Parent`Handbook`2016`

Parent'Handbook'2016'
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Welcome'to'Camp'B'nai'Brith'of'Montreal'
At#Camp#B’nai#Brith#our#goal#is#to#provide#a#unique#and#positive#
experience# for# all# our# campers.# We# want# to# empower# our#
campers# to# learn# about# themselves,# to# learn# new# skills,# and# to#
explore#their#Jewish#heritage.#
This# Parent/Camper# handbook# will# provide# you# with# the# basic#
information# necessary# to# help# prepare# you# and# your# child# for####
the#exciting#summer#ahead.#
We# strongly# urge# you# to# read# the# booklet# and# become# familiar#
with# the# aims,# goals,# and# policies# of# Camp# B’nai# Brith# and# we####
will#be#happy#to#answer#any#questions#you#may### have.#
Once# again,# a# hearty# welcome# to# all# our# new# and# returning#
campers#and#their#families.#
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Since'1921'we'have'built'Jewish'identity,'given'independence,'fostered'
friendship,'and'created'lifetimes'worth'of'memories.'
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We'encourage'campers'to'try'new'things'physically,'socially,'and'
emotionally.'
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We'create'a'family'environment'where'we'nurture'our'campers.'
This'is'a'place'to'grow,'be'independent,'and'build'confidence.'
We'are'a'summer'camp'in'Canada'that'offers'programs'that'will'
encourage'team'building,'skill'development,'respect'of'self'and'others.'
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Daily'Schedule'
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8:15#a.m.#
9:00#a.m.#
9:55#a.m.#
11:00#a.m.#
12:00#p.m.#
12:50#p.m.#
1:55#p.m.#
3:00#p.m.#
4:00#p.m.#
5:00#p.m.#
6:15#p.m.#
7:15#p.m.#
8:15#p.m.#
9:30#p.m.#
10:30#p.m.#
Flagpole#/#Breakfast#
Clean#Up#
First#Period#
Second#Period#
Flagpole#/#Lunch#
Rest#Hour#
Third#Period#
Fourth#Period#
Fifth#Period#
Shower#Time#
Flagpole#/#Dinner#
Free#Play#
Evening#Program#
Jr.#Side#Lights#Out#
Sr.#Side#Lights#Out#
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#
Addresses'
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CBB#is#located#approximately#8km#east#of#downtown#SteYAgathe,#and#is#1#hour#and#15#
minute#drive#from#Montreal.#
#
Winter'
Summer'
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1#Carre#Cummings#Square#
Suite#232#
Montreal,#QC,#H3W#1M6#
#
Tel:#514.735.3669#
Fax:#514.735,8197#
5445#Route#329#N.#
SainteYAgatheYdesYMonts,#QC#
J8C#0M7#
#
Tel:#819.326.4824#
#
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Transportation'
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The#camp#provides#chartered#school#buses#for#campers.#The#buses#will#depart#(and#
return)# from# the' Parking' Lot' on' the' Corner' of' Beaulac' &' Blvd.' Dr.' Frederik' Philips,'
across' from' the' front' entrance' of' Spheretech' Cinema' Guzzo' in' Ville' St.' Laurent.# All'
campers'must'come'to'the'buses'with'their'Medicare'card.'
