BHEC Parent/Camper Manual

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 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 unprepared child. We exit from the bus at camp onto a green lawn in front of the "gray house." We then proceed to call campers by bunk and name, starting with the youngest campers. Counselors stand and, as the names are called, the campers join their counselors. This is done until all the campers in the bunk are together.

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 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 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.

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).

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 Berkshire Hills. With the following minor exceptions, all packages will be returned to the sender. Here are the exceptions: First, we will accept flat, non-padded envelopes (maximum size is 8.5" x 11"). Second, if your child forgets a necessary camp item, you can contact the camp by email or phone to let us know a package is coming, address the package to "Camp Office-- Forgotten Item" and clearly mark inside the package your camper's name. Our office staff will open the package and make sure your child receives the item. Third, non-food birthday packages will still be permitted and should be addressed to "Your Child's Name -- Birthday Package." We look forward to your cooperation in honoring this new policy.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

The camp will supply your child with spending money for trip days (up to $25/session).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday, July 18, 2010 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.

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.

We ask that all campers abide by the following "Code of Behavior"

TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT
BE COOPERATIVE
RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY
TAKE CARE OF CAMP AND YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS
ASK FOR HELP

We expect all campers will:

Keep their living area neat and clean
Shower and change their clothing daily
Participate in activities
Cooperate and listen to their counselors
Use the right channels to communicate, talk with one another, compromise, resolve differences and promote "team spirit"
Speak with their counselors, Unit Head, Nurse or Camp Director if there is a problem
Treat everyone equally and fairly
Keep the camp environment clean and free of graffiti
Learn something new
Feel good about themselves
Make new friends
Try new things
HAVE FUN AT CAMP

For the well being of all campers we cannot tolerate bullying, fighting, cursing, scapegoating, stealing, lying or inappropriate behavior

Kitchens are off limits.
Waterfronts and Pool are off limits when lifeguards are not supervising.
Campers must follow safety directions at Program Areas (wear sneakers when at tennis, no running, no use of ropes equipment without proper supervision).
Campers must stay in sight of their counselors at all times.
The Camp supports ZERO TOLERANCE policies with regard to tobacco, alcohol, drugs and violence.

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.

We offer our campers a variety of delicious, kosher and nutritionally balanced meals

Breakfast
Assorted juices or milk from our drink bar
Assorted cereal
Hot chocolate
Coffee & Tea

In addition:
Pancakes
French Toast
Bagels, cream cheese & lox
Egg McMuffins
We alternate our meals to include one item from our "additions" daily.

Lunch
Salad Bar
Juice Bar
Fresh Fruit
Dessert

Main Course:
Pizza
Baked Ziti
Tuna & Egg Salad
Salami & Bologna
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Grilled Cheese
Meal substitutes are offered at each meal. We provide vegetarian substitutes for all meat meals.

Dinner
Salad Bar
Juice Bar
Vegetable
Dessert
Main Course:
Baked Chicken
Bar-B-Q Hamburgers, hot dogs
Chicken Nuggets
Turkey Breast Hero
Tacos
Meatballs & Spaghetti

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

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.

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.

Berkshire Hills strongly discourages visits to our campers while camp is in session. As much as we love our BHEC friends and family, visitors are disruptive to the camp program. In addition, visitors coming and going impacts our ability to provide a secure and safe environment for your children. If you would like to see our facilities, we encourage you to join us for our spring Open House, where you will be able to meet some of our staff and have a tour of camp. And, of course, we welcome your visit on Visiting Day.