Camper Handbook

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Dear Parents & Campers, Welcome to the Camp Sternberg Family! We are confident that you will have an enjoyable and fun-filled summer. As we expect our campers to act in a manner that is consistent with that of a ​ Bas Yisroel​ , the following guidelines must be adhered to while you are attending Camp Sternberg. 1. Respect towards both staff and peers. 2. Respect for both camp and individual property as reflected in not writing on walls or defacing camp’s or campers’ belongings in any way, etc. 3. Camp Sternberg, Pioneers and Camp Anna Heller are focused on nurturing a ​ tznius​ and Torah filled environment for our campers. As fashion dictated by the secular culture around us has become the antithesis of our Jewish values, guidelines for the required manner of dress are listed in this handbook. 4. Campers agree not to post pictures of other campers or staff members anywhere on the Internet, both during and after the summer. We look forward to spending the summer together, ​ iy”H​ . Once you are accepted as a camper to Camp Sternberg, you are agreeing to abide by the rules listed in this camper handbook.

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  The Dates of Camp are: First Session: Wednesday, June 24 - Tuesday, July 21 Second Session: Wednesday, July 22 - Tuesday, August 18

Visiting Day: Sunday, July 12 Visiting Day: Sunday, August 2

Six Week Session: Wednesday, June 24 - Tuesday, August 4

Our History: Named for Dr. H. Melmuth Sternberg of Williamsburg, Camp Sternberg has defined and made breakthrough innovations in camping for frum girls since its founding by Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald in 1965. Over 50 years, close to 55,000 girls have attended Camp Sternberg.

Mission Statement: The SHMA camping experience, consisting of Camp Sternberg, Pioneers, Camp Anna Heller, Camp Avraham Chaim Heller, and Camp Mogen Avraham, nurtures a Torah environment where we offer our campers exciting, fun-filled summer activities. Every program is designed to challenge each camper to grow to the next level of who he or she can become. Campers have the time of their lives, and forge amazing relationships with friends and staff from all over the world.

Overview of Camp Program: Camp Sternberg’s ​ Campus ​ program is especially designed for girls currently in 3-6th grades. Each division is tailor- made to meet the needs of the specific age group. Our ​ Freshies ​ are girls completing grades 3 th​ th​ and 4. ​ Sophies ​ are completing 5​ grade, and ​ Juniors ​ are completing 6​ . Girls meet new friends from all over America and the globe while enjoying a huge variety of activities designed to give them a fun-filled time and instill self-confidence. Your daughter will have the chance to experience camp activities ranging from sports, water park, boating, arts-n-crafts, night activities and much more! Our ​ Pioneer ​ program takes the Sternberg experience to the next level with life-changing programs for 7th and 8th grade girls, founded by our own camping “pioneer,” Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald over 30 years ago. Together with girls from all over America and the world, our girls enjoy tons of exciting and challenging pioneering activities which show them that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to do. Your daughter will enjoy activities such as caving with a licensed, trained guide, overnight hikes, canoe trips, fire making, rock wall climbing, and much more! Anna Heller​ is a program committed to providing a unique summer experience for teenagers in a wholesome atmosphere of ​ ruchnius​ . From professionally run leagues to ever-changing workshops and lectures by guest ​ mechanchim​ , Anna Heller gives girls a chance to design their own summer complete with multiple trips, camper-only bunkhouses, and late-night programming. Camp Anna Heller gives its campers that special once-in-a-lifetime teen summer together with girls their own age from all over the world.

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Airport Travel Group Flights to Camp We are aware that many campers are coming from out of town. In order to make this more convenient, we will send a Camp Sternberg representative to meet ​ groups of 10 or more campers on the same flight​ .​ Group flights should be booked to either ​ JFK or Laguardia Airport and should arrive between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.​​ Please call Mrs. Rivkie Eichenstein at 773-338-6850 so that she can assist you in booking a group flight. ​ Keep in mind that flights should only be booked after acceptance into the camp program. We DO NOT provide transportation from the airport if you are not on a pre-arranged group flight of 10 or more campers to JFK or Laguardia Airport.

