Camp Fees & Financial Support.
Hashomer Hatzair is so fortunate to have on-going support from our families, Hadracha, alumni, donors, and community partners. Now, more than ever, we could benefit from your support.
We are so appreciative to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and JCamp180 for their vision and generosity in the “All Together Now”, a matching grant for Jewish camps in North America, where a donation of all or any portion of your camper payment will be matched dollar for dollar. Please visit the “All Together Now” tab (located above) for more details.
Facing ongoing operational costs, facility maintenance, staffing costs – as well as the impact of the hundreds of thousands of dollars already spent toward the summer of 2020 – we are looking ahead to 2021 and beyond to ensure the sustainability of our movement and our programming.
We are incredibly grateful for a donation in any amount. We recognize the difficult economic situation the entire world is in. We want to remain financially sensitive and offer a range of options to meet the various needs of our community.
We are so appreciative to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and JCamp180 for their vision and generosity in the “All Together Now”, a matching grant for Jewish camps in North America, where a donation of all or any portion of your camper payment will be matched dollar for dollar. Please visit the “All Together Now” tab (located above) for more details.
Facing ongoing operational costs, facility maintenance, staffing costs – as well as the impact of the hundreds of thousands of dollars already spent toward the summer of 2020 – we are looking ahead to 2021 and beyond to ensure the sustainability of our movement and our programming.
We are incredibly grateful for a donation in any amount. We recognize the difficult economic situation the entire world is in. We want to remain financially sensitive and offer a range of options to meet the various needs of our community.
Options Regarding Camp Fees.
Here are the options for our Camp Shomria families regarding their camp fees:
Option #1: Pay it forward… if you are in a position to help.
As you know, Hashomer Hatzair Camp Shomria Canada is a mission-driven, non-profit charitable organization. JCamp180 and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation have recognized the tremendous need for support of Jewish Camp and have created the “All Together Now” matching grant. A donation of all or any portion of your camper fee payment will be matched dollar for dollar. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for each donation.
Option #2: Roll over payment to Mosh Kayitz 2021… we want you back!
All balances will remain as a credit on your account for Mosh Kayitz 2021 (and will secure your spot!). This option helps stabilize Camp Shomria’s financial position as we begin to plan for summer 2021. Families who contribute this summer’s tuition toward fees next summer will receive a discount of up to $300* per child on tuition for Mosh Kayitz 2021.
*please note the discount given will reflect the percentage of tuition rolled over
Option #3: Full refund… these are difficult economic times.
Upon request, we will refund the full amount that you have paid toward enrollment for Mosh Kayitz 2020. Refunds will be processed in two installments on June 15th and July 15th, 2020.
Option 4: Combination of the above… each option resonates.
Please select a combination of Option #1 (donate), Option #2 (roll over), and/or Option #3 (refund) in a way that feels most comfortable for your family. Please know that, prior to (and throughout) the COVID-19 crisis, Hashomer Hatzair incurred significant expenses in order to prepare for the summer; thus, any ability to roll over or donate (with the matching funds from Harold Grinspoon Foundation) is so very appreciated.
Option #1: Pay it forward… if you are in a position to help.
As you know, Hashomer Hatzair Camp Shomria Canada is a mission-driven, non-profit charitable organization. JCamp180 and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation have recognized the tremendous need for support of Jewish Camp and have created the “All Together Now” matching grant. A donation of all or any portion of your camper fee payment will be matched dollar for dollar. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for each donation.
Option #2: Roll over payment to Mosh Kayitz 2021… we want you back!
All balances will remain as a credit on your account for Mosh Kayitz 2021 (and will secure your spot!). This option helps stabilize Camp Shomria’s financial position as we begin to plan for summer 2021. Families who contribute this summer’s tuition toward fees next summer will receive a discount of up to $300* per child on tuition for Mosh Kayitz 2021.
*please note the discount given will reflect the percentage of tuition rolled over
Option #3: Full refund… these are difficult economic times.
Upon request, we will refund the full amount that you have paid toward enrollment for Mosh Kayitz 2020. Refunds will be processed in two installments on June 15th and July 15th, 2020.
Option 4: Combination of the above… each option resonates.
Please select a combination of Option #1 (donate), Option #2 (roll over), and/or Option #3 (refund) in a way that feels most comfortable for your family. Please know that, prior to (and throughout) the COVID-19 crisis, Hashomer Hatzair incurred significant expenses in order to prepare for the summer; thus, any ability to roll over or donate (with the matching funds from Harold Grinspoon Foundation) is so very appreciated.
Tell Us What YOU Need.
Click Here to Fill Out a Financial Support Form.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What happens to the camp fees i've already paid?
We recognize these are difficult economic times for our families, and for Camp Shomria. We want to remain financially sensitive and are offering a range of options to meet the various needs of our community.
Please visit the “Camp Fees & Financial Support” tab (located above) for more details.
Please visit the “Camp Fees & Financial Support” tab (located above) for more details.
What are the dates for Mosh Kayitz 2021?
We are in the process of finalizing the dates for Mosh Kayitz 2021.
Please check back for further updates.
Please check back for further updates.
When will registration for Mosh Kayitz 2021 open?
Registration for Mosh Kayitz 2021 will begin sometime in September. Over the summer, we will send e-mails to let our community know when they can begin to register for 2021.
IF I roll over my tuition, will I still need to put down a deposit for Mosh Kayitz 2021?
No, the deposit will come from the credit on your account.
What happens to my scholarship offer from 2020?
Scholarship needs may vary from year to year. You may have a greater need next year or not need as much. The Scholarship offers from 2020 will go back into the Scholarship fund and will be included in the available funds for 2021.
We will do our best to simplify the process for those whom we granted scholarships this year, but we will still need to obtain necessary information to award scholarships for Mosh Kayitz 2021.
We will do our best to simplify the process for those whom we granted scholarships this year, but we will still need to obtain necessary information to award scholarships for Mosh Kayitz 2021.
What if I received One Happy Camper in 2020?
We are working with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (our partner in the One Happy Camper grant program) about how we can best implement the OHC program for campers who applied in 2020 and will now have their first summer at Camp Shomria in 2021. As we receive this information, we will share it with our community.
ARE YOU PLANNING ANY ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER - VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON?
Camp Shomria has been and will continue to provide virtual engagement and content. We are exploring a variety of ways to give our chanichimot (campers) and families opportunities to stay connected to Mosh (camp) and the community, through the summer and beyond.
We will continue to share updates with you as we have more information in the coming weeks. For more information please sign-up for our newsletter to receive updates.
Click Here to Sign Up for our Newsletter
We will continue to share updates with you as we have more information in the coming weeks. For more information please sign-up for our newsletter to receive updates.
Click Here to Sign Up for our Newsletter
Can I roll over my fees to another Hashomer Hatzair program?
Yes. If you choose, you may apply your fees for Mosh Kayitz 2020 to any of the other programs offered within Hashomer Hatzair Camp Shomria Canada.
How can I continue to support Hashomer Hatzair Camp Shomria Canada?
Now, more than ever, Camp Shomria could benefit from your support. With the expenses already incurred toward the summer, and more, we are looking ahead to operation of the 2020-2021 year and beyond to ensure the continuity of our movement and programming. If you are able to make a donation of any size, we would appreciate your contribution. Click here to donate.
This was supposed to be my child’s first summer at Camp Shomria, and they were planning on attending for only two weeks.
In Summer 2021, they will be finishing Grade 5. Can they attend for only two weeks as a first-time camper?
In Summer 2021, they will be finishing Grade 5. Can they attend for only two weeks as a first-time camper?
Yes. In the summer of 2021, we will accept first-time chanichimot finishing Grade 5 into our two-week program. They will be placed in the kvutza with other chanichimot finishing Grade 5 (Chalutzim Bet)
Have a question that was not answered here?
Please feel free to contact us through email or phone call and we will be happy to answer your questions as best we can.
