Camp keff parent packet summer 2013

We are eagerly anticipating the first day of camp as we continue to gear up for a great summer. This packet contains information about camp and our policies that will help prepare you and your camper for a wonderful camp experience.

Enclosed is information for all of our Camp Keff programs- K’tonton, Yeladim, Grades K-6 Camps and Teen Programs.

The information is sorted by subject and is designed to be a comprehensive guide to Camp Keff. If you are enrolled in a Teen Program, please read this packet as well as the supplemental teen packet that will be e-mailed to you separately.

Our camp programs and activities for this summer are designed to challenge and engage our campers. We are excited about all of our camp offerings as we continue to expand and develop our programming each year. Your feedback is very important to us as we seek to provide programming that best serves our community’s needs. Please take a few minutes to fill out our brief surveys at the end of each session. Don’t forget to Yelp about us too!

Please join us for our camp open house events in June! At these events parents will be able to learn more information and ask questions about camp policies, and activities as well as pick up important information such as programming calendars and your Camp Keff t-shirt!

Keep in touch with us all summer and get regular camp updates by subscribing to our blog at www.campkeff.org! On the Camp Keff Blog you will also be able to access important camp information, view photos, see field trip destinations, have a multitude of camp resources at your fingertips, and more! Like us on Facebook to receive Camp Keff tips for a great summer at Camp Keff!

If you have any further questions about camp, please call or email the Camp Office. For questions regarding preschool programs, please call the Preschool Camp Office at 650.378.2670 or email us at ececamps@pjcc.org. For Grade K – 12 programs, please contact the Grades K – 12 Camp Office at 650.378.2704 or e-mail us at camps@pjcc.org. We will be sending out camp updates and other important information via e-mail, so please make sure that the email address listed on your registration form is current!

We are looking forward to a fantastic summer!

L’Shalom (In Peace), Lisa Elliott Preschool Camp Director

Ian Israel Camp Director

Nicole Shifrin Assistant Camp Director

Camp Orientations and Open Houses Meet the Staff About Our Camp Drop-off/Pick-up procedures Gate Codes

Camp Activities Specialist Programming Swimming Tinok Daily Programming K’tonton Daily Programming Yeladim Daily Programming K-6-Multi-week Camp Daily Programming Daily Schedule Mifcad (Meeting) Unit Time Shabbat Activities Field Trips Kindercamp Party Yomah Overnight B’yachad Camping Trip

B’yachad Service Learning Projects K-6-One-week Camp Daily Programming Family Programs

General Reminders and Information Camp Hours and Dates Contact Us Absences Late Pick Up Clothing Swim Gear Lunches and Snacks Naps (Preschool Only) Valuables at Camp Money Lost and Found Items Not Allowed At Camp Camp T-Shirts Camper-Staff Communication

Health and Safety Information Water bottles Sunscreen Driving on Campus Medication Injuries at Camp Illness at Camp Child Protective Services PJCC Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Extended Care General Information After Camp Clubs

ACA Accreditation Campus Map

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These programs are an informal way to meet some of the camp staff that will be working with your children. You will also learn more details of your child’s specific program. We encourage you to come prepared with any questions you may have.

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Thursday, June 13  6:15 - 7:15pm Preschool Multi-Purpose Room th

Friday, June 14  9:00 - 10:00am Meet in Preschool Multi-Purpose Room

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Thursday, June 13  7:30 - 8:30pm Preschool Multi-Purpose Room (Parents Only Please!) th

Friday, June 14  10:30 - 11:30am Meet in Preschool Multi-Purpose Room

Tuesday, June 11  6:30 - 7:30pm Preschool Multi-Purpose Room (Parents Only Please!)

Wednesday, June 12  6:30 - 8:00pm Preschool Multi-Purpose Room

Our full time staff have a wealth of knowledge and experience in camping. We are here to provide the best experience for your campers. If you have any questions during the summer, we are always here to answer them for you. Take a look at our full profiles at www.pjcc.org/camp.

Vince Mostajo

Necholas Gomez

Adriana Strack

Jeremy Johnson

Nicole Shifrin

Lisa Elliot

Ian Israel

Our seasonal staff really make our programs shine! We have the most energetic, enthusiastic and responsible staff around! Our counselors, unit heads and specialists get the honor of playing with and learning from your campers every day. You can learn more about our great camp staff on the Camp Keff Blog!

