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TABLE OF CONTENTS Click on the section you would like to read.
YEAR ROUND STAFF CONTACT PAGE 3 OUR BOARD MEMBERS 4 THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME 5 IMPORTANT SUMMER DATES 6 HOW TO REACH YOUR CAMPER 7 STAYING CONNECTED 8-9 DAILY SCHEDULE 10 TRANSPORTATION 11-13 DIRECTIONS TO CAMP 14 PACKING LIST & TIPS 15-16 MEDICAL INFORMATION 17-20 IMMUNIZATION POLICY ON VACCINATIONS 21 GENERAL INFORMATION 22-27 CAMPER CODE OF CONDUCT 28 LEGAL JARGON 29 YEAR-ROUND RETREATS 30 GLOSSARY OF HEBREW “CAMP WORDS” 31
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YEAR-ROUND STAFF CONTACT PAGE
IN HOUSTON
Frank Silberlicht Yael Twito Camp Director Associate Director [email protected] [email protected]
Michael Esposito Bar Twito Assistant Director Director of Operations [email protected] [email protected]
Julia Paeglis Jennifer Rosenzweig Dir. of Year Round Programs Book Keeper [email protected] [email protected]
Rachel Kurinsky Claire Adams Inclusion Specialist Office Manager [email protected] [email protected]
IN WIMBERLEY Brad Campbell Johnathen Abram Maintenance Director Head Chef [email protected] [email protected]
Winter Summer Camp Young Judaea–Texas Camp Young Judaea–Texas 5410 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 207 121 Camp Young Judaea Drive Bellaire, TX 77401 Wimberley, TX 78676 phone 713.723.8354 phone 512.847.9564 fax 713.728.5061 fax 512.847.5086
August 9-May 28 May 29-August 9 www.cyjtexas.org Updated 1/13/2016 Summer 2016 Page 3
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Thanks to the steadfast support and creativity of our dedicated volunteer leadership, Camp Young Judaea- Texas continues to thrive under the guidance of the following people:
CAMP YOUNG JUDAEA, INC. EXECUTIVE BOARD Camp Young Judaea, Inc. owns the facility and is responsible for fundraising and capital construction.
President - Jonah Paransky [email protected] Vice President - Facilities - Mike Abkowitz Vice President - Development - David Vener Vice President - Strategic Program- Cheryl Drazin Treasurer - Jason Schwartz Secretary - Lindsay Feldman Past President - Al Hiller
BOARD MEMBERS Reuben Bar Yadin ● Todd Blitzer ● Sarah Braham ● Annette Davis ● Lindsay Feldman ● Robert Haas ●
Aaron Hiller ● Dane Knecht ● Elana Lesartre ● Ann Ronn ● Jessica Samet Sarah Shapiro ● Gary Susswein ● David Vener ● Alex Wolchansky ● Gil Atzmon ● Haley Finkelman ● Roz Josephs Ferrell ● Debbie Karakowsky ● Howie Nestel ● Allen Noorily ● Justin Olitzki ● David Pactor Lisa Hartman ● Dawn Strauss ● Scott Turner
REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR
Amy Bossin — [email protected]
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THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME CYJ Texas is your child’s home away from home. At CYJ Texas, your child will gain valuable life skills. We tailor our attention to each camper’s individual needs, while teaching them the lessons of living as part of a community. Each camper will come back more self confident, with a stronger Jewish identity, with more knowledge about Israel and, most of all, they will have a great time!
SUMMER STAFF MISSION
Meaningful Relationships Educate about Israel and Judaism Nurturing Community Safety First Celebrate the Differences Have Fun!
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SUMMER 2016 DATES & FEES
Entering Program Tuition Session 1 Session 2 Notes Grade 2-3 Ofarim Mini A $2000 June 19-June 28 July 17– July 26 10 days
2-3 Ofarim Mini B $2000 July 1– July 11 July 29-August 8 10 days
3 Ofarim $3800 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks
4 Chalutzim $3800 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks
5 Tsofim $3800 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks
6 Maginim $3800 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks
7 Kesher $3800 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks
8 Bogrim $3800 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks
9 Segel $4850 June 19-July 11 July 17-August 8 3 weeks/travel
12 CIT $750 June 16-July 11 July 14-August 8 4 weeks
OTHER REGISTRATION DETAILS $100 early bird discount to session 1 campers registered by July 6 and session 2 campers who register by August 3 $100 sibling discount for each sibling $100 Jewish educators discount 2 payment options: pay in full upon registering or pay monthly through May 15th. $250 deposit is required on day of enrollment. $100 is non-refundable. After April 1st, $250 is non-refundable No refunds are given after May 1st
Updated 1/13/2016 Summer 2016 Page 6 HOW TO REACH YOUR CAMPER
Summer Office Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: 8:30am-6:00pm Saturday: Closed in observance of Shabbat
To inquire about your camper during the summer you can contact our Camper care team at 512-847-9564 or [email protected].
Campers and counselors cannot use the phone or receive calls, however you may leave a message for your camper’s Merakez (unit head) and they will call you back.
In the event of an emergency, the camp has an emergency message system that is checked regularly 24 hours a day. PLEASE USE YOUR BEST DISCRETION WHEN USING CAMP’S EMERGENCY LINE.
We try our best to make sure that campers write letters at least twice a week, but campers may send letters to whomever they wish. Packing pre-addressed, stamped envelopes and/or postcards is a great way to encourage your camper to write home. Please note that the campers do not receive mail or emails on Friday afternoon or Saturday in observance of Shabbat. They will receive Saturday’s mail on Sunday and will be able to respond at that time.
