home for the summer
Summer 2018
June 25 - Aug u
Adventure
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Traditional D ay Camp Specialty Ca mps Travel Progra ms
Smiles
Creative
Friendship
Fun
jcccampruach.org
Why Camp Ruach
We believe that every moment of every day is an opportunity for campers and staff to positively impact each other’s lives. In just eight short weeks, JCC Camp Ruach campers benefit from camp. They will learn teamwork, gain new skills, increase confidence and self- esteem, increase their willingness to explore and have new experiences, create friendships and develop social skills, and become part of a community.
Between 2001 and 2004 the American Camp Association conducted national research with over 5,000 families from ACA Accredited camps. The findings from this national study indicated that camp is a unique educational institution and a positive force in youth development.
Our Purpose
It extends far beyond just having FUN (Although that is a huge part of camp as well!) We integrate our Jewish Values such as Hakhnasat Orhim: Welcoming everyone into the group/Friendship; Kavod: Respect for each other, Gemilut Hasadim: Kindness & Compassion; Tikkun Olam: Improving the world; Shalom Bayit: Peace in the Community/Camp Group; Tzedakah: Justice/Charity We create our programs and activities, schedules, special events, Chugim (choice time) and trips with the intention and purpose of our campers to be safe, have fun and to develop who they are while increasing their independence, teamwork and leadership skills. JCC Camp Ruach is located on fourteen beautiful acres right in the heart of Bridgewater, NJ. It is easy to get to by car or on one of our buses that go throughout the surrounding towns. Camp Ruach has the best of both worlds, an outdoor campsite with sports fields and facilities, camp building, pools, high and low adventure course and shady areas, along with an indoor facility including a gymnasium, pool and multipurpose space available for rainy and extremely hot days.
Our all-inclusive tuition covers: • Camp T-shirt/Tank • Snacks daily and specialty themed snacks • Bus Transportation to and from Camp • Chugim (Choice Activities) for grades 1-9. • All equipment and supplies for programs and Chugim • Daily swim instruction and swimming related activities • All day and overnight trips At Camp Ruach we are committed to a high staff to camper ratio. As a result, some camper groups and weeks close out. Reserve your child’s spot by completing our online registration application: JCCCampruach.org and click on enroll now.
By being ACA Accredited, it tells you that our camp provides: • Healthy, developmentally-appropriate activities and learn ing experiences • Discovery through experiential education • Caring, competent role models • Service to the community and the environment • Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
ACA Acreditation
JCC Camp Ruach is an American Camp Association Credited Camp. ACA Accreditation means that JCC Camp Ruach submitted to a thorough review of its operation by the ACA from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.
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Camp tuition may be eligible for Child Care/Dependent Care reimbursement through your employer or as a straight deduction on your tax return.
We Cover it All
At JCC Camp Ruach, there are no additional fees for transportation, snacks, daily activities, trips and even overnights.
Meet the Year Round Staff
Alanna Steinberg Camp Director Favorite Camp Food: Hamburgers Favorite Camp Activity: Greeting the campers each morning!
