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877-543-4333 Info@BHECamps.com Linda Askenazi, MSW, Executive Director
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A Jewish Cultural Co-Ed Sleepaway Camp for Ages 7-17
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Parents AreaINFORMATION FOR NEW CAMP FAMILIES Telephoning Our office hours are 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday-Thursday and 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Our office telephone number is 518-329-3303. Our voice mail is on 24 hrs/day and is monitored during the day. Your child is in programs throughout the day. We do not want to disrupt your child's daily program, but your child will be able to call home twice during each session and three times for a full season (see below). Packages-new policy* Over the years, we have found ourselves committing considerable time and office space to managing the large number of packages that arrive for campers. After surveying other camps, discussing the package issue with board members and soliciting input from many of our camp families, we have decided to stop accepting packages at Cell Phones & PDAS For several years, we have had a no cell phone policy. Unfortunately, many campers still come to camp with them. We understand that parents increasingly rely on their children’s ability to contact them by cell phone if they encounter a problem, and that this safety net is something parents and campers are reluctant to abandon. However, cell phones at camps have resulted in cyber bullying, the posting of inappropriate photos and videos, and all kinds of disruptions of the camp environment. Therefore, BHEC and most experts in the camping field feel that it is appropriate to prohibit them. The one exception to this rule applies to senior unit campers on the 5 day trip (the phones will be held by camp for the rest of the time). To address campers’ and parents’ need to speak with one another, we will still have scheduled times to call home during the summer (actual times and dates will be posted on the website). For senior unit campers, we ask that you send cell phones with your child in a ziploc bag labeled with the child's name. We will collect the cell phones at the start of camp and return them for the 5-day trip. For all other campers, any cell phones that are brought to camp will be collected and returned at the end of camp. We appreciate your compliance with this policy. Health BHEC works hard to ensure that professional medical care is received when needed. We have enclosed a medical form that MUST be filled out by an examining physician and a parent. It must be completed and returned to our city office PRIOR to your child's departure. Our camp pediatrician cannot see your child without a signed medical form. (Get forms here)
Food For reasons of safety, health & cleanliness, we do not allow food (with the exception of certain occasions) in the bunks.
Please do not send food, pack it in their luggage or give "extras" to your child on visiting day. Medication Our camp's health care staff dispenses all medications, including over-the counter medication. Medication should be clearly labeled with your child's name and complete instructions for dispensing. Please let us know if the medication needs to be refrigerated. If so, properly pack it in an insulated bag with an ice pack for travel.
Medication must be given to the bus counselor upon departure to camp. A camper may NOT keep medication in their bunk. Our policy on parental notification of illness is as follows: In unusual or prolonged illness or in an emergency, the nurse, doctor or camp administrator will call parents to advise them of the situation. For normal health problems (i.e. sore throat, infected ears, slight fever, etc.), the parents will be called if illness persists for three days. Mail Camp Address:
Berkshire Hills-Emanuel Camps 159 Empire Rd. Copake, N.Y. 12516 It is helpful to include your child's bunk, shack or cabin number as soon as they send you that information. Write a letter before your child leaves for camp so that mail will be waiting at camp. Send your child to camp with a supply of stamped, self-addressed post cards and envelopes in order to make sure your mail is properly received. Mail from rural areas may be slow, so please be patient. We do request that all campers write letters once a week. Please do not send faxes. Campers look forward to mail time, so please write. Money The camp will supply your child with spending money for trip days (up to $25/session).
Graffiti Though an expression of art, graffiti defaces property. We ask that you advise your child that to write or draw on camp property is unacceptable. We provide ample opportunities for children to write and draw in Arts & Crafts, etc. We will be compelled to pass along all expenses incurred by camp in removing or covering unauthorized drawings.
Bunk Assignments Bunk assignments are determined by age and dependent on social and emotional maturity. We will be happy to entertain a preference as to whom you would or would not want as a bunkmate for your child. Whenever possible, we try to accommodate your child, but your preference cannot be binding on the camp personnel. The Camp Director reserves the right to make the final decision. As always, we inform and work with parents on this issue.
Birthdays Bunk parties can be held at camp to help celebrate birthdays occurring during the season. Cake and refreshments can be provided for the entire bunk at a cost of $35.00 (paid in advance). If you are interested, contact our city office (prior to June 15) or camp office (after June 15) for details. Parties are a treat for the campers and fun for all.
Gratuities Our staff members take tremendous pride in their roles and in their professionalism. We are proud of the job they perform. We will be recommending a suggested thank you tip that we will fairly distribute. A letter sent to parents will explain the procedure. We hope you take the opportunity to help our committed staff and make them feel appreciated.
Clothing And Laundry We cannot be responsible for the loss or damage to a camper's clothing or equipment. Every effort is made to reunite campers with their belongings before they leave camp. PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS. We strongly suggest that you do not send any new or expensive clothing to camp. Our laundry is done off site by a professional service every 10 days, so enough clothing for 12 days must be provided.
Parent's Visiting Day Sunday, July 26, 2009 is our "IN CAMP" visiting day. Our visiting day is for full season campers only.