Camper’s Full Name Camp Mail Cabin Number (if known) All mail should be sent to: Camp Young Judaea
121 Camp Young Judaea Drive
Wimberley, TX 78676
Package Policy Campers may receive one package per full week at camp. (For example, a 10-day camper will be allowed a maximum of 1 package; a 3-week camper, 3 packages.) Anything received in excess of the allowance will be held until the end of the session. If a 3-week camper receives 3 packages in the first week, any packages after that will be returned. Communicate with grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends that any packages received from them will also count towards the package allowance. A package is ANYTHING larger than a standard-sized envelope or greeting card. In a package, you can send cards, magazines, books, toys, or clothing . . . . absolutely no food, candy, gum, or silly string is allowed. WE DO OPEN ALL PACKAGES to check for contraband. IF your camper has a birthday during camp, they will be allowed one extra package– please write on the package, “HOLD FOR <
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STAYING CONNECTED– FAQS
Do you want to get a glimpse into your child’s experiences at camp? Through our CampinTouch system you can find out the day’s happenings. Just go to our website www.cyjtexas.org and click on MY CYJ ACCOUNT.
With CampinTouch, you will find… the weather, a blog, the daily menu and links for viewing pictures and sending emails through our online system.
How do I view pictures? Simply sign in and click on the ‘Photos’ button.
Photos are kept in folders by camp group each day (menu is found at the top of the page). You can even purchase printed or downloaded digital pictures all summer!
There is no cost to preview pictures; however, in order to download the photo or print the photo at a high quality, you must pay a fee.
If you try to save the photo to your computer from the preview, it will not appear clear because the quality is not high enough.
We charge for these downloads and prints because we must outsource this system (we are not experts in this area). Another reason we want a secure server from an outside source is because they require a login so that photos of your child/ren are not made public. We take the privacy of our photos very seriously.
You can also request to have your camper respond to your email, which will come in the form of a scanned attachment to your e-mail inbox. Through the online system you can easily access and purchase summer camp stamps in order to e-mail your camper.
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS? Please call CampInTouch at 303-444-CAMP Updated 1/13/2016 Summer 2016 Page 8
STAYING CONNECTED– FAQS
How do I send an email to my camper & receive responses?
Step 1: Sign in to MY CYJ ACCOUNT by visiting: www.cyjtexas.org/mycyj. Your camper’s name(s) should appear.
Step 2: Under ‘Online Community’ you will find a credit card icon. Enter your credit card information there.
Step 3: Click on “Email” (located at the top of your screen), type your message, and hit the “Send” button.
For an e-letter response from your camper, you have 2 options: 1. You can pre-print stationary from your Campintouch account before your child leaves for Camp. 2. During the camp session , when you write an email to your camper, you can then select “I would like a handwritten reply to this email.” This will send your email with a barcode page attached for your camper’s response note. You will not be charged for the response letter until the response is sent back to you
Please note that this system is optional, and does cost money.
*Explain this process to your camper before they leave for camp so they’ll be sure to fill out the response letters.
Please try not to send more than one letter per day. Your child will be having a blast at camp and might not have time to send back multiple letters at once.
E-mails are printed every morning (except Shabbat) at 9:00 a.m. Any e-mails sent after 9:00 a.m. will be delivered to your camper the following day.
Can other relatives use these services? Certainly! Once you have set up your account, you will be able to invite other people to access these services. You can even share the camp stamps you purchase with your favorite relatives.
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7:00 am Hashkama (Wake-Up) 7:30-7:40 Mifkad Boker (Flag Raising) 7:45-8:30 Aruchat Boker (Breakfast) 8:35-9:10 T'fillot (Prayers)- Sick Call 9:15-10:00 Chug Alef/Nikayon 10:05-10:50 Chaverut/Chug Alef 10:55-11:40 Nikayon/Chug Bet 11:45-12:30 pm Pool/Chaverut 12:30-1:10 Aruchat Tsoharayim (Lunch) 1:15-2:10 Menucha (Rest Time) 2:15-3:00 Peulah Aleph (Activity A) 3:05-3:50 Peulah Bet-Kibud (snack before) 3:55-4:40 Peulah Gimmel (Activity C) 4:45-5:30 Peulah Daled (Activity D) 5:30-6:10 Chofesh (Free Time) - Sick Call 6:15-6:25 Mifkad Erev (Flag Lowering) 6:30-7:15 Aruchat Erev (Dinner) 7:20-7:40 All Camp Singing/Dancing 7:45-8:40 Peulat Erev (Evening Activity) 8:45 Z’man Tsrif (Bunk Time) 9:00 Laila Tov Ofarim/Chalutzim/Tsorim/Maginim (good night) 9:30 Laila Tov Kesher/Bogrim/Segel CAMP IS A VERY MAGICAL PLACE, SO WE HAVE A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE THAN MOST OF THE CAMPERS’ HOMES. CAMP TIME IS ON MOUNTAIN TIME. 7:00 A.M. WAKE UP = 8:00 A.M. AT HOME.
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TRANSPORTATION The camp experience begins on the bus —getting to know other campers, staff, cheers and songs—and that is why we prefer that you send your child to Camp by bus (available from Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio). Not only does taking the bus help campers transition into camp-mode, it also helps parents transition.
When the buses arrive at camp, all of the counselors are there to welcome each camper. Upon arrival, the counselors help each camper unpack and set up their beds. They also have special activities planned for the campers in the bunk as soon as they arrive to help them get to know each other and transition smoothly into camp.
We realize that some parents of first-time and younger campers may want to drive their child to Camp on opening day. Those families should arrive to Camp at 11:00AM.
Upon pick up at the end of Sessions 1 and 2 we encourage parents to attend Family Day. We run special activities and open registration for next summer. The day’s program will be scheduled from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
NEW THIS YEAR: The Camp sessions end on a Monday this year, therefore we have decided to provide buses home. We hope that you will pick up your camper(s) by car and enjoy our family day, however we understand that some parents are unable to miss work and there for the buses will be provided for a $40 fee.