Dear Camp Families, I am so excited to come home to Camp Ruach and the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC. Raised in Bridgewater, NJ, I spent my summers here as a camper (before it was a JCC!) and then as a counselor for many summers. My experiences at Camp Ruach were a major influencing factor in deciding to become a JCC Camp Director, sparking my true love of camp! I have spent the last five years working for the Edith & Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst as the Program Director of Camping & Leadership Development. I ran the day camp comprised of 500+ campers, oversaw special needs programming and led family programs throughout the year. Prior to this role, I served as the Director of Teen Services & Special Needs, operating year-round programs for nearly 300 teens, and as the Director of Camp B’Yachad, a 12-day overnight camp for Russian-speaking Jewish teens exploring their Jewish identity. Before my tenure at the Marks JCC, I partook in the Jewish Professional Leadership program receiving a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and a Masters in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary. My decision to pursue a graduate degree in Jewish professional work was rooted in my leadership experiences in both Jewish life and community service activities at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania, where I studied Psychology and Jewish Studies. I cannot wait to meet all of you -- our fantastic campers and families -and return to the campgrounds alongside them. Think Camp! Alanna
Lauren Paniccia
DIrector of Operations & Programming Favorite Camp Activity: Shabbat Favorite Camp Food: Rita’s Favorite Camp Place: Cooking
Carol Sacca Camp Registrar
Favorite Camp Activity: Swimming Favorite Camp Food: Hot Dogs Favorite Camp Place: Gadol Stage
Our Team
Each summer, we find the best of the best for their position. Whether it be a Unit head, Counselor, Specialist or Swim Instructor, they go through a process that includes a thorough interview and background check along with references. Once they are hired, they continue the process through staff trainings before camp begins and continued staff trainings throughout the summer. JCC Camp Ruach’s Staff Team works all year long to create a camp that fits everyone’s needs. Whether a child is into sports, adventure or the arts, our staff develops the right program for your child. Our Senior Staff Team is made up of our Directors, Unit Heads and Program Coordinators. Each of them come with a background of being an Educator, JCC Department Head, or Social Worker and are longtime fans of camp themselves! This team returns year after year to provide your child with the greatest summer of their lives. Combined, the senior staff team have been at JCC Camp Ruach for over 150 summers! Camp Ruach’s Unit Heads are dynamic administrators assigned to each unit, and therefore to each one of you. They are responsible for supervising and mentoring the counselors in their units and working with each one of your children. In addition, they are in constant communication with you, our camp families. Camp Ruach’s Specialists are adults who develop activities throughout the day for their specialty areas. They are each trained in their specialty area from culinary arts, to musical theater to athletic coaches. Our Camp Specialists work on curriculum and programs to ensure your child has new experiences in a safe, fun environment.
Senior Staff Team: Sandi Arnold “Mitzvah” Matt Bergman Jason Filep Eli Goldstein Steph Johnson Rachel Koenig
Jamie Kupperman Michelle Roth Hillary Stein Dawn VanNess Ellie Willoughby
About Us
Our dynamic team of camp staff work hard to make every day…the best day. Many of our staff are former campers and bring with them the spirit, passion and love for Camp Ruach that their counselors instilled in them.
Facilities
Sports Fields • Indoor/Outdoor Salt Pools Tennis & Basketball Courts • Adventure Course GaGa Courts • Indoor Multipurpose Space Mini Golf • Camp Building • Game Room Fitness Studio • FitGround
Adventure Course
High Ropes: Climbing Wall, Zipline, Birma Bridge, Vertical Playpen, Bosin Chairs Bouldering Wall Low Ropes: 9 Element Course including Tire Swings, Obstable Course & more!
Aquatics Three salt swimming pools available to campers with free swim in the afternoon.
Archery
Learn the proper way to shoot an arrow.
Arts & Crafts • • • • •
Leather Crafts • Woodworking • Jewelry Making Wearable Art Ceramic Studio • Painting Lanyards • Glass Kiln Friendship Bracelets • Paper Maché
Creative & Performing Arts
Past productions include Seussical, Wizard of Oz, Annie, High School Musical, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Shrek and James and the Giant Peach
Chugim (Choice Period)
Mitzvah Matt Each week campers meet with “Mitzvah Matt” to do a community service project for a local charity or organization.
Movie Club
Kids view a popular movie on DVD and then are involved in a discussion with other campers and counselors. Popcorn included!
Music
Taught by professional music instructors.
Nature
Campers love to explore our outdoors with our Nature Specialist and hanging in the teepees. They especially love our live animal days.
Shabbat
Each Friday all campers gather together for a camp wide Shabbat Celebration. Its a feelgood week-ending tradition enjoyed by all!
Special Events
• Maccabi Games (color war) Acrobats • Spirit Days Carnival Family Fun Nights • Talent Shows Israel Day • Themes
Culinary Arts
• • • •
Fitness
Sports
Choice periods throughout the day.
Taught by avid chefs in our kitchen.
An age-appropriate cardio workout taught by our certified fitness instructors.
