introduction - Camp Alonim

I N T R O D U C T I O N
Camp Alonim is a dynamic Jewish experience brought to life
through sports, the arts, nature and learning in a safe and
embracing community. We are an independent camp that
teaches Jewish culture and values free from denominational and
institutional constraints. Every camper is important and both our
program and our staff work to build self-esteem and independence
by creating an atmosphere where children can learn new skills,
safely grow, and make lasting friendships in a uniquely Jewish
environment. We use our 3,000 acres of property near Simi Valley
to engender a love of the outdoors, to promote environmentalism,
to build a connection to Israel, and to instill the value of tikkun
olam (repairing the world).
Camp Alonim is a program at the American Jewish University’s
Brandeis-Bardin campus, a nationally-recognized retreat center for
Jewish learning and culture. Because AJU is not affiliated with any
denomination or movement, Camp Alonim is open and inclusive,
welcoming all who wish to shape a meaningful Jewish life.
Give your child the gift of camp—the gift of unplugging from life’s
pressures and having pure fun, the gift of increased self-esteem
and independence, the gift of positive Jewish role models and the
gift of learning to live and work with others. Our veteran staff has
been creating the magic that is Camp Alonim for nearly 60 years.
Our breathtaking land provides the perfect backdrop to explore,
celebrate, breathe, laugh, dance, learn, sing and play.
Give the gift of camp!
A Typical Day at Camp
7:30 Boker Tov! Good Morning!
8:10Breakfast
9:00 what’s Jewish?: Interactive experiences
10:00 A Taste of Everything: rotation through camp activities
11:00 Bunk Clean Up
12:00 israeli folk dancing
12:20Lunch
1:10 Rest Time & Mail Call
2:00 Camper’s Choice—art elective (omanut)
3:00 Camper’s Choice—active elective (chug)
4:00 Free Time & Snack
5:00 Shower Time
6:00Dinner
7:15 song session or special bunk activity
7:45 evening fun: Carnival, Scavenger Hunt,
Sports Night…
Snack & Cabin Time.
Lilah Tov! Sweet Dreams!
Activities
Arts & Crafts
Drama
Israeli Folk Dancing
Music
Swimming
adventure Course
radio broadcasting
Soccer
Baseball
Basketball
Volleyball
Archery
Tennis
Gaga
Organic Gardening
Horseback Riding
Teva (nature) crafts & education
Creative Writing
cooking
alonim band
hiking
archery
mountain biking
batting cage
yoga
S T A F F
Our staff is made up of dedicated young people from the U.S. and
Israel who return year after year to give campers the same
meaningful camping experience they enjoyed at Camp Alonim as
children. All staff receive rigorous training and are supervised by
a group of dedicated senior professionals. Alonim staff are more
than activity facilitators—they are role models!
Camp Parents are mom and dad’s liaisons to camp. They are
there to give a little extra TLC to any camper who needs it. They
are also available at any time if parents need to check on their
child’s progress.
Two nurses and a doctor are in residence at all times to staff our
on-site Health Center which sits in the center of our facility.
A nurses’ aide sleeps in the Health Center to assist campers at any
time of day or night.
L I V I N G
&
C E L E B R A T I N G
Camp Alonim is non-denominational and completely independent
from any religious movement, synagogue or agency. Jewish
children of all backgrounds and observance levels are welcome
and encouraged to explore their heritage, tradition and
culture. Judaism is in the fabric of all we do at camp—blessings
before and after kosher meals, the Hebrew word of the day,
an age-appropriate Judaic curriculum, singing and dancing—
culminating in a celebration of Shabbat.
Every activity is designed to be a gateway to exploring some
aspect of Judaism as well as a vehicle for trying new things,
building skills, boosting confidence, growing self-esteem and
developing independence. Special events include Maccabiah,
Israel Day, the all-camp carnival and overnights.
J U D A I S M
Among activities typically offered are arts and crafts, drama,
Israeli folk dancing, music, swimming, adventure course, radio
broadcasting, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, archery,
tennis, gaga, organic gardening, horseback riding, Teva (nature)
crafts and education, creative writing, cooking, hiking, mountain
biking, and the Alonim band.
The camp week culminates with our joyous Shabbat celebration.
Everyone dresses in white, which sets a special tone for the
day. After a creative Kabbalat Shabbat service and a traditional
dinner, we have a soulful song session and dance into the night.
The entire camp prepares for Shabbat with responsibilities that
include baking challah, setting the tables or making decorations.
By working together to create the Shabbat experience, the camp
community can truly enjoy the relaxation that comes with it.
This page and opposite: Shabbat at Camp Alonim.
G A N
Gan Alonim Day Camp shares our 3,000 acre Facility. At gan,
campers have the opportunity to go horseback riding,
experience the barn and nature facilities, create projects in the
art room, climb on the ropes course, go swimming and explore
their very own organic garden! Confidence and teamwork are
built through our extensive outdoor education program while
creativity and ruach (spirit) are fostered through an exploration
of the arts including music, Israeli folk dancing, drama and art.
A L O N I M
D A Y
C A M P
A Typical Day at Gan Alonim
9:00 Drop Off/Buses Arrive/Opening Circle/
Hebrew Word of the Day
9:30 Fun With Your Age Group
10:15 Horseback Riding (ring or trail ride based on age)
11:15Snack
11:30 Swimming (lessons and/or free swim)
12:30Lunch
1:10 Israeli Folk Dancing
2:00 Teva (Jewish nature exploration and crafts)
3:00 Closing Circle
3:30 Pick Up/Buses Depart
L E A D E R S H I P
JCIT (Junior Counselor in Training): entering 10th graders
This three-week program is an exciting mix of being a camper
and becoming a leader at camp. JCITs explore the true meaning
of camp, learn more deeply about Jewish themes and their
relevance to the contemporary teenager, and begin transmitting
the Alonim experience to others in the camp community. JCITs
organize the all-camp carnival, a highlight of every session. The
JCIT experience is coordinated by four advisors who provide
JCITs with opportunities to gain more self-awareness and
independence, engage in more challenging and sophisticated
Jewish learning, and give back to the community through
meaningful projects.
CIT (Counselor in Training): entering 11th graders
Being a CIT at Camp Alonim is an unforgettable eight-week
experience that participants carry with them for the rest of their
lives. Throughout their summer, CITs act as apprentices in
various activities and receive training both to inspire and to care
for younger campers. CITs are role models embodying the spirit
of Camp Alonim. They work together to design and lead some
of our most popular all-camp programs, including Maccabiah.
In the educational component of this consequential program, our
CITs explore various topics of interest and learn what it means
to be emerging leaders in the Jewish community. The CIT
experience is well-known for forging lifelong friendships and
being incredibly fun.