Phone - 416-736-1339
Email - [email protected]
Please feel free to contact us through email or phone call and we will be happy to answer your questions as best we can.
Phone - 416-736-1339
Email - [email protected]
Helping Chanichimot Cope.
The cancellation of Mosh Kayitz 2020 is heartbreaking for chanichimot, Hadracha, families, and our entire community. We encourage you to talk to your chanichimot about this situation and provide space for them to express their feelings.
Here are a few general principles to consider; for more information, please see below:
• Be empathetic and understanding
• Encourage them to connect with their kvutza often, and participate in virtual experiences with them
this summer
• It might take your child a few days (or longer) to process the news – they might not want to talk
right away, but let them know you’re there if and when they’re ready
• Let us know if we can be of any assistance helping to adjust to this summer’s reality
Below, you will find more detailed resources to support chanichimot
Here are a few general principles to consider; for more information, please see below:
• Be empathetic and understanding
• Encourage them to connect with their kvutza often, and participate in virtual experiences with them
this summer
• It might take your child a few days (or longer) to process the news – they might not want to talk
right away, but let them know you’re there if and when they’re ready
• Let us know if we can be of any assistance helping to adjust to this summer’s reality
Below, you will find more detailed resources to support chanichimot
Supporting your Camper:
COVID-19 & Mosh Kayitz 2020 Cancellation.
In Hashomer Hatzair Camp Shomria Canada, we help cultivate and build leaders – providing tools and education for children to be critical thinkers; empathetic and feeling leaders. This document serves as a resource to help guide you and your family in the on-going discussion with children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Share the News.
It is important to have a thoughtful approach as the messenger of this disappointing news. Many have anticipated this, so they may be saddened but not surprised. Approach your camper calmly, without catastrophizing or minimizing. Avoid a big build-up. Deliver the news with empathy and facts. Let your camper take in the news then allow them to set the tone. Some have prepared for this so will have less of a reaction than you anticipate, and some may be overwhelmed. The longer you wait to deliver the punchline, the more stressful it will become.
Understand the Cycle of Change.
|
Some campers may need more time to process and understand. Allow space for the range of feelings knowing that emotions may change from day to day. From you, children may need validation, empathy, and above all: love. Avoid rushing to “fix” even when it is hard for you to watch.
Sadness, anger, attempts to negotiate, anxiety, and silence are all normal. Allow children to express their feelings but be clear that these hard feelings are not an excuse to be disrespectful, hurtful, or unkind. As therapists often say, “the only way out is through.” If we move too quickly toward a solution, the opportunity to practice resilience in the face of upset is missed. Be patient; we are all in the same process of the cycle of change will achieve reintegration. This isn’t “bouncing back” but reunifying who we are in this situation, in this change. THAT is resilience. |
|
Model Healthy Coping.
There are different levels for all of us during this unprecedented time. It is important to show your campers the healthy ways of dealing with discomfort: taking breaks to recharge on your own, reaching out to your support system to laugh or cry or vent, exercising, engaging in something empowering or creative, etc. We understand that the cancellation of Mosh Kayitz 2020 brings loss for you, too. Your children’s happiness affects you; their disappointment hurts you. They are watching you closely. Through your example, you will teach them how to respond to disappointments and hardship – now, and when they are adults.
Tailor Conversations.
Supporting our chanichimot and community begins with our understanding that everyone has different needs. Different factors (age, maturity, whether they’ve been to camp before) will affect how each camper receives this news and can guide effective ways for you to comfort them. The comfort you provide your elementary school-aged child will be different than that provided to your high school-aged child.
Parent Role Based on Camper's Age.
For all ages, the greatest gift we can give our chanichimot is to listen to them and validate their feelings. Displaying empathy and providing assurance that you will help them through a difficult time will often be all your child needs to get through uncertainty.
Elementary School Aged Chanichimot: Lead them through
You need a plan of what to say and how to say it. Anticipate what questions they may have, and what responses you may give. Remember that children this age may not always be able to express how they are feeling, and often communicate with their behaviour rather than their words. Often, you are able to tell how a child is processing the information you are sharing by taking a pause and watching their behaviour (during and after) and then asking them about it without judgment.