Dance
• Hip Hop • Cheerleading • Creative Movement • Line Dancing
Entertainment
Game Shows, Musicians, Carnival Day, Karaoke and much more!
Activities
Mini-Golf Course (9 Hole)
Practice your hole in one!
Game Room
• • • • • • • •
Archery Badminton Baseball Basketball Disc Golf Football GAGA Hockey
• • • • • • •
Kickball Lacrosse Soccer Softball Sports Tournaments Tennis Volleyball/Neucomb
Swim Lessons Instructional swim in the morning.
Video Games, Arcades, Ping Pong, Air Hockey, Foosball, Nok Hockey, Games, Acrobatics, Lanyard Station and more.
Tumbling
Game Time
Learn basic acrobatics and gymnastics.
• Chess • Board Games • Challenge Games • Wacky Water Fun
Yoga
Inflatable Mondays Water slides, bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses and more.
Martial Arts
Taught by Somerville Martial Arts. • Girls’ Self-defense • Beginner Karate for our younger campers.
Learn the way to relax through different methods of yoga.
Weekly Themed Activites Down the Shore week, Weird NJ, Earth, and Disney weeks, to name a few!
• Dog and Acrobat Shows • DJ Dance Parties • Magicians • Game Shows • Jabali African Acrobats • Improv Groups • Interactive Game Shows • Musicians • Karaoke
Weekly Themes! From the minute the kids get on the bus in the morning they are immersed in the theme of the week! Past themes have included:
• Pink • Disney • Willy Wonka • Save the Earth • We Love Rock n’Roll.
Special Events! • Israel Day • Maccabi Games (Color War) • Inflatable Mondays • Carnival • Concerts • Featured on an episode of Cake Boss! • Family Fun Nights
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Our Camp Entertainment is second to none! The campers all know that Wednesdays = Entertainment! Each unit has a period built into their schedule where age-appropriate entertainers come to Camp Ruach. The kids just love it! Some of the entertainment from recent summers has been:
Entertainment, Themes & Special Events
Let us Entertain you!
Sports and Adventure Course
Our campers are always on the move! At any given time during the camp day you may see kids engaging in a game of GaGa, participating in a round-robin sports tournament, or challenging themselves on one of our high rope course elements. All age campers have sports activities built into their weekly schedule and our older campers have a large variety to choose from as electives. Our sports program is headed up by physical education teachers and coaches, and our high ropes course specialists are fully trained every year in all the latest elements.
Sports and adventure activities offered at Camp Ruach: • Archery • Badminton • Baseball • Basketball • Cheerleading • Dance • Disc Golf • Field Hockey • Football • GaGa • Gymnastics • High Ropes Course • Karate • Kickball • Lacrosse • Low Ropes Course • 9-Hole Miniature Golf Course • SOccer • Softball • Sparring & Self Defense • Street Hockey • Tennis • Volleyball/Neucomb
Our High Ropes elements include a 24 foot Climbing Wall, Zipline, Vertical Playpen, Burma Bridge, Bosin Chairs and a Bouldering Wall. Our Low Ropes Course have age appropriate Tire Swings, Tarzan Swings and a Log Swing.
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Aquatics
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A recipe book is sent home to all camp families at the end of the summer.
Culinary Arts
One of our campers favorite activities is Culinary Arts. Every week has a different theme. Campers cook desserts and main meals such as lasagna, fried rice, couscous, falafel and more. They cut, chop, mix, stir and of course eat!
Our 3 year olds through 3rd graders receive instructional swim every morning. Campers in Tzahov (4th-6th grade) are given the option of choosing instructional swim for one of their electives. All campers are tested for their swim group on the first day of camp and placed into a level with other campers of the same swim ability. Parents receive a progress report each Friday outlining their child’s improvements and learning for the week. Campers at our beginner levels will become comfortable in the water by putting their faces in, learning to blow bubbles and rotary breathing. They will also learn the front crawl/freestyle. As they progress through the levels, they will begin to learn backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Starts and turns are also introduced at the upper levels. Swim Team campers have the option of a practice during the camp day.
