The PJCC | Your Center for Life

Camp Keff FAQs

FAQs

General Questions
Food
Swimming
Staff
Field Trips
Judaism
Programming

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What kind of discounts do you offer?
We currently have a multi week discount for individual campers that enroll in 4 or more weeks!

Do you have a camp referral program?
Yes! If a first time camp family registers for two or more weeks and has listed an existing camp family in the referral box on their registration form both families receives a $50 credit on their camp accounts!

Referral Rules:

1. Discounts can only be used for Camp Keff Summer 2012.
2. Campers registered for summer 2012 prior to 3/23 are not eligible as a first time camp family.
3. Campers registered prior to 3/23 are able to refer their friends and participate in this program as a referring family.
4. There is not a limit for how many families an existing camp family can refer.
5. There is not a cap to the discount a referring family can receive.
6. A First Time Camp Family is one that has never participated in a fall, winter, spring or summer camp session at the PJCC since the summer of 2007.
7. Both the referring and the first time families must be registered in a minimum of two weeks to receive their discount.
8. It is possible that a first time family receives the discount and the family that referred them does not. An example of this is a First Time Family signs up for two weeks of camp, but the family that referred them is not attending camp this summer.

How long has camp been running at the PJCC?
Our camp programs have been serving the Bay Area since the 1960’s and are a treasured community tradition.

Do I need to be a PJCC member to attend camp?
You do not need to be a PJCC member to participate in any of our programs.  However, membership does provide you with great discounts on our programs.  Please contact Becka at 650-378-2711 for information on how to become a member.

What do you do in a preschool camp? 
There are so many activities for our campers ages 3-5 yrs; swimming, art & crafts, cooking, music, PE, jumping in the bounce house, special guests, welcoming Shabbat with the older campers.  There is even a nap room for full day campers that need a break from all the fun. Activities for our youngest campers ages 2-3 yrs. will be messy art, music, PE, special guests and lots of outside time. This is a transitional program for children entering preschool in the fall.

What do you do in a traditional camp program?
The traditional camp programs have an emphasis on building community, enhancing social skills and relationships, and a rich exploration of Jewish values and culture. We provide a diverse mix of activities including swimming, sports, crafts, science, Israeli culture and fieldtrips.

What do you do in a specialty camp?
The one week specialty camps focus on one topic a week.  Some of the options include Urban Art, Olympics, LEGO, Superhero and Eco-Adventures.  The programming includes everything from hands-on experiments to live performances.  No two days are the same the whole summer! These programs are led and designed by professionals in their field.  Some of the specialty camps include field trips to complement the theme as well!

How are the camper groups broken up? 
We break campers up by age in preschool. We split campers by the grade the camper will be entering in the fall for all other programs. The unit names and grades are listed below:

• Tinok: age 18 - 26 months
• K’tonton: age 2-3
• Yeladim: age 3-preK
• Kindercamp: entering grade K
• Yomah: entering grades 1-2
• Ruach (Spirit): boys entering grades 3-4
• Achayot (Sisters): girls entering grades 3-4
• B'Yachad (Together): boys and girls entering grades 3-4
• Tzofim (Scouts): entering grades 5-7
• Teen: entering grades 7-10
• Leadership: entering grades 11-12
• Specialty Camps: grades K-6
• Shalom Session: entering grades K-6

What is the ratio of campers to staff? 
This varies slightly based on age. Younger groups have a lower ratio of campers to staff.  All of our ratios meet or exceed the standards set by the American Camp Association.  Preschool and Kindergarten have a ratio of 6:1, Grades 1-6 have a ratio of 8:1 and Grades 7-12 have a ratio of 10:1.

What is the schedule of an average day? 
Below are the sample daily schedules for our traditional camps.  This subject to change based on special program days and unforeseen circumstances.

Time	Day with out swimming	Time	Day with swimming
9:00am	Mifcad (Morning Meeting)	9:00am	Mifcad (Morning Meeting)
9:45am	Activity Period 1	9:45am	Activity Period 1
10:40am	Activity Period 2	10:40am	Activity Period 2
11:35am	Lunch	11:35am	Lunch
12:30pm	Activity Period 3	12:05pm	Change
1:25pm	Activity Period 4	12:25pm	Swimming  (Activity Period 3)
2:20pm	Snack	1:05pm	Change
3:00pm	Dismissal	1:25pm	Activity Period 4
		2:20pm	Snack
		3:00pm	Dismissal

Where are all of the registration policies and deadlines?
Please refer to page 11 of the 2011 Camp Keff brochure for all of the registration and cancelation policies.  The brochure can be seen at www.pjcc.org/camp.

Can I register my child for a traditional camp and a specialty camp at the same time?
Due to staffing and camper space restrictions we do not allow campers to be enrolled in two camps at the same time.

