Parents Handbook | Camp Chomeish

Welcome To Camp Chomeish of New England

Dear Parents,
Both you and your child’s expectations of camp will effect her experience once the camp session really begins. As a parent, you are really our partner in this process of adaptation and growth before, during, and even after camp. Find out as much about Camp ChoMeiSH as you can, especially what activities we can offer your child. This will avoid any disappointments once the child arrives at camp.

Payment of Fees

After you are notified that your child has been accepted, the camp fees must be paid in full by JUNE 15. ALL ACCOUNTS NOT PAID BY THE ABOVE DATE WILL BE CHARGED A LATE HANDLING FEE OF $50.00, PER CHILD. If the camp fees are not paid, the registration is subject to be cancelled with the loss of your deposit. Upon receipt of full payment we will issue Boarding Passes, luggage tags etc., to permit your child to board the bus. These will IY”H be available on line as well. To avoid last minute confusion. NO PASSES WILL BE ISSUED AT BUS ON TUESDAY!

Refund Policy

Refunds in excess of deposit will be issued only with a written confirmation of cancellation, not less than one month before departure with a certified letter from licensed physician. See “General Terms and Conditions” for further details. Once the session has begun, there can be no refund for any reason other than a written order of a physician or camp director.

Acceptance for Camp

The camper information forms click here to download must be returned as soon as possible. Your cooperation is needed so that another child may be accepted in the event your child cannot attend camp. No acceptance can be contingent upon a specific bunking request. The camp administration will be the sole determinant for bunking of all campers.

Special Check-up

As in past years all parents are required to have their children’s scalp inspected for lice by a competent medical person. We will also have a pre-board check of all children not presenting a certification from a MEDICAL person. As a result of this, we were once again free of having any incidents of Lice occur in camp. We therefore are making the same request this year for the well-being of all our campers. Lice checking will take place an hour before departure at F.R.E.E.

Bus Boarding

All campers and waitresses must have a stamped boarding pass in order to board the bus. Busses will leave from F.R.E.E. on Tuesday at 10:00 am. Please provide your child with breakfast and/or a sandwich for brunch and a snack for their trip to camp.

Luggage

Luggage will be picked up in front of F.R.E.E. on Tuesday, at time of departure and brought to camp. Only a small carry-on bag will be allowed on the bus. Please do not pack suitcases with more than 40 pounds, if necessary please pack 2 suitcases instead of one large overweight bag. Please follow color code on luggage tags so your child’s luggage will be placed in her bunk. Please make sure all luggage is sturdy. We will not accept plain plastic garbage bags. If needed place contents in bag in a cardboard box – tied and taped.

Medication at Camp

We try to encourage children to live an active and healthy life without dependence on drugs. No child is permitted to have any medication with them, which they might readily make available to give a pill to their sick friend, who might be allergic to the drug.
Our policy is that no child be given drugs or medication unless prescribed by a licensed physician.
The camp is well stocked with whatever medication your child may need – and they are to be administered under the the standing orders of the camp physician. There is no need to send aspirin, Tylenol or any other over-the-counter medication. The staff medical person has standing orders from the camp doctor to cover most common ailments. Please refer to the parent waiver of OTC medication in the medical form.
In accordance with the State laws, the Medical Health form, and Medicine authorization must be completed and signed BY BOTH THE PARENT AND PHYSICIAN and include dates of all inoculations as specified. Children who do not have a completed medical form on file can expect to be sent home at parent’s expense.
Any prescribed medication that your child brings to camp should be marked with (1) the name of the medication, (2) specific instructions, and (3) the name of the prescribing physician. If you have any medication questions, please don’t hesitate to call us before your child leaves for camp. The medical authorization form must be filled out FOR EACH AND EVERY MEDICATION before medication can be given. ALL MEDICAL FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 5TH, TO ASSURE THAT THEY ARE IN ORDER, NO BOARDING PASSES WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT ALL FORMS COMPLETED.

Bunking Assignments

Bunking is done at camp by the supervisor of each unit 3 WEEKS before the session begins. Kindly complete your child’s bunking request on camper application form.
Although we welcome your requests, please be sure to let the camp decide where and with whom your child will be living. You know your child very well, but our professional staff knows group living and camping. Based on the information you send us, and previous camping evaluations, – they are able to make the very best cabin placement.
And please remember: one of the reasons for going to camp is to make new friends and be exposed to new conditions. Camping should be an opportunity for branching out. Please encourage your daughter to make NEW friends, especially with those from out of town, who come to camp longing for new Chassidishe friends.