The tone of your questions will help to assure your children that it is safe to share their feelings. It is alright to help label feelings if you feel confident you are labeling those feelings correctly. Be sure that once your child begins talking, you stop talking; listen, and provide your child the opportunity to share what is on their mind.
Middle School Aged Chanichimot: Guide the way
With children in Middle School (Grades 6-8), you need to lead but can change course depending on your child’s response and tolerance for the conversation. The conversation should be collaborative, with you sharing the information and pausing for them to comment.
This age needs information in an authentic, honest, and frank manner. By facilitating these difficult conversations, you are building their trust and skills in strengthening their ability to work through challenging situations.
High School Aged Chanichimot: Let them Lead
After sharing the information with your child, pass them the torch and let them lead the conversation while you listen. Often with this age, less is more. Teens may be interested in talking about the situation all at once but may also need time and space to fully engage in a conversation after receiving hard-to-hear news. It is important to acknowledge that peer relationships are important at this age. They may want to talk with their friends or their madrichimot (counsellors) before they talk with you. It is important to acknowledge that this is a grieving process for your teen and validate the emotions that they are experiencing. It may be helpful to avoid using phrases like “I understand” and instead use statements such as “I can imagine…” or “It sounds like…”
Elementary School Aged Chanichimot: Lead them through
You need a plan of what to say and how to say it. Anticipate what questions they may have, and what responses you may give. Remember that children this age may not always be able to express how they are feeling, and often communicate with their behaviour rather than their words. Often, you are able to tell how a child is processing the information you are sharing by taking a pause and watching their behaviour (during and after) and then asking them about it without judgment.
The tone of your questions will help to assure your children that it is safe to share their feelings. It is alright to help label feelings if you feel confident you are labeling those feelings correctly. Be sure that once your child begins talking, you stop talking; listen, and provide your child the opportunity to share what is on their mind.
Middle School Aged Chanichimot: Guide the way
With children in Middle School (Grades 6-8), you need to lead but can change course depending on your child’s response and tolerance for the conversation. The conversation should be collaborative, with you sharing the information and pausing for them to comment.
This age needs information in an authentic, honest, and frank manner. By facilitating these difficult conversations, you are building their trust and skills in strengthening their ability to work through challenging situations.
High School Aged Chanichimot: Let them Lead
After sharing the information with your child, pass them the torch and let them lead the conversation while you listen. Often with this age, less is more. Teens may be interested in talking about the situation all at once but may also need time and space to fully engage in a conversation after receiving hard-to-hear news. It is important to acknowledge that peer relationships are important at this age. They may want to talk with their friends or their madrichimot (counsellors) before they talk with you. It is important to acknowledge that this is a grieving process for your teen and validate the emotions that they are experiencing. It may be helpful to avoid using phrases like “I understand” and instead use statements such as “I can imagine…” or “It sounds like…”
Communicating With Your First-Time Chanichimot.
Express to your children that you are sad that this will not be the summer that they get to experience Mosh Kayitz. Feel free to say something like, “I do hope that you will be as excited in the future to try camp as you were about Camp Shomria this summer.” We encourage you to use “when” language:
“We look forward to when you’ll go to Camp Shomria, until then let’s work together to come up with fun things to do this summer…”
Camp Shomria is a magical place, and while they may not have set foot on the shores of Otty Lake, your children are a part of the Hashomer Hatzair family, and an important part of their kvutza, their cohort of peers. Camp Shomria has been a staple in the summer experiences of the Hashomer Hatzair community for almost 100 years, and we are just getting started. Tell your children that we look forward to seeing them at Camp Shomria in the future.