Plan to arrive at 11:00 A.M. Staff will direct you to our parking lot. We provide school buses to transport you to our campgrounds. WE DO NOT PERMIT CARS TO ENTER ONTO OUR MAIN CAMPUS. This is for the safety of your children. We provide a Bar-B-Q lunch from 12:15-2:00 for all campers and staff. Friends and family may bring a picnic lunch, or may purchase (in advance ONLY) coupons for the BAR-B-Q lunch at camp - Details are enclosed with the spring mailing. We will provide coffee & tea. We do not provide tables or benches, may we suggest a blanket. We request that NO FOOD packages be left with children or staff. We do not permit alcohol or animals under any circumstances. A schedule for the day will be handed out on the bus. Please feel free to play some ball, socialize and swim. Visiting Day ends at 4:00 P.M. Camper Transportation The camp provides motor coach bus transportation to and from the camp at central pick-up locations. This service is free of charge. See additional information below for location, times, etc.
We will offer door-to-door luggage service. All luggage must be handled by ADS service. Camper Expectations We ask that all campers abide by the following "Code of Behavior"
For the well being of all campers we cannot tolerate bullying, fighting, cursing, scapegoating, stealing, lying or inappropriate behavior For Safety Purposes
A Typical Daily Camp Schedule 8:30 Breakfast
9:45-10:30 Period 1 10:45 Hill- Instructional Swim, Junior Unit & Senior Unit Activity Period 2, 11:45 Hill Activity Period 3, Junior Unit Instructional Swim, Senior Unit Activity Period 3 12:45 Lunch 2:00 Hill & Junior Unit General Swim, Senior Unit Activity Period 4 3:00 Snack/Canteen 3:30 Hill & Junior unit Activity 4, Senior Unit General Swim 5:30 Shower Time 6:30 Dinner 7:45 Evening Activity 8:30 Snack 9:15 Day Ends Daily activities include; Swim, All sports, Dance, Drama, Arts & Crafts, Nature, Martial Arts, Ropes. Camp Menu We offer our campers a variety of delicious, kosher and nutritionally balanced meals
Camper Clothing List This is a suggested list of items your child will need for a session at camp. PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS. Do not send your child with valuable items that can be lost or damaged. HOT POTS are NOT allowed and will be removed and thrown out if found. They are a fire hazard. CELL PHONES are NOT allowed, and we strongly suggest no DVD PLAYERS or PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS (IPODs, etc.).
*If your child plans to rollerblade-you must include helmet, elbow & knee pads & wrist guards. Bedding: 2 sheets, 3 pillow cases 2 blankets (1 blanket or comforter-sleeping bag optional) 1 pillow Daily Apparel: 2 pair P.J.'s or sleep wear 4 jeans (1 sweat pants-optional) 10 pairs of shorts 2 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair boots (optional), water shoes or flip flops 10 T-shirts, 3 long sleeved shirts 1 sweatshirt 1 jacket 10 pair socks, 10 underwear 3 bathing suits 6 towels, bathrobe optional 1 rain poncho 1 hat w/ brim 2 nicer outfits for socials & Shabbat dinner Toiletries: Laundry bag, box of tissues, washcloth Shampoo & conditioner 1 toothbrush, 1 tube toothpaste 1 soapdish/2 bars soap Hairbrush and Comb Suntan lotion/insect repellent (lotion) Optional Items: Ear plugs Knapsack Feminine needs Camera Pictures, books Sport equipment Flashlight/batteries Water bottle Stuffed animals Pre-Camp Visiting Day A pre-camp Open House for new campers and their families will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009.
