Camp is…
Camp - we believe - is a place for a child to have fun while simultaneously growing and maturing through her interaction with others. Camp provides experiences that challenge both the body as well as the imagination. But it takes cooperation and, at times, a lot of hard work from everyone at camp and at home to insure a particularly worthwhile and exciting time.
It is at camp that your child can learn to respect and to conserve our natural resources. And it is within the camp community that a child's sense of being a Jew, a Chasidah, and an independent individual can be strengthened.
Taking an idea and making it come alive is a child's dream. At Camp ChoMeiSH we try to make essential Jewish themes such as belief in the coming of Moshiach, belief in The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach, and Tzadikim in general, an integral part of camp. Living with Geulah, Halacha and Yiras Shamayim as our prime focus, is the pedestal, upon which Camp ChoMeiSH of New England flourishes.
Camp is not a TV or video that allows you to sit on the sidelines and watch. Neither is it a Disneyland or Six Flags adventure park with one exciting thrill followed by another. A child at camp must learn to adapt and to adjust to new people and new activities, to a structured daily schedule, to living away from home and to new friends and make her own decisions.
Both you and your child's expectations of camp will effect her experience once the camp session really begins. As a parent, you are really our partner in this process of adaptation and growth before, during, and even after camp. Find out as much about Camp ChoMeiSH as you can, especially what activities we can offer your child. This will avoid any disappointments once the child arrives at camp.

PAYMENT OF FEES
After you are notified that your child has been accepted, the camp fee must be paid in full by JUNE 15. ALL ACCOUNTS NOT PAID BY THE ABOVE DATE WILL BE CHARGED A LATE HANDLING FEE OF $50.00, PER CHILD. If the camp fees are not paid, the registration is subject to be cancelled with the loss of your deposit. Upon receipt of full payment we will issue Boarding Passes, luggage tags etc., to permit your child to board the bus. NO PASSES WILL BE ISSUED AT BUS ON TUESDAY!

REFUND POLICY
Refunds in excess of deposit will be issued only with a written confirmation of cancellation, not less than one month before departure. See camper application form for further details. Once the session has begun, there can be no refund for any reason other than a written order of a physician or camp director.

ACCEPTANCE FOR CAMP
The camper information forms click here to download must be returned as soon as possible. Your cooperation is needed so that another child may be accepted in the event your child cannot attend camp. No acceptance can be contingent upon a specific bunking request. The camp administration will be the sole determinant for bunking of all campers. Top of Page

SPECIAL CHECK-UP
In past years all parents were required to have their children's scalp inspected for lice by a competent medical person. We will also have a pre-board check of all children not presenting a certification from a MEDICAL person. As a result of this, we were once again free of having any incidents of Lice occur in camp. We therefore are making the same request this year for the well being of all our campers. Lice checking will take place an hour before departure at F.R.E.E.

BUS BOARDING
All campers and waitresses must have a stamped boarding pass in order to board the bus. Busses will leave from F.R.E.E. on Tuesday at 9:00 am. Please provide your child with breakfast and/or a sandwich for brunch and a snack for their trip to camp. Top of Page

LUGGAGE
Luggage will be picked up in front of F.R.E.E. 8 a.m. on Tuesday, at time of departure and brought to camp. Only a small carry-on bag will be allowed on the bus. Please follow color code on luggage tags so your child's luggage will be placed in her bunk. Please make sure all luggage is sturdy. We will not accept plain plastic garbage bags. If needed place contents in bag in a cardboard box - tied and taped. Top of Page

MEDICATION AT CAMP
We try to encourage children to live an active and healthy life without dependence on drugs. No child is permitted to have any medication with them, which they might readily make available to give a pill to their sick friend, who might be allergic to the drug.
Our policy is that no child be given drugs or medication unless prescribed by a licensed physician.
The camp is well stocked with whatever medication your child may need - and they are to be administered under the the standing orders of the camp physician. There is no need to send aspirin, Tylenol or any other over-the-counter medication. The staff medical person has standing orders from the camp doctor to cover most common ailments.
In accordance with the State laws, the Medical Health form, and Medicine authorization must be completed and signed BY BOTH THE PARENT AND PHYSICIAN and include dates of all inoculations as specified. Children who do not have a completed medical form on file can expect to be sent home at parent's expense.
Any prescribed medication that your child brings to camp should be marked with (1) the name of the medication, (2) specific instructions, and (3) the name of the prescribing physician. If you have any medication questions, please don't hesitate to call us before your child leaves for camp. The medical authorization form must be filled out before medication can be given. ALL MEDICAL FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 5TH, TO ASSURE THAT THEY ARE IN ORDER, NO BOARDING PASSES WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT ALL FORMS COMPLETED. Top of Page

