We’re so excited for Summer 2023!
This page includes general FAQs – please don’t hesitate to be in touch with us should you have questions that aren’t answered here at campkalsman@urj.org! Please note that our Covid-19 Health and Safety protocols are still in formation for this summer; however, URJ Camps will continue to require all staff and campers be up to date per CDC for all eligible Covid vaccinations and boosters. You can read our Vaccination Policy here.
At the bottom of this page you can read more about health and safety policies from last summer. We will update this page as we have more information and will communicate proactively with current and interested families
Registration & Payment Info
What will the dates be for camp sessions this summer?
You can find our session dates here. For Summer 2023, we are returning to three sessions, and we will have embedded sessions. Therefore, we have returned Bet and Gimmel to their previous lengths of 21 and 14 days respectively. We have also increase Aleph from 11 days to 12 so new families will be eligible for the One Happy Camper grant.
Will Priority Registration be available for this summer?
Yes! We encourage you to register as soon as you can to ensure that your child will have a spot in their desired session. Here are the important registration dates you need to know:
- October 23, 2022: Returning camper families
- November 6, 2022: New campers from URJ Congregation member families
- November 20, 2022: Anyone may register on or after this date
I have a credit from a previous summer. Will I need to pay a deposit when I register?
No. As long as the amount of your credit is equal to or above the enrollment deposit ($300 per session), those funds will be counted as your 2023 deposit and you will not need to pay an additional deposit fee when you enroll.
What will the cancellation policy be for 2023?
- Cancellation by March 27, 2023– 100% of tuition is refundable except for the $300 per session administrative deposit.
- Cancellation between March 27 and May 11 – 75% of tuition is refundable except for the $300 per session administrative deposit.
- Cancellation after May 11th will forfeit all fees, with some exceptions.
- Camp reserves the right to refund any eligible refund in multiple installments as determined by Camp.
- Refunds will be given without penalty (including Non-Refundable Deposit) under the following conditions:
- for campers on a “Waiting List” (those not able to be placed in their desired session at Camp) upon request if at any time they choose to be removed from the list, or if they are ultimately unable to be placed;
- if Camp is unable or elects not to open because of government regulations, orders, or guidelines;
- if Camp is required to cancel the session of a child with a pre-existing health condition;
- if Camp is unable or chooses not to open at their own discretion.
- Refunds will not be made if Camper has attended any portion of the session at Camp. This covers all circumstances, including, but not limited to:
- Camper missing home
- Camper’s refusal or inability to participate in the normal activities at Camp
- Camper’s violation of any rules, regulations, or policies at Camp for which Camper has been provided notice, and as described in “Camper’s Participation and Camp Program Expectations” section of the terms and conditions
- Parent/Guardian’s decision to remove Camper from Camp for any reason
- Change of Session
- If Camp is required to make a change to Camper session prior to summer, You will be notified by Camp in writing. Camp will provide an opportunity at that time for You to cancel Camper’s session without penalty (including return of any deposit). You will also be eligible for this change of session refund for all children in Your household who are registered at Camp regardless if the sessions of the sibling(s) were not changed.
- A change to the Camper session is defined as one or more of the following: a change of session dates, session cost, or, for regional camps, a camp geographic location change.
Where can I find information on travel insurance?
Please visit this page https://campkalsman.org/travel-insurance/ for information on Program Protector insurance being offered for Summer 2023. You have 20 days from the time of your first payment (typically your deposit paid during registration) to purchase a Program Protector plan. The option to purchase a policy is built into the registration system but is not administered by Camp Kalsman or the URJ in any way. If you have questions or want to purchase coverage by phone, please call the Customer Service Specialists for Program Protector at 1-833-297-2258 the code you will need to provide for Camp Kalsman is URJKAL14WA and refer to plan #’s F530S or F530E.
Will 2023 tuition be higher due to extra costs brought on by the pandemic?