Bus transportation is provided on the first and last days of Session 1 & 2. If your camper is arriving or leaving on a different date, we will NOT have bus transportation
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TRANSPORTATION Our buses to camp depart on time. Please be at the designated location at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in. Once a camper checks in, he/she will receive a name tag. A staff member will stand at the entrance to the bus and only allow campers with name tags to board. Parents will not be permitted on the bus; campers will not be allowed off the bus once they board. The Campers will arrive at Camp in time for lunch, but please pack a dairy snack for the bus ride. The buses will not stop along the way. There are bathrooms on the bus. All campers will be checked for lice and temperatures upon arrival at camp . Buses to camp are free; buses home from camp from Houston & Dallas will cost $40 per camper.
CITY DEPARTURE LOCATION Houston 8:00 AM Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood Jewish Community Center Dallas 7:00 AM 7900 Northaven
San Antonio 10:00 AM Jewish Community Center 12500 NW Military Highway Jewish Community Center 10:00 AM Austin 7300 Hart Lane
CITY ARRIVAL LOCATION Houston 12:00 PM Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood Jewish Community Center Dallas 1:00 PM 7900 Northaven
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TRANSPORTATION PLANE Campers traveling by airplane will be met at the Austin/Bergstrom International Airport. Camper flights must arrive between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the opening day of their session and depart between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on closing day.
Group Flights We will organize group flights with a staff member from Miami & Los Angeles, depending on the number of campers registered. If you are interested in sending your child on a group flight, please contact the camp office before you make your flight arrangements.
*Transportation to and from the Austin airport will be provided for free as long as flights arrive and depart between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. A ride at any other time will incur a charge of at least $75 each way and need the approval of the Camp Director before booking. We cannot guarantee a ride to any camper if the flight has not been approved.
If you are sending your child as an unaccompanied minor, we will e-mail you several days before arrival to give you the name of the staff member who will meet your child at the airport. Those who come by plane or simply don’t want to schlep bags are welcome to ship their luggage to camp. We will accept baggage deliveries the week prior to each session.
CAR You may bring your child to Camp at 11:00 a.m. on opening day by car. To ensure a healthy camp environment, all campers will be checked for lice and fever upon arrival. All visitors are asked to leave Camp by 1:00 p.m. so that we may begin our program.
OFARIM MINI Ofarim Mini A arriving June 19 & July 17, should be dropped off at 11:00 a.m. Ofarim Mini B arriving July 1 & 29, should be dropped off at 2:00 p.m.
Ofarim Mini A closing day (June 28 & July 26) parents should arrive at 10:30 a.m. and plan to stay for a special presentation prepared for you by your campers & their staff. Ofarim Mini B closing day (July 11 & August 8), please pick your child up from Camp at 10:30 a.m. and stay for the fun! Please be on time!! A special program will be run for parents as well as a kosher BBQ lunch for all of the families and campers.
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DIRECTIONS TO CYJ *If you’re using a GPS, please enter the following address: 1 Doolittle Dr. Wimberley, TX*
FROM AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Exit the airport and take a LEFT on TX-71 West. Continue straight and Texas 71 will become US-290 West. At the Dripping Springs traffic light (immediately after Home Depot) turn left onto Ranch Road 12. After about 14 miles take a right at the Woodcreek Drive traffic light to enter the city of Woodcreek. Go down Woodcreek Drive and turn right at the stop sign onto Brookhollow. Then take the 3rd left onto Jack Miller Drive. Straight ahead you'll see the gate to camp! Just go forward and welcome to CYJ!
FROM DALLAS / FT. WORTH AND WACO Take I-35 South and exit Loop 1 South & follow Austin Directions. See “From Austin”.
FROM AUSTIN Take MOPAC (Loop 1) South to 290 West toward Johnson City. About 15 miles outside of Austin, at the Dripping Springs traffic light (immediately after Home Depot) turn left onto Ranch Road 12. After about 14 miles take a right at the Woodcreek Drive traffic light to enter The City of Wood- creek. Go down Woodcreek Drive and turn right at the stop sign onto Brookhollow. Then take the 3rd left onto Jack Miller Drive. Straight ahead you'll see the gate to camp! Just go forward and welcome to CYJ! *To avoid the toll road (MOPAC 1) you can also take I35 South to Texas 71 and US-290 West and follow the “From Austin-Bergstorm International Airport” directions
FROM SAN ANTONIO Take I-35 North to San Marcos and exit the highway at Exit #202 (Wonder World Drive). Turn left at the traffic light and go under I35, continue straight at the traffic light towards Ranch Road 12/Wonderworld Drive. See "From San Marcos/Ranch Road 12".
FROM HOUSTON Take I-10 West towards San Antonio, exit the highway at Exit #632 toward highway 183 (Luling/Lockheart) At the traffic light , turn right onto Texas Highway 183. Follow Highway 183 towards Luling for 4.2 miles and turn right at the traffic light towards 80 North and 183 (You’ll see a Shell gas station on your right). After 0.2 miles, you will get to a traffic light, turn left to Highway 80 towards San Marcos, Follow Highway 80 through Luling to San Marcos for 22.7 miles. As you enter San Marcos, turn left at the light onto IH-35 South, Take exit #202 towards Wonder World Dr. and Wimberley. At the traffic light, turn right onto Wonder World Dr. (New RR12) See “From San Marcos/Ranch Road 12”.
FROM SAN MARCOS / RANCH ROAD 12 Take Wonder World Dr. / New RR 12 for about 10 miles and stay on RR12 North at the Farm to Market Road 32 bypass (RR12 will curve to the right). This road will take you to Wimberley and through the Wimberley town square. Two miles past the Town Square, the next traffic light you see will be Woodcreek Drive. Take a left on Woodcreek Drive to enter the city of Woodcreek. Go down Woodcreek Drive and turn right at the stop sign onto Brookhollow. Take the 3rd left onto Jack Miller Drive. Straight ahead you'll see the gate to camp! Just drive forward (the street officially becomes Camp Young Judaea Drive when you cross Jack Miller) and welcome to CYJ!