“We look forward to when you’ll go to Camp Shomria, until then let’s work together to come up with fun things to do this summer…”
Camp Shomria is a magical place, and while they may not have set foot on the shores of Otty Lake, your children are a part of the Hashomer Hatzair family, and an important part of their kvutza, their cohort of peers. Camp Shomria has been a staple in the summer experiences of the Hashomer Hatzair community for almost 100 years, and we are just getting started. Tell your children that we look forward to seeing them at Camp Shomria in the future.
Communicating With Your Returning Chanichimot.
Encourage your children to reach out to their kvutza, and to their madrichimot (counselors). The Camp Shomria family is one of strong support and meaningful relationships. Staying engaged with Hashomer Hatzair will give your child a sense of connection and belonging instead of focusing on isolation and loss of control.
Help your child find ways to move forward with building a better world. One of the most effective ways to manage adversity and difficult times is making meaning. Find ways to bring strength, courage, warmth, and support into each other’s lives. Examples include:
• Sending snail mail to friends and Hadracha (staff)
• Writing a story or a play or a song about a fun experience at camp and sharing it with family
• Connecting with a camp friend to engage in a shared virtual activity
Each chanichol is missing a unique mosh experience, but our community is in this together. We can all benefit from acts of kindness and love.
Help your child find ways to move forward with building a better world. One of the most effective ways to manage adversity and difficult times is making meaning. Find ways to bring strength, courage, warmth, and support into each other’s lives. Examples include:
• Sending snail mail to friends and Hadracha (staff)
• Writing a story or a play or a song about a fun experience at camp and sharing it with family
• Connecting with a camp friend to engage in a shared virtual activity
Each chanichol is missing a unique mosh experience, but our community is in this together. We can all benefit from acts of kindness and love.
Adapted from the Union for Reform Judaism youth support page:
https//urjyouth.org/supporting-our-campers
Thank you to the URJ for sharing this thoughtful guide and allowing many camps to adapt it.
https//urjyouth.org/supporting-our-campers
Thank you to the URJ for sharing this thoughtful guide and allowing many camps to adapt it.
People Resources.
We are always here for you. If you have questions or need additional support, please reach out to any of us, at any time.
- Rachel “Sas” Saslove, Camp Director – [email protected]
- Reut Kaddar, Shlicha – [email protected]
- Shauna Pekar, Memuna – [email protected]
- Ayelet Lustgarten, Rosh Mosh 2020 – [email protected]
- Oren Jungreis, Rosh Chinuch 2020 – [email protected]
- Tamar Jungreis, Rosh Tarbut 2020 – [email protected]
- Simon LiVolsi, Rosh Tech 2020 – [email protected]
Other Helpful Resources.
If Summer Camp Closes: Embracing the Moment and Opening the Door for New Opportunities for Families:
http://www.childandfamilysolutionscenter.com/no-camp-cant-be-cancelled-thoughts-on-how-to-handle-another-painful-loss-and-the-opportunity-that-lies-ahead/
Supporting Families During COVID-19:
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
JED’s COVID-19 Resource Guide:
https://www.jedfoundation.org/jeds-covid-19-resource-guide/
How to Talk to Your Kids About Scary Situations:
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/january-2017/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-scary-situations
Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Positive-Parenting-and- COVID-19_10-Tips.aspx
How to Be Your Best Self in Times of Crisis:
https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_david_how_to_be_your_best_self_in_times_of_crisis
Emotional Regulation Worksheets: A Coping Skill Activity:
https://www.centervention.com/emotional-regulation-worksheets/
Help Your Family Manage The Coronavirus:
https://askdoctorg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Coronavirus-you-and-your-family-Updated-3_18-2.pdf
Empathy is the Cure:
https://ericalayne.co/comparative-suffering/
Talking Tough Topics with Kids:
https://askdoctorg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Talking-Tough-Topics-with-Kids-FINAL-8252F4.pdf
Coping Through Covid with Your Jewish Teen:
https://www.collectivecompassion2020.com/
Strategies to Manage and Heal:
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/grief-types-of-grief-symptoms-to-look-out-for-and-strategies-to-manage-and-heal/
