Jewish Community Center

Overview

The Scranton Jewish Community Center (JCC) is a multifaceted community hub located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, functioning primarily as a fitness, wellness, and family-oriented facility rather than a dedicated sauna business. While no traditional saunas are explicitly mentioned, it emphasizes a health and wellness center with aquatic facilities, including an indoor pool, gymnasium, and group fitness areas. The center promotes physical activity, swim programs, and low-impact classes like FloatFit, alongside family and youth activities.

The overall atmosphere is welcoming, inclusive, and community-driven, rooted in Jewish values of kindness, respect, and compassion but open to all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It fosters a nurturing environment for social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development across all ages, from infants to seniors. Members enjoy a vibrant, family-friendly experience with free youth programs, holiday events, and a sense of belonging—summed up by their slogan: “You Belong at the Center!”.

Features & Amenities

• Indoor Pool: Central to aquatics, used for swim lessons, lifeguard training, family swims, and classes like FloatFit (low-impact full-body workout on water)
• Gymnasium: Hosts fitness classes, birthday parties, youth activities (e.g., Lego builds, bumper cars at events), and sports
• Wellness Center: Supports cancer wellness, arthritis aquatic exercises, and general fitness; tagged in events like 5K runs
• Early Learning Center: Keystone STARS-accredited daycare and preschool for ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with flexible full/part-time scheduling
• Fitness Equipment and Classes: Yoga, crochet for kids, CPR/First Aid training, and specialized sessions like Sacred Aging seminars
• Multi-Purpose Spaces: For events, camps (e.g., JCC Camp Daleville nearby), and senior programs
• Additional Perks: Free parking, proximity to universities/hospitals, professional staff with ongoing training

Services

• Aquatics Programs:

  • Parent/Child Swim Lessons (ages 6 months-3 years, Sundays 10:30-11:00 AM, $50/$40 for members per 4 sessions)
  • Lifeguard Certification (American Red Cross: water rescue, CPR, First Aid)
  • Baby-Me Swim, After School in the Pool, Arthritis Aquatic Exercise
  • FloatFit classes (Thursdays 6:50-7:30 PM, free for members, $15 non-members)

• Youth & Family Programs:

  • Winter programs: Kids Yoga, crochet, Lego builds (free for family members starting Jan 5)
  • Camps: JCC Camp Daleville (day camp 15 minutes away)
  • Birthday parties in pool/gym
  • Kids Night Out events

• Fitness & Wellness:

  • Group classes (yoga, low-impact workouts)
  • Senior programs and center
  • Cancer wellness support (e.g., Theresa Borgia 5K)

• Community Events:

  • Holidays: Chanukah Festival, Purim Carnival (free, with games, crafts, kosher food), Yom HaShoah, Israel Independence Day
  • Annual Meeting, golf fundraisers, pasta nights

• Early Childhood: Nurturing curriculum for social/emotional growth

• Membership Services: Online account management for registration

Pricing

• Memberships: 25% off annual for new members; renew/lock 2025 rates for 2026 (Family, Couples, Adult types). Limited time offer ends Dec 31, 2025
• Classes:
  • FloatFit: Free for members, $15/class non-members
  • Parent/Child Swim: $50 (non-member)/$40 (member) per 4-session course
• Youth Programs: Many free for family members
• Events: Often free/community-wide (e.g., Purim Carnival, Chanukah Festival)
• Specific rates for camps, preschool, and seniors available via inquiry; donations/tributes encouraged for mission-driven programs

Location & Hours

• Address: 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 (conveniently near city center, University of Scranton, hospitals, Lackawanna College)
• General Hours: Not fully specified; early openings like 5:30 AM on some days
• Holiday/ Special Hours:
  • Christmas Eve: 5:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Christmas Day: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • New Year’s Day: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Closures: Simchat Torah, some Jewish holidays (e.g., Passover)
  • Pool closures for events (e.g., Kids Night Out)
    Contact for current schedule: 570-346-6595

Notes

• What Makes It Special: Mission-driven nonprofit blending Jewish heritage with broad community access—supports underserved programs via donations. Keystone STARS early learning, nationally recognized lifeguard certs, and inclusive events distinguish it. Strong emphasis on family bonding, skill-building (e.g., water safety), and wellness for all abilities/ages. No discrimination policies affirmed; vibrant event calendar builds lasting memories. Ideal for Scranton families seeking affordable, holistic recreation in a safe, values-based space.