Every year the tuition at camp increases due to rising operating costs and ongoing improvements and upgrades to our program. We have seen an increase in operating costs across the board – goods, shipping, labor, etc. Additionally, all sessions have increased in the number of days for Summer 2023. Therefore, you will notice next week that our rates have increased, but we have kept the rate increase as minimal as possible and will continue to fund scholarships.
Will there be scholarship money available?
Yes! We strive to make camp affordable for all families. Please click here for more information about our camp scholarship program. We know the financial realities of COVID-19 have changed the financial picture for many families and we have been actively fundraising to support this. We are here for you, and we are expecting to hear from many families who will apply for scholarship for the first time for Summer 2023, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
When will camp tuition be due for this summer?
All the URJ camps, including Camp Kalsman, now have standardized payment and cancellation policies and schedules that have been created to ensure that families feel confident registering for camp.
The payment schedule is as follows:
- 25% of tuition is due by January 26, 2023
- An additional 50% of tuition (75% of tuition paid) is due by March 27, 2023
- Final payment is due by April 26, 2023
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General FAQs
Trying to decide whether Kalsman is right for your child?
- Involve your child in the selection process. Review your child’s preferences and let your child ask questions.
- Review brochures, videos & websites with your child. (And, if you’ve found this page, you’ve already begun that process!)
- Get answers to some key questions – which we’ve taken the liberty of giving you our answers below!
- Speak to the Director or a camp representative – by phone, online, or when they come to your community.
- Ask for references of families who have had their child attend the camp. Speaking with these families can give you valuable insight about the camp and the families that send their children there.
We’ve tried to respond many of the questions we are asked most frequently. If you have a question that is not covered below, please email us and we’ll get back to you with a response. (And, who knows, maybe your question will make the “frequent questions” page!)
TELL ME ABOUT THE CAMP DIRECTOR - Rabbi ilana mills
Rabbi Ilana Mills joined the Kalsman team after spending three summers in senior leadership roles at Kalsman. She brings a passion for camp and learning everywhere she goes. Rabbi Ilana is a true product of the Union for Reform Judaism, having worked at four of the URJ summer camps, worked for the Religious Action Center, served as a NFTY regional advisor and was on NFTY North American board a hundred years ago. Rabbi Ilana served as a congregational rabbi in Paradise Valley, AZ after being ordained from HUC-JIR for four years. At her congregation, she spear-headed creating a new high school program and innovative programming for the religious school.
Rabbi Ilana grew up in Sherman Oaks, CA, but moved East for college. She received her B.A. in Religious Studies from Franklin and Marshall College. She received her Masters in Hebrew Letters, Masters in Jewish Education from HUC-JIR. Rabbi Ilana currently lives in Sacramento with her husband and three kids. She loves to hike, ride bikes and cook. Nothing is sweeter to her than leading services in her hiking boots with over 200 campers and staff.
WHAT ARE THE CAMP’S GOALS AND PHILOSOPHY?
WHERE WILL MY CHILD LIVE? HOW ARE CABIN ASSIGNMENTS MADE?
HOW WILL I STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY CHILD WHILE THEY'RE AT CAMP?
We also launched the CampMinder integrated app called Campanion! This has everything for summer integrated in one place for Kalsman families. It includes photo recognition with free photo downloads, API connected Texting service reminders, and a Form Uploader within the app (no longer need scanners of fax machines!).
WHAT IS THE CAMP’S POSITION ON ELECTRONICS?
Camp provides our children with a break from “the real world” in favor of the natural world. That is why we forbid campers to have mobile phones, pagers, portable televisions, etc. – these items may be part of the day-to-day life of your child, but they have no place at Camp.
That does not mean camp is technology-free. We sometimes use videos and PowerPoint presentations to complement our programs, and we believe that music can provide a great soundtrack to camp life.
Please see our electronics policy for more information on the types of devices we allow and don’t allow at camp.
DO CAMPERS TAKE FIELD TRIPS while at camp?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD at camp?
If the weather gets extreme, we have detailed protocols in place to make sure all campers are kept safe until the weather passes.