#
#
Departure#for#Session#1:#Tuesday,#June#28th,#from#8:00AM#to#9:00AM#
#
Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips'
'
Return#for#Starter#1:########Tuesday,#July#12th#,#between#10:00AM#and#11:00AM#
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips'
'
Return#for#Session#1:########Friday,#July#22nd#,#between#10:00AM#and#11:00AM#
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips#
#
Departure#for#Session#2:#Sunday,#July#24,#from#8:00AM#to#9:00AM#
#
Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips'
'
Return#for#Starter#2#&#6#Weeks:########Sunday,#August#7th#,#between#10:00AM#and#11:00AM#
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips'
'
Return#for#Session#2:########Tuesday,#August#16th#,#between#10:00AM#and#11:00AM#
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips'
'
#
#
PLEASE'NOTE:'this#departure#spot#is#across#the#street#from#last#year’s#departure!#It#is#now#
in#the#parking#lot#behind#the#McDonald’s#and#Cage#Aux#Sports,#directly#across#from#the#
main#front#entrance#of#Spheretech#Cinema#Guzzo#in#Ville#St.#Laurent
PLEASE'NOTE:'
'
If#you#are#unavailable#to#pick#up#your#child,#we#must#have#a#letter#of#authorization#
informing#us#as#to#who#will#be#picking#up#your#child.#If#you#need#to#drive#your#child#
to# camp# and# /# or# pick# them# up# from# camp,# you# must# notify# the# camp# office# in#
advance#so#that#the#proper#arrangements#can#be#made.#
#
Please'observe'the'following'dropGoff'and'pickGup'times'if'you'are'driving'your'child'
to'camp:'
'
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First'Session'
Arrival#/#DropYOff#(Tuesday'June'28)'10Y11am##
Departure#/#PickYup#(Friday'July'22)'8:30Y9:30am##
Second'Session'
Arrival#/#DropYOff#(Sunday'July'24)'10YY11am##
Departure#/#PickYUp#(Tuesday'August'16)'8:30YYY9:30am#
#
#
Mail'
'
Write# and# write# often.# The# campers# who# get# the# most# mail,# delivered# in# the# old#
fashioned# way,# (in# an# envelope# with# a# stamp# affixed)# are# the# happiest.# In# fact,# we#
suggest#that#you#mail#the#first#letter#before#your#child#leaves#home.#
#
Campers# are# expected# to# keep# in# touch# and# we# require# that# they# write# home# a#
minimum# of# 2# times# per# week.# Make# sure# to# send# enough# stamps,# stationary# and#
pens# to# accommodate# your# child’s# needs." Pre' stamped,' addressed' envelopes' or'
post'cards'are'the'easiest'for'most'children.#Please#address#all#mail#to#campers#as#
follows:#
#
Camper’s"Full"Name"
Campers"Unit"
Camp#B’nai#Brith#
5445#Route#329#N.#
SainteYAgatheYdesYMonts,#QC#
J8C#0M7#
'
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If#you#do#not#receive#any#mail#after#the#first#week#of#camp,#STAY#CALM.#Remember,#
if#there#was#a#problem,#we#would#have#contacted#you.#If#you#are#concerned#for#any#
reason,#please'call'the'camp'at'819.326.4824.'A'member'of'our'team'will'take'
the'information'and'we'will'get'back'to'you'as'soon'as'possible.'
Packages'From'Home'
'
#
#
We#welcome#the#arrival#of#packages#containing#necessities#or#presents#and#we#will#
deliver# them# to# the# campers.# PLEASE' DO' NOT' SEND' FOOD' PACKAGES' OF' ANY'
KIND' TO' CAMP,' with' the' exception' of' chewing' gum.' Food# in# our# cabins# brings#
animals# and# stomach# aches.# For# a# multitude# of# reasons# including# the# laws# of#
kashrut,#we#reserve#the#right#to#inspect#ALL'packages#as#they#are#opened#to#check#
for#food.#Please#do#not#send#articles#of#great#value#to#camp.#
#
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Meals'
All# campers# eat# in# one# of# our# two# dining# halls.# Strict# observance# of# Jewish# Dietary#
laws# (supervised# by# the# Va’ad# Hair)# is# enhanced# by# our# spotless,# modern,# wellY
equipped#dairy#and#meat#kitchens.#
#
Our#menu#is#in#accordance#with#the#Canadian#Food#Guide#and#much#attention#is#paid#