Dallas/ Ft. Worth
87 35 Camp Young Judaea - Texas Austin RR 10 121 Camp Young Judaea Dr. 12 Houston 10 FM Wimberley, TX 78676 32 Wimberley! San Antonio (Camp Young Judaea) 281 512-847-9564 Old RR12 Corpus Christi 713-723-8354 (Houston office)
Wonder World Dr. New RR12
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Occasionally campers become ill or injured while at Camp. When campers have health care needs, our professionally staffed Health Center is generally able to meet most needs of our campers and staff. Emergency and hospital facilities are available in nearby Austin and doctors are available in Wimberley when needed.
FORMS All medical information will be requested in our online forms in your CampInTouch. One form is our “Health History” form which can be completed and submitted online. The other two forms are paper forms called “Physician’s Examination” and “Medical Authorization” which must be download and printed and either uploaded to the system or faxed back (without a cover page) to the number indicated on the form itself (832-415- 0584). This form is child-specific with a bar code to ensure that it is automatically added to your child's electronic record. OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS IN STOCK AT CAMP Please indicate on your child’s medical form if there are any over-the-counter medications that should not be taken. Please do not send the following medications to camp. They are given as needed and kept in stock.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Acetaminophen is used for the relief of fever as well as aches and pains associated with many conditions.
Antidiarrheal (Maalox) Relieves symptoms of excessive stomach acidity in patients with indigestion, heartburn, gastro esophageal reflux disease, or stomach or duodenal ulcers. Benadryl Used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Calamine Lotion Used as an antipruritic (anti-itching agent) to treat mild pruritic conditions such as sunburn, eczema, rashes, poison ivy, chickenpox, insect bites and stings. Ceterezine Antihistamine; nondrowsy Cough Drops (Generic) Used to ease coughing or soothe a sore throat. Hydrocortisone Cream Used to treat rashes, eczema, bites, reduces itch and inflammation. Ibuprofen (Advil) Used to treat headaches, muscle aches, backaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, or athletic injuries. This medication is also used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pain. Loratadine (Claritin products) Provides relief of seasonal allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose (rhinitis), itching eyes, and sneezing. It is also used for hives.
Maalox Used to relieve heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach and pressure and bloating commonly referred to as gas.
Mucinex Used to relieve the symptoms of cough and mucus in the chest due to colds, flu, or hay fever. Pepto-Bismol Used to relieve nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, used for over the age of 12. Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Temporarily relieve symptoms of the common cold, sinusitis (swelling and pain in the (Advil Cold & Sinus products) sinuses), and flu, including stuffy nose, fever, headache, and body aches and pains.
Tolnaftate (Tinactin) Used to treat skin infections such as athletes foot, jock itch, ect.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
MEDICAL FEES Charges for physician's services, emergency room fees, and all medications will be billed directly to the camper's parents or their health insurance carrier for any accidents, injuries, or illnesses that may occur. Therefore, every camper must be covered by a health insurance policy while at Camp. Please be sure to complete the “Medical Authorization” form online to provide us with your insurance information.
SHOTS For safety reasons, our medical staff will not administer allergy shots. We are able to give growth hormone injections (at an additional fee of $100). Segel campers cannot bring growth hormone shots on the trip.
PRESCRIPTIONS Please send your child’s medicine in its original prescription container and place it in a labeled (name and unit) Ziploc bag.
OVER-THE-COUNTER We are not requiring a prescription for over-the-counter allergy medicines that are given daily. Keep in mind that being outside in Wimberley may intensify your children’s allergies. Please see Page 22 for a list of our over-the-counter medicines.
VITAMINS Please do not send vitamins unless you absolutely must. Please do not send gummy vitamins. They will melt and we cannot distribute them.
INHALERS/EPI PENS Inhalers and epi pens are allowed in the bunks and should be kept by campers who need medications; however, any inhalers which are brought to camp should be indicated and explained on the medical forms so that the nurse is aware that the campers are in possession of their these inside of the bunk.
LICE We have a partnership to combat lice with Fairy Lice Mothers. They will train our staff on how to check for lice and will be on hand on opening day to help us. Any child found with lice will be charged a $200 fee by the Fairy Lice Mothers for a 3-step treatment process on site at Camp and all of their laundry will be washed and dried at a high temperature to ensure all is clean before entering the bunk. The Fairy Lice Mothers will also return to camp for a recheck. Learn more at www.FairyLiceMothers.com.
Alternatively, you can pick up your child, get treatment independently, and bring them back to CYJ when the lice is gone. Best bet, don’t send your child/ren to Camp with lice!
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING SEVERE FOOD ALLERGIES AT CAMP Food allergies can be life-threatening. Specifically in a camp setting, there is risk of accidental exposure to a food allergen. Our counselors, medical staff, parents, and campers must work together to minimize this risk.