The PJCC’s camp programs have been serving Bay Area families for decades and a large part of our continued success is due to the amazing staff members that have worked with us over the years. Each one of our staff members participates in a rigorous training program that prepares them to provide a safe and enriching camp experience for your child. That tradition and proven success will continue this year with another great summer at Camp Keff [Keff means fun]! We are building an inclusive Jewish community that embraces diversity and provides a home where families and people of all backgrounds can grow, learn, and connect to one another. Our day camp programs serve a diverse community of children, teens and families.

We are a proudly Jewish camp! We work hard to ensure that Jewish values and traditions are transmitted to our campers with an awareness of their own diverse backgrounds. We provide an environment where children from all backgrounds can enjoy our rich traditions and culture.

We offer a vast variety of programs for campers from Preschool-Grade 12. Grades listed are the grades campers will be entering in the fall.        

K’tonton: Ages 2 - 3 Yeladim: Age 3 - Pre K Kindercamp: Kindergarten Yomah: Grades 1 - 2 B’Yachad (Together): Grades 3 - 6 One-week Camps: Grades K - 6 One-week Teen Programs: Grades 7 - 10 Counselor in Training (CIT): Grades 11 – 12

In addition to these camp programs, we also offer a variety of extended care options and after camp clubs for our campers.

Our programs instill positive transformations in our campers by achieving the following outcomes.

Campers will:  Gain at least one friend at camp that extends to a friendship outside of Camp Keff.  Have at least one new experience by trying new things through our diverse set of activities.  Increase their self-confidence.  Increase their knowledge of Jewish culture.  Develop a positive association with Jewish culture.

This summer, stay in touch with all the happenings at Camp Keff on our new and revamped Camp Keff Blog at www.campkeff.org! All camp activity updates and photos will be communicated to our camp community via blog daily.

You can also find helpful Camp Keff information, tips, resources, read staff bios, see field trip descriptions, view program calendars and much more. Subscribe to the blog to get daily updates right to your inbox! Be sure to check out all the Camp Keff blog to engage in camp and best prepare your child for a summer of fun.

On the first day of each camp session you must park and walk your child in to camp to check in for all programs.

Children must be escorted to their room and signed in at the door.

Children must be escorted to their room and signed in at the door.

Walk your camper in and check in at the picnic tables outside the Wornick Jewish Day School. Camp families will be welcomed by the camp staff and you will be directed to the area where your child’s group is meeting.

After the first day of the session, parents/guardians have the option of parking and walking your child into camp or driving up to the curbside drop-off and having a counselor walk the child into camp.

If you arrive to camp after 9:10am campers must be signed in at the camp office. Please do not leave your child unattended on the PJCC campus. Campers in AM Care will be brought to their groups at 9:00am by the AM Care staff.    

Parents need to accompany their child to the classroom and sign in at the door each day.

Help your child get settled in the classroom, reassure your child that you will be back for them, give them a kiss and then leave promptly.

If you would like to check on your child during the day, you may stop by the Preschool Camp Office or phone Lisa Elliott at 650.378.2696.

Please read “Mommy, Don’t Go” (provided by the preschool and on the camp blog) for some helpful hints on saying goodbye and also how to deal with separation anxiety.

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An adult must sign children in on the appropriate clipboard.

Curbside drop-off will only be available from 8:50 - 9:10 am in front of the Preschool Gate on South Road.

Please pull up to the curb, stay in your car and a staff member will escort your child to his or her group.

You may park in any designated parking space or in our lot, accessed from South Road.

Do not park at the red curb, fire lane or in handicapped accessible parking spaces (without proper placard) as police will ticket cars.

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Curbside drop-off will only be available from 8:50 - 9:10 am at the Wornick Day School gate on Balclutha Ave. Please pull up to the curb, stay in your car and a staff member will escort your child to his or her group.

If you choose to walk your child into camp, please park in the Wornick Day School parking lot, accessed from South Road, and walk your child to their group’s meeting spot on the turf field.

For your child’s safety we will only dismiss children after they have been signed out by a person you have authorized to pick them up, with a valid photo ID. Parents listed are automatically authorized to pick up your child, as are your listed emergency contacts and others you listed during the registration process. To add additional people to your list, please send us an email: Preschool Camps email to ececamps@pjcc.org; Grades K – 12 Camps email to camps@pjcc.org.

If you are picking your child up before the designated pick up time you must sign them out in the camp office. Please notify us of this departure as early as possible so that your camper will be ready to go.             

Pick up your campers from their classroom.