Homesickness – How To Reduce It

Before camp do not encourage “Homesickness” while preparing your child for camp. Feelings of “Homesickness,” or “Separation Anxiety,” can often be created in the child by an otherwise well meaning parents who plant the idea in the child’s mind.
It is not uncommon for many new campers and some experienced ones to be homesick the first few days as they adjust to camp. Our counselors and staff are experienced in helping the children find activities, make friends, and adjust to the camp environment. Staff members are also available to spend individual time with the child who needs extra attention.
Please do not aggravate your child’s separation anxiety with apprehensive letters, tapes, or phone calls. Let it be worked out with the understanding of the counselors and resident director.

The Great Escape

Please, under any circumstance, do not tell your child that if things are not going well you will immediately take her home. Often this is said to encourage an otherwise reluctant youngster to go to camp.
The reason is simple: It takes effort to adapt to camp. With an “escape clause” in her mind, there is no real reason to make that effort. It is always easier and immediately comforting to be back in surroundings with ones parents. But for most children the effort to grow and mature at camp is worth it. If you must use an escape clause to get your child to camp, chances are she is not ready for the experience, no matter what the age. A much better way of preparing your child is to tell her to try camp out for one complete session; if it is not to her liking then it can be the child’s decision whether to return the following year.
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Camp Chomeish of New England is licensed by the State of CT and reserves the right to use any regulation they deem necessary for the welfare of the child or children.

The Great Escape

With the exception of special clothes for Shabbos, old clothes are quite in order. To maintain the high moral and ethical standards of Jewish tradition, all campers are to be dressed modestly. During the school year the home and the school play a most vital role in the chinuch of our daughters. During the summer, sleep-away camp must take the place of both the home as well as the school. Camp Chomeish is proud of its high standard Tznius that we expect each girl to follow. Every camper and staff member is asked to review the following carefully.
Camp has the right to take away any clothing that is not in compliance with the rules below. These items will not be returned until the end of camp and then only with request of the parents. Please avoid any embarrassment!
Please be sure that all clothing brought to camp is in compliance with the following rules:
(1) It is of paramount importance that the clothing your child wears for Shabbos clearly identifies with the beauty and kedusha of Shabbos.
(2) Shabbos attire may NOT include T-Shirts or tightly fitted sweaters. Two (2) tight sweaters will not resolve the fitted look.
(3) Shirts must have sleeves that do not ride up and are generously covering the elbow. Shirts must cover necklines properly and cannot be tight-fitting, or have any secular slogans or pictures.Skirts and dresses must cover the knees while standing, walking or sitting.
(4) Skirts must generously cover the knee when sitting AND standing. Skirts may not have any form of slits in them. Wraparound or button-down skirts with an open flap must be sewn down.
(5) Necklines must cover the collarbone.
(6) Only tights or knee-length socks that are long enough to cover the gap between the skirt and sock are allowed. Leggings are not encouraged, but they are allowed with knee-length socks worn on top.
(7) Nightgowns are the proper nightwear at Camp Chomeish. Long sleeve tops with pajama pants may only be worn with a skirt on top, and only in the bunkhouse.
(8) No make-up and no dark/funky nail polish.
(9) Tee shirts with inappropriate slogans are not acceptable.
(10) Nail polish and makeup are not permitted for campers.
(11) No two-piece bathing suits. While walking to and from the pool, the laws of Tznius apply as well. All robes should properly close and socks must be worn.
(12) During mealtimes, no one is allowed in the dining room dressed in a robe of any length.
(13) Sleepwear must be according to the rules of Tznius. SHORTS may not be worn. Pajama pants will only be allowed with a long length shirt or robe over them.
14) Proper, dignified Shabbos clothing and footwear truly enhances our Shabbosim. As mentioned NO robes will be allowed on SHABBOS in the dining room.
“Bzchus Noshim Tzidkonios”
While in camp, each one of us is a Dugma Chaya a “living example” in all matters of behavior, dress and speech. You must be mindful of everything you do, say, and wear. We will not tolerate any type of speech or conversations that are not Tznius. PLEASE NOTE: A camper or staff member discussing inappropriate matters may be asked to leave camp.
In the merit of all our campers in Machane Chomeish who strive to achieve and accomplish what every Bas Chabad can epitomize through dress, speech and action May we be Zocheh to the hisgalus of The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach NOW!

Name Tags

To help minimize loss and needless expense we strongly recommend that you mark all of your child’s clothes and personal property with first and last names, NOT initials. Iron-on labels fall off in the wash and laundry. Ball point pen written clearly is a good option. To help minimize loss of clothing we suggest all clothing be identified with a sew-on label. Please mark all Sefarim, toiletries, coats, rainwear etc.
Put name-tags in easy to find places; under the long arch of the foot on socks, in the middle of the waistband at the back of skirts, in the inside center of the collar (where the labels are) for shirts, blouses, etc, and in the corner of all linens. Please remember to label eyeglasses, etc.
It is a good idea to go over with your child what things she is bringing and where they are located in the footlocker, suitcase or duffel bag.