FAMILY’S RESPONSIBILITIES Notify us of your child’s allergies or suspected allergies in advance. Use Page 2 of our Health History Form in CampInTouch to fully describe the allergy and reaction if exposure occurs. Educate and review with your child the self-management of his or her food allergy. Camper should know: -Safe and unsafe foods -Strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods -How and when to ask adults whether certain foods are safe -Symptoms of allergic reactions -How and when to tell an adult about a possible allergic response -How to use epinephrine
CAMPER’S RESPONSIBILITIES Camper should: -NEVER trade food with other campers or staff -NEVER eat anything with unknown ingredients -ALWAYS ask an adult to check ingredients if they are unsure of the safety of a certain food -Be proactive in the management of mild reactions, such as seeking help if a reaction is suspected -Tell an adult if a reaction seems to be starting, even if there is no visible appearance of allergic response
CYJ’S RESPONSIBILITIES Be informed of the availability of emergency care. -Know how to contact EMT/ambulance Review the health records submitted by parents and physicians. Establish prevention protocols for camp. -Make plans so that the camper with food allergies may be safely included in all activities -Be certain that all food service or kitchen personnel are aware of, and can identify the child with food allergies. -Discuss meal plans with parents/camper and alternative plans if necessary. -Plan how campers with food allergies will participate in meals. (i.e., a camper with food allergies might go to the kitchen to pick up a specially wrapped meal which includes only foods which are safe for them.) Ensure that all staff members who will be in contact with the camper know of the allergy, can recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and know what action to take if a reaction occurs. Ensure that appropriate personnel are familiar with the use of epinephrine, where medication is located, and the protocol. -Arrange a training session before the start of camp. Train staff on the usage of epinephrine auto-injectors. -Be in compliance with local and state regulations regarding the administration of medication. If there are planned field trips or out of camp activities: -Be certain any emergency medications and authorizations accompany the camper and counselors. -Be certain there is a way to contact emergency assistance. Hire an extra cook responsible for all food allergy meals.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY We are fortunate to have modern diagnostic tools in our health center, such as rapid strep kits and community physician-directed protocols, which often let us evaluate and treat the campers for minor ailments without their having to leave camp. For emergencies or illnesses which call for additional medical attention, the camper will be taken to the local doctor or Emergency Room.
The health center is designed to provide care for campers who require isolation, respite from camp routine, or for those that require more frequent observation than can reasonably be provided by the cabin staff. As a general rule, anyone with a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) should remain in the health center until they are able to maintain a normal temperature for 24 hours without medication and communicable disease can be reasonably ruled out.
You will be contacted by the Camp Nurse regarding your child’s health ONLY if: The camper is confined to the Health Center overnight. The camper is a frequent visitor to the Health Center (more than 2 visits about the same issue) The camper requires appointments with services or physicians outside of camp. The camper requires a new prescription. The camper requires transportation off site for emergency treatment and/or medical evaluation due to injury.
ADD/ADHD MEDICINES If your child has ADD/ADHD, it is important to discuss with your physician about the administration of medications during the summer. While school is out, the unique environment of Camp is still a learning experience. Camp emphasizes experiential learning and builds social skills. For the sake of this growth and for safety reasons, campers still need attention and vigilance while at camp. Please discuss your child’s summer plans with his/her physician. Many parents find that with medication, their child is better able to cope with camp and have a successful summer.
BED WETTING Our staff are trained in how to handle bed wetting issues. If you inform us of a bed wetting issue in your camper’s medical form, we will automatically put them on a bottom bunk bed. Our staff know that bed wetting can happen and are taught to be discrete and sensitive in such cases. The staff make sure that the camper’s sheets are washed while the campers are out of the cabin. If you anticipate a case of bed wetting, please pack one extra set of sheets.
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Policy Statement on Vaccinations
Safety and public health are priorities for CYJ Texas. The vaccination of all members of the community is essential in order to maintain a safe environment and decrease the risk of transmission of preventable illnesses. The establishment of a safe environment must therefore include the requirement that all members of the CYJ Texas community be adequately immunized against all of the preventable diseases as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
While parents may choose to defer the vaccination of their children, for CYJ Texas this is not an issue of individual rights and choice, but an issue of public health and policy. The routine vaccination of all children, staff and visitors is an important public health matter especially in the confined environment of a residential summer camp, with round-the-clock communal living and with some vulnerable populations present.
With the clear public health based need to protect the camp community as a whole, we are requiring that all campers attending CYJ Texas must be immunized in the manner below. Policy Statement: ALL CAMPERS WHO ARE IN RESIDENCE AT CAMP (children living in camp for longer than 6 days) are required to have age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Meningitis shot: It is nationally recommended that children age 11 and up get the meningitis shot. We believe that it would be a good idea to consult your doctor if your child is around that age and has not yet received this shot.
CYJ Texas makes the following exception: Gardasil or Cervarix (HPV vaccine): though recommended by the AAP and CDC, it is a relatively new vaccine for both young women and young men, and we are not in a position to mandate its use.
Policy Exceptions: We recognize that individuals who have had a documented allergy or severe adverse reaction to a particular vaccine will not be able to receive further doses of that individual vaccine. In addi- tion, individuals with medical conditions such as congenital immunodeficiency or HIV, malignan- cies receiving chemotherapy, transplant patients, and persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs and chronic steroids, will not be able to receive certain vaccines. In these instances, a physician documenting the problem and exempting the child from further doses of that spe- cific vaccine must be furnished to CYJ Texas. In addition, if an individual or his/her family be- lieves that a specific situation poses extenuating circumstances, and furnishes a letter from a medical doctor (MD) substantiating this contention, CYJ Texas will review such situations on a case by case basis.
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GENERAL INFORMATION ACCREDIDATION Camp Young Judaea is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association. Developed exclusively for the camping industry, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality and health and safety issues and requires us to review every facet of our operation. Camp Young Judaea has voluntarily submitted to this independent appraisal and has earned this mark of distinction. You can learn more about the American Camping Association at www.acacamps.org.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATION Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring for campers having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah within 3 months of camp can be provided if requested in advance. Please call our office to discuss your child’s needs. Our counselors would be happy to remind your child to practice for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah during their rest hour and sign a document indicating that they saw them studying their materials. Please discuss with your child before camp and send them with the necessary materials so that they understand that it is their responsibility to spend that time practicing and keeping up with their materials.
BIRTHDAYS Birthdays at CYJ are very special and enable campers to spend their birthdays surrounded by their friends and their favorite counselors. From the first activity of the day, the birthday girl or boy is recognized in front of the whole camp at morning mifkad or flag raising, everyone sings “Happy Birthday” together, and makes them “skip around the flag poles” either on their own or with their friends by their side.
During the day, the birthday girl or boy is asked to put on a funky hat and hold up a birthday sign for a special birthday photo, which we post online for parents to see.