Please be prompt when picking up your child at 1:00 or 3:00pm.

Since we dismiss all children at the same time, we have taken various precautions to ensure the safety of all children.

Teachers will release the children one at a time to you at the door.

Please remain outside the classroom. The teacher will release each child with their belongings directly to you. If you need to come into the classroom, please wait until all of the children are released.

A late fee of $25.00 will be incurred if your child is not picked up by 1:05 or 3:05pm.

Campers are dismissed from the Wornick Jewish Day School multi-purpose room at 3:00pm.

You can park in the Wornick parking lot and pick up your child at the door of the multi-purpose room.

Curbside pick up is also available on Balclutha Ave. For curbside pick up, place the placard with your child’s name on the driver’s side dash for faster dismissal. These placards are available at the information nights, first day check in or in the camp office. Please write your child’s first and last name in large, clear, capital letters.

Follow the line of cars and wait for directions from the camp staff. Do not get out of your car.

Trust in the camp staff will make this a smooth process. The first few days of each session tend to be slower as everyone is becoming accustomed to the process. We thank you in advance for your patience.

A late fee of $25.00 will be incurred if your child is not picked up by 3:15pm. Your child will be taken to extended care.

You will be provided with the gate code at the parent information nights and on the first day of camp. This code is strictly for those that are authorized to pick up children from camp. In order to keep our campus secure, please do not share this code with anyone, including your camper.

Much of our camp programming is provided by specialists. Specialists are informal educators that teach and lead curriculum within their area of expertise. We have specialists in Teva (Nature) & Science, Sports & Games, Drama, Judaism & Israeli Culture, Shira (Music) and Omanut (Art). Campers in grades K – 6 spend time in each specialty area a few times a week. This gives campers a wide variety of activities and programming, led by experts.

Instructional and recreational swim are an integral part of each week for campers in our multi-week programs. A swim schedule for your child’s group will be provided at the start of each session. Our swim program is staffed by certified swim instructors who are experienced in teaching children how to swim.

On their first swim day of each session, campers do a skill assessment and are placed in swim groups by ability level.

Each swim group is comprised of 6-8 campers and a swim instructor. Campers receive instruction for the first half of the swim time, then enjoy structured free swim for the second half to practice their swim skills. Counselors and Unit Heads observe swim time closely from the pool deck and in the water, as do additional lifeguards on duty.

If at any time there is a question concerning the progress of your child's swim instruction, we encourage you to contact the Aquatics Office at 650.378.2782.

Refer to the program calendars for swim dates, available at the parent information nights, first day of camp, on the blog and in the camp office. We structure our swim schedule to ensure that each group has the best experience possible.

Because our schedule is dependent on enrollment, changes to the calendar are possible. You will be notified via email if any changes arise. Parents of Yeladim campers are invited to watch the last swim period of each session.

K’tonton is designed to help our young campers separate from their parents in a safe and nurturing environment and to foster independence and social skills. Because this is the first camp experience for these young children, activities are designed to meet their developmental skills. Art projects, music, movement, water play and outdoor play are some of the activities that engage campers. Each session, we invite special guests to entertain the campers such as a petting zoo and there are special theme days such as PJ Day. Check out the Camp Keff Blog for regular updates and detailed program schedules during the summer.

Yeladim helps children socialize as well as gain self-confidence through a variety of activities. Structured swimming lessons are provided by certified swim instructors once or twice a week in the shallow end of our swimming pool. Each week the children participate in art and science programs, cooking projects, physical education as well as music and outdoor play. Playing in our fun, safe playground is an important part of our program to foster socialization and independence. We incorporate a lot of water play to cool off from the sun, along with a tricycle track and lots of sand to play in. Each session we invite special guests to entertain the campers. These guests entertain our campers with programs featuring wild animals, birds, puppetry, dogs, bubbles and more. Check out the Camp Keff Blog for regular updates and detailed program schedules during the summer.

Each day is packed with lots of programs and activities for your camper. From a typical camp schedule to exciting field trips and camping trips, Camp Keff has a bit of everything. The core camp day is from 9:00am - 3:00pm.

