6-12! Though similar to tennis, pickleball has its own rules and strategies. This class will introduce youth to the basics of pickleball, including serving and volleying.
Adult Sports and Recreation
Pickleball is back at the Bender JCC! Adults of all ages and skill levels can choose from drop-in games, instructional classes, and league play.
Looking for a fun activity to do with other moms who have preschool aged kids and younger? Come to the Bender JCC for a super social beginners (experts welcome too) game of pickleball. We’ve got all the equipment, plus there will be an instructor to teach everyone rules and techniques.
Drop-in to the Paul S. Berger Sportsplex, Wasserman Gymnasium, or Weinberg Health & Fitness Center and find a pick-up game on our full sized sports courts for basketball, futsal, pickleball, racquetball, squash, and racquetball.
JCC Maccabi Games and Mid-Atlantic Junior Games
Since 1982, Jewish teens from around the world have come together for an Olympic style event filled with spirited competition and powerful comradery. Maccabi promotes sportsmanship, community service, and religious pride. Join the Greater Washington Team today for a Jewish teen experience filled with memories that last a lifetime. Host JCC locations change each year.
A week-long competition in 14 sports held each summer.
A week-long event in seven disciplines held each summer.
A one-day regional competition in six sports held during the first weekend of May.
Support the JCC
We rely on donors to help make many of our programs and services possible, such as inclusion, gallery exhibits, senior programs, ESOL classes, literary events, young family outreach, and much more.