Return Flights Home from Camp We will have transportation going to both JFK and Laguardia Airport on the last day of camp. ​ Please note, we will NOT have transportation to Newark Airport.​Please make sure that the ​ return flight is not booked before 3:30 PM​ on the day of departure from camp to ensure that we will have enough time to get the campers safely to the airport. If you would like a chaperone to escort your daughter to the gate and remain with her until she departs, there will be a $100 service fee. The fee may be split between 2 campers. You may choose to waive this service by sending an email to ​ [email protected]​ a week before departure.

Bunk Placement Bunk assignments are made by the Program Directors after careful consideration of appropriate placement. The Directors must consider the balance of new and returning campers in each bunk, how many bunk beds fit in each bunkhouse, and camper requests. Juggling all this information and making everybody happy is quite a challenge! As part of your online application forms, you have already completed a bunk request form. We will do everything we can to honor a minimum of one request from among your child’s friends. Bunk assignments are given out on the first day of camp when your child arrives.

Busing & Luggage Bus Transportation to and from Camp Buses will depart from the following five locations to bring campers up to camp: ​ Brooklyn, Five Towns, Monsey, Queens, and Passaic​ . You will be sent a​ bus pass ​ and the exact bus locations and times in the mail once we have received all of your required forms and your camp balance has been paid. ​ Please bring the bus pass to your bus location​ , as this will allow your camper to board the bus quickly. The information will also be posted on our website at ​ www.shmacamps.com​ by clicking on Sternberg and then

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  “Luggage & Busing.”

  Luggage  Luggage will be handled by ESF Trucking. They will send you an email detailing how to sign up for luggage service in the beginning of February. The luggage fee, which will be $95., includes two pieces of luggage, whether one way or round trip. All fees will be paid directly to the company. ESF Trucking can also help you ship your luggage directly to camp if you are coming from out of town. For pricing and specific information, contact Eric at ​ [email protected]​ . IMPORTANT NOTE:​Please do not pack any food in luggage, even if it is in sealed containers. ​ We will make every effort to protect the personal belongings of every camper. However, the camp is not responsible or liable for equipment or personal property (including money) of camper, while in transit or at camp, whether the equipment or personal property is lost, stolen, or damaged by fire, laundry, or any other cause.

Canteen/Water Bottles/Birthday Cakes Canteen is an exciting part of camp. Each camper has an account where parents can add money to enable the camper to buy items. In addition, through this method and form you can order water and birthday cakes. To add money to your account: a. Send a check made out to Camp Sternberg to PO Box 415 Woodmere, N.Y. 11598. ​ We do not accept credit cards. i. The suggested amount is $60/trip which can be used for canteen. ​ Canteen money can not be withdrawn and used for trips. ​ Trip money should be kept in the camp safe. ii. Extra money left in canteen will be forwarded as a credit towards next summer. If you wish to receive a refund, please email a request to [email protected] and we will issue a refund check. b. You can find a canteen form on the shmacamps.com website by selecting your daughter’s program, then click on “forms.” ​ Please fill out a separate form for each camper. c. Cases of bottled water are available for purchase through the canteen. Water that is pre-ordered will be given out on the first day of camp. Cases of water are ​ not allowed on buses or luggage trucks​ in order to avoid breakage and potential water damage to luggage and their contents. d. Birthday cakes may be ordered for your child’s birthday. Cakes are large enough to serve your child’s entire bunk.