Subject to change 9:00a 9:45a 10:40a 11:35a 12:30p 1:25p 2:20p 3:00p

Mifcad (Morning Assembly) Activity Period 1 Activity Period 2 Lunch Activity Period 3 Activity Period 4 Snack/Shalom Circle Dismissal

9:00a 9:45a 10:15a 11:00a 11:30a 12:00p 12:50p 1:00p 1:00p 3:00p

Welcome and Free Play Snack Playground Project/Activity PE or Music (depends on the day) Lunch Shalom Circle Dismissal Specialty Camps or Nap Dismissal

9:00a 9:45a 10:40a 11:35a 12:05p 12:25p 1:05p 1:25p 2:20p 3:00p

Mifcad (Morning Assembly) Activity Period 1 Activity Period 2 Lunch Change Swimming Change Activity Period 4 Snack/Shalom Circle Dismissal

Each morning campers gather together on the turf field to begin their day together, as a community. Each Mifcad session gets the campers excited for the day ahead! Campers sing songs, see silly skits, and play games to start the day off with a lot of keff (fun) and ruach (spirit)!

Each week campers get to experience new activities within their small camp groups. These activities are chosen by their counselors; they are a reflection of the counselor’s interests and are a great way for campers to learn something about their favorite counselors, along with a new game or activity. Counselor choice activities have included things as diverse as hula hooping tricks, learning Japanese, science experiments and percussion.

Kindercampers also have story time many days at camp. This quiet time in the afternoon provides a break for children who are in the process of adjusting to a full-day schedule.

Each Friday, we hold special activities for our campers to celebrate Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath). Campers in grades K – 6 participate in a Shabbat Fair once a session, while other Fridays we have a special guest come to welcome Shabbat.

Campers play games, create art projects, dance, sing and do simple cooking projects to begin the day on a festive note.

Preschool campers celebrate Shabbat at the end of each week with challah, a special Shabbat sing-a-long and the Shabbat blessings.

Friday afternoon is a time where our whole community gathers on the turf field for singing, Shabbat blessings and snack to end the week on a sweet note. Parents are invited to our afternoon festivities beginning at 2:00pm!

Field trips take place throughout each session. Campers in grades K – 6 take 1 or 2 field trips per session, depending on their unit. We use California Highway Patrol inspected buses with professional drivers to travel to various points of interest in the Bay Area. Please use a paper bag for lunches on field trip days and have campers wear their camp t-shirts so they can be easily identified. There are no alternative activities available for children who do not wish to attend field trips. Please visit the Camp Keff Blog for a list of field trip destinations and descriptions, as well as program calendars.

Children in Kindercamp have a special Kindercamp-only party during the week of the overnight and camping trip that other camp units participate in. Special activities will occur throughout the regular day, such as special cooking and art

projects and a piñata. Kids and staff are encouraged to wear costumes to camp that reflect the festive day! Campers will still be picked up at the regular dismissal time. th

Session 1: June 27 th Session 2: July 11 th Session 3: July 25 th Session 4: August 8

Children in Yomah enjoy a one-night sleepover at the PJCC each session. This program is a highlight for campers and they experience many special projects and activities throughout the overnight. We will include detailed information to families during the camp session about the overnight via the Camp Keff Blog. Children should bring lunch on the first day; we provide all subsequent meals.

We encourage children to attend the full overnight, but parents may arrange to pick up their child in the evening at 7:00pm and return to camp the following morning at the usual morning drop off time.

Campers sleep inside the day school multi-purpose room on a carpeted floor. All medication your child takes must be given to the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director the morning of the overnight. Refer to the Health and Safety section of this packet for more medication details. th

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Session 1: June 27 – June 28 th th Session 2: July 11 – July 12 th th Session 3: July 25 – July 26 th th Session 4: August 8 – August 9     

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Lunch for Thursday All other meals included Sleeping bag Sleeping pad (optional) Pillow 2 Pairs underwear

1 Pair pants/shorts 1 Shirt Pajamas Toiletries 1 Bathing suit

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1 Towel 1 Stuffed animal 1 Sweatshirt 1 Book (for early risers)

The three-day, two-night camping trip is truly one of the highlights of each session for our campers in B’Yachad. We will assume that your child will be attending the overnight unless otherwise informed. We camp at group camping facilities at Memorial Park or Del Valle Regional Park, depending on the session. All have large sleeping areas, excellent cooking facilities, bathrooms, and beautiful natural environments. Children should bring lunch on the first day; we provide all subsequent meals. We sleep outdoors and have a true camping experience including cookouts, hiking and campfires (as permitted).

All B’Yachad staff members attend the overnight. There are no alternative activities for campers choosing not to attend.

