Camp Policies.
Below you will find the following policies:
1. Cancellation and Refund Policy
2. Camper and Parent Code of Conduct
3. Food and Allergies
4. COVID-19
5. Lice Policy
6. Unplugged Policy
7. Phone Calls and Communication with Campers Policy
8. No Packages Policy
1. Cancellation and Refund Policy
2. Camper and Parent Code of Conduct
3. Food and Allergies
4. COVID-19
5. Lice Policy
6. Unplugged Policy
7. Phone Calls and Communication with Campers Policy
8. No Packages Policy
Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Our operating costs are by and large fixed for the season by the time we hit spring. If a camper withdraws between March 31st and May 31st, an additional $500 (plus the $500 deposit) will be forfeited to the camp. If a camper withdraws for any reason on or after June 1st, the entire camp fee will be forfeited.
Once a camper arrives at camp, no refunds will be issued in the case that your child leaves camp early or misses days of camp for any reason, including, but not limited to, being sent home as a result of breaking the Code of Conduct*. This policy enables us to continue keeping camp affordable, invest in our programming, site, and staff, and provide needs-based support to reduce access barriers to camp.
*The only exception to this policy is in the rare situation that a camper is sent home for medical reasons. In this circumstance, and at the discretion of the camp, a partial refund of 35% of the daily tuition paid for missed days may be issued at the end of the camp season.
Once a camper arrives at camp, no refunds will be issued in the case that your child leaves camp early or misses days of camp for any reason, including, but not limited to, being sent home as a result of breaking the Code of Conduct*. This policy enables us to continue keeping camp affordable, invest in our programming, site, and staff, and provide needs-based support to reduce access barriers to camp.
*The only exception to this policy is in the rare situation that a camper is sent home for medical reasons. In this circumstance, and at the discretion of the camp, a partial refund of 35% of the daily tuition paid for missed days may be issued at the end of the camp season.
Camper and Parent Code of Conduct.
Providing a fun, and meaningful program experience begins with creating an environment that ensures campers' emotional and physical security. We entrust all our chanichimot (campers/participants) with the responsibility of treating each other, staff, visitors, and our environment with respect.
To ensure that all chanichimot (campers/participants) experience at Camp Shomria/the Ken is positive, and to help ensure the safety and security of all participants, the Chanichol (Camper/Participant) and their Parents/Guardians hereby acknowledge and agree to this code of conduct:
AS A CAMPER I WILL….
AS A CAMPER I WILL NOT…
As a camper I understand that if I am having trouble following this code of conduct, the following could happen:
AS A PARENT/GUARDIAN, I UNDERSTAND:
To ensure that all chanichimot (campers/participants) experience at Camp Shomria/the Ken is positive, and to help ensure the safety and security of all participants, the Chanichol (Camper/Participant) and their Parents/Guardians hereby acknowledge and agree to this code of conduct:
AS A CAMPER I WILL….
- Recognize I am a part of the Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria community. I will respect the environment, peers, staff and practices and customs that are part of the program.
- Treat people the way I would like to be treated. I will be inclusive and kind to others.
- Cooperate with Hadracha and camp staff and follow their instructions. This includes rules and regulations put forth by any staff member, as well as the restrictions and guidelines surrounding staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Recognize I am a part of the Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria community. I will respect the environment, peers, staff and practices and customs that are part of the program.
- [Summer Camp] Help keep my cabin and the surrounding environment clean and put all litter in the trash cans.
- [Summer Camp] Respect all areas of the camp that are considered off limits and not leave the campgrounds unless it is part of the program and under staff supervision
- Be aware of and manage my attitude, body language, tones, expression, etc. in a way that makes others feel welcomed rather than excluded, and makes others feel positively encouraged rather than being negatively impacted.
- Talk to someone if I feel unsafe, or if I need help with anything (including following rules or instructions).
- Have lots of FUN, a positive attitude, and always try to have a GREAT time.
AS A CAMPER I WILL NOT…
- Be mean, bully, exclude or put down other campers or staff online or in-person. I will NEVER hit, threaten, intimidate, inappropriately touch anyone
- I will not touch any camper or staff member that has not provided explicit consent for me to do so.
- Engage in any act of harassment or abuse including, but not limited to, physical, emotional, psychological, verbal or sexual harassment or abuse, obscene conduct, violence, immoral behaviour, sexually inappropriate behaviour and bullying, or foul, inappropriate, or abusive language (this includes language of a sexually explicit nature).
- Violate Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria's zero tolerance policy around drugs (including marijuana), alcohol, smoking, vaping or any prohibited act or substance as defined by both law and camp regulations.
- Deliberately hurt anybody’s feelings, which includes pulling pranks on others that could cause someone to feel offended or unsafe or that might result in retaliation, which could lead to injury or property damage.
- Behave in a way at camp, in the city, at school, through social media or otherwise, that is abusive, harassing, inappropriate or that goes against the spirit of this Agreement with respect to other campers, staff, or members of our community.