Communication with Camp The Camp Sternberg & Pioneers policy is that campers are not allowed to call home unless there are special circumstances. This enables young children to develop a sense of independence and the ability to

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  work out problems on their own, with the help of the staff if needed. If for some reason you need to get in touch with your daughter, call the camp office at 516-992-6131 and a message will be given to the appropriate person. Please indicate​ if it is an emergency. Camp Anna Heller supervisory staff will discuss ​ their policies regarding calling home​ on the first day of camp. ​

Homesickness Prevention Before Camp: Before Camp begins.... 1. Assure your daughter of your confidence in her ability to get along “on her own.” Share your optimism about her camp experience- not your anxiety. 2. Talk with her about the interesting things she can do, the fun times she will have, and things you can’t wait to hear about that she will experience. 3. Give her self-addressed envelopes and stamps so that she can write letters to you. 4. Send lots of mail!! Focus on her experience at camp. Write about cheerful things --and how glad you are that she can have a camping experience. If she reads how much you miss her and how lonesome it is without her, her mind will immediately center on home, which may cause homesickness. 5. Let her know that it’s okay if she should happen to feel homesick, and that counselors are great people to talk to about those feelings. 6. When packing for camp, please encourage your camper to help you decide what to include. (Make sure to use the proper packing lists.) 7. Never make a pick up or call home deal with your camper. If you tell the camper that she can call home or you will come pick her up if she gets homesick, she will jump right to that solution without trying anything else. Instead, encourage your camper to talk to her counselors about it. The camp staff has a whole bag of tricks to help campers deal with this condition.

FORMS Every camper must have a physical examination and completed medical form on file before ​ coming to camp. All forms can be found on the camp website ​ www.shmacamps.com​ by clicking on your camp program and then on “forms.” They are also available by logging into your camp minder account and going to forms and documents. 1. Physician’s Form - to be completed by your pediatrician 2. Health History Form - to be completed by a parent or legal guardian a. Remember to email the camp office in regard to any health issue that you need to discuss with the camp nurse at ​ [email protected]​ . All information is confidential. 3. Consent to Treat & Insurance Form - to be completed by a parent or legal guardian 4. J Drugs Form for campers that take daily medication or vitamins 5. New Camper Reference Form a. This form is for campers that did not attend Camp Sternberg last summer. ​ Even if your daughter has been in camp in years prior, if she was not in camp last summer, please make sure to have this form filled out. This form should be filled out by either a teacher or principal and faxed back to 516-368-3715.

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Laundry Policy Laundry is sent out three times a trip. Each bunk puts its laundry into a laundry bag that is assigned by the camp. Please make sure to pack enough clothing to last 10 days. Do not send expensive clothes. Camp is not responsible for any stains that do not come out in the wash. Be sure that all articles of clothing are clearly tagged with your child’s name and phone number. Important:​Make sure that your suitcase is also clearly labeled with your child’s complete name, address and telephone number. Do NOT place any kind of clothes in black or opaque garbage bags. They will most likely be thrown out. Animals are attracted to food inside luggage. We cannot assume responsibility for torn or damaged luggage or its contents if food was packed within it.

Lice Check Upon arrival to camp all campers will be checked, even if they have been checked prior to camp. Please send up $10 with your child for this service. In the event that you forget to send payment, the $10 charge will be billed to your account. If a camper has lice or nits (even if you were certain that they were dead), and requires cleaning, there will be an additional charge of $250 paid directly to the professionals that handle the process. They will come back a week later to recheck the camper.

Lost and Found It is crucial to have name tapes sewn or ironed onto all personal belongings, including eyeglasses, cameras, and luggage. Name stamps and permanent ink should not be used, since they are usually unclear, especially after laundering. While we make every effort to return misplaced items, camp is not responsible for any personal belongings. The camp does not assume responsibility for loss, theft, or damage caused to any items. Any articles left in camp by the end of the summer will be discarded or donated.

Medication We have selected J Drug pharmacy to supply prepackaged medications for our campers. All prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, and supplements that are taken on a daily basis must be ordered through J Drugs. This company packages all pills individually in a dose packet for each day of camp. Your name, the type of pill(s) you have taken, and the dosage are printed on each individual packet. Do NOT send any over the counter medication with your daughter. Everything needs to go through J Drugs. OTC medication, which is not allowed in the bunks, will not be returned at the end of the summer, due to Board of Health regulations. In order to sort and package the medicine in this way, J Drugs charges a service fee of $10. This system allows for an extremely safe, sanitary, and organized way to distribute pharmaceuticals to campers and is endorsed by the American Camp Association.