All medication your child takes (prescription and over the counter) must be given to the Camp Director or Assistant Director on the morning the trip departs. Please pick the medication up with your child at the end of the trip. Refer to the Health and Safety section of this packet for more medication details. th

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Session 1: June 26 – June 28 • Memorial Park th th Session 2: July 10 – July 12 • Del Valle Regional Park th th Session 3: July 24 – July 26 • Memorial Park th th Session 4: August 7 – August 9 • Del Valle Regional Park 

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1 Labeled bag lunch for 1 day (Wednesday) All other meals included

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1 Flashlight and batteries 1 Warm sleeping bag and pad 1 Pair shorts

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4 Pairs socks 1 Warm jacket 1 Pair tennis shoes

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3 Pairs underwear 2 Pairs long pants 2 Shirts Toiletries 1 Pair warm pajamas

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1 Face towel 1 Pillow 1 Book (for early risers) 1 Water bottle 1 Stuffed animal

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1 Swim suit (Del Valle Trips) 1 Beach towel (Del Valle Trips)

During each camp session, our B’Yachad campers will each participate in a service learning project. These projects include learning about a social justice issue, participating in a community service project, and reflecting on the experience.

More information about the service projects for each camp session will be included on the Camp Keff Blog.

One-week Camps offer a unique experience for our campers to delve into their own interests with professionals in that field. Campers come together as one big group with the rest of the Camp Keff community in the morning for Mifcad. After, One-week campers head off to engage in their specialty theme in depth through projects, activities, and with the use of their imaginations. Campers will also join together with other groups in our camp community during lunch and at the end of the day at Shalom Circle. With only one week to dig into their area of expertise, campers will be busy discovering and learning!

Featuring a performance by Parent Choice and JUNO award-winning songwriter and entertainer Norman Foote. Norman’s theatrical, comedic and musical talents align for an hour of unforgettable entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. His “props with attitude” and off-beat humor will leave ribs tickled and smile muscles sore. Pack a blanket and a picnic dinner (or purchase yummy food onsite) and enjoy the company of the Camp Keff community.

Tuesday, June 25 • 6:00pm • PJCC Turf Field All 2013 Camp Keff campers (all sessions) and children under 2 are FREE. *Must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional Members - $7 Additional Public Rate - $10

We invite everyone to join us at our annual pool side camp party. All camp families are invited, whether you are a member or not, regardless of the camp week your child is enrolled in! This is a great time to meet other families, take a dip in our heated pool and kick back on the pool deck. Families can bring a picnic dinner or purchase dinner as we grill out on the pool deck! We will have snacks and treats for everyone.

Tuesday, July 9  6:30 - 8:00pm • Outdoor Pool Deck

We invite everyone to join us in our annual family movie night. Enjoy a great flick with the whole family, whether you are a member or not, regardless of the camp week your child is enrolled in!. Bring a picnic dinner and munch on your favorite movie snacks.

Tuesday, July 23  5:00 - 7:00pm • Wornick Multi-purpose Room

We invite all camp families, regardless of which weeks your child is enrolled in to join in the camp experience as we welcome in Shabbat. Each family should bring their own picnic dinner and arrive at the turf field at 5:00pm. We will celebrate Shabbat, play some games and have a special picture slide show! We hope all families will be able to join us to celebrate together as a community.

Friday, August 2 • 5:00 - 7:00pm • Turf Field

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Session 1: June 17 – June 28 st th Session 2: July 1 – July 12 th No camp July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday th th Session 3: July 15 – July 26 th th Session 4: July 29 – August 16 (two week option ends on August 9th) th rd Shalom Session: August 19 – August 23 Morning Care: Monday – Friday • 7:30am – 9:00am Core Programs: Monday- Friday • 9:00am - 3:00pm Afternoon Care: Monday - Friday • 3:00pm – 6:00pm Note: Some preschool programs have half-day options that end earlier than 3:00pm. Some grades K – 6 programs have special programming that have different times than those listed. Refer to the activities section of this packet for more details.

650.378.2670 • ececamps@pjcc.org 650.378.2704 • camps@pjcc.org

If your child is going to be absent, please call your respective Camp Office by 9:30am the day of the absence.

650.378.2670 650.378.2704

If you will be late picking up your child, please notify your respective Camp Office. Late fees will be assessed if you do not pick up your child on time. Children not picked up by 3:15pm will be taken to extended care and will be assessed a $25 fee for the care. Extended care ends at 6:00pm. Any child picked up after 6:00pm will be assessed a late fee of $1 per minute. This amount is due when you pick up your camper. If for some reason camp hours will vary (i.e. a bus is running late from a field trip), we will send out an email with “Important Camp Schedule Change” in the subject line. We may also set up a phone tree, depending upon circumstances.