At dinner, the entire camp sings “Happy Birthday” again and, of course, they “skip around the room” again as we bring out a cake for everyone to see. Following the evening activity, the counselors bring the cake to the cabin for a birthday party where they eat cake and celebrate the birthday together as a cabin group.
Some parents wish to send treats and gifts to their children for their birthday. If a camper has a birthday during camp, they are allowed an EXTRA package to be sent to them on their birthday. Food is not allowed to be sent to Camp because of allergies and kashrut; however, here are some suggestions of fun items to send your child on their:
Birthday party hats and noise makers for the cabin A t-shirt that says “today is my birthday” Cards signed by the whole family and friends at home Photos of family and friends holding up a sign that says “happy birthday” Stuffed animals Birthday decorations to decorate the bunk
How many people can say that over 300 people sang “Happy Birthday” to them on their special day? Only those who are lucky enough to spend their birthdays with us at CYJ!
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GENERAL INFORMATION
BULLYING & HARASSMENT Bullying and harassment of any camper is never allowed and will not be tolerated. Most children argue, tease, and do hurtful things to one another from time to time. Most feel empathy, guilt, remorse, compassion and then make up and move on. A bully does not. The bully takes perverse pleasure in using his/her power to hurt their victim. Bullying behavior includes rejection, name- calling, spreading rumors, threats, intimidation, and physical torment. Our staff members participate in an intensive anti-bullying training program during their orientation week. As part of this training, the staff will learn: How to create a bully-free atmosphere beginning the first day of camp To recognize warning signs of bullying To recognize different styles of bullying (direct, indirect, physical, verbal, social aggression, etc.) How to intervene quickly and effectively to keep all campers safe
*Please encourage your child to tell an adult if they are being bullied or experiencing any other problems while at camp. Sometimes, unless they tell someone, our staff does not know they need to help. *Any violation of this policy will be addressed immediately by staff and, if not rectified, can result in the dismissal of the camper.
BUNKMATES You will be able to request bunkmates for your child in the “Bunk Requests” form. We will do our best to honor one request. All requests are at the discretion of the Camp Director. Nothing is ever guaranteed. If he feels behavioral issues will arise if two campers are in the same bunk, the request may not be honored. *To prevent quarrels over top or bottom bunks, bunk assignments will be pre-assigned by the staff.
Suggestion for bunkmates: since campers are only guaranteed one request, if your child MUST or MUST NOT be with one specific person, we recommend putting that camper’s name only, and no others. Note: Campers’ ‘do not bunk with’ requests take precedence over ‘bunk with’ requests.
CAMPER RELEASE Campers will only be released on closing day to a parent or legal guardian. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian will be picking up your child/ren, you must let us know on the transportation form or call the office before closing day.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
COMING & GOING We do not allow campers to come and go on dates other than the designated start and end dates of sessions. However, we do understand that occasionally camp overlaps with important family functions that can’t be missed. Please keep the following in mind: Consider the importance of your child’s participation in the camp program before making plans to remove your child. Contact our office well before the summer to arrange the dates and times of pick up & arrival. Camp is not responsible for providing or arranging any transportation to or from Camp. Doctor appointments, sporting events and concerts are not valid reasons for a child to leave Camp. We do not allow any arrivals or departures during Shabbat.
DATES TO BANQUET Banquet takes place the last night of Camp. The Campers get dressed up and have a nice dinner and dance to end the session. Many campers believe it is fun to go with a date, but CAMP POLICY DISCOURAGES TAKING DATES TO BANQUET. We understand this has been a problem in past years, and we will again be addressing it during staff training. We know that some campers plan who they will be going to Banquet with before Camp even starts. We ask your support in talking to your children and reinforcing the idea of campers attending banquet as a group. Please understand that we can train our staff members to discourage the behavior of dating at camp, however kids will be kids and many think it’s fun to say they have a “date” to banquet. We need you, the parents, to have this conversation with your children before the start of camp. Thank you for partnering with us on this issue.
LOST & FOUND Camp Young Judaea cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged items. We ask that you do not send clothing or items of value with your camper and that you label everything. Please explain the importance of keeping track of one's belongings to your camper. Our Lost & Found is available to campers throughout each session. Unclaimed, unlabeled items will be donated to charitable organizations at the end of the summer. If it does not have a full name on it, we are unable to return it to you.
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GENERAL INFORMATION MISSING HOME Many children miss home when they are at camp. You can help by writing often, being positive, supportive, and conveying a genuine feeling of happiness regarding your child’s stay at camp. Please encourage your child to stay at camp. It also helps to avoid using the term homesick because it gives the impression that the child may be sick.
Ninety-nine percent of missing home is gone by the third or fourth day of camp, but because the mail in Wimberley is slow, if your child is missing home you might receive letters indicating this well into the second week of camp even though the feeling has passed. Look for up-to-date pictures of your child to see how they are doing or use our email and response system to get a more immediate response time.
Here are a few suggestions for letter writing: Write a letter to your child a week before camp (our mail is very slow) so that there will be a letter waiting upon his or her arrival. Make certain that the things you say will not contribute to missing home. For example, don't mention special trips or how much your child’s pets miss him/ her.