Lost and Found

Please discuss with your child the value of the clothing and items sent to camp and the importance of looking through the lost and found to make sure that their clothing is not left behind. Please familiarize your child with all the new items sent to camp.

Letters To and From Camp

To: Because the days at camp are filled with one activity after another, one day to a child feels more like three days. That’s one important reason to make sure that you write at least three letters (or postcards) or emails a week, even if you are going out of town.
A letter at camp, because of the distance and the separation, is greatly appreciated by the camper. If only you could be there to see the look on the children’s faces as they receive their mail. For a few cents you can send a lot of love and concern that will probably never be appreciated more.To make sure the mail gets there promptly, please include your campers’ bunk. PLEASE INCLUDE THE CAMPERS LAST NAME ON ALL EMAILS, “TO MY DEAR DAUGHTER CHAYA MUSHKA”, WILL BE RECEIVED BY HALF THE CAMP.
From: Though campers are encouraged to write home, sometimes they don’t write as often as parents wish. It may be that they are writing other relatives and friends as well, or they have been out on a hiking or canoe trip where there are no post offices. Keep in mind also that our rural post is a day or two slower than other mail. Sometimes the days are so filled that they can’t wait to talk to you all about it – once they get home. We recommend that you give, your camper(s) 12 self-addressed envelopes, stamps and phone cards for the four/eight weeks they will be at camp. Please note – camp, canteen will sell stamps, envelopes and calling cards on a limited basis.

Telephone Calls at The Camp

You may find it hard to understand why campers are not able to receive or make telephone calls at any time during the week. A phone call to or from home focuses the child’s on mind everything she misses. It is a reminder of the comfortable surroundings of home and generally increases a child’s anxieties. We have found that most problems become worse not better, after a phone call.
However, arrangements will be made for you to contact with your camper. Phone days and times will be set for the campers once they have arrived in camp.

Camp Regulations

Electronic Gizmos and Cell Phones

We ask that you discourage your child from bringing iPODS MP3’s or electronic games to camp. These items are sometimes disruptive to others. But even more important – the natural sounds of the out-of-doors are shut out by the sounds of the city, which are brought up by the campers. Inappropriate books magazines and music of a general nature are also not permitted in camp.
We do not allow children to have their own cell phones. Any phones that are brought to camp will be held in the office until departure. They will be available during calling time and must have the child’s name on the phone and charger.

Birthdays

Camp always recognizes and celebrates campers’ birthdays. Please notify camp of your child’s birthday so we can celebrate it with a special cake, singing, and so on.

Leaving Camp

We hope you’ll understand that it is too disruptive for the child to leave camp in the middle of a session for various events, such as, relatives visiting, ball games, etc. Therefore we cannot grant any “leave” requests. If you think there will be a problem, discuss it with the camp director before camp.

Discussion of Camp Activities – After Camp

The time spent by your child at camp is as important to her as your own recent vacation or achievement. Spend time with your child and encourage her to talk to you about the camping experience. An evaluation of your child’s progress at camp is prepared by the counselor and shared with the resident director, who will be happy to discuss it with you at the end of the camp session. We, of course, are interested in our campers beyond the summer too. Parents of children who have serious difficulties at camp will be consulted.
We feel we can help make a significant contribution in the development of our youth. As partners with us in raising the next Jewish generation, we solicit your input and suggestions.
All parents and /or guardian does hereby grant permission to the camp for their child to participate in special trip or programs off camp grounds.

Canteen

We advise parents to send canteen money and suggest sending at least $20.00 per month. This will also be used by your camper for personal spending money on camp trips. This money should be put in a sealed envelope with your child’s name inside and addressed to the Head Counselors. Stamps and phone cards will be sold in canteen as well.
General Policies
1. • Our goal is to create an “unplugged” experience for our campers. Therefore, we ask all parents to be partners with us especially in this area. Cell phones are not allowed to be used by campers AT ALL – PERIOD during camp. (We have phone designated for calling home.) (If your child needs a cellphone because she is traveling with one please do the right thing by her and by the camp and inform us so that we may collect it at the beginning of camp.)
2. • Any parent of a camper defacing or destroying camp property will be billed for damages and the camper may be asked to leave camp. No graffiti or name writing is allowed ANYWHERE in camp. (including; tables, walls, bunkhouse.)
3. • Please do not send any of the following items: Dart guns, water guns, knives (including Swiss Army/Girl Scout knives), laser pointers or lighters.
4. • Cell phones, laptops, ipods, ipads, mp3 etc are NOT allowed. Campers must bring an actual camera to camp if they want to take pictures.
5. • Secular books, comics or magazines are absolutely forbidden.
6. • Please do not send expensive cameras, expensive watches or expensive jewelry to camp. The camp cannot assume responsibility for the loss or damage of campers’ personal property.

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