All of our swim instructors at Camp Ruach are WSI certified.
Aquatics
Camp Ruach is proud to have 3 heated pools! Our outdoor pool features a waterslide the kids love. In addition, we have two kiddie pools adjacent to the outdoor pool that are each 1 foot deep for our youngest swimmers to enjoy. Our indoor pool features a retractable roof to allow all the wonderful summer weather to filter in. This pool also feature a zero entry ramp going from 0-3 feet in depth, which is great for our youngest swimmers. Free swim is enjoyed every afternoon in the outdoor and indoor pools.
Creative and Performing Arts
Our campers love to show us “what they’ve got!” The Camp Ruach staff is trained in bringing out the creative spark in all of our campers. The staff is there to encourage creativity, both athletic and artistic, in all age levels and interests. Some of the arts offered are: • Dance: everything from Hip Hop to Line Dancing. • Cheerleading and Cheer Dance: learn the latest chants and cheers! • Tumbling: High level instructors teach beginning through intermediate gymnastics and tumbling skills. • Musical Theater: The highlight of the summer for many campers. • Creative Movement and Song and Music: classes for our younger campers. • Yoga/Pilates and Bootcamp: our certified fitness instructors make Fitness fun! • Art: Program is lead by a professional artist who specializes in jewelry making, glass,mosaic and ceramics.
Musical Theater! with Director Keara Gordon!
Each summer a group of very dedicated campers enroll in our Musical Theater Elective. With just six weeks to rehearse, these kids, led by Director Keara Gordon, put on a production complete with professional lighting, sound and costumes. The show is performed during the 6th week of camp, and it draws a huge croud of campers, parents and counselors! The kids in the show just love being part of this special group and many participate summer after summer. Past shows have included Willy Wonka, Seussical, Wizard of Oz, Annie, High School Musical, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Shrek Jr. and James and the Giant Peach.
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We understand that as campers get older, they want even more choice. As our campers graduate from grade to grade and unit to unit we increase the amount of choice time they have. First and Second graders choose 2 periods a week while our third graders choose five. As the campers move to the Tzahov & Sababa Units, campers choose over nine of their periods each week. Campers keep these Chugim for 2 week periods (except for a few which last longer). This gives them the chance to continuously try new ones or repeat those they really loved. No matter what week(s) your child is here for camp, we will get them into their favorite activities.
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Camp is about doing things that you don’t normally do at home. We offer everything from Sports, to an Adventure Course, to STEM, Arts, Cake Wars & Candy Making, Robotics, Tumbling, Fencing, Magic and the Camp Musical. Your child’s diverse interests can all be fulfilled in one place…JCC Camp Ruach. Each child is sure to find a favorite on the list!
Chugim (Choice Activity)
Kids love choices…and choices we give them! Starting in first grade our campers are able to choose from a variety of Chugim. These choices give our campers the new experiences they want. They might choose an activity they really love, or try something completely new.
Ages 2, 3, 4 & Entering Kindergarten
K’ton
Unit Head: Dawn VanNess, JCC Assistant Early Childhood Director Our K’ton campers, comprise their own unit where they receive individual programming and attention to meet their specific needs.
K’ton campers receive a wide variety of age-appropriate programming and activities. The Campers have a balanced combination of both outdoor and indoor camp time. We offer various naptime options and welcome non-potty trained children! Dawn leads an amazing staff of highly trained and qualified adults and assistants. Many of them work year round in our preschool and they all create a bond with the children that make JCC Camp Ruach their home for the summer! 2 Year Olds Have The Choice Of:
2-5 Days a Week
Half Day 9:00am12:45pm
Full Day 9:00am4:00pm
Don’t need to be pottytrained
3 & 4 Year Olds Have The Choice Of:
3-5 Full Days a Week
Half Days 9:00am12:45pm
Naptime Optional
Don’t need to be pottytrained
Kindergartner’s Camp:
3-5 Full Days a Week
Full Day 9am - 4pm
Color War
August 21-25: Post Camp Week for 2,3,& 4 year olds. There are planned special activities and entertainment. For Kindergarten post camp see Specialty Camp Page.