Our staff spends time during orientation training on how to cope with specific situations, including missing home. We deal with these situations by: Training our staff to actively listen. This enables us to understand and solve the problems that the child is having. It also shows the child that there is someone who cares. Teaching our staff to find out which activities the child enjoys best and encourage that child to participate in all activities. Spending time every day with our staff discussing situations so that we are aware of all issues and can help a child overcome them. Consulting parents—you know your child better than anyone. A unit head or the camper care team will be in touch with you if there is a case that we need help overcoming.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
PROPERTY DAMAGE Parents will be held liable for any and all damage done to the Camp's property by their children and will be billed for material and labor costs. If such an incident occurs, the minimum charge will be $100 for any type of intentional damage including—but not limited to—graffiti. In addition to the fee for graffiti, the camper will have to sand or scrub the impacted area. Please talk to your children about the destructiveness of graffiti and let them know the consequences. RELEVANT FAMILY ISSUES Communication of confidential family matters toCamp Young Judaea’s professional staff is imperative to ensure your child’s mental/physical health and safety. The following circumstances, regarding any camper, must be communicated to the CYJ Director prior to the start of the camp session: Treatment or diagnosis for ANY psychiatric, psychological, or on-going medical situation. Suspension of any medications for the summer. Bed-wetting issue Hospitalization for any physical or emotional reason within the immediate 12 months prior to attending Camp. Experience of any traumatic incident such as parental separation, earning difficulties, divorce, or death. Severe allergies.
We encourage you to make us a full partner in planning your child’s summer by giving us all relevant and up-to-date information in order to ensure your child’s happy and successful camp experience.
SCREEN VACATION We do not allow campers to bring electronics to Camp besides a digital camera or non-internet iPod. Camp is a time where campers and staff have a chance to unplug. Not only does this prevent valuable electronics from being misplaced, but it also creates a genuine camp experience and allows campers to live “in the moment”. SECURITY CYJ takes the safety and security of our campers very seriously. Camp has an electronic gate and security cameras. During the summer, only employees know the gate code and others must buzz the office in order to be allowed to drive into camp. Upon arrival to camp, all guests must wear a wrist band indicating that they are approved guests in camp. All of our staff are well-versed in our safety and emergency procedures and know what to do in case of emergency situations. Throughout the summer, 24 hours/day, we hire off- duty police officers to patrol the camp grounds. They circle the camp along the road in their police car as well as drive through the camp in our gator in order to ensure that everyone is safe and sound.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
SPENDING MONEY Kesher and Bogrim will be leaving camp for Tiyul (trip day). Campers can bring spending money , but it is not mandatory. Food for meals will be provided by Camp at no cost to the campers. The only reason to spend money is for souvenirs, extra drinks/dairy snacks, or gifts while on trips outside of Camp. Campers will be responsible for holding their own money. Camp staff will not be collecting or taking responsibility for campers’ personal spending money.
Kesher and Bogrim—$20 is suggested Segel —$125 is suggested to bring on their trip
TIPPING THE STAFF The American Camping Association policy and our philosophy does not allow our staff to accept tips. Our Staff members are fine young people selected for their skills and integrity. They have been instructed - and have agreed - not to accept any gifts or monies from parents in accordance with ACA guidelines and professional ethics. You can, however, now make a voluntary Staff Gratuity Donation in the Camp-in-Touch system, on the “Additional Options” form or on the camper application. Your donations will be utilized for staff fun activities & gifts throughout the summer.
TZEDAKAH Campers are encouraged to bring $5 to camp with them, sealed in an envelope and turned into the check in table on the first day of camp. This money will be used in a program about tikun olam and giving tzedakah. The campers will learn about the importance of giving money to tzedakah and they will receive information about various charities and will be able to choose where to donate each of their $5. After the program, collect the money to donate to one or more of the organizations represented. This is a great way to teach the campers about tzedakah and at the same time give to those in need during our time at camp. Parents are welcome to add more money to the tzedakah envelope or add more money to our donations during the summer.
VISITING CAMP Camp is NOT open to visitors during the session. Please notify your camper's relatives and friends that Camp does not allow any visitors. This policy is strictly enforced, and we make no exceptions. An overnight camp is a very special place, and it is important for your child's sense of independence and self-reliance that they do not have parents dropping by. Visitors can be disruptive to the camp program and do pose a security risk. Children who have adjusted well to the camp setting could miss home for days after a visit, so please respect our community, our campers and our staff by allowing our program to run uninterrupted.
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CAMPER CODE OF CONDUCT Parents, please read this section with your camper.
We encourage campers and staff to respect themselves and others, our Camp and its facilities, our earth and the environment. CYJ is committed to providing a safe camp environment where relationships are characterized by dignity, respect, and equal treatment. Any behavior in violation of the following policies may be cause for immediate expulsion from Camp with no refund of camp fees:
Campers must not bully or threaten other campers or staff. Campers must stay on the camp grounds at all times and participate fully in all scheduled programs and activities. Boys may only be in cabins designated for boys; girls may only be in cabins designated for girls. All campers must follow established curfews. Campers will be held responsible for willful damage of Camp or private property—including but not limited to—graffiti. Parents will be held responsible for any damage caused by their child. Alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products, matches, fireworks, and weapons of any kind have no place at Camp and are forbidden. Physical or verbal abuse to others will not be tolerated. All bags are subject to search. Campers must comply with staff supervision at all times. To demonstrate respect for others and ourselves, only appropriate language is acceptable.
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LEGAL JARGON
Please read below the Terms and Conditions from our Camper Application that you filled out when you registered your child.
WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL TREATMENT AUTHORIZATION
As the parent/guardian of the applicant, I hereby grant permission for him/her to participate in the activities of Camp Young Judaea - Texas (the "Camp") and represent that he/she is physically able to participate in camp activities.
I understand that part of the camping experience involves activities and group living arrangements and interactions that may be new to my child. These activities come with certain risks and uncertainties beyond what my child may be used to dealing with at home. Further, I under- stand that camping activities involve certain inherent risks, including but not limited to swimming, hiking, sports activities, ropes course activi- ties, and travel in buses off the camp premises, and I choose to voluntarily allow my child to participate in the full array of camp activities with full knowledge that such activities involve a degree of risk of harm associated with activities which can be physically strenuous from time to time. I know of no medical reason why my child should not participate in all camper activities.
