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.  For more information on Reconstructionism and on the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, click here.

Who is the Camp Director?
Rabbi Jeffrey Eisenstat is the Director of Youth and Camping for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. In almost 30 years as a rabbi, he has served congregations and has also run summer camps, youth programs, and family retreats. His model program for Reconstructionist youth is now being used by No'ar Hadash, the Reconstructionist youth movement. Please click here for more information about other year-round camp staff.

Who are the camp staff?
There are two madrihim (counselors) in each cabin: the senior counselor has finished at least one year of college and the junior counselor has finished senior year of high school. Some members of our senior staff are students at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. All of our staff comes to camp a 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 2008?
We are planning for more than 300 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:

• Lakefront with canoes and kayaks
• Cabins with bunk beds, electricity, and bathrooms (with toilets and showers)
• Heated swimming pool
• High and low ropes course and climbing wall
• Tennis courts, baseball diamond, volleyball and basketball courts, and athletic fields
• Arts center
• State-of-the-art theater
• Newly renovated dining hall
• Indoor gym
• Hiking trails
• Complete health center

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. 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 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, all cabins have electricity and 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 is available at every meal, as well as basic sandwich ingredients such as peanut butter and jelly.

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 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. 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?
In the spring, we will provide registered campers and their families with information about traveling to camp. 

Air: We suggest that all campers from a region be on the same flight, when possible, and that - if the families would like - they be accompanied by an adult chaperone from the area. Any unaccompanied travelers will be met at the gate. A bus will pick up campers from the airport and bring them directly to camp.

Bus: Camp JRF will provide bus service from New Jersey and Maryland. Other buses can be added if there is sufficiant interest.

Car: Driving directions will be provided in the spring.

As a North American camp, we realize that some campers may incur significant additional costs for travel.  Travel subsidies may be provided upon request for costs over $100.

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. For more information please contact us.

Is there a visiting day during the session?
Due to the relatively short length of the camp sessions, there is no parent visiting day. Parents are welcome to visit camp on opening and closing days of each session - camp tours will be provided on both occasions.

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.