- Use or be in possession of cellular telephones, pagers, devices capable of uploading, downloading or streaming data, devices capable of watching movies, television shows or music videos or other communication devices during the camp season
As a camper I understand that if I am having trouble following this code of conduct, the following could happen:
- I may have a meeting with my counsellors, or one of the members of the Hanhaga (Leadership Team) or the Shlicha and/or Camp Director.
- A staff member might call my parents to discuss my behaviour.
- I may be given, or be asked to carry out, a suitable consequence to be decided by Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria staff. (Examples of consequences include but are not limited to: writing an apology letter, missing activities, losing privileges, having your own bunk (cabin) or bunk mates moved, being sent home from camp early at your parent/guardian(s) expense and responsibility, not being allowed to attend or return to camp, not being allowed to attend Ken programming, etc.)
- [Summer]If my behavior is hurtful to myself, others, or camp property, I will likely be sent home that same day or as soon as possible thereafter at the parent/guardian(s) full expense and responsibility.
- [Ken] If my behavior is hurtful to myself, others, or Ken property, my parent/guardian(s) may be asked to pick me up early and I may not be allowed to attend future programming at the parent/guardian(s) full expense.
AS A PARENT/GUARDIAN, I UNDERSTAND:
- There is often no ‘hard evidence’ in matters relating to relational responsibility, bullying or similar areas of conduct. Nonetheless, I trust and accept Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria leadership to make determinations on these matters and accept the judgment of the camp/Ken and any related consequences included, but not limited to, dismissal from camp/Ken.
- There are no entitlements to refunds of any kind if a camper is sent home/excluded from Ken programs for behavioral reasons (all the above).
- I am fully committed to this Code of Conduct and agree to its content. In addition, I will always treat the camp/Ken and the staff with respect regardless of circumstances or challenges that may arise. If I fail to meet this expectation, it will be deemed to reflect a failure to trust the camp/Ken and its staff. Therefore, I understand that my child(ren) may be sent home from camp/Ken and/or not be accepted back to camp/Ken. I will also disclose all information as requested and implied in the medical form including medical, psychological and socio-emotional issues or concerns past or present. I also understand that comments or complaints are to be directed to the camp/Ken’s adult leadership staff.
Food and Allergies.
Camp Shomria is able to accommodate most dietary needs for our campers and staff, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options as well as accommodating for allergies shared with us through the health forms.
We provide kosher-style food service, which means that although not all ingredients have a hechsher, we do not serve meat and dairy in the same meal, nor do we serve pork, seafood, or shellfish. Campers and staff who keep fully kosher at home generally choose to eat vegetarian meals while at camp.
We are a peanut-aware camp. This means we do not serve peanut butter or peanut products, but some of our ingredients will have a "may contain" warning.
We provide kosher-style food service, which means that although not all ingredients have a hechsher, we do not serve meat and dairy in the same meal, nor do we serve pork, seafood, or shellfish. Campers and staff who keep fully kosher at home generally choose to eat vegetarian meals while at camp.
We are a peanut-aware camp. This means we do not serve peanut butter or peanut products, but some of our ingredients will have a "may contain" warning.
COVID-19.
As the pandemic evolves, so to does our response to COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of our campers and staff are our highest priority. With this in mind, Camp Shomria reserves the right to change it's policies and approach to COVID-19 prior to and during camp.
At this time, we continue to have a vaccine mandate in place which requires ALL campers and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses required and boosters strongly encouraged.
At this time, we continue to have a vaccine mandate in place which requires ALL campers and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses required and boosters strongly encouraged.
Lice Policy.
Head lice are tiny insects which live on the scalp. They do not pose a health threat; they are, however, a nuisance. You are responsible to ensure that your child does not come to camp with lice.
As a courtesy to fellow campers and staff, we require that everyone who will be attending camp this summer to be checked 5-7 days prior to the start of camp and then again the day before departure. Any evidence of nits (lice eggs), nymphs (tiny immature lice bugs) and adults (mature lice bugs) must be thoroughly removed. You can do this yourself (using on-line resources or you can book a professional lice inspection at a convenient location for you and with any number of other providers across the GTA.
We will be conducting a mandatory lice check within the first 24 hours of arrival at camp. If your child is found to have any evidence of head lice on arrival (or at any time during camp), the camp will do its best to treat your child, which may include services administered by an outside professional. Families will be charged for the cost of lice treatments.
Please note that part of the treatment process involves extensive combing and depending on the severity of the case, this could be anywhere from 3-6 sessions in the Health Centre. Not only does this disrupt the medical program, but more importantly, it takes time away from your child being able to enjoy camp as it is meant to be. Campers or staff with lice/nits will also experience periods of isolation from regular activities and/or be required to wear a head covering as determined by camp staff.
If you are planning on booking a professional screening with a professional service, of which many are available, it is recommended that you call in advance as their clinics are often by appointment. Direct numbers can be found on the above linked websites but feel welcome to find a suitable service close to your home.
As a courtesy to fellow campers and staff, we require that everyone who will be attending camp this summer to be checked 5-7 days prior to the start of camp and then again the day before departure. Any evidence of nits (lice eggs), nymphs (tiny immature lice bugs) and adults (mature lice bugs) must be thoroughly removed. You can do this yourself (using on-line resources or you can book a professional lice inspection at a convenient location for you and with any number of other providers across the GTA.