Can I get prorated for days of camp that my child misses?
We are not able to prorate any days that your child misses camp. There will be no reduction or refund of fees for camp programs or extended care because of absence, illness or withdrawal due to changes in family circumstances during camp sessions.

Can I request that my child is in a group with friends?
Yes you can!  During the registration process there is a box for friend requests.  Simply type the name(s) of the campers you would like your child to be with.  While we do our best to meet grouping requests, we may not be able to accommodate all requests. 

I am holding my child back a grade, which program should I register for?
We request that you register your child in the group based on the grade they will be entering in the fall. Please call the camp office to discuss further.

How does applying for financial assistance work?
First, complete a paper camp registration form. These can be printed from the website or provided at the Welcome Center of Youth Office here at the center. Second, return the completed registration form along with a $100 deposit to the Preschool office for preschool campers or the Youth Office for campers entering Kindergarten to 12th grade. Third, our membership department will contact you with details on how to complete the Financial Assistance Application. Next, our financial assistance committee will review all applications and notify applicants if an award has been given.

FOOD

Can my child’s lunch be refrigerated or heated at camp? 
Unfortunately, we do not have the storage space to refrigerate lunches or an ability to efficiently heat camper’s lunches. Please send your child to camp with a lunch with an ice pack inside if it needs to stay cool.  Please do not send campers with lunches that need to be heated.

What food does Camp Keff provide? 
Each day we provide a nutritious morning snack for preschoolers and kindergarteners that need one on days with a late lunch.  We provide all campers an afternoon snack. Snacks can include fruit, vegetables, yogurt, cheese and crackers.  On overnights we provide all meals and snacks except lunch on the first day of the trip.  We provide dinner to Tzofim at the end of their extended days.

Do I need to provide a Kosher meal for my camper?
No you don’t. In respect of the Jewish dietary laws known as Kashrut, we simply ask that you do not send your child to camp with any pork or shellfish products.  Camp Keff will not serve milk and meat at the same time and any meat served (on camping trips) will be Kosher.

Is camp nut free? 
Camp is not nut free.  We do not provide any food or snacks that include nuts.  However, some campers may bring nut products in their personal lunches. Please contact the Camp Office if you child has allergies or if you have concerns.

SWIMMING

Does camp include swim lessons? 
Campers in traditional camps Age 3 – Grade 4 split the time in the pool with instructional swimming and a structured open swim time.  Campers in grade 5 and up do not have instructional swimming but they do enjoy open swim time during the week. 

How often do campers go swimming?
Campers swim one to three times per week.  This is dependant on age and special programs at camp.  Refer to the calendars provided to parents at the beginning of the summer.

Are there options for my child to swim more?
Yes.  You can add Aqua Kids for children in Grades K - 2.  Aqua Kids is an after camp club that allows campers to swim two additional times a week.

STAFF

How do we screen our staff? 
We require all staff to go through a multiple step application process which includes a criminal background check. Our staff is chosen for their enthusiasm, ability to be silly, skill in working with children and attention to safety.  All our staff members are high school graduates or older, and many are long-time community members who have been preschoolers, campers and Counselors in Training (CIT) at the PJCC.  Preschool teachers are the camp counselors for our preschool camp programs.

How is our staff trained? 
Each of our staff participate in a week-long training to give them tools to keep your child safe, design programs and teaching techniques for working with each age group.  In addition, our traditional camp head staff participate in an additional week of training as well as a first aid and CPR course.

FIELD TRIPS

Who goes on a field trip? 
All of our traditional camp programs for grades K-12 as well as some specialty programs leave the campus for a field trip at least once per session.   Older groups go on multiple trips per session.  We take campers to a variety of destinations on both day long field trips and for grades 3-6 on our two night camping trip.  Unfortunately, these trips are for campers only, parents are not permitted to attend.  For our youngest campers special guests come to us!

How do you keep the campers safe on field trips? 
Just like at camp we maintain our low camper to staff ratios.  We also provide tags for the campers to wear along with their camp t-shirts.  This makes identifying them easy in public places. Campers are counted constantly on trips and given clear safety instructions prior to departure and at field trip sites.

Where do you go on the field trips? 
The field trips include popular Bay Area destinations.  Each trip is designed to be appropriate for each age group.  Some destinations in the past have included AT&T Park, Fairy Land, Raging Waters, The Exploratorium, Zeum and Memorial Park for our camping trips.

How do you safely transport the campers to the field trip destination?
The campers and staff are transported on chartered school buses or on PJCC buses with PJCC drivers. All of the buses have seat belts and professional drivers. The buses and drivers are regularly screened by the California Highway Patrol and the department of motor vehicles.

JUDAISM

Do you have to be Jewish to attend camp?
No. We have an inclusive community that celebrates the strength of diversity. Our camp programs welcome campers and families from all faiths and backgrounds. One of our PJCC Guiding Principles is Hachnassat Orchim, which means “welcoming all” in Hebrew.