In consideration of acceptance of the camper's application to camp, I, on behalf of myself and on behalf of my child/ward, release, waive, dis- charge, covenant not to sue and agree to hold harmless for any and all purposes, the Camp, and its non profit sponsor and non profit organiza- tion that helps supply facilities, and Camp Young Judaea, Inc., (the Camp, and Camp Young Judaea, Inc. are referred to herein as "Releasees") and their members, officers, directors, servants, agents, volunteers or employees, from any and all liabilities, damages and/or claims resulting from illness, injuries or other damage which may be sustained by the camper during attendance at the Camp, including injuries sustained as a result of the sole, joint, or concurrent negligence, negligence per se, statutory fault, or strict liability of Releasees. I understand this waiver does not apply to injuries caused by intentional or grossly negligent conduct.
This waiver of liability expressly includes transportation to, from or in connection with such camp. I further hereby give permission for my child to leave Camp grounds under the supervision of Camp staff for Camp programs and/or for medical treatment.
In the event of illness or injury, we hereby authorize the staff members of the camp to obtain assistance from doctors, nurses, or other medi- cal professionals for medical, surgical or any other appropriate treatment for my camper. Furthermore, I grant permission and consent for the attending medical professional to provide any medical or surgical treatment, which, in the medical professional's opinion, is deemed neces- sary. If medical/surgical care is obtained, we will not hold Releasees responsible or liable for the judgment of and/or treatment by a medical professional. I understand that the Releasees do not assume responsibility for medical, dental or other health expenses incurred as a result of my child's stay at camp. As a result, I agree to ensure that I have personal insurance coverage to my satisfaction to cover any potential medi- cal, dental or health expenses my child may incur while under the supervision of the Camp and that the cost of any necessary medical/surgical care will be my responsibility.
It is agreed that in the mutual interests of Camp and the campers, the parents of the camper herewith enrolled will read and respect the rules and regulations of Camp outlined in the Camper & Parent Manual, which is online. The Camp reserves the right to dismiss, without refund, any camper who willfully disregards camp rules or who causes problems affecting the experiences of the other campers or Camp staff. Determina- tion of the basis for a dismissal of a camper will be made in the sole discretion of the Camp Director. In case of late arrival, dismissal, or with- drawal of the child for ANY reason whatsoever, there will be no refund for camp fees.
It is mutually understood that Camp accepts no responsibility for any loss of, or damages to, any camper's property incurred during the session or while in transit. We strongly suggest that your child not bring any items of significant value with them to Camp.
I agree that Camp Young Judaea - Texas may use any photograph, video, image, likeness, utterance or statement in which a camper may ap- pear or be involved, in whole or in part, in any media, including the Internet, for promotional or other purposes, without approval by or com- pensation to the camper or Parent/Legal Guardian.
In signing this Waiver, Indemnification and Medical Authorization, I acknowledge and represent that I have read it, understand it, and sign it voluntarily as my own free act and deed; no oral representations, statements or inducements contrary to the foregoing agreement that has been reduced to writing have been made. I understand that this agreement involves waiver of legal rights to which I have the right and oppor- tunity to discuss with my attorney. Having availed myself of such an opportunity, I execute this document for full and adequate consideration and intend to be bound by the same now and in the future. I am the parent or legal guardian of the Camper named below, who is under the age of 18. I agree on behalf of my child or ward to all of the terms contained in this Waiver, Indemnification and Medical Authorization. Updated 1/13/2016 Summer 2016 Page 29
UPCOMING CYJ-TEXAS RETREATS
Camp isn’t just for the summer! Camp Young Judaea-Texas offers a variety of programs for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds throughout the year. Meet new friends and hang out with old ones in this unique Jewish environ-
October 16-18, 2015 A fantastic weekend for men only (ages 21 & up)! We guarantee a weekend of fun, great food, beer, wine and networking.
March 4-6, 2016 Spring camp simulates a weekend at camp where campers (1st-6th grade) meet new and old friends while enjoying sports, singing, dancing, Shabbat and other fun activities.
April 28-May 1 2016 This Passover, for 4 days and 3 nights, leave the holiday vacation planning to us while you relax in the Hill Country in Wimberley, Texas.
May 13-15, 2015 Join us for a weekend retreat of spirituali- ty and relaxation for women (ages 21 & up) in the beautiful Hill Country.
To register for these events or for more information, log on to: WWW.CYJTEXAS.ORG/RETREATS Spaces are limited
Updated 1/13/2016 Summer 2016 Page 30 GLOSSARY OF HEBREW “CAMP WORDS” singing שִׁ ירָ ה Shira Israeli dance רִ יקּוד Rikud pool בּרֵ יכָה Brecha activity פְּ עּולָ ה Peulah main hall בֵּ ית הַעָ ם Beit Ha’am dining hall רחַדָ אֹוכֶל Chadar Ochel counselors מָ דרִ יכִים Madrichim Campers חָ נִיכִים Chanichim bunk צְרִ יף Tzrif free time חֹופֶ שׁ Chofesh elective חּוג Chug flag raising/ lowering מִיפֽקָ ד Mifkad cleaning נִקַ יֹון Nikayon breakfast אָ תרּוחָ בֹּוקֶ ר Aruchat Boker lunch אָ רּוחָ ת צֲהָרַ ים Aruchat Tsoharayim dinner אָ רּוחָ ת עֶרֶ ב Aruchat Erev rest time מֶנּוחָ ה Menucha age group עֵדָ ה Aidah lake אָ גַם Agam fun night עֶרֶ ב כֵּיף Erev Kef trip day טִ יּול Tiyul camp fire מֶ דּורָ ה Medurah Israeli counselors מִשְׁ לָחָ ת Mischlachat services תְ פִ ילֹות T’fillot
baby deer/ youth עֹופָרִ ים Ofarim spectators צֹופים Tsofim protectors מָ גֶנִים Maginim connection קֶשֶׁ ר Kesher graduates/ mature ones בֹּוגְרִ ים Bogrim staff סֶ גֶל Segel
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