Children should arrive at camp each day wearing comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. Please send your child to camp only in clothing that can get dirty, as campers participate in arts and crafts, outdoor games and other activities throughout the day. Also, please include a jacket or sweatshirt, particularly on field trip days. For safety purposes, each child must wear their camp t-shirt on all field trip days. Preschool campers need an extra change of clothes, stored in their cubby. Yeladim campers should wear their shirts on Fridays. Please label everything you send to camp with your camper’s name so we can get it back to you if it is left behind.

Your child should come to camp on swim days prepared to swim with a swimsuit, towel, and plastic bag for wet suits and towels. These items should be placed in your child’s labeled camp bag. Counselors will have a bottle of sunscreen lotion to use throughout the day for every member of their group unless otherwise instructed by the parent. Ear plugs, nose plugs and goggles should be clearly labeled. Please refer to the daily schedule available on the Camp Keff Blog, at the open houses, first day of camp and in the camp office. Preschool campers that are not fully potty trained are required to have a swim diaper and swim wrap.

If you have purchased hot lunch for your child, you are all set! Choice Lunch will be preparing gourmet lunches for children at camp this summer. These balanced meals include a vegetarian entrée, fruit, vegetable, snack and drink. We will make sure that every child that has ordered lunch is hand delivered their lunch during their group’s lunch period each day, even field trip days! If you would like to add lunch for your child, please contact the Camp Office at least one week prior to the session you would like to have your child get lunch. We will be happy to help you with any questions you have about this new program.

Children bringing their own lunch and beverage should place them in a container labeled with their name. Lunches are not refrigerated. Avoid perishable foods or include a frozen ice pack to keep it cool. Nutritious snacks are provided daily.

If your camper has any food allergies or other dietary concerns, please notify us in order to provide an alternative snack and prevent campers from coming in contact with their allergen. Please do not send shellfish or pork products as the PJCC maintains a policy of not serving these products. WE DO NOT SERVE ANY NUTS AT CAMP. When meals are provided on overnights, the meat items will be kosher (Jewish dietary law), and dairy and meat will not be served together.

In concern for the environment, we ask that you help reduce some of our waste by using reusable thermos bottles in place of disposable beverage bottles, juice boxes or cans whenever possible. Please label these items with your camper’s name. We also compost! Campers will be able to contribute to our compost by throwing items like food, paper plates, etc. in our composting bins. On field trip days, please pack your child's lunch in a labeled disposable paper bag. We cannot be responsible for non-paper-bag lunch sacks on field-trip days, as we have no place to store them.

Naps will be provided for children requiring them each day from 1:15 - 2:45pm. Children who need to nap must bring a clean, labeled heavy blanket or a small sleeping bag to be kept at camp for the week, then sent home to be washed over the weekend and returned again on Monday. Nap News will be posted so you can check how long your child slept.

We cannot be responsible for watches, cameras, sports equipment, or any expensive items that your child might want to bring to camp. Please help us by not allowing your child to bring valuables to camp. We also request and recommend that your child not bring any toys, money, or other personal items that may get lost or dirty at camp.

Campers do not need to bring money to camp at any time. All admissions and transportation fees will be covered, so please do not send spending money with your child. The café, soda machines and snack machines are off limits to campers during camp hours.

We do everything possible to prevent items from getting lost at camp. However, it is possible your child will leave something behind during the course of the summer. Lost and found items will be regularly collected and displayed for campers to identify. Unclaimed items will be stored until the end of the summer. Please label your child's belonging with first and last names for easy return. If you notice a missing item please contact your respective Camp Office so we can assist in looking for the missing item. You can also come in and look at the lost and found items collected.

For the safety of our entire camp community the following items are never allowed at camp, on field trips, or on overnights:  Any type of weapon (real or toy)  Any alcohol, cigarettes, or illegal substances  Shoes with wheels, skateboards, roller-skates, rollerblades, etc.  Personal Sports Equipment  Animals (even pets)  Cell phones, personal stereos, personal game consoles, iPods and any other electronic equipment.

Camp Keff t-shirts have been ordered for each camper according to the size indicated on your camp registration. Camp shirts must be worn on field trips. To welcome in Shabbat we encourage your child wear their camp t-shirts on Fridays as well. You can pick up your free t-shirt (one per child) at our Open House or on your child’s first day of camp. As all shirts look alike, please label your child’s shirt.

