1. How do you choose camp counselors? What sort of training do they complete?
All new applicants and returning counselors complete an extensive application and screening process that includes a background check, reference checks, and an interview. We are looking for young adults who have taken leadership roles in school, have experience with children, and demonstrate creativity, caring, and responsibility. Many of our counseling staff were once Campers at The J themselves, so they know the impact of great role models, fun activities, and outstanding Camp spirit.
Counselors complete pre-summer training in youth development, behavior management, program policies and procedures, transportation and safety policies. And, of course, games, cheers, sports, and crafts. Most staff also receive Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification. Professional development and training are ongoing throughout the summer.
2. Our family is not Jewish – is this the right camp for my kids?
J Camp staff encourage diversity by genuinely welcoming Campers into a fun and welcoming environment. We strive to instill a sense of real community so Campers end each day highly anticipating the next day of Camp. Jewish values are integrated into our programs in a manner that appeals to parents and children of all faiths and backgrounds.
J Camp provides structured recreational and educational activities which revolve around the importance of friendship, respect, sportsmanship, and committing acts of kindness and generosity. Each week is ended with a Friday afternoon Shabbat ceremony, in which candles are lit, songs are sung, and campers reflect on a week well-spent.
One of our parents responded in a survey: “Although we aren’t Jewish, our family feels like a welcome part of the community at The J and the kids enjoy learning about Israel and Jewish culture. We never feel excluded because we aren’t Jewish, and we’ve all learned a lot about the Jewish community, which includes many of our friends and neighbors.”
3. What should my child bring to camp every day?
Each day, your child should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, swimsuit, and towel. Please send your camper wearing sunscreen, close-toed shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt. Send your Camper with a backpack to keep everything together. Pack light and put your child’s name on everything! Please do not send your child with fancy or costly clothes or shoes. Please leave toys, cell phones, Pokemon cards, and any electronic devices at home. Your child should bring a lunch if parents have not purchased a lunch plan.
4. What does a typical day at camp look like?
Each day is so full of activity, and each Camp is so unique, that it’s impossible to sum them all up in one! Please visit the individual Camp pages for an idea of what your Camper’s day will look like!
5. What are my options for lunch?
Parents can pack sack lunches for their Campers or purchase a lunch plan. When bringing lunch, please refrain from shellfish and pork. Juice and water are provided daily. Lunch plans need to be purchased by the Wednesday prior to the week of camp. No individual lunches will be available. See the lunch section for more information.
Nut Free Camp: A significant number of Campers have severe allergies to nuts. This means that they cannot eat or even touch nuts or foods made with nuts. These allergies are potentially life-threatening. Health and safety have always been top priorities for the Jewish Community Center, so we are requesting that you do not include any nuts or food made with nuts in your child’s lunch.
Some good alternatives to peanut butter are Wowbutter or Sunbutter. Campers can also bring things like cheese, turkey, tuna, cream cheese, and jelly.
Sack lunches are refrigerated and soft lunch bags are preferred.
6. My daughter loves sports, can she attend Sports Camp?
All J Camps are open to boys and girls equally! Sports Camp is for Campers who enjoy lots of different sports activities! At times, boys and girls will work separately on skills. Caring and well-trained counselors are careful to make sure all Campers feel welcome.
7. I am not sure what Camp is best for my child?
Only you and your family can know what’s best for your Camper, but with so many options, it can be hard to choose! We encourage all kids to try something new and to challenge themselves in exciting ways—like starring in the Theatre Camp production, or training in Triathlon Camp to compete in the Youth Triathlon! Camp is a great plan to try new activities, so look closely at all the different options.
For more information on any of our Camps or to have a conversation about the best choice for your child, please feel free to call Barry Birkmeyer 913-327-8098 or via email.
8. If my child comes to three or four weeks of Barney Goodman, will they do the same things each week?
Each week is full of unique activities, projects, and special events designed to provide a summer full of fun! More than half of our Barney Goodman kids attend all summer long, and we attribute that to creative staff, great friendships, a variety of exciting activities, and great fun had by all!
9. Why are you using CampDoc for my Camper’s health information?
CampDoc.com is a comprehensive online health management system that allows us to store your child’s health information securely online and keep it current for use for J youth programs. Once you complete your CampDoc form, you will only need to update the information for future Camp seasons, CDC school years, and after-school program enrollment. It allows us to access your child’s information more quickly, clearly, and, if necessary, remotely from field trip locations. If your child is sick or needs medical attention, they will be taken to the Camp Health Care Supervisor. All information in the health records is kept confidential and health details shared with staff only when necessary for proper care and safety.
For more details on CampDoc.com visit their website!
10. We may be going on vacation during part of the session – can I get a refund for the days my child doesn’t attend?
We do not refund for days that Campers do not attend or pro-rate a week’s fee at the time of enrollment. Contact Barry Birkmeyer if you have questions: 913-327-8098 or via email.
11. Do you offer Camp by the day?
We do not offer Camp by the Day. We hope that weekly sessions will provide families with the necessary flexibility for busy summer schedules. Part-time sessions (Mon./Wed./Fri) are available for Barney Goodman, Sports Camp, and BOOM!
12. I need full-time daycare for my children because I am a working parent – is this an option at J Camp?
Early and Late Care makes it possible for your Camper to arrive as early as 7 a.m. and leave as late as 6 p.m. Campers have a place to wind up or cool down with calm supervised play. Enrollment in Early Care and/or Late Care is an additional fee. Campers must be pre-registered to participate. Spots are limited.
13. Can I request that my child be in the same Camp group as his/her friend?
Parents are welcome to request that their children are placed in the same Camp group as a friend, and we will do our best to put friends in the same group. It is challenging if the Campers are in different grades, but we do our best to honor these requests, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. You can request friends in your child’s CampDoc health profile under the "Child Information" section.
14. Can my older child use the pool or fitness center after camp?
Parents can authorize their children who are entering 5th grade or above to become independent before the Camp day begins and after it ends. By signing a contract of understanding, parents recognize that their children will be released from Camp supervision at 4 p.m. Campers who are J Members will be free to visit the pool and fitness center. Parents can authorize their Camper to be independent on the CampDoc profile. Campers will need to provide their Member ID card to gain entry to the pool or fitness center. See more information here.
15. What is a J Camp Undernight?
A special activity at J Camp where Campers can choose to attend the optional Undernight and stay at camp with their Camp friends on select Wednesday nights from 4-8 p.m. There is no extra charge for Undernights. The Undernight activities include special games & activities, extra swimming, a cook-out (Vaad supervised), campfire, songs & s’mores.
16. My kid's favorite camp is full; how do I get on the waitlist?
Many of our popular camps fill up quickly! There is a Join Waitlist option within CampDocs when enrollment for a specific week of camp is full. Please note that at times, even the waitlist will become full, so it is important to enroll early!