Are there programs about Judaism?
Yes. Our Jewish cultural programming is an important component of our camp, and we believe that our celebration of the values of justice, repairing the world, and community are universal.

What do you do to celebrate Shabbat? 
Each week we spend Friday welcoming in the Jewish day of rest, Shabbat. Fridays are a special and unique day of the week.  Friday morning’s campers in our traditional camps participate in our Shabbat Fair where they choose from a variety of activities and crafts. Every Friday afternoon we invite families to join us for a special song session and the traditional Shabbat blessings.  We also have Shabbat picnics for all of our camp families, including preschool.  This is a great opportunity for parents to have a taste of camp and to play some camp games, sing songs and see pictures of all the happy campers in our slideshow.  

PROGRAMMING

Why should you attend the new Tinok program with your child?
In this brand new camp program, your child 18-26 months old can begin socializing with peers while joining in activities geared to a toddler’s interests and attention span. This parent participation program will be taught by our Early Childhood Educators and will include arts and crafts, cooking and playground fun in addition to visits from our Music and Physical Education specialists. Parents will be present to support their child in a new and engaging environment. This class is also a great foundation for transition into our K’tonton program beginning in September.

Why is K’tonton a great program for 2 year olds? 
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. All of the activities are designed to meet the developmental skills of two year olds.

What do preschool campers do in Yeladim?
Yeladim helps children socialize as well as gain self confidence through a variety of activities especially designed for a 3-5 year old. Structured swimming lessons will be given by water safety instructors one or two times a week in the shallow end of our swimming pool.

What is unique about Kindercamp?
In addition to all of the great camp activities Kindercampers get two special Kindercamp only programs.  First, each afternoon the campers enjoy a nice break from all the running around, with a quiet story time to help the campers recharge for the rest of the day. Second, each session the Kindercampers have their very own themed party day. Campers enjoy special activities, games and treats!

What kinds of special programs are in Yomah? 
Yomah is a program designed to really give campers a sense of independence. This is highlighted in one of the most anticipated programs of each session, the Yomah overnight!  Once per session all of the Yomah campers spend the night at the PJCC.  This is a great opportunity to spend a night away from home with all of their camp friends!

What makes Ruach unique?
Ruach allows boys to build friendships and push their personal boundaries by experiencing many new things.  The three day, two night camping trip is one of the best experiences in any of our programs.  This gives campers a few days away from home to really foster their relationships with their peers.

How do girls benefit by being in Achayot?
This is one of our most unique programs because it is just for girls.  This is a small group with a capacity of just 16 girls.  This allows us to dive deep into social action projects, build strong self-confidence and develop a special “Girl Power” spirit. Achayot participates with Ruach for some field trips and the camping trip!

What is B’yachad?
B’yachad is a co-ed program for 3-4th graders. It combines the best components of Ruach and Achayot it is only offered during the second half of the summer.

What makes Tzofim unique?
Tzofim is the ultimate opportunity for campers to dig deeper into each of the traditional camp programs.  Tzofim campers participate in multiple field trips to some of the great Bay Area destinations.  Each day allows campers to build friendships with their peers as well as a greater sense of community though the service learning projects they participate in.

What makes specialty camps special? 
Specialty Camps offer a unique experience for our campers to delve into their own interests with professionals in their field.  Campers come together as one big group in the morning for Mifcad and then head off to their specialty areas where they will engage in their specialty theme in depth through projects, activities, and with the use of their imaginations.  Campers will also join together as one big camp community during lunch and at the end of the day at Shalom Circle.  With only a week to dig into their area of expertise, campers will be busy discovering and learning!

What do teens do at camp?
Our oldest campers entering 7th to 10th have a variety of one-week programs to choose from. Beginning with Race the Bay, each day is a field trip paired with a variety of challenges based on the hit TV shows “The Amazing Race” and “Minute to Win it.” Street Arts allows teens to explore their creative side while learning skills from stenciling to silk screening. Teens get to splash around the bay trying out a variety of water sports in Soaked and Stoked. Our extremely popular Glee Camp is two weeks of professional quality performing arts, culminating in a live performance, just like the hit TV show! Finally, SoCal Adventure a five day road trip where teens check out some of the best destinations in Southern California, including Disney Land!

What do you do in the leadership programs? 
Our Counselor in Training (CIT) program gives campers the opportunity to learn new skills in multiple areas.  We split each day between workshops on leadership, counseling skills, professional development and programming and working in a camper group.  Participants entering 12th grade are even eligible for open counselor positions at the conclusion of the program. 

If you have questions about any of our programs, please contact us.

Preschool Camps                                  All Other Camp Programs
Age 2-Pre K                                          Entering Grades K-12
ececamps@pjcc.org                             camps@pjcc.org
Phone: 650.378.2670              Phone: 650.378.2704