It’s Okay To Cry: Healthy Ways to Release Emotion:
https://teachlearncreate.com/emotional-wellbeing/its-ok-to-cry/
Giving Space for Campers and Counselors To Grieve:
https://www.jewishboston.com/the-potential-loss-of-summer-camp/
How to Talk To Your Children about Difficult News:
https://www.apa.org/topics/talking-children
Helping Children Cope with Changes during Covid-19:
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19
http://www.childandfamilysolutionscenter.com/no-camp-cant-be-cancelled-thoughts-on-how-to-handle-another-painful-loss-and-the-opportunity-that-lies-ahead/
Supporting Families During COVID-19:
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
JED’s COVID-19 Resource Guide:
https://www.jedfoundation.org/jeds-covid-19-resource-guide/
How to Talk to Your Kids About Scary Situations:
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/january-2017/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-scary-situations
Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Positive-Parenting-and- COVID-19_10-Tips.aspx
How to Be Your Best Self in Times of Crisis:
https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_david_how_to_be_your_best_self_in_times_of_crisis
Emotional Regulation Worksheets: A Coping Skill Activity:
https://www.centervention.com/emotional-regulation-worksheets/
Help Your Family Manage The Coronavirus:
https://askdoctorg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Coronavirus-you-and-your-family-Updated-3_18-2.pdf
Empathy is the Cure:
https://ericalayne.co/comparative-suffering/
Talking Tough Topics with Kids:
https://askdoctorg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Talking-Tough-Topics-with-Kids-FINAL-8252F4.pdf
Coping Through Covid with Your Jewish Teen:
https://www.collectivecompassion2020.com/
Strategies to Manage and Heal:
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/grief-types-of-grief-symptoms-to-look-out-for-and-strategies-to-manage-and-heal/
It’s Okay To Cry: Healthy Ways to Release Emotion:
https://teachlearncreate.com/emotional-wellbeing/its-ok-to-cry/
Giving Space for Campers and Counselors To Grieve:
https://www.jewishboston.com/the-potential-loss-of-summer-camp/
How to Talk To Your Children about Difficult News:
https://www.apa.org/topics/talking-children
Helping Children Cope with Changes during Covid-19:
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19
Stay Connected.
If any community knows how to stay connected, it’s the Hashomer Hatzair community.
Together, we continue to find meaningful ways to connect with each other, whether it be through our virtual
Kenim or interactive challenges through out Instagram and Facebook.
Additionally, we invite Chanichimot grades 3 to 10 to register for our new Virtual Summer Camp Programming; "Mosh Kayitz Ba'ir".
Together, we continue to find meaningful ways to connect with each other, whether it be through our virtual
Kenim or interactive challenges through out Instagram and Facebook.
Additionally, we invite Chanichimot grades 3 to 10 to register for our new Virtual Summer Camp Programming; "Mosh Kayitz Ba'ir".
Click HERE for more information about Mosh Kayitz Ba'ir .
Click the icons below to follow our pages and sign up for our newsletter to stay connected!
All Together Now.
A Matching Grant for Jewish Camp.
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation has committed up to $10 million to participating Jewish overnight camps in North America affiliated through its JCamp180 program.
OVERVIEW:
We are extremely grateful to be able to participate in the “All Together Now” matching grant. As a participating camp, we are eligible to receive $1 from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) for every $2 we raise until December 31, 2020 (1:2 match).
As a result of the cancellation of our in-person Mosh Kayitz 2020, families may convert a portion or all of their pre-paid deposits and tuition into a charitable donation to Camp Shomria for a dollar to dollar match (1:1 match).
All donations will be issued a Canadian charitable tax receipt.
We are extremely grateful to be able to participate in the “All Together Now” matching grant. As a participating camp, we are eligible to receive $1 from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) for every $2 we raise until December 31, 2020 (1:2 match).
As a result of the cancellation of our in-person Mosh Kayitz 2020, families may convert a portion or all of their pre-paid deposits and tuition into a charitable donation to Camp Shomria for a dollar to dollar match (1:1 match).
All donations will be issued a Canadian charitable tax receipt.
