Why sleep-away camp?
Research has found that the camp experience promotes and enhances a child's self-esteem, self-confidence, and social skills - three traits deemed essential by experts in order for a child to become a healthy, productive adult. Children can express themselves, try new things, and mature while at camp. During their weeks as campers, kids learn to share, get along with others and become self-reliant without parents in the picture, skills invaluable later on when they make the transition to college dorm living. As one camp director summed up: "Camp is winning, losing, giving, sharing, compromising and learning to enjoy people and nature. It's a primer on how to succeed in life." Whatever the camper's personalities and talents, whether self-reliant or sophisticated, homebody or explorer, they can expect the time of their lives at camp.

What is Reconstructionism?
Reconstructionist Judaism is a progressive, contemporary, community-centered approach to Jewish life that integrates a deep respect for traditional Judaism with the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual, and spiritual life. At Camp JRF, we are committed to building a dynamic and inclusive community each year.  Throughout the entire day, Camp JRF is a Reconstructionist community in which the spiritual values of character, Zionism, creativity, wisdom, tikkun olam, and holiness are lived. Participation, egalitarianism and inclusivity, hallmarks of all Reconstructionist communities, are also a daily feature of our camp. For more information on Reconstructionism and on the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, click here.

Who is the Camp Director?
Rabbi Isaac Saposnik is the Director of Camp JRF and No'ar Hadash, the Reconstructionist youth movement. Rabbi Isaac has served the Jewish community for more than ten years as a camp and youth services professional. Please click here for more information about Rabbi Isaac and the rest of our year-round camp staff.

Who are the camp staff?
There are two madrihim (counselors) in each cabin; each is a high school graduate or older with extensive training in counseling skills and techniques. Some members of our senior staff are students at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. All of our staff comes to camp at least one week before the campers arrive to undergo intense training, ensuring that our staff is prepared to make your child's summer unforgettable and safe.

How many campers will be at Camp JRF in 2010?
We are planning for nearly 400 children from all across North America.

What is the staff / camper ratio?
While the ratio between cabin counselors and campers is approximately 1:6, with senior staff, faculty, and specialists, the total staff to camper ratio is close to 1:3.

Where is the camp located?
The Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus of Camp JRF is located in South Sterling, Pennsylvania, in the Pocono Mountains, approximately 110 miles from New York City and 125 miles from Philadelphia.

What facilities does the camp have?
On 130 acres of wooded lands and field, the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus is a full service camp facility. The site includes:

What is a typical day like?
Campers have an opportunity to enjoy the many facilities of camp: the lake and pool, sports fields, and the ropes course. They also spend some of their day in their eidah (unit) where they will explore Judaism through experiential and artistic activities that are both interesting and fun. They spend time singing, eating, playing, and learning together as a camp community. For a typical daily schedule, click here.

What is Shabbat observance like?
Reconstructionism is based on the framework of innovation growing out of knowledge. Shabbat at camp includes spirited services led by our campers; lively singing and dancing; time for rest and relaxation; and a change from our regular daily schedule.

Where will my child live?
All campers live in cabins. Located throughout camp, cabins sleep 10 to 12 campers plus two counselors in comfortable bunk beds. All cabins have electricity, lighting, and bathrooms (including toilets and showers). Each camper has personal shelf space, and they are welcome to bring posters, pictures or other items from home.

What are meals like at camp?
Every meal at camp provides variety so that campers will always find something to they like to eat. Camp meals include pizza, burgers, pasta, tacos plus so much more. All meals are Kosher, and whenever meat is served, there will be nutritious and tasty vegetarian options. Fresh fruit or salad is available at every meal, as well as basic sandwich ingredients such as soy "peanut" butter and jelly. Camp JRF strives to be a nut free environment.

What is the health care like?
The camp has a complete health center. A registered nurse is on the camp grounds and available at all times. The nurse will distribute all medications and is available to assist campers with their individual health needs.

How can I keep in touch with my child?
We want parents and campers to be in frequent communication during the camp session. Parents can send letters by mail and by email, and can call in the case of a family emergency. Your camper will generally write to you at least twice a week - please send stamped, addressed envelopes with your child to help expedite this process. We will contact you during the session to tell you how your child is doing. It is camp policy that campers not speak on the phone during their time at camp (although we are happy to arrange a phone call home on a camper's birthday). Of course, if there is a problem (illness or injury requiring a hospital visit, serious homesickness, etc.) we will be in touch.

What if my child is homesick?
Homesickness is normal; particularly if this is the first time a camper has been away from home. Part of the point of sending a child to camp is to let them live in a supportive environment with people who care about them. This will make being on their own a more pleasurable experience in the future. Staff and seasoned campers are ready to support any homesick children through the sometimes difficult first few days of the session.

What about travel to Camp JRF?
Transporting your child to Camp JRF is ultimately the responsibility of the parents.

Air: Camp JRF requires all of the campers that fly to arrive and depart from Newark International Airport (EWR). A Camp JRF staff member will meet campers in baggage claim and a bus will bring them directly to camp from the airport. Most airlines have the option for children less than 18 years of age to travel as “Unaccompanied Minors” for an additional fee. This option allows an adult who is not flying with the child to escort them through security to the departure gate and an adult to meet them at the arrival gate on the other side. If you choose to send your child as an “Unaccompanied Minor,” camp will meet your child at the gate on opening day and bring them directly to the departure gate and not leave until the plane has taken off on closing day. All airline fees for “Unaccompanied Minor” are the sole responsibility of the parents both ways.

Bus: Camp JRF will provide bus service from Bethesda, Maryland and from Newark Airport for an additional fee of $100 each way. There will not be bus service provided on the last day of the Nitzanim program. (Campers arriving by air are not charged for bus service from Newark Airport.)

Car: Driving directions are available in the “About Us” section of the website. A list of other camp families in your area for carpool arrangements only is available upon request.

Are travel subsidies available for camp?
As a North American camp, we realize that some families may incur significant additional costs for travel. Travel subsidies may be provided upon request for flight costs over $200 per child (up to $400). To be eligible to receive this subsidy, you must live at least 200 miles from South Sterling, Pennsylvania and fill out the Travel Subsidy Form in full and submit it to the Camp JRF office, along with an official receipt for airline travel fees, no later than August 1, 2010. The travel subsidy is for the cost of the ticket price only and does not apply to any luggage fees.

Are scholarships available for camp?
Our goal at Camp JRF is to try to make sure that no camper is turned away from camp for purely financial reasons. We therefore strive to make camp financially accessible to all camper families. All scholarship applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2010.  Unfortunately applications postmarked after January 31, 2010 cannot be honored as there will not be funds available after that date. For more information, please contact us.

Is there a visiting day during the session?
Parents are welcome to visit camp on opening and closing days of each session - camp tours will be provided on both occasions. Family members are also invited to a "Shabbat at Camp" program on the last Shabbat morning of each session (not including Nitzanim). This Saturday morning program typically runs from 9:00 am through 2:00 pm and includes a special family breakfast, services and lunch with the camp community, and an opportunity to meet with senior camp leadership. More information will be sent to camp families following registration.

If my child is staying for both sessions, what will s/he do for intersession?
Camp JRF will provide full programming for all campers who are staying for the entire summer. Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit at any point during the intersession, and campers are also welcome to return home for the period.