Camp Chaverim Newsletter Week 6

August 6, 2010

To Camp Chaverim Parents and Guardians,

We can’t believe how fast the summer is going and that we just completed Week 6. On Tuesday, the final Late Night of the summer was held by the Bonim (Builders in Hebrew) Unit’s (Kindergarten and 1st Graders). While the weather did not cooperate, Campers were able to stay busy inside by playing musical chairs and parachute games, eating a delicious dinner and having a sing-a-long in the Auditorium. The evening concluded with Unit Head Dan Pontillo leading the Unit in a new camp tradition of “Wish Shoes”. Also on Tuesday, Campers and Counselors alike, wore their sleep entire to get into the spirit for Camp Pajama Day! On Wednesday, the Campers of the Tzofim (Scouts in Hebrew) Unit (4-6th graders) went on a field trip to tour the U.S.S. Slater. While touring the ship the campers got the opportunity to try on military helmets and see where the soldiers slept and ate. In addition, the Campers presented Veterans with a card to celebrate the 220th Birthday of the Coast Guard.

Week seven is a week that many campers look forward to all summer, as it is the camps annual Maccaibah “Color Games”. The Campers will be placed in to one of four teams. Each team will be assigned a color and the campers compete in various challenges and show their ruach (Spirit in Hebrew) through cheers, songs and skits. Teams will be announced through a note that will be sent home on Wednesday. Tuesday, will also be an exciting day at camp, as Games2U will be here. Games2U will bring its awesome van filled with flat-screen television so campers can play fun interactive games. In addition, Campers will also get to play outdoor laser tag and run inside a giant inflatable hamster ball.

Friday, August 20th is the last day of camp, and the end-of-the year show. It will include songs performed by all of the camp groups and an end of the summer video. The show will begin at 2:30 p.m. promptly. All families are encouraged to attend. Please note that there is NO extended day on the last day of camp. All children must be picked up inside the auditorium at 4:00 p.m. Camp photos will be handed out at the end-of-the-year show as will preordered camp videos. Copies of the camp video will also be for sale as well. Forms to preorder the video will be available the beginning of next week.

This time in the summer, we start to get many questions regarding tipping of the camp staff. Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated by the camp staff. Please make sure to only tip on your child’s last day of camp. As a camp we have provided a suggested tip scale, which is as follows:

CIT - $10
Counselor Assistant - $10 - $15
Junior Counselor - $15 - $20
Senior Counselor - $25 - $30
Swim Instructors, Specialists, and Supervisors – at your discretion

Please check the lost and found as all items not clearly labeled with a camper’s name that is not claimed by 6:00 pm on Friday, August 20, will be donated to charity.

Spots are filling fast for all three of our specialty post camps, which will run August 23rd – August 27th. The three offerings this summer are Art Camp, Drama Camp and Sports and Fitness camp. There are limited openings left in the Art and Drama Camp, and Sports and Fitness Camp only has one spot left! If you would like more information on the offerings you can visit http://www.schenectadyjcc.org/postcamp.htm or call Andy or Rachel.

If your child(ren) is (are) having a great experience in summer camp please keep in mind that the Center offers four after-school programs. After School Enrichment Program (A.S.E.P.) is located at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center, and offers a variety of fun-filled classes for children in 1st – 5th grades including; Swim Lessons, Piano Lessons, Cooking, Arts and Crafts, Ceramics, Sports and so much more. The JCC also offers three after school programs called Kid’s Time located at Niskayuna Elementary schools, Birchwood, Craig and Rosendale. Kid’s Time programs are for children in 1st – 5th grade and activities include arts and crafts, cooking, homework help, sports, outside play and more. For more information please visit http://www.schenectadyjcc.org/after_school.htm or call Andy at the JCC.

We all want to wish you a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Andy, Dan, Mallory, Mitch, Rachel, Regina, Shana & Val