Early and Late Stay options are available. Early arrival begins at 7:30am and late stay is until 6:00pm. Busing is included for K’ton Full Day campers age 3 and older.
Busing is included for K’ton Half Day campers for morning arrival.
There is no busing at 12:45pm or for Early or Late Stay.
Once campers reach first grade they are ready for our Gadol Unit! Gadol campers enjoy a balance of exciting activities utilizing all of our outdoor camp grounds. Gadol Campers are able to choose from a list of electives to give more of a personalized schedule and a chance to explore new activities. The High Ropes Course, Mini-Golf Course, Musical Theatre Program and Specialized Sports Clinics are among some of the favorites. Staff continue year after year in this unit because they love working with the campers and each other. JCC Camp Ruach becomes both the campers and staff’s home for the summer.
The Gadol campers are in camp from 9:00am-4:00pm
Extended hours options are available from 7:30am until 6:00pm.
Busing is included for the 9:00am - 4:00pm schedule. All inclusive daytrip to NJY Camps for 2nd and 3rd Graders Our Gadol Unit is grouped according to age and gender (although many activities are with other groups). On average, there are 15 campers per group with 3 counselors: 1 Senior Counselor (18 years or older), 1 Junior Counselor (entering 11th or 12th grade) and 1 CIT (Counselor in Training, entering 10th grade).
Grades 1, 2, 3
Gadol Unit Head: Jason Filep, Elementary School Teacher
Grades 4, 5, 6
Tzahov Unit Head: Eli Goldstein, JCC Youth & Teen Director. This unit empowers the campers to create part of their schedule and have some independence.
Two days a week, Tzahov Campers go on all inclusive day trips . Three days a week the campers participate in a combination of group activities as well as electives. The staff in this unit is comprised of many college graduates, along with two unit heads, who love spending their summers year after year with our campers. Our camp has become their home for the summer too!
Tzahov campers are on-site three days and enjoy two-day trips per week.
Busing is included for the 9:00am and 4:00pm schedule.
Early and Late Stay options are available. Early arrival begins at 7:30am and late stay is until 6:00pm. Our Tzahov Unit is grouped according to age and gender (although most activities are with other groups). On average, there are 15 campers per group with two senior counselors (18 years or older).
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Unit Head: Hillary Stein, Teacher This unit gives many options for these campers to help create their own schedule. Sababa is for 7th, 8th and 9th graders! This is a program designed for campers who wish to enjoy a traditional day camp experience. Sababa offers special electives, activities and trips exclusively for this unit.
Sababa campers are in camp three days and enjoy two-day trips per week. Sababa includes 1 overnight trip. Busing is included for the 9:00am and 4:00pm schedule.
Grades 7, 8, 9
Sababa
Grades 7, 8, 9
Road Rulz
Unit Head: Rachel Koenig
Road Rulz consists of day trips, overnights and 2 week-long trips. Road Rulz is our teen travel program for campers entering grades 7-9. These campers have the experience of traveling everyday on a combination of day, one night and four-night overnight trips. Campers gain independence and self esteem while having fun! The staff are all over age 21 and work throughout the year to make Road Rulz the teens’ home for the summer. Sign up for this program early as the “away” weeks do close out.
Road Rulz Schedule: Exciting day and overnight trips all included in one price.
Road Rulz campers are on the road everyday.
Busing is included for Road Rulz campers for their 9:00am-4:00pm days only.
Places we go: Day trips.... Dave & Busters, Point Pleasant and Spring Lake Beaches, Rafting on the Delaware, Camel Beach, Mountain Creek, Hurricane Harbor, Spirit Cruise, Cirque de Soleil, Medieval Times, Broadway, Chelsea Piers, Dorney Park... & much more!
Overnight trips... Great Wolf Lodge, Hershey Park, Myrtle Beach, Boston, Niagara Falls, Smokey Mountains Tennessee,Virginia Beach, Lake George and more!
This year our week-long trips include Boston, Baltimore and Washington DC.