We will be conducting a mandatory lice check within the first 24 hours of arrival at camp. If your child is found to have any evidence of head lice on arrival (or at any time during camp), the camp will do its best to treat your child, which may include services administered by an outside professional. Families will be charged for the cost of lice treatments.
Please note that part of the treatment process involves extensive combing and depending on the severity of the case, this could be anywhere from 3-6 sessions in the Health Centre. Not only does this disrupt the medical program, but more importantly, it takes time away from your child being able to enjoy camp as it is meant to be. Campers or staff with lice/nits will also experience periods of isolation from regular activities and/or be required to wear a head covering as determined by camp staff.
If you are planning on booking a professional screening with a professional service, of which many are available, it is recommended that you call in advance as their clinics are often by appointment. Direct numbers can be found on the above linked websites but feel welcome to find a suitable service close to your home.
Unplugged Policy.
Being at camp is an opportunity to unplug and get back to basics. Most of our time is spent outdoors, enjoying nature, participating in creative games and programming, and taking the time to think, breathe, connect with others, learn and grow. We believe in the benefit and the need for time unplugged, especially for today's youth.
Campers are not allowed to bring electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, etc. to camp. These devices will be confiscated if found.
We limit the use of personal music devices to quiet times in the cabin, particularly in the evenings for campers who benefit from auditory self-regulation practices. Only devices that do not have internet access will be allowed. Please contact us to discuss with our Community Care team.
Campers wishing to take photos at camp are permitted to bring a digital camera (not a phone) to do so. Please do not send expensive cameras to camp as they could get lost or damaged.
Campers are not allowed to bring electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, etc. to camp. These devices will be confiscated if found.
We limit the use of personal music devices to quiet times in the cabin, particularly in the evenings for campers who benefit from auditory self-regulation practices. Only devices that do not have internet access will be allowed. Please contact us to discuss with our Community Care team.
Campers wishing to take photos at camp are permitted to bring a digital camera (not a phone) to do so. Please do not send expensive cameras to camp as they could get lost or damaged.
Phone Calls and Communication with Campers Policy.
Camp is an opportunity to practice independence and cultivate resiliency. Homesickness is a normal occurence for many campers, and that's why we have many layers of support in place to help campers experiencing homesickness.
To allow for the best possible adjustment for your child to life at camp, we ask that you do not call the camp with the expectation of speaking with them directly. If there is a problem, please be assured that we will call you. It is our experience that phone calls home do not help children who are having a difficult time adjusting to camp life. Please do not tell your child(ren) that they may call you whenever they want, or if they want to go home or feel homesick. Instead, encourage them to discuss their problems or concerns with their madrichimot (counsellors), the Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education), Community Care staff, or any other staff member they feel comfortable to speak with. Phone calls between campers and their families may be arranged at the discretion of the camp staff.
Campers may call home on their own birthday. Birthday calls are generally made in the evening after dinner. If you would like to arrange a specific time for your child to make their birthday call, please contact our office and we will make the arrangements.
Camp Shomria will call parents/guardians if there are any health or other concerns. We will also call at your request around concerns that you have identified.
During camp you may send your camper letters and/or emails which will be printed and distributed three times per week (not daily). Campers may write letters which can be mailed or scanned and e-mailed to you.
Please review the full communications section of the Family Handbook for more detailed information regarding communications during camp.
To allow for the best possible adjustment for your child to life at camp, we ask that you do not call the camp with the expectation of speaking with them directly. If there is a problem, please be assured that we will call you. It is our experience that phone calls home do not help children who are having a difficult time adjusting to camp life. Please do not tell your child(ren) that they may call you whenever they want, or if they want to go home or feel homesick. Instead, encourage them to discuss their problems or concerns with their madrichimot (counsellors), the Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education), Community Care staff, or any other staff member they feel comfortable to speak with. Phone calls between campers and their families may be arranged at the discretion of the camp staff.
Campers may call home on their own birthday. Birthday calls are generally made in the evening after dinner. If you would like to arrange a specific time for your child to make their birthday call, please contact our office and we will make the arrangements.
Camp Shomria will call parents/guardians if there are any health or other concerns. We will also call at your request around concerns that you have identified.
During camp you may send your camper letters and/or emails which will be printed and distributed three times per week (not daily). Campers may write letters which can be mailed or scanned and e-mailed to you.
Please review the full communications section of the Family Handbook for more detailed information regarding communications during camp.
No Packages Policy.
This year we are shifting to a 'no packages' policy. Please try to send your child(ren) up to camp with everything they will need for the summer. You are welcome to send them up to camp with snacks (please note that in the spirit of community kupa, snacks should be nut-free and shared with the group). Of course, if your child writes home requesting an extra sweater because they are cold, or would like some extra reading material, you may feel free to send it up to camp (though you might want to check with our office first as we probably have something to lend!). However, we would like to discourage big packages of treats as we find that they create feelings of comparison and competition among campers.