BUNKING ASSIGNMENTS
Bunking is done at camp by the supervisor of each unit 3 WEEKS before the session begins. Kindly complete your child's bunking request on camper application form.
Although we welcome your requests, please be sure to let the camp decide where and with whom your child will be living. You know your child very well, but our professional staff knows group living and camping. Based on the information you send us, and previous camping evaluations, - they are able to make the very best cabin placement.
And please remember: one of the reasons for going to camp is to make new friends and be exposed to new conditions. Camping should be an opportunity for branching out. Please encourage your daughter to make NEW friends, especially with those from out of town, who come to camp longing for new Chassidishe friends. Top of Page

HOMESICKNESS - HOW TO REDUCE IT
Before camp do not encourage "Homesickness" while preparing your child for camp. Feelings of "Homesickness," or "Separation Anxiety," can often be created in the child by an otherwise well meaning parents who plant the idea in the child's mind.
It is not uncommon for many new campers and some experienced ones to be homesick the first few days as they adjust to camp. Our counselors and staff are experienced in helping the children find activities, make friends, and adjust to the camp environment. Staff members are also available to spend individual time with the child who needs extra attention.
Please do not aggravate your child's separation anxiety with apprehensive letters, tapes, or phone calls. Let it be worked out with the understanding of the counselors and resident director. Top of Page

THE GREAT ESCAPE
Please, under any circumstance, do not tell your child that if things are not going well you will immediately take her home. Often this is said to encourage an otherwise reluctant youngster to go to camp.
The reason is simple: It takes effort to adapt to camp. With an "escape clause" in her mind, there is no real reason to make that effort. It is always easier and immediately comforting to be back in surroundings with ones parents. But for most children the effort to grow and mature at camp is worth it. If you must use an escape clause to get your child to camp, chances are she is not ready for the experience, no matter what the age. A much better way of preparing your child is to tell her to try camp out for one complete session; if it is not to her liking then it can be the child's decision whether to return the following year.

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The Camp is licensed by the State of CT and reserves the right to use any regulation they deem necessary for the welfare of the child or children. Top of Page

CLOTHING - DRESS CODE
With the exception of special clothes for Shabbos, old clothes are quite in order. To maintain the high moral and ethical standards of Jewish tradition, all campers are to be dressed modestly. During the school year the home and the school play a most vital role in the chinch of our daughters. During the summer, sleep-away camp must take the place of both the home as well as the school. Camp Chomeish is proud of its high standard Tznius that we expect each girl to follow. Every camper and staff member is asked to review the following carefully.
Camp has the right to take away any clothing that is not in compliance with the rules below. These items will not be returned until the end of camp and then only with request of the parents. Please avoid any embarrassment!
Please be sure that all clothing brought to camp is in compliance with the following rules:
(1) It is of paramount importance that the clothing your child wears for Shabbos clearly identifies with the beauty and kedusha of Shabbos.
(2) Shabbos attire may NOT include T-Shirts or tightly fitted sweaters. Two (2) tight sweaters will not resolve the fitted look.
(3) Skirts and dresses must cover the knees while standing, walking or sitting.
(4) Sleeves must cover the elbows AT ALL TIMES,- wide sleeves are unacceptable.
(5) Necklines must cover the collarbone.
(6) NO SL0UCH SOCKS or BOBBY SOCKS allowed. If one prefers to wear socks, they must be at least knee length.
(7) Skirts or dresses are not to have a slit of ANY length. All slits must be sewn down completely. Straight skirts that are tight fitting or wrap-around skirts that are not COMPLETELY sewn down are unacceptable.
(8) Button-down skirts must have the entire bottom flap sewn.
(9) Tee shirts with inappropriate slogans are not acceptable.
(10) Nail polish and makeup are not permitted for campers.
(11) Ipods, MP3's and the like are not permitted for use during the daily camp activities. Inappropriate books magazines and music of a general nature are not permitted in camp.
(12) During mealtimes, no one is allowed in the dining room dressed in a robe of any length.(13) Sleepwear must be according to the rules of Tznius. SHORTS may not be worn. Pajama pants will only be allowed with a long length shirt or robe over them.

14) As mentioned NO robes will be allowed on SHABBOS in the dining room.

