We welcome everyone into The Camp Ruach Family! RUACH: Spirit in Hebrew, is what we aim to bring to camp each day.
Why Camp Ruach
We are far beyond just having FUN! We believe that every moment of every day is an opportunity for campers and staff to positively impact each other’s lives. In just 8 short weeks, JCC Camp Ruach campers benefit from camp in many ways. Campers: • 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 • Become part of a community
Our Mission
We integrate Jewish values, lovingly refered to as human values, which guide each aspect of our camp program. • Hakhnasat Orhim ~ Welcome everyone into the group • 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 (electives), 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.
ACA Accreditation
JCC Camp Ruach is an American Camp Association accredited camp. ACA Accreditation means that JCC Camp Ruach submitted to a thorough review of its operations by the ACA, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. The ACA accreditation recognizes that our camp provides: • Healthy, developmentally-appropriate activities and learning experiences • Discovery through experiential education • Caring and competent role models • Service to the community and the environment • Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
NJY Camps
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 campers entering grades 1 through 5. Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, an all inclusive program for children almost ready to take the leap from day camp to sleep away. First Step Weekend, a 2 night trial program for campers entering grades 1-4. DATES OF PROGRAM: August 13 – 15, 2021 $50 (First time First Step campers only) First Step Week: 5 night trial program for campers entering grades 1-5. DATES OF PROGRAM: August 22 – 27, 2021 $300 (First time First Step campers only)
Contact NJY Camps for more information! 973-575-3333 x112 or info@njycamps.org, njycamps.org
JCC Memberships Star Membership includes:
• Outdoor Summer Swim Club • Unlimited Group Fitness • Small Group Training Classes • Indoor Pool • Fitness Center • Gymnasium • JCC Starbucks Discount Book • Member Pricing for all programs &events. • Amy and Seth Geldzhler Splash Pad
Basic Membership includes:
• Indoor Pool • Fitness Center • Select Group Fitness Classes • Gymnasium • Member Pricing for all programs & events. Contact Sarah Pollak, our Membership Director for more information at 908.443.9015.
REFER A FRIEND AND SAVE! ASK ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP REFERRAL PROGRAM
FAQs What age are the campers at Camp Ruach? Our campers range in age from 2 years to entering 9th grade.
What are the ages of the counselors? Campers in K’ton have adults as their Senior Counselors. Kindergarten - 3rd grade have Senior Counselors in college or older, Junior Counselors are in grades 11 or 12 and CITs are 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 9:00 AM and leave between 3:45 and 4:00 PM. We also offer extended hours from 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM.
How do the children get to and from camp? Busing is included if your child is attending the 9:00 AM -4:00 PM camp program. If you child is a half day camper and leaves camp at 12:30 PM, they can ride the bus to camp in the morning but must be picked up at 12:30 PM. 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 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 and cultures. All are welcome and feel comfortable here.
My child has special needs. Do you offer a special program? 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.
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 sensitive 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 correlate with the theme of the week.
My Child has allergies. How is this handled? WE ARE ALLERGY AWARE. There is a nurse full time on site. We have nut-free tables for those with nut allergies. Currently, we have campers who are nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free. We will work with all families to accommodate their allergy needs. Please contact the camp office to make special arrangements for specific allergies at 908.443.9026.
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 in light of Covid-19 some groups may have virtual programming on wash out rain days.
And really hot days? We give extra swims and setup sprinklers throughout the campsite. If needed, we will give group breaks in the activity building.
Do you offer Financial Aid? Yes we offer financial aid to those who qualify. You must complete our financial aid form and submit certain information to us. For more information please call 908.443.9018.
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”!
Hours of Operation Camp Ruach Hours: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Early Care: 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
2021 Rates
Late Stay: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
COVID-19 Prevention at Camp Ruach The power of camp and its impact on us as individuals and as a community was never more-true than during the Summer of 2020! In speaking with many of our camp families and in watching the campers every day, it is evident that camp had a lasting and powerful impact on everyone connected with Camp Ruach this past summer. The health and safety of our campers and staff remains our top priority and as a result, we are prepared to implement our tested safety practices in mitigating risk related to Covid-19. All policies are developed in accordance to the recommendations made by the CDC and the local and state Department of Health. Health Measures • Daily arrival symptom screening and temperature check • New handwashing stations installed behind camp building • Campers wash hands upon arriving at camp and between each activity • Staff preparing and serving food will be wearing masks and gloves Cleaning & Sanitization Protocols • Increased cleaning and sanitization will be done throughout the campsite with EPA-approved cleaning supplies and sanitizers • One group at a time will use the bathrooms and changing rooms • All camp staff trained prior to start of camp on the cleaning and sanitization procedures • Supplies, activity areas, and equipment will be sanitized between each group and when possible, each group will have their own supplies for exclusive use. Camper Groups • When outdoors and with their group, campers will not need to be masked. If a counselor is in close contact with a child, staff will be instructed to wear their masks. If groups need to move indoors for any reason, they will be fully masked indoors and remain socially distant from other groups. • Each camper group will attend an activity independently and if there is more than one group at an activity, they will remain socially distanced from each other. All safety and health policies are seamlessly integrated into Camp Ruach without compromising all of the fun, spirit, and excitement that comes with Camp Ruach! As many families shared at the end of summer 2020, Camp Ruach was exactly what their children needed!
We Cover it All!
It is all included at JCC Camp Ruach! There are no additional fees for transportation, snacks, daily activities, trips or overnights. Our All-Inclusive Tuition Covers: • Camp T-Shirt/Tank • Daily Snacks and specialty themed snacks • Bus transportation to and from camp- Must register by May 1. • Chugim (Choice Program) for grades K-9 • All equipment and supplies for programs and chugim • Daily swim instruction and swimming related activities • All day and overnight trips • Group Picture Camp tuition may be eligible for Child Care/Dependent Care reimbursement through your employer or as a straight deduction on your tax return.
The Benjamin M. Butler Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund The JCC Benjamin M. Butler Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund was established in 2015, in loving memory of Ben Butler. Ben passed away after a long struggle with drug dependency. His memory lives on in the hearts and lives of his family and friends. Ben’s family is grateful that through The Benjamin M. Butler Camp Scholarship Fund, Ben can make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the community that need financial assistance. Ben attended JCC Camp Ruach for many summers. His experiences at camp were enriching and always a happy place for him. Camp Ruach is “home for the summer” for many children whose families cannot afford to send them to Camp. Through the Benjamin M. Butler Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund, the JCC is able to provide financial assistance to many families in our local community so that they can send their child to camp. Please consider making a donation to Ben’s Fund. Go to ssbjcc.org/butler or call 908.443.9018.
Questions or to schedule a tour, Contact Alanna Steinberg, Camp Director 908.443.9026 • asteinberg@ssbjcc.org
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 ssbjcc.org • 908.443.9018
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