What are the dates and hours of camp?
Summer 2023 is June 26-August 18th. Camp is closed in observance of Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4th. Regular hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Camp Pinebrook also offers extended care in the mornings 8:00 am to 9:00 am and in the afternoons 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, for an extra fee.
What flexibility does camp offer regarding vacations and weeks at camp?
There is a four-week minimum, either Session 1 or Session 2, and additional weeks can be added.
Four-week session options:
Session 1: June 26-July 21
Session 2: July 24-August 18
What is the difference between partial day and full day camp for preschoolers?
The partial day option is open to campers ages 3s and 4s, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Partial day campers have the same camp experience, which includes daily swimming lessons, lunch, and morning activities.
Does camp offer transportation?
Camp Pinebrook does not offer busing. Families drop off and pick up campers. We offer extended care for families who need extra child-care beyond our regular hours.
What are the staff to camper ratios at camp?
Overall, Camp Pinebrook has a ratio of 1 staff member to 2.5 campers. The counselor to camper ratio is 1:3 for our youngest campers and goes to 1:7 for our oldest campers. In addition, there are unit heads and activity specialist that are also hands-on assisting and instructing campers throughout the day.
What type of training does the staff receive?
All staff members are required to participate in Camp Pinebrook’s extensive 5-day training that focuses on camper care, support, behavioral management, and safety. All staff members are hired through a rigorous process which includes interviews, background checks, and multiple references. Most of our staff have a personal connection to camp.
What if my camper does not know how to swim?
Camp’s heated pools are designed to provide safety and ease for our campers. We know that many campers come to Camp Pinebrook to learn to swim. Our safe swim program works with campers on how to safely enter the pool, and the water in our shallow ends are either 2 feet or 2.5 feet deep (depending on the age of the campers).
How is Judaism incorporated in camp?
Camp Pinebrook has created an inclusive program that focuses on Judaism’s universal values of community, respect, teamwork, compassion, and encouragement. It is our goal to foster a special camp for everyone. In addition, we incorporate Jewish songs and prayers that focus on spirituality and peace. We sing blessings before and after lunch, and have a fun and interactive Shabbat experience on Fridays.
What if my child is picky about food, will he/she/they have enough to eat?
In addition to our family style hot main course, campers can choose to have pasta or sunflower butter and jelly sandwich. We also offer fresh cut fruit and vegetables as part of lunch. Every morning campers are offered a snack that is usually a healthy dairy or fruit option. And in the afternoons, campers get either pretzels, animal crackers, crackers, or other light snack. All campers end the day with a popsicle (ice cream cups on Friday). We are also able to modify meals due to camper allergies.