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  Allergies/Epipens/Asthma/Diabetes: For campers with allergic reactions, epipens, asthma, or diabetes, make sure to provide the camp Health Center with your action plan and prescriptions from your physician. Please contact us prior to camp by sending an email to [email protected] so that the nurse can be informed of any food or drug allergies and the treatment recommended by your pediatrician or allergist.

Special Medical Needs: If your child has any specific medical/physical needs, please notify the camp office so that we can appropriately address her needs. This information is crucial to ensure her safety​ . All information will be kept strictly confidential. The camp administration must be informed of any communicable diseases to which the camper may have been exposed in the three weeks prior to camp attendance. We expect you to inform us of any situation that may affect your child’s stay in camp. These situations include, but are not limited to, conditions requiring year-round medication, physical, psychological, medical or social matters.

Packing Lists The packing lists provided at the end of the pamphlet are suggestions for what you child will need for her stay in camp. Each program has a few added items that are needed during the summer. Please make sure to review the proper programs packing/clothing list. For Pioneers the items are ​ NOT ​ optional . They are ALL ​ required for the full participation in the program. Although each camper has an adequate amount of space for her belongings, space is limited.

Receiving Packages/Mail Campers love getting mail and packages. Our office aides make sure to properly sort mail and packages so that the campers are able to get their mail daily. While we take special care to make sure that all packages get to the campers, we do not assume responsibility for theft, damage, or loss of any packages sent to our office. Inasmuch as the office aides leave the office at 6:00 PM, and neither FED-EX nor UPS drivers will bring deliveries into the building, any packages that are delivered after this time will not definitely be brought inside.

Safety Your children’s safety and security are top priorities here in Camp Sternberg. The front gate in camp remains locked at all times. Our nightly security staff also makes periodic checks throughout the entire camp grounds. We have a security fence around our Visitor’s Parking Lot as well. If, with the Director’s permission, you will be coming to camp during either session, please park your car in the Visitor’s Lot.

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  Upon entering camp, come to the office to check in.​ Please do not seek to enter camp, or arrange for ​ your child to be picked up, after dark.

Staff Tips We have a mature, dedicated, and fun loving group of division heads, counselors, and junior counselors. Their priority is to genuinely care for each camper and to be a role model of good ​ middos​ . They take their responsibilities seriously while reaping the joys of generating excitement and positivity each day. A tip is a wonderful way to show ​ hakoras hatov​ to the staff members who care for your camper on a daily basis. A tipping schedule will be emailed to you prior to visiting day as well given out on visiting day itself.

Technology Policy: We are all aware that the issue of technology was recently discussed by the leaders of ​ Klal Yisroe​ l so that every individual should be aware of the problem. Camp is therefore establishing the following guidelines. ★ No secular music may be brought to camp. We reserve the right to occasionally ‘borrow’ ipods and mp3 players for a short time to check for unacceptable music. If such is found, the instrument will be held by us until the end of the session. ★ Cellular Phones, Ipads, laptops, or any device with internet accessibility are ​ NOT ​ permitted. Please make sure that your daughter does not bring any of them to camp. ★ Campers who need cell phones, for travel to and from camp must put them in the camp safe upon arrival. Any of these items brought to camp will be held in our safe and returned at the end of the trip. We do not accept responsibility for them.

Trip Money-Spending Money If you would like to send your camper with spending money for trips, please place it in a separate envelope with her first and last name. Your child should give it to her supervisor upon arrival in camp so that it can be placed in the camp safe.

