Host Families

We need EVERYONE to "Get in the Game" as a Host Family. If you are a member of the Jewish Community, you can help house the nearly 1,000 visiting Jewish teen athletes that will be participating in our Games! Click "Register Now".

Criteria for our Host Families

• At least one adult in your home must be Jewish
• House a minimum of two visiting athletes for 5 nights, August 1st-5th. (Athletes depart on Friday the 6th).
• Provide separate beds for each athlete. Pull-out couch and air mattresses are acceptable. Athletes can share a room, but cannot share a bed.
• Provide breakfast each morning, and 2 dinners during the week
• Transport the athletes to the JCC in the morning, and pick up at night after Evening Programs.
• Provide one evening of Home Hospitality to your athletes on Host Family Night.
• Attend one Host Family Orientation Night; multiple meeting dates will be offered.

Common Questions:

Q:Do I need to be Jewish to be a host family?
A: Yes. All athletes must be housed in a Jewish home.

Q: Does that mean I have to be religious?
A: No. JCC Maccabi Games athletes come from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds, and there is no requirement that your household be religious or that you observe particular practices.

Q: Do I have to have a Kosher home?
A: No, a Kosher home is not required, but we will need Kosher homes for several athletes.

Q: Do I need to be a member of the JCC to be a host family?
A: No. Any Jewish Families are welcome and truly needed to host JCC Maccabi Games athletes

Q: I do not have a child participating in the Games. Can I still host?
A: Yes. All Jewish families are welcome and truly needed to host JCC Maccabi Games athletes.

Meals and Snacks Provided by Host family

• Daily breakfast: Monday, August 2nd through Friday, August 6th
• Dinner on Sunday, August 1st, prior to Opening Ceremonies
• Dinner on Tuesday, August 3rd (Host Family Night)

Transportation/Driving/Carpools

• Host Families will need to drive athletes to and from your house in a car, with one seatbelt per athlete. Note: You are welcome to carpool with other host families as long as the number of passengers does not exceed the number of seatbelts. Athletes may not take public transportation or walk city streets (unless accompanied by an age appropriate, registered adult).
• Drivers must be registered Host Family members and 21 years of age or older.
• Pick up athletes from the JCC on arrival day (August 1st) and transport them to and from Opening Ceremonies at Creighton's Ryan Center. Families are strongly encouraged to attend Opening Ceremonies.
• Daily drop-off for the athletes at the JCC - (Monday, August 2nd - Thursday, August 5th).
• Daily pick up for the athletes after each evening program. Pick up time is usually around 9:30 pm. On Host Family Night (Tuesday, August 3rd), pick up time will be be between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
• Drop off athletes at the JCC for their departure on Friday morning, August 6th.

Host Family Night

• On Tuesday, August 3rd, it is your chance to show the athletes a fun evening. Get together with a group of friends and plan a social night with other host families!
• If you want to find out what other host families are doing or want to share your fabulous night, click here.

Laundry

• Host Families need to provide laundry services. Athletes will need clean uniforms daily.
• Please provide access to laundry facilities so they may do their wash.