2009 Bus Information Your child will be departing from and returning back home to our centrally located bus pick-up points: Bloomingdales in White Plains and Cunningham Park in Queens. See below for directions to these locations. NOTE FOR PARENTS OF 2-WEEK SESSIONS -- Transportation is only provided ONE-WAY for these sessions. You will have to drop-off/pick-up your child at camp on certain days. Please refer to the schedule below. Air-conditioned, motor coach buses will transport your child. They will be parked at the opposite end of the parking lot. For safety reasons, we suggest you park your car and escort your child to the bus. Please park your car 50ft. from bus to avoid congestion. PLEASE REMEMBER to check the bus under carriage for camper belongings before you depart. Usually your child's bedding is in the under carriage of the bus. The Camp assumes responsibility for your child once they are on the bus. A bus counselor will review safety procedures for traveling on the bus (they include wearing seat belts and remaining in the seat.) When your child arrives for pick-up, a camp staff member will wait with your child until you arrive. FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY: You can call our mobile phone at (914) 450-9786. Session 1
Session 2
Full Summer
Session 2A (2 weeks)
Session 2B (2 weeks)
Session 2C (2 weeks)
* Your child's counselor will escort your child from the administration building to his/her bunk, help unpack & begin camp life. ** We will have your child waiting your arrival at our administration building. DIRECTIONS: BLOOMINGDALES is located @ 175 Bloomingdale Rd. White Plains, N.Y. (Please do not call Bloomingdales, they have no connection with the Camp or our arrangements for pick-up) Directions from Rt. 287 East: Take Rt. 287 East to Exit 8W. Bear left off ramp to light. (The Westchester Mall is directly in front of you.) Make left onto BLOOMINGDALE ROAD. Go 3 traffic lights. Bloomingdales is on the left. Directions from Rt. 287 West: Take Rt.287 West to Exit 8. This puts you on Rt. 119 (not the Tarrytown Road, Rt. 119) Follow signs for Westchester Mall. Go three traffic lights (bear right when you see a possible fork and proceed to pass under the overpass). At 3rd traffic light make left onto BLOOMINGDALE RD. You will pass The Westchester Mall on your right. Go 3 traffic lights and entrance to Bloomingdales is on the left. Bus is located on far side up the ramp. Look for JTR bus. DIRECTIONS TO CUNNINGHAM PARK Cunningham Park is located on Union Turnpike, ¼ mile West of Francis Lewis Blvd., Queens. Directions From N.E. Queens: Take Clearview Expressway to Union Turnpike Exit. Proceed westbound on Union Turnpike. At the first light make a left turn onto Frances Lewis Blvd. Go 20 feet to Park Rd. Make a right turn into the park. Lot #3 50 yards on Park Rd. Directions From Southshore & Brooklyn Take Cross Island Pkwy No. to Union Tpke Exit. Follow exit road 1 block to 81st. Ave. Make a right on 81st, go one block to Commonwealth Blvd. Make a left turn go one block to Union Tpke. Make a left (west) on Union Tpke to Francis Lewis Blvd. Make a left onto Frances Lewis Blvd. For about 20 yards to Park Rd. Make a right onto Park Rd. go 50 yds. to Lot #3. 2009 Phone Schedule Hill Girls (7,8, 9 & 10 yr.olds - including Berkshire Buddies) Your child may make one call home, unless parents do not live together, then your child will call both parents the same night. If you know that you will be unavailable, please notify us in advance and we will do our best to have your child call home on an alternate evening. Please note: there are times that special programs conflict with calling times and your child might be calling later than scheduled. Please be patient, we will do our best to follow the schedule as is. We always encourage your child to write home. Please know that we do not feel that phone calls home are always constructive for all campers. Many campers have adjusted to camp, but are saddened (homesick) after speaking to a family member. Please discuss with your child what their options are. Not all children have to call home. This is only being made available for those parents and campers who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity. A phone call does not take the place of receiving mail. All campers enjoy and look forward to receiving letters and BUNK Notes - please no faxes. Camper/Staff Communication Off-Season Berkshire Hills-Emanuel Camps does not endorse camper/staff communication or contact during the non-camp season. We will not share staff addresses, telephone #'s or email addresses with campers or their families. Parents who wish to engage the services of staff who have worked with their children during the camp season do so without our involvement. We recommend that if a staff member contacts a campers it should only be with permission from the camper's parents. Staff members pre and post the camp season, DO NOT represent the camp.
Also For Your Information... Want to know what your child is doing at camp? Visit our website and subscribe to the BHEC BLOG (http://www.bhecamps.com/blog/) -- We'll keep you posted!
We offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah Lessons. Lessons are schedules twice per week. Let us know if interested, *Lessons are an additional cost. Water Skiing lessons are available at an additional cost. Please call us for details. Welcome Welcome to the exciting and wonderful world of summer camp! The summer is almost upon us and we wish to help you and your child prepare for a successful summer experience. Please review this manual, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
May We Suggest You Discuss The Following With Your Child... In preparation for camp, speak with your child about their going to camp, riding on a bus, etc. Discuss activities he or she will enjoy. Perhaps share your own positive camp experience. Problem solve with your child before camp. "What should you do if you run out of underwear?" "What will you do if you don't feel well?" We offer a pre-camp visit, which we urge you and your child to attend. This will help to familiarize you and your child with our camp environment and to meet other new campers and families. The first day of camp can be confusing. A child who knows what to expect is likely to fare better than an uninformed child. We exit from the bus at camp onto a green lawn in front of what we lovingly call the "gray house." We then proceed to call campers by bunk and name. We generally start with the youngest campers, i.e., Bunk 1, counselors stand and, as the campers' names are called, they join their counselors. This is done until all the names in the bunk are called. We next visit with our camp nurses. This is a preventative measure to assure that nothing contagious enters the bunks, as well as to familiarize your child with our medical staff. After our visit to the health center, lunch is served. Your child will sit with his/her bunk for meals on the first day. Afterward, we sit family style at assigned round tables to meet other campers. Day 1 continues in the bunk with "getting to know you", unpacking and settling in. If time allows, swim tests are given. Time "flies by" in camp. Within three days, all campers are "old-timers". They have picked up all the routines, made friends and adjusted to being away from home. Campers love getting up-beat mail. Send plenty. We hope this information will make your child's transition to camp a smooth and comfortable one. Visitation |
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Copyright © 1995-2010 Berkshire Hills Emanuel Camps & Chandler I.T. Services L.L.C. All rights reserved.