If there is a heatwave or extreme heat, we try to maximize our time in the pool and in our air-conditioned facilities. We ensure all campers are properly hydrated.
We recognize wildfires are happening more often and we check air quality everyday and adjust plans as necessary.
HOW DO YOU SELECT, TRAIN AND SUPERVISE YOUR STAFF?
Kalsman maintains a 1:5 staff-to-camper ratio.
WILL MY CHILD BE SAFE WHILE AT CAMP Kalsman?
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TO CAMP?
WILL MY CHILD NEED LOTS OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FROM HOME?
HOW CAN I GET A KALSMAN CAMP T-SHIRT FOR MY CHILD?
HOW WILL MY CHILD'S LAUNDRY GET DONE?
HOW WILL MY CHILD GET TO AND FROM CAMP?
CAN PARENTS CALL THE CAMP TO CHECK ON THEIR CHILDREN?
CAN I VISIT MY CHILD WHILE THEY ARE AT CAMP?
HOW'S THE FOOD?
ARE CARE PACKAGES ALLOWED?
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD GETS SICK WHILE AT CAMP?
WHAT IF MY CHILD'S BIRTHDAY OCCURS DURING CAMP?
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE IMMUNIZED?
The URJ Camping system considers camp safety and public health as matters of utmost importance. The vaccination of all members of the camp community ranks as a key component in maintaining a safe environment and in decreasing the risk of transmission of contagious illness. Accordingly, the URJ Camping system requires that any member of the camp community in residence receive up-to-date, age-appropriate immunizations.
WHERE CAN I FIND CAMP KALSMAN'S TERMS AND CONDITIONS?
2022 HEALTH & SAFETY
Please note, for SUMMER 2023 URJ Camps will continue to require all staff and campers be up to date per CDC for all eligible Covid vaccinations and boosters. You can read our 2023 Vaccination Policy here.
The following sections reflect our policies and procedures from Summer 2022. As our heath and safety protocols for this coming summer take shape we will provide updates here and proactively to our camp families. Updates will be posted beginning in the early spring.
The health and safety of our families has always been and will remain our top priority as we work to open camp safely. Living with the reality of COVID-19, elements of camp life may continue to look different prior to 2019 but we are committed to delivering the same level of excellence in programming and camper care as we always have. We will plan with COVID-19 in mind to continue upholding health and safety of our community as one of our highest priorities. As COVID evolves, our precautions and procedures will, too.
******VACCINATION STATEMENT UPDATE BELOW ******
CDC: 3-month Grace Period after COVID Infection Before Booster
People who recently had COVID-19 may consider delaying their next booster by 3 months from when their symptoms started or, if they had no symptoms, when they first received a positive test. Please refer to COVID FAQS below for more information.
What is the vaccination policy for summer 2022?
M.E.S.H. (Mental, Emotional, Social, & Spiritual Health)
- Licensed Mental Health Professional on camp all summer
- Camp Care Coordinator for campers & staff
Camp Kalsman has 24/7 professional security and medical staff, close ties with the local first-responders, Law Enforcement, Fire Department, Emergency Health Services, etc. Our Health Center Staff includes nurses and physicians that rotate throughout the summer.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions & Procedures
IS THERE A VACCINE AND BOOSTER MANDATE?
Parents send their children to URJ camps and programs and expect that their children will enjoy themselves, have positive social interactions, learn from the rich Jewish environment and most of all be safe and healthy. All the fun, friendship building, Jewish identity affirmation and character development can only happen if we are confident that individual safety and public health remain at the center of every decision made throughout the URJ camps and programs.
Reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses from entering any of our camps or programs is the single most effective strategy to protect public health. This goal can be accomplished only through the appropriate vaccination of all members of our camp and programs. Please refer to our 2022 Vaccination Statement for more detail.
WHAT IF MY CHILD CANNOT RECEIVE ALL OR PART OF THE COVID VACCINATION SERIES DUE TO A MEDICAL CONDITION?