Our camp staff is a huge part of the success of our camp programs, and we understand that campers may want to keep in touch with their counselors after camp has ended. We have asked our staff not to provide their contact information directly to campers, but rather to parents when requested. We cannot provide staff rosters with contact information.

Grades K – 12 only Each camper needs to have a reusable water bottle sent with them each day. This will ensure that your child is always close to refreshing water, keeping them hydrated and healthy. This will also eliminate the need to throw away thousands of cups each summer. Please help us in our campus-wide effort to conserve. If you don’t have on already, let us know and we can get you a brand new, reusable, BPA free, Camp Keff water bottle for just $10.

Please apply sunscreen before your child arrives at camp. We will reapply over the counter sunscreen after swimming, nap time, and as needed. We use Coppertone Waterbabies-Pure & Simple Lotion SPF 50; please visit www.coppertone.com for more sun care information. If your child is allergic to our sunscreen or for some other reason is not permitted to use ours, please notify us and send your child with their own labeled bottle and a note describing any specific instructions you have for your child.

Please drive carefully whenever you are on campus, observing posted speed limits and parking placards. Do not drive around cars to advance in the pick-up line unless directed by a staff member and do not leave your vehicle unattended along the curb. Both our staff and our campers thank you for being attentive and safe while in your vehicle.

If your child needs medication (prescription or over the counter) at any time during camp hours, it must be given to the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director to be logged and stored in a safe place. Please follow these simple steps to ensure that your camper gets the medication they need appropriately.    

Complete the camp medication form, available at www.pjcc.org/camp, on the Camp Keff Blog or by request.

Send medication in its original container with a current prescription label (if applicable) inside a ziplock bag labeled with your child’s first and last name.

Emergency medications such as rescue inhalers and epinephrine will be with a staff member working with your child for fast access if they are needed. All other medications will be locked in the appropriate Camp Office until they are needed.

Please do not send any medication in your child’s belongings!

Minor bumps, scrapes and cuts are an every day reality at camp, no matter how many precautions we take to prevent any injuries. We are trained to handle these minor injuries quickly so that your camper can get back to the activity and playing with their friends. Any incident no matter how small will be reported to you directly. Here is the process:    

Staff treat the injury within our scope of training.

We write an “Ouch Report” detailing the incident, injury and treatment provided. A copy of this report is provided to you (usually placed in your child’s bag or a preschool child’s folder) the day of the incident.

If medication is suggested you will be notified by phone.

For moderate to severe injuries, and all head bumps, you will be notified by phone immediately.

Contagious diseases must be reported to camp by the parent as soon as the illness has been diagnosed so that other parents may be notified of the possible exposure.

A Child May Not Attend Camp with the Following Symptoms:  Conjunctivitis (pink eye)  Temperature of 100 degrees or more Must be fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours before returning  Excessive sneezing or coughing  First three days of a cold

    

Unidentified rash Ear infection not seen by a physician Vomiting or diarrhea Lice (must be egg and nit free) Any contagious condition, until cleared by physician

Note: Topical antibiotic ointments or other over the counter medication may be suggested as a part of the treatment for an injury or illness of your child. This medication will be administered at the indicated dose at the discretion of the Camp Director, in consultation with you. If you do not want camp to administer some or all of these medications please make

sure this option is marked on your registration form. You can also email your wishes for your child’s treatment to Preschool Camps at ececamps@pjcc.org or Grades K – 12 Camps at camps@pjcc.org.

In the State of California, all professionals who care for children, including the Camp Keff staff, are required by law to report “reasonable suspicion” of child abuse to either a law enforcement agency or a county child protective agency. The staff is experienced and trained in assessing situations which may lead them to make a child abuse referral.

Camp Keff is committed to maintaining a safe environment for children and for serving our children and families in the best way we can. In situations where we would have to make a referral to either law enforcement or protective services, we will attempt to make the process as supportive as possible.

The PJCC has developed an extensive Emergency Preparedness Plan to provide the best care for your children in case of natural disasters or human threat. This plan has been developed in conjunction with the Foster City Police & Fire Department.

Staff have been trained in appropriate emergency procedures, as well as how to comfort and care for children in an emergency. The PJCC is equipped with food, water, blankets and first aid supplies. It is important that the information on your “Authorized to Pick Up” form is accurate; your child will only be released to people on this form.