"BZCHUS NOSHIM TZIDKONIOS"
In the merit of all our campers in Machane Chomeish who strive to achieve and accomplish what every Bas Chabad can epitomize through dress, speech and action May we be Zocheh to the hisgalus of The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach NOW! Top of Page

CLOTHING LIST

NAME TAGS
To help minimize loss and needless expense we strongly recommend that you mark all of your child's clothes and personal property with first and last names. Iron-on labels fall off in the wash and laundry. Ball point pen written clearly is a good option. To help minimize loss of clothing we suggest all clothing be identified with a sew-on label. Please mark all Sifarim, toiletries, coats, rainwear etc.
Put nametags in easy to find places; under the long arch of the foot on socks, in the middle of the waistband at the back of skirts, in the inside center of the collar (where the labels are) for shirts, blouses, etc, and in the corner of all linens. Please remember to label eyeglasses, etc.
It is a good idea to go over with your child what things she is bringing and where they are located in the footlocker, suitcase or duffel bag.

LOST AND FOUND
Please discuss with your child the value of the clothing and items sent to camp and the importance of looking through the lost and found to make sure that their clothing is not left behind. Please familiarize your child with all the new items sent to camp. Top of Page

LETTERS TO AND FROM CAMP

TO: Because the days at camp are filled with one activity after another, one day to a child feels more like three days. That's one important reason to make sure that you write at least three letters (or postcards) or emails a week, even if you are going out of town.
A letter at camp, because of the distance and the separation, is greatly appreciated by the camper. If only you could be there to see the look on the children's faces as they receive their mail. For a few cents you can send a lot of love and concern that will probably never be appreciated more.To make sure the mail gets there promptly, please include your campers' bunk. PLEASE INCLUDE THE CAMPERS LAST NAME ON ALL EMAILS, "TO MY DEAR DAUGHTER CHAYA MUSHKA", WILL BE RECEIVED BY HALF THE CAMP.
FROM: Though campers are encouraged to write home, sometimes they don't write as often as parents wish. It may be that they are writing other relatives and friends as well, or they have been out on a hiking or canoe trip where there are no post offices. Keep in mind also that our rural post is a day or two slower than other mail. Sometimes the days are so filled that they can't wait to talk to you all about it - once they get home. We recommend that you give, your camper(s) 12 self-addressed envelopes, stamps and phone cards for the four/eight weeks they will be at camp. Please note - camp, canteen will sell stamps, envelopes and calling cards on a limited basis. Top of Page

TELEPHONE CALLS AT THE CAMP
You may find it hard to understand why campers are not able to receive or make telephone calls at any time during the week. A phone call to or from home focuses the child's on mind everything she misses. It is a reminder of the comfortable surroundings of home and generally increases a child's anxieties. We have found that most problems become worse not better, after a phone call.
However, arrangements will be made for you to contact with your camper. Phone days and times will be set for the campers once they have arrived in camp. Top of Page

CAMP REGULATIONS

ELECTRONIC GIZMOS and CELL PHONES
We discourage your child from bringing iPODS MP3's or electronic games to camp. These items are sometimes disruptive to others. But even more important - the natural sounds of the out-of-doors are shut out by the sounds of the city, which are brought up by the campers. We do not allow children to have their own cell phones. Any phones brought to camp will be held in the office until departure. They will be available during calling time and must have the child's name on the phone and charger.

BIRTHDAYS
Camp always recognizes and celebrates campers' birthdays. Please notify camp of your child's birthday so we can celebrate it with a special cake, singing, and so on. Top of Page

LEAVING CAMP
We hope you'll understand that it is too disruptive for the child to leave camp in the middle of a session for various events, such as, relatives visiting, ball games, etc. Therefore we cannot grant any "leave" requests. If you think there will be a problem, discuss it with the camp director before camp.

DISCUSSION OF CAMP ACTIVITIES - AFTER CAMP
The time spent by your child at camp is as important to her as your own recent vacation or achievement. Spend time with your child and encourage her to talk to you about the camping experience. An evaluation of your child's progress at camp is prepared by the counselor and shared with the resident director, who will be happy to discuss it with you at the end of the camp session. We, of course, are interested in our campers beyond the summer too. Parents of children who have serious difficulties at camp will be consulted.
We feel we can help make a significant contribution in the development of our youth. As partners with us in raising the next Jewish generation, we solicit your input and suggestions. Top of Page

PARENTS CHECKLIST
(1) PARENT-INFORMATION SHEