1. What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
There are no more than 12 campers in a group. Each group is led by a teacher who is assisted by at least two counselors.
2. How is the pool supervised?
Chris Graham, our Aquatics Director, leads a staff of trained water safety instructors and lifeguards. Camp Pinebrook exceeds the ratios set forth by the Westchester County Department of Health and the American Camp Association.
3. Will my child learn to swim?
Our campers are tested on their first day of camp and placed in the appropriate swim group. We have four swim levels (based on the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program), each consisting of skills that must be mastered in order to advance to the next level. We will work with your camper to advance at their pace, safely and comfortably. Please note:The Camp Pinebrook aquatics program does not use floaties. Our shallow ends are 2ft and 2.5 ft deep.
4. What if my child is a picky eater?
There are always alternatives to the main lunch meal. Bagels, Sun Butter sandwiches, pasta, and salad, are always available.
5. Is there a nurse onsite?
Camp Pinebrook has a health professional (nurse/EMT) on site, 8:30am-4pm.
6. What if my child has difficulty separating?
We will spend as much time as we need to make your child feel safe and comfortable. Camp Pinebrook is all about love, and we will handle separation issues gently and with empathy. We encourage parents to go have a cup of coffee and give a call to the office in an hour to check in. By that time, campers are usually loving their activities!
7. Can my child be in a group with his/her friends?
We do our best to honor one request. It is not our philosophy to keep large school groups together, as we want to encourage campers to make new friends.
8. Is there a visiting day?
For security reasons, we do not have large groups of parents on campus during the day. We will have two Dovim Breakfast Sing-ALongs that parents can attend throughout the summer.
9. What type of security does camp have?
We have a security guard on campus throughout the entire camp day.
10. What if my child still naps?
Camp Pinebrook offers two scheduling options, 9am-1pm and 9am-4pm. If your camper still naps, parents may choose the 9am-1pm option and either pick their child up, or if your child is enrolled in Kehillah, your child can be picked up from camp by a Kehillah staff member, and taken there for the remainder of the day.
11. How many weeks may I register for?
You must register for a minimum of four weeks, but you choose them. We do encourage consecutive weeks, if possible, to optimize socialization.
12. Who do I speak to if I have questions during the summer?
Michele Birnbaum is our Dovim Coordinator. She will answer all your questions. You can reach Michele via the camp office. You can also speak to Allie, should you have any concerns.