to# the# children’s# likes# and# dislikes# and# there# is# always# something# for# the# “picky”#
camper# to# eat.# Along# with# three# (3)# daily# meals,# there# is# a# midYafternoon# snack,# a#
bedtime#snack#as#well#as#tuck#two#(2)#times#per#week.#
#
#
#
Tuck'
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Tuck#consists#of#special#snacks#(chocolate#bar,#chips,#licorice,#etc.)#that#is#distributed#
to# all# campers# a# minimum# of# two# (2)# times# per# week.# These# treats# are# strictly#
Kosher#and#are#an#addition#to#our#already#complete#menu.#
#
#
#
Peanuts'and'Nut'Products'at'Camp'
'
While#we#make#sure#that#all#products#that#we#supply#are#nut#free#the#onus#also#falls#
on#our#parents#and#staff#members#to#ensure#that#no#peanuts#or#nut#products#are#
brought#into#camp.#Accordingly,#parents#can#send#their#child#with#a#severe#peanut#
allergy#to#camp,#and#Camp#B’nai#Brith#can#provide#a#safe#space#for#those#allergies.#
In#order#to#accomplish#this#task,#these#are#the#steps#that#Camp#B’nai#Brith#takes#to#
make#our#camp#a#safe#environment#for#peanut#or#nut#allergic#children.#As#this#is#a#
safety#issue,#your#ongoing#support#is#greatly#appreciated.#
#
1 We#do#not#serve#peanut#butter#at#camp.#Instead,#we#serve#soy#nut#butter#that##
is#extremely#close#in#taste#to#real#peanut#butter.#
#
2 We# have# adjusted# our# menus# to# make# sure# that# there# are# a# variety# of#
alternatives.#We#also#make#a#vegetarian#and#lactose#meal#available#for#any#child#
who#prefers#it#to#the#standard#meal.#
#
3 Camp# B’nai# Brith# will# ensure# that# there# will# be# sufficient# food# and# snacks#
available#to#campers#and#staff#during#the#course#of#the#day#and#at#night.#
#
4 Campers' are' not' allowed' to' bring' any' food' to' camp.' Please' do' not'
provide' your' child' with' food' for' the' bus' as' they' will' not' be' permitted' to'
board'the'bus.'
'
5 No#food#packages#are#accepted#to#camp.#Camp#B’nai#Brith#reserves#the#right#to#
search#any#camper#or#staff#member’s#bags#or#packages#for#food#while#they#are#at#
camp.#All#food#found#in#camper’s#toolboxes#or#luggage#will#be#confiscated.#
#
#
6 All# staff# members# in# PreYYYCamp# and# all# campers# during# the# course# of# the#
summer#will#be#given#a#clear#message#that#peanuts#and#nut#products#cannot#be#
in#camp.#
Telephone'
'
Please# do# not# call# camp# and# ask# to# speak# to# your# child# as# we# do# not# allow# this.#
Contact#with#home#may#prolong#homesickness#and#create#problems.#Also,#campers#
are# not# allowed# to# place# phone# calls.# If# you# have# any# concerns# about# your# child,#
please# call# the# camp# office# (819)# 326YYY4824# and# ask# to# speak# to# a# member# of# our#
administrative#team.#Please#understand#that#Camp#is#a#very#busy#place#and#you#may#
not#be#able#to#speak#to#the#Director#right#away,#but#a#detailed#message#will#be#logged#
and#the#Director#will#try#to#return#your#call#within#24#hours.#
#
Policies'
'
It#is#important#that#you#are#aware#of#Camp#B’nai#Brith’s#policies#concerning#serious#
infractions#of#Camp#rules.#Among#these#infractions#are:#
#
#
#
1 Smoking#
2 Drinking#
3 Possession#and/or#use#of#illegal#drugs#or#paraphernalia#usually#associated#
with#their#use.#
#
4 Behavior#that#is#dangerous#to#oneself,#other#children,#or#staff.#
#
#
#
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5 Demonstration#of#sexual#advances.#
6 Sexual#activity.#
7 Romantic#contact#between#campers#or#campers#and#staff.#
8 Disruptive#behavior#such#as#stealing,#bullying,#or#excessive#
fighting/aggressive#behavior.#
#
9 Leaving#camp#without#permission.#
#
10 Raids#or#late#night#excursions.#
#
11 Vandalism#
#
Such# infractions# of# camp# rules# will# be# dealt# with# firmly# and# decisively# and# may#
result# in# immediate# dismissal# from# Camp# B’nai# Brith# for' which' no' tuition' refund'
will'be'given.'
'
Visiting'Camp'
'
Visitations#during#the#camp#season#are#not#allowed.#Our#philosophy#is#that#there#is#a#
better#opportunity#for#a#positive#adjustment#as#well#as#meeting#the#challenges#of#the#
camp#situation#if#the#camper’s#stay#is#uninterrupted#by#a#family#visit.#
#
We# do,# however,# invite# you# to# attend# our# annual# OPEN' HOUSE.# We# are# extremely#
proud#of#our#facilities#and#would#love#to#give#you#and#your#family#an#opportunity#to#
walk#around,#see#the#sites,#and#meet#some#of#your#child’s#staff.#
#
This'year’s'Open'House'will'be'taking'place'on'
Sunday'June'19th'from'10am'to'3pm.'
Change'of'Summer'Address'
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#
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If# you# expect# to# be# away# from# home# during# your# child’s# stay# at# camp,# or# must# go#
away# unexpectedly,# please# be# sure# to# leave# an# address# and# phone# number# where##
you#can#be#reached,#as#well#as#the#name#of#the#person#to#be#contacted#in#case#of#an#
emergency.#
Homesickness'
Having# a# positive# approach# in# all# discussions# concerning# camp# is# essential# in#
reducing# the# feelings# of# homesickness.# Feelings# of# homesickness# or# separation#
anxiety#are#normal#and#can#be#exaggerated#in#a#child’s#mind.#It#is#not#uncommon#for#
many#new#campers#and#some#old#ones#to#be#homesick#for#the#first#few#days#as#they#
adjust# to# camp.# This# is# particularly# true# of# second# year# campers# who# arrive# with#
only# great# memories# of# the# preceding# summer# and# are# faced# with# the# realization#
that# camp# is# never# the# same.# Our# staff# members# are# trained# to# help# each# camper#
adjust#by#finding#new#activities,#making#new#friends#and#feeling#comfortable#in#the#
camp# environment.# In# the# rare# cases# when# homesickness# continues# past# the# first#
few# days,# we# will# contact# you# to# discuss# ways# of# dealing# with# the# camper’s#
homesickness.#
Spending'Money'
'
'
'
There# is# absolutely# no# need# for# any# spending# money# at# Camp# B’nai# Brith# (unless#
your#child#is#in#S.I.T,#Pioneers).#All#in#camp#activities#and#any#outside#excursions#are#
paid# for# by# the# Camp.# If# your# child# does# come# to# camp# with# money,# it# will# be#
collected# by# his/her# Unit# Head# upon# arrival# at# camp,# placed# in# a# sealed# envelope#
with#their#name#on#it#and#placed#in#our#camp#safe#which#is#located#in#the#front#office.#
Camp'is'not'responsible'for'any'money'that'is'not'in'the'safe.'
'
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Birthdays'
Every#camper#celebrating#a#birthday#while#at#camp#receives#a#cake#that#is#shared#
with# his/her# bunkmates.# No# one# is# forgotten.# Please# do# not# send# any# special#
birthday#food.#Presents#are#optional.#Although'there'is'no'visiting,'we'will'setup'a'
phone'call'for'you'to'speak'with'your'child'on'their'special'day.'
Bunking'Requests'
'
It# is# no# easy# task# to# group# hundreds# of# campers# and# make# sure# that# everyone’s#
requests# are# met.# Your# child# may# request# as# many# children# as# he/she# desires# and#
we' will' do' our' best' to' accommodate' their' requests.# Your# child# should# indicate#
who# his/her# first# choice# is# (this# information# will# remain# confidential),# as# well# you#
should#note#if#there#is#a#camper#you#or#your#child#DO'NOT'want#to#be#bunked#with.#
#
#
#
#
The#Director#makes#final#decisions#regarding#bunk#assignments.#Please#bear#in#mind#
that# the# most# successful# cabin# group# experiences# combine# a# number# of# children#
from#different#schools#and#backgrounds.#In#addition,#all#Camp#B’nai#Brith#campers,#
regardless# of# living# arrangements,# see# each# other# regularly# during# the# day# (at#
flagpole,#camp#wide#events,#general#swim,#etc).#
Gratuities'
'
Gratuities#(tips)#to#staff#are#NOT'permissible.#We#appreciate#all#feedback#in#relation#
to# our# camp# staff# and# will# share# any# kind# words# you# have# to# offer# with# the#
appropriate#individuals.#Please#note#that#acceptance#of#gratuities#by#a#staff#member#
is#in#direct#violation#with#the#Camp#–#Staff#Agreement#and#will#result#in#immediate#
dismissal#of#the#staff#member.#
#
#
#
Laundry'
'
All#camper#and#staff#laundry#is#done#weekly.#Please#provide#a#mesh#laundry#bag#for#
this#purpose.#All#clothing#MUST'be#labeled#with#indelible#ink#or#name#tapes.#We#are#
unable#to#assume#responsibility#for#lost#or#damaged#items.#
#
#
#
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Attendance'Procedures'
Camp# B’nai# Brith# has# a# strict# policy# regarding# parents# who# request# that# their#
children#be#taken#out#of#camp.#In#order#for#a#parent#to#take#their#child#out#of#camp#
they# must# provide# the# Camp# Registrar# with# proof# of# the# event# that# the# child# is#
attending# prior' to' the' session' that' they' are' attending.# If# the# camp# does# not#
receive# such# notification# a# child# will# not# be# released# from# camp.# Campers' cannot'
leave'camp'for'their'birthday.#It#is#at#the#discretion#of#the#camp#director#to#allow#
parents#to#see#their#children#for#special#or#unforeseen#circumstances.#
Shabbat'Attire'
'
All# campers# and# staff# are# expected# to# wear# appropriate# Shabbat# attire.# At# Camp##
B’nai# Brith# we# wear# white# shirts.# Please# send# your# child# to# camp# with# a# white#
shirt/top#to#wear#on#Friday#nights.#
#
#
#
Luggage'
'
Space#in#our#cabins#is#limited;#therefore,#two#large#duffel#bags#and#one#tote#bag#are#
the# maximum# for# each# camper.# No# trunks# or# garbage# bags.# Tool' boxes' MAY' NOT'
exceed'18”'x'12”'x'12”.#Luggage#is#picked#up#prior'to'camp.'The#Luggage#dates#and#
times#are:#
#
'''''''''''''''''Session'1'Luggage:' Monday,#June#27th,#from#4:00PM#to#7:00PM#
#
############Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips#
#
Session'2'Luggage:' Sunday,#July#24#from#8:00am#to#9:00am#
with'departure'''''''Parking'Lot'on'the'Corner'of'Beaulac'&'Blvd.'Dr.'Frederik'Philips#
#
ABSOLUTELY' NO' WATER' OR' LIQUID' OF' ANY' KIND' SHOULD' BE' PACKED' IN' A'
CAMPER’S'LUGGAGE.#IT#IS#UNFAIR#TO#OUR#LUGGAGE#CREW#AND#MAY#RESULT#IN#
DAMAGE# TO# YOUR# CHILD’S# OR# ANOTHER# CAMPER’S# BELONGINGS.# IF# WATER# OR#
OTHER# LIQUIDS# ARE# DISCOVERED# AT# LUGGAGE# DROP# OFF,# THEY# WILL# BE#
REMOVED#FROM#THE#BAGGAGE#AT#THAT#TIME.#
#
We' do' not' assume' any' responsibility' for' loss' or' damage' to' baggage' or'
personal'belongings'while'in'transit'or'during'any'period'at'camp.'
'
'
'
PLEASE' NOTE:' DO' NOT' BRING' POCKETKNIVES,' BOOM' BOXES,' TELEVISIONS,'
HOT' PLATES' AND/OR' HEATERS' TO' CAMP!' IN' ADDITION,' IT' IS' HIGHLY'
RECOMMENDED' THAT' CAMPERS' NOT' BRING' ANY' ELECTRONIC' GAMES' OR'
TOYS.' IF' YOUR' CHILD' BRINGS' VALUABLES' TO' CAMP,' WE' ARE' UNABLE' TO'
ASSUME'RESPONSIBILITY'IN'THE'EVENT'OF'LOSS'OR'DAMAGE.'
'
Health'&'Safety'
'
MEDICAL"FORM:"MUST"BE"COMPLETED"ONLINE"BY"PARENT/GUARDIAN,"BY'JUNE'1.'
'
Accurate#and#complete#medical#information#is'a'must'in#order#to#give#proper#care#
to# your# child.# Our# doctors# rely# on# this# information# in# order# to# diagnose# and# treat#
your#child.#If#you#do#not#complete#the#form,#including#signatures#required,#it#will#be#
returned# to# you.# NO' CAMPER' WILL' BE' PERMITTED' ON' THE' BUS' WITHOUT' A'
COMPLETED' AND' SIGNED' MEDICAL'FORM' SUBMITTED' TO' THE' CAMP' OFFICE'
BY'JUNE'1.'
'
'
Health'Facilities'
There#is#a#minimum#of#1#nurse#(RN)#and#one#doctor#on#site#at#all#times#and#they#can#
be#found#in#our#fully#equipped,#state#of#the#art#infirmary.#Clinics#are#held#a#minimum#
of# two# times# per# day.# In# case# of# an# emergency,# SteYAgathe# hospital# is# within# 10#
minutes#of#camp.#Our#medical#team,#including#the#local#hospital#and#doctors,#is#there#
to# make# sure# that# your# child# is# both# healthy# and# safe.# If# there# is# any# medical#
intervention#involving#your#child,#you#will#be#notified.#Any#camper#or#staff#member#
will#be#attended#at#all#times#while#taken#to#the#hospital.#
#
Medications'
'
Please# put# all# medications# (adequate# amount# for# child’s# stay# at# Camp)# in# a# plastic#
bag#and#clearly#and#carefully#label#it.#If#your#child#is#taking#the#bus,#the#medication#
bag#MUST'be#dropped#of#at#the#Infirmary#table#at#our#departure#site.#No#medication#
may# be# kept# in# the# bunk# (except# for# inhalers).# The# nurse# will# dispense# all#
medications# according# to# the# instructions# given# by# your# child’s# physician.# Because#
camp# is# an# active# environment,# waterYYYsoluble# medications,# such# as# Ritalin,# may# be#
perspired# out# of# the# system# at# a# faster# than# normal# rate.# We# recommend# that# you#
speak#to#your#child’s#doctor#regarding#the#camp#environment#to#see#if#any#changes#
may# be# necessary.# If# there# are# going# to# be# any# medication# or# medical# procedures#
that#differ#from#the#completed#medical#form,#the#camp#must#be#notified#and#a#letter#
from#your#child’s#physician#with#the#new#instructions#must#be#submitted.#If#desired,#
have#your#child’s#pediatrician#contact#the#Camp#Director#or#camp#doctor.#
#
Dental'
'
Since#there#is#no#dentist#at#camp,#it#is#important#that#dental#needs#be#taken#care#of#
before#camp#begins.#In#an#emergency,#a#camper#will#be#taken#to#the#local#dentist#or#
orthodontist#at#the#parent’s#expense.#
#
'
Lice'
Lice#are#a#concern#in#any#communal#setting.#We#ask#all#families#to#check#for#head#lice#
just# before# leaving# for# camp.# All' campers' will' be' checked' for' lice' on' arrival' at'
camp.'If#head#lice#are#discovered#at#camp,#your#child#will#be#treated,#then#sent'home'
until#all#the#lice#AND'eggs#are#clear#(camper#will#be#checked#upon#return#to#camp#by#
our#medical#team#and#admitted#back#into#camp#upon#Doctor’s#satisfaction).#
Packing List
This list was developed to serve as a guide when packing your child for camp. It is based
on normal camp usage and typical weather. Keep things simple and inexpensive.
Clothing should be able to survive a commercial laundry and not require any special care.
Mark each item with your child’s full name. Be sure to label every item including
toiletries, pillows, sports equipment and personal items.
* Shabbat is a very special time at CBB; we love to set the mood with a fresh, peaceful
and unified feeling on Friday nights. We encourage modesty in dress.