FAQs about CAMP

What every parent needs to know about Marks JCH Day Camp.

Who can attend?
Kids and teens from 3 to 14 attend an age appropriate division.

How long is the camp?
Camp is in session five days per week beginning on June 28th, 2012 and ending August 17th (please note that camp is not in session on July 4th for the Independence Day holiday.) Camp hours are 8:45am- 4:30pm. First session ends on July 24th. The second session begins on July 25th. For those families that need extended care, camp can begin as early as 7:45am and end as late as 6:30pm. The entire session is eight weeks. Or is you prefer, you may register for a four week session.

Who works with the children?
Highly trained professional staff have a strong commitment to children and families supervise our camp. Our counselors are carefully selected and are required to attend intensive training on program development, child care and safety. All of our supervisory staff members are college graduates with extensive camp experience.

Where is camp?
Home base is either at the Marks JCH building or at our own wooded outdoor site at the Henry Kaufman Campground on Staten Island, just a short bus ride from Marks JCH. On rainy and hot days, we use the facilities at the Marks JCH and trips are planned to a variety of exciting locations in the New York metro area.

What about safety?
We a recommitted to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Every precaution is taken during swimming and all other activities. We use Red Cross certified lifeguards and staff is trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Should your child become ill or injured during the day, we will make every effort to notify you as soon as possible. Your child’s health and safety is our number one concern. A medical form will be required of each child in order to attend camp. Our camp is licensed by the New York City Department of Health.

What about food?
Our preschoolers (Yeladim) get a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack each day. Children in Chalutzim, Tzofim and Haverim divisions bring their own lunch bag and are provided snack each day. On overnights, all campers are provided with kosher meals and snacks.

How does my child get to camp?
There are two options. Either you may drop your child at the Marks JCH in the morning or, for an additional fee, your child may be picked up by a bus at central points throughout southwestern Brooklyn and brought to the Marks JCH. Throughout the camp day, children are transported in licensed, inspected school buses.

What’s Jewish about our camp?
It is our hope and goal that each child develops a deeper connection to Jewish culture at the Marks JCH summer camp. Our weekly Shabbat programs are one of the highlights of the week. From songs and stories to programs with special themes, we have a spirited and creative approach to bring Judaism to life. All children, regardless of ethnic background or denomination will learn a lot from our Judaic programming.

What if I need financial assistance?
Scholarships are available for families who can document and demonstrate need. Scholarships are provided in part by a generous grant from UJA-Federation of New York. Please ask for a form and a confidential process will be conducted to assess your eligibility. There is a $25 non-refundable processing fee for all applications. The Marks JCH accepts ACD and HRA vouchers, as well as 1199 union.

Why should your child go to camp?
Camp is a special time for children. They grow, learn and have fun with their peers in a unique way. Their camp counselors become role models and friends that they will never forget. It is a time of great physical and emotional growth. Simply said, camp is the most fun a kid can have. Register your child today. You will be glad you did. For more information please call Violetta Shmulenzon, MSW at 718-331-6800 ext. 143