In case of an emergency, the Camp Keff administrative staff or volunteers will attempt to call parents. Please be sure that all of your phone numbers are current and on file in the Camp Office.

Contact us:  PJCC Main Office: 650.212.7522  Preschool Office: 650.378.2670  Grades K – 12 Camp Office: 650.378.2704 Additional information will be available via:  Media outlets: Radio Stations KGO 810AM, KCBS 740AM; Television Stations KRON, KGO, KPIX.  Our sister JCC, the Stroum JCC of Greater Seattle (206) 232-7115. Call for recorded information and updates.  The Foster City Police at (650) 286-3200 If, for any reason, the PJCC becomes an unsafe facility, we will relocate the children to a safe location. The Foster City Police will determine the evacuation site based on their safety assessment. Our primary evacuation site is the William E. Walker Foster City Recreation Center situated at 650 Shell Blvd. in Foster City (650) 286-3380.

Full session extended care is available. Registration for extended care must be made when you register for camp. Due to staffing constraints, drop-in care is not permitted. Extended care participants in grades K – 6 will participate in both electives and structured activities each day. Chugim (electives), give campers the opportunity to choose between at least two structured activities. Preschool activities include art, cooking, library time and outdoor play.

7:30 – 9:00am Enrolled campers can be dropped off between these times. Campers enrolled in morning care engage in art projects, games, and outdoor play time that allow them to work up to the speed of the camp day at their own pace. Campers who arrive prior to 8:30am can have a light breakfast with items such as: cereal, waffles, bagels, pancakes, milk, juice and fruit.

Morning Care Meeting Places Grades K – 6: Gesher Room, found on the first floor of the Wornick Jewish Day School Yeladim: ECE Room 5 3:00 – 6:00pm Campers who are enrolled can be picked up between these times. Due to the large size of our Afternoon Care program, we divide campers by age group. During Afternoon Care, campers participate in three additional activity periods including structured art, science and sports activities to less formal time on the blacktop or play structures. Campers in grades K – 6 will have the opportunity for additional free swim periods as well. Campers in grades K – 2 will have the opportunity to

swim on Mondays and Wednesdays and campers in grades 3 – 6 will have the opportunity to swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

When picking up your child, please go to the rooms listed below. A daily schedule will be posted so you can easily find your child if the group has left the room for an activity.

Afternoon Care Locations Yeladim: ECE Room 5 (1:00 – 3:00pm and/or 3:00 – 6:00pm) Grades K – 2: Gesher Room on the first floor of the Wornick Day School Grades 3-6: Classroom 108 in the Wornick Day School

Children in grades K – 6 enrolled in Aqua Kids and After Camp Art will be escorted to their activities and supervised by our counseling staff. All after camp clubs end at 4:00pm. By 4:15pm, Aqua Kids will be brought to the picnic tables at the Wornick Jewish Day School to await pick up and authorized sign-out by a parent or authorized adult, or will be escorted by our staff to extended care if they are enrolled. Parents picking up their child from After Camp Art can pick up and signout their child directly from Treehouse A, found on the map below.

American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation means that we care enough to undergo a thorough review of our operations and maintain compliance with up to 300 standards. These standards encompass areas such as staff qualifications and training, program design, transportation policies, strategic planning and emergency management. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

Accreditation is voluntary and ACA accreditation assures families that Camp Keff has made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. ACA standards are recognized by government regulators as the standards of the camp community.

ACA goes beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness, and food service into specific areas of programming; applying separate standards for activities such as aquatics, field trips and overnights.

Some ACA standards that Camp Keff adheres to include:       

Staff to camper ratios are appropriate for different age groups Goals for camp activities are developmentally based The camp program provides activities to help campers with socialization Emergency transportation is available at all times First-aid facilities and trained staff are available when campers are present Up to date health information is collected for all campers and staff Staff are screened with a personal interview, including reference and background checks and undergo in-depth training prior to and throughout camp

We are proud to be accredited by the ACA and strive to maintain a safe AND fun environment for our entire camp community.

Thank you so much for enrolling your child at Camp Keff! We are excited for camp to begin and to welcome all of the campers, new and returning, to our community. We feel that camp is a magical place and know that your camper will enjoy every second of it. We encourage you to introduce yourselves, ask us questions and engage in the camp experience as well. Please do not hesitate to provide us with any kind of positive feedback or suggestions for improvement as the summer gets underway.

Youth Gate

ECE Gate