Tznius Policy: Camp is a time when we have the ability to teach our children the importance of dressing modestly while having fun and engaged in various fulfilled activities. Please be sure to pack durable and comfortable clothing appropriate for camp. The ​ tznius​ policy for each division is as follows: All of Campus: ★ Robes/cover-ups worn to the pool or lake must offer proper coverage. Campus Freshies & Sophies: ★ Skirts must cover the knee. ★ All shirts must have sleeves.

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  ★ Socks must be worn at all times. Campus Juniors: ★ Skirts must cover the knees. ★ Shirts must cover elbows and neckline, i.e. no scoop neck or v-neck shirts ★ Socks above the ankle must be worn at all times. Pioneers & Anna Heller: ★ Clothing must cover the knees, elbows, collarbones, stomachs, and ankles. ★ Shirts must cover collarbones. Low necklines are not permitted ★ Socks that cover the ankles must be worn at all times. ★ No bare feet, peds, or tennis socks are allowed. ★ Neither tee shirts with loose sleeves to the elbow nor men's sleeveless ribbed undershirts worn as shells are permitted. ★ Slits must be machine sewn to below both the front and back of the knee. ★ Only 1-piece bathing suits or full length tankinis may be worn. Two piece bathing suits may only be worn underneath a t-shirt.

Visitation Policy: To ensure the safety of our campers, no camper is permitted to leave camp grounds for any reason without prior notice. If there are extenuating circumstances, please make sure that you call the Program Director to get special permission for your camper.

Valuables: There is a safe in the camp office wherein it is recommended that campers keep extra spending money, passports, etc… Upon arriving in camp, the counselors will be given the proper protocol to ensure that any valuables that should be kept in a safe are put there.

   

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Campus Clothing/Accessory Packing List At camp we strive to foster a Shabbos environment filled with ​ ruchnius.​Please note that Shabbos at camp is not a fashion show. Please send suitable, but not overly dressy clothing with your daughter. ***Please be sure that her clothing corresponds with the guidelines of the camp’s dress code.*** ___ 12 shirts or blouses ___ 10 skirts ___ 4 Shabbos dresses ___ 2 sweaters or sweatshirts ___ 1 jacket ___ 2 light pajamas ___ leggings ___ 2 pairs flannel pajamas ___ 18 pairs underwear ___ 18 pairs crew/knee socks ___ 3 pair tights ___ Bathrobe ___ 2 One piece​ bathing suits ___ 1 bathrobe - must have sleeves and cover knees

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

nd ​ walking shoes or 2​ pair of sneakers Shabbos shoes pool/lake slippers pair indoor slippers sneakers warm quilt or 2 blankets pillow 2 pillow cases 2 sheets 2 quilt covers 4 bath towels/face towels raincoat & boots soap and soap dish or body wash sanitary materials nail clippers metal or plastic washing cup

___ toothbrush ___ toothpaste ___ laundry bag ___ hairbrush ___ cup ___ sunscreen ___ deodorant ___shampoo ___ bathing cap ___ postcards, pen ___ sewing kit ___ box tissues ___ siddur ___ hangers ___Tisha B’Av shoes if needed

Misc. Optional Items: ___ games ___ books ___ stationery

___ stamps ___ pencils ___ ballpoint pens

___ safety pins ___ flashlight and batteries ___ hairdressing accessories

While we make every effort to return lost items, SHMA Camps is not responsible for any personal belongings. Please make certain that everything is clearly tagged with the camper’s name. At the end of the summer all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.

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Pioneers Clothing/Accessory Packing List PLEASE NOTE THAT NONE OF THESE ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL ALL ARE NECESSARY FOR FULL PARTICIPATION IN OUR PROGRAM At camp we strive to foster a Shabbos environment filled with ​ ruchnius​ . Please note that Shabbos at camp is not a fashion show. Please send suitable, but not overly dressy clothing with your daughter.