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Leadership in Training Program (LIT) combines learning to be a leader through community service, learning how to work with children, volunteering with the campers and going on a fun trip each week. Campers have a lot to do with the planning of this program to make it just right for them!
5 days a week, available for 4-8 weeks
Combine community service, learning to be a great counselor in training and one trip per week.
Limited Space
You will have time with an assigned camp group, go through leadership training, participate in a community service project, and follow a schedule which includes ropes course, cooking, team building games and competitions along with free swim each day. One day a week will be o the camp site on a trip.
Grades 8 and 9
Leadership in Training (LIT
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Chaverim
Special Needs Camp Camp Chaverim is designed for campers with Special Needs. This program offers 1:1 staff support to shadow your camper and is tailored to their specific needs. Camp Chaverim is an individualized program and includes integration into peer groups when appropriate and modified schedules when necessary. We work around ESY schedules developing part and full time programs for your child. An intake is required. From this intake, the camp and Special Services Director will work closely with you and your family to develop a personalized program to make the summer a successful experience for your child. Individualized Programs. Camp Hours adjusted when needed. Will work aound ESY program.
Intake process required. One-on-One program available.
• Schedules created to ensure success of each camper • Adjusted period times • Higher staff ratio • Specially trained counselors
STEM - New Drobot Drone Camps Sports Camp Theater Camp Swim Camp
$500/JCC Camp Ruach Camper $600/Community Camper Choose 1 specialty camp which will run Monday through Friday.
Swim time each day.
Specialty Camps run from 9:00am to 4:00pm. There will be early and late stay hours from 7:30-9:00am and 4:00-6:00pm.
Check our website for a full listing!
Specialty Camps
One Week Camps • Grades K-6 August 20-24 • 9am-4pm
We proudly support our JCC Residence Camp, New Jersey Y Camps. NJY’s First Step Program... a 2 or 5 night introduction to Sleep Away Camp for your child entering grades 1 through 5 at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, an all inclusive program for children almost ready to take the leap from day camp to sleep away
First Step Week 5 Night Trial Program for campers entering 1st– 5th grades August 19 – 24, 2018 $200 (First time First Step) Contact NYJ Camps for more information! (973) 575-3333 x112 or info@njycamps.org www.njycamps.org
NJY Camps
First Step Weekend 2 Night Trial Program for campers entering 1st-4th grades August 10 – 12, 2018 $ 50 (First Time First Step Campers Only)
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What age are the campers at Camp Ruach?
FAQs
Our campers range in age from 15 months to 9th grade.
What are the ages of the counselors? Toddlers and Preschool campers have adults as their Senior Counselors. Kindergarten - 3rd grade have Senior Counselors in college or older, Junior Counselors in grades 11 or 12, and CITs in grade 10. Grades 4-6 have Senior Counselors paired with a few older Junior Counselors. Road Rulz (Grades 7-9) counselors are all adults. Sababa (Grades 7-9) have Senior Counselors.
What is the start and end time of camp? Campers arrive at camp between 8:45 and 9:00am and leave between 3:45 and 4:00pm. We also offer extended hours from 7:30am until 6:00pm.
How do the children get to and from camp? Busing is included if your child is attending the 9:00am -4:00pm camp program. If you child is a half day camper and leaves camp at 12:45pm, they can ride the bus to camp in the morning but must be picked up at 12:45pm. If you are utilizing early or late care, you provide the transportation for that portion.
Does my child have to ride the bus both ways to and from camp? If the bus schedule does not work with your schedule, you are more than welcome to drive your child/children to camp, pick them up in the afternoon, or any combination.
Once my child arrives at camp, what can they expect? When the campers get dropped off, either by their parents or a bus, they are walked by a staff member up to their group where their counselors are waiting for them to start their fun-filled day!
My family is Jewish. What kind of Jewish experiences will my children have? We have Jewish programs that range from Jewish Heroes, Israeli Culture Day and of course celebrating Shabbat on Fridays!
