We are thrilled to announce that registration for Family Camp is Open!
Family Camp combines fun, recreational, and communal programming (such as medura - campfire) with the community working together to prepare the campsite for the summer. It’s a great opportunity to get out of the city with the family, build community, have future campers get to know Gilboa, and give adults the chance to experience the magic of camp! See the seder yom (schedule) below for a more detailed weekend schedule.
Who’s invited?
All families are invited! This includes families who have never been to camp, families with children younger than the summer camp ages, families of returning campers - please join us! Programming is provided for children aged 4 and older. You are welcome to join with younger children, but we are unable to provide childcare for them.
Children 8th grade and older may come without an adult. 9th and 10th graders participate as madatz (junior counselors) and help counselors (11th grade and older) lead the fun!
If you are unable to make it for the weekend, but would still like to have your child gain familiarity with the campsite and staff, please join us for the day, or even just for a short tour! You don't need to fill out the registration form, but please let us know of your plans by emailing me at alison@campgilboa.org.
Housing & Facilities:
Space at Camp Gilboa is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and assigned by camp staff.
The campsite is recently renovated, yet designed to be rustic in nature. The cabins do not have electricity and are lit by solar lanterns. The main lodge has a lounge, a kitchen, and other facilities that all are welcome to use.
Depending on the ages of children in your family, you will be assigned either to a spacious cabin (that you can share with another family - a question on the form will prompt you to pair with friends), or to a small private room in the main lodge. You can also choose to camp on campgrounds, though we ask you to consider whether you have the right tent and sleeping bags - nights at the end of May can still be very cold - sometimes as low as in the 30s.
Children 2nd grade and older will be assigned to cabins with other kids and counselors. If you plan to have your camp-aged child stay with you instead, please let me know so we can be sure you are assigned to housing with enough beds. We are happy to be flexible according to your child's comfort and accommodate last-minute changes.
If you have children in 1st grade and younger, we encourage you to choose the cabin option, especially if you are coming with another family that you would like to reside with. There are very few private rooms with more than 2 beds.
Note that if you are only one adult, you may be assigned to a shared room with someone of the same gender.
If we cannot accommodate your specific choice, we will contact you.
Meals:
Vegetarian meals and snacks will be provided from Saturday morning snacks through Sunday lunch. This will include lots of kid-friendly food, coffee and tea, and alternatives for people with dietary restrictions. Please indicate restrictions and allergies on your registration form.
General Seder Yom (Schedule)
Saturday:
Morning (arrive anytime between 10 and 12:30): Elective activities for families
12:30-2 pm - Lunch and introduction activity
Afternoon: Blocks with separate adult and children programming (learning and discussion groups) and family chugim (electives) - kayaking, sports, art, walk around the lake etc.
Evening - dinner, havdallah, medura + kumzits (campfire and singing)
Sunday:
Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm - Family camp activity and programs for kids
12 pm - 2pm - Lunch, wrap up activity, and opportunity to explore the campsite
Cost and Registration:
The cost of the weekend is $175 per person, capped at $550 per family. Children 3 and under are free. Space is limited and housing is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so register ASAP! If we cannot accommodate your housing choices and you prefer to camp onsite or stay at a motel in town, you will be charged a reduced rate of $75 per person off-campus. Camp Gilboa is committed to lowering financial barriers and offers financial aid for all programs - please contact us if you are in need of assistance.
COVID Safety:
Vaccinations: Camp Gilboa requires all members of the household who are eligible to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Families will be required to submit vaccine records for each eligible family member.
Testing: All participants must show proof of a negative rapid test from within 24 hours ahead of arrival. It is families’ responsibility to obtain their own tests.
While we wish that we could control every possible risk, and while we will use our best efforts to keep your family safe from the Covid-19 virus, we cannot promise or guarantee that this or any other pathogen will not enter the camp. By registering for family camp, you acknowledge that you understand this risk.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Elana (elana@campgilboa.org) or Alison (alison@campgilboa.org) or give us a call at 323-653-6772.
We’re so excited to get back to camp with the community - we hope you can join us!
Alison, Elana, Yahli, and the whole Gilboa team
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