***Please be sure that her clothing corresponds with the guidelines of the camp’s dress code.*** __18 pairs underwear __24 pairs crew, knee, or bobby socks NO​ short ankle soc​ ks __11 shirts or blouses __8 skirts that ​ cover knees _​ _1​ set of expendable clothing for caving (8th Grade Only) sweatshirt/pants/leggings/shoes __3 Shabbos outfits __Shabbos shoes __3 ​ one piece​ bathing suits __bathing cap __bathrobe that​ covers knees __swimming slippers __2 pair light pajamas __2 pair warm pajamas __3 hooded sweatshirts __2 pairs leggings ​ that meet socks- for hikes ​ NO capris __water shoes -​ that won’t fall off ​ [​ for Delaware trip]

__Tisha B’Av shoes if needed __rain boots __poncho or raincoat __cover-up for Delaware Trip must have ¾ sleeves and cover knees __white shirt for tie-dyeing __sturdy hiking sneakers __sturdy walking shoes __sneakers [may be ruined] __Tisha B’Av shoes if needed __cap or hat __sleeping bag __warm quilt/blanket __2 sheets __2 pillow cases __3 bath towels __3 hand towels __laundry bag __backpack ​ (must have double strap) __2 small overnight bags​ -​ one for hiking and for overnights

__Siddur __sunscreen __hiking canteen for water __bug repellent __waterproof watch __box of tissues __liquid soap __bar soap __body wash __shampoo, conditioner __toiletry bag or basket __hair accessories __sanitary supplies __comb, brush __toothbrush, toothpaste __plastic or metal cup __flashlight, extra batteries __sewing kit, safety pins __nail clipper __deodorant

ALL food must be stored in a ​ plastic container with a lock and the camper’s name clearly visible. Food ​ may not​ be left in bags! ***DO NOT send food in luggage!*** Misc. Optional Items: ___ games ___ books

___ stationery, pen ___ money

___ stamps ___ pencils

___ safety pins ___ camera / chargers

___ flashlight and batteries ___ hairdressing accessories

While we make every effort to return misplaced items, camp is not responsible for any personal belongings. Please make certain that everything is clearly marked with the camper’s name. At the end of the summer all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.

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Anna Heller Clothing/Accessory Packing List At camp we strive to foster a Shabbos environment filled with ​ ruchnius​ . Please note that Shabbos at camp is not a fashion show. Please send suitable, but not overly dressy clothing with your daughter. Please be sure that her clothing corresponds with the guidelines of the camp’s dress code.

***Please be sure that her clothing corresponds with the guidelines of the camp’s dress code.*** __18 pairs underwear __24 pairs socks __11 shirts or blouses __8 skirts that ​ cover knees __3 Shabbos outfits __Shabbos shoes __3 bathing suits __bathing cap __bathrobe that​ covers knees __swimming slippers __2 pair light pajamas __2 pair warm pajamas __3 hooded sweatshirts __2 pairs leggings ​ that meet socksfor hikes ​ NO capris

__water shoe -​ that won’t fall off ​ for TMR trip __Tisha B’Av shoes if needed __rain boots __poncho or raincoat __cover-up for TMR Trip must have ¾ sleeves and cover knees __white shirt for tie-dyeing __sturdy walking shoes __sneakers [may be ruined] __cap or hat __sleeping bag __warm quilt/blanket __2 sheets __2 pillow cases __3 bath towels __3 hand towels __laundry bag

__Siddur __sunscreen __box of tissues __liquid soap __bar soap __body wash __shampoo, conditioner __toiletry bag or basket __hair accessories __sanitary supplies __comb, brush __toothbrush, toothpaste __plastic or metal cup __flashlight, extra batteries __sewing kit, safety pins __nail clipper __deodorant

Misc. Optional Items: ___ games ___ books

___ stationery, pen ___ money __waterproof watch

___ stamps ___ pencils

___ safety pins ___ camera / chargers __bug repellent

___ flashlight and batteries ___ hairdressing accessories __backpack ​ [must have double strap]

While we make every effort to return misplaced items, camp is not responsible for any personal belongings. Please make certain that everything is clearly marked with the camper’s name. At the end of the summer all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.

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