Please direct all Vaccination Exemption Requests to this form to begin the process:
https://urjyouth.wufoo.com/forms/xj1y0u60aqvyv8/
After completing the form, The URJ Integrated Wellness Director will communicate directly with individuals to gather the appropriate documentation and follow-up information needed to process and determine next steps for each request. We rely on the expertise and guidance of our URJ Medical Advisory Team in this process.
WILL THERE BE PRE-CAMP BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES (COVID BRIT) THIS YEAR?
WILL UNITS AND BUNKS BE COHORTED LIKE THEY WERE IN SUMMER 2021?
COVID Found at Camp
WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR IF YOU ENCOUNTER COVID SYMPTOMS AND POSITIVE TESTS AT CAMP?
COVID+ community members can return when they test negative for COVID by rapid antigen test, on 2 consecutive days. They can begin testing daily after 5 days of isolation and can return to camp once 2 consecutive days produce negative RA test results. The COVID Leader at each camp will discuss this isolation plan individually with each affected family. Information about the potential return to camp will be individualized by camp-specific variables, such as session length.
Additionally, all URJ camps will follow leveled protocols for COVID decision-making, and agility based on changing conditions both on and off campus. If we encounter COVID on campus at any of our URJ camps, Directors will follow these protocols for elevating our mitigation efforts to reduce any COVID spread on camp.
WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR IF COVID CONDITIONS CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY DURING THE CAMP SEASON?
WILL STAFF BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE CAMP FOR TIME OFF?
CDC: 3-month Grace Period after COVID Infection Before Booster
People who recently had COVID-19 may consider delaying their next booster by 3 months from when their symptoms started or, if they had no symptoms, when they first received a positive test.
If families want to take advantage of this 3-month delay in booster timeline, they will need to show clinical verification of the recent infection:
- Lab-administered RA or PCR COVID test
- Dr.’s note verifying infection and including date of positive test
WHAT IF MY CHILD BECOMES ELIGIBLE FOR THE NEXT DOSE IN THE COVID VACCINATION SERIES IN THE 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THEIR CAMP SESSION OR DURING CAMP?
The two-week time frame is in place to minimize potential vaccine-induced symptoms and any added stress in the immediate pre-camp period. Additionally, if you are up to date by 2 weeks prior to your session, there will be no requirement to obtain subsequent doses during a camp session. Please reach out to your Camp Director with any individual questions about this situation.
HOW DOES URJ MAKE DECISIONS RELATED TO HEALTH AND SAFETY AND COVID?
WILL MASKS BE REQUIRED AT CAMP?
Please send your child to camp with 1 high filtration mask (N95/94 or KN95/94) per day for the length of their camp session. These masks are to be used for short periods of time in communal indoor spaces if elevated mitigation becomes necessary due to changing conditions. Camps will also have a supply of masks for this purpose. If your campers’ masks are not used at camp, they will bring them home at the end of the session. Outside of having to elevate our mitigation in camp, masks will be optional – so if your camper plans to wear a mask when it is not required, please send more masks than outlined above to accommodate their individual preferences.
WILL THERE BE ONGOING SURVEILLANCE TESTING AT CAMP?
- always mask indoors in public spaces
- when eating with those outside your household or at a restaurant, eat outdoors
- if attending a gathering such as a graduation or wedding, wear a mask indoors and consider wearing one if in close quarters outdoors
- consider exchanging indoor activities such as movies or bowling for outdoor activities such as the beach or mini golf!
- wash hands often
- postpone sleepovers until after camp
WHY DO WE EVEN HAVE TO ISOLATE CONFIRMED COVID CASES IF THE ENTIRE CAMP COMMUNITY IS UP TO DATE WITH COVID VACCINATIONS?
We are requiring families to retrieve their campers and staff to isolate off campus, in large part because taking care of COVID+ community members (especially in the unlikely case of widespread infection) is operationally incompatible with our camps’ capacities (facilities and staff). Knowing that a small percentage of our community will be unable to leave campus for isolation (international community members primarily), we are planning for this possibility.