Does my family have to be Jewish to attend Camp Ruach? No! We are a Jewish camp that has cultural programs integrated in our schedule. We are OPEN TO EVERYONE. We are proud to say both campers and staff represent people from all different backgrounds. All are welcome and feel comfortable here.
My child has special needs. Do you offer a special program?
Does my child need to bring a lunch to camp? Yes, and no! Your child is welcome to bring a lunch with them, which will be refrigerated. They may also pre-purchase lunch at camp. We offer items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, bagels and pasta on a rotating basis. A water bottle and choice of fruit or chips is also provided. A menu is available via the online registration form. We are a kosher sensiver facility. Please do not mix meat and dairy in your lunch and no shellfish or pork are allowed on our site. We also provide a snack in the morning (usually crackers, pretzels, etc.) and ice pops in the afternoon...except for Friday when we serve Rita’s Ices at the end of the day! In addition, there are many special snacks throughout the summer which corrrelate wih the theme of the week.
My Child has allergies. How is this handled? WE ARE ALLERGY AWARE. There is a nurse full time onsite. We have nut-free tables for those with nut allergies. Currently, we have campers who are nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and soyfree. We will work with all families to accommodate their allergy needs. Please contact the camp office to make special arrangements for specific allergies at 908.725.6994.
Do I send my child to camp if it’s raining out? Of course!! There are going to be rainy days, and campers are still going to have lots of fun! We utilize our indoor facility and some groups (grades 1 & older) may go on trips to the movies or bowling.
And really hot days? We bring kids inside more often, give extra swims and set up sprinklers throughout the campsite. We provide water for the bus ride home on extremely hot days.
Do you offer Financial Aid? Yes we offer financial aid to those who qualify. You must complete our financial aid form and submitting certain information to us. For more information please call 908.725.6994
Finally... will my kids enjoy their summer at Camp Ruach? ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEED! Camp Ruach is sure to become your children’s “Home for the Summer”!
FAQs
YES! Chaverim is designed for campers with special needs. This program offers 1:1 staff support to shadow your camper and is tailored to their specific needs. Camp Chaverim is an individualized program and includes integration into peer groups when appropriate and modified schedules when necessary. We work around ESY schedules developing part and full time programs.
Testimonials
It had been very easy this summer getting my kids up each morning. They were so excited about their plans for their day at Camp Ruach. They'd come home singing the songs and telling stories of their adventures at camp. My son, Tate couldn't stop wandering around the house rehearsing his lines and singing the soundtrack from the upcoming camp play. The staff and counselors are fantastic, friendly, fun and most of all engaging. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for giving my children a camp they can call home. The Hyman Family Our boys are already saying they can't wait for school to be over so they can go to camp again LOL. I just have to say again how much I love what all of you do and how you run the camp. Words can't describe the experience that the boys have each year. Love my JCC family. Thank you!!! Gadol Camp Parent
The scholarships awarded to families in our Safe & Sound programs are an enormous asset to their path of healing. The children were able to participate in amazing day camp program that afforded a sense of normalcy, and most importantly, fun, amidst the upheaval that they are experiencing. I have heard from the grateful parents whose children participated in the programs and they have expressed the immense joy their children had in the programs. Children need the time to play and engage in recreational and educational activities in order to grow. This is especially crucial after experiencing trauma and crisis. The JCC Camp Ruach programs provided these invaluable opportunities to our families. Additionally, the staff’s sensitivity and generosity towards our clients were present in all aspects of our process of working together. On behalf of myself, the agency, and the clients we represent, we thank you! Alexis Sellas, LSW, Residential Youth Program Coordinator I have never seen him so excited! We have been super impressed with the camp this summer and look forward to many more summers at the JCC! Compliment and Commend you and your staff on the level of professionalism. Tzahov Camp Parent
2018 Rates
Refer a first time family and earn $50 towards your registration. (They must indicate your name when they register)
(M) pay the discounted member rate. (NM) pay the camp rate for their first child, and receive discounted member rate for all additional children.
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Enroll Now: jcccampruach.org Alanna Steinberg, Camp Director Phone: 908.443.9026 ASteinberg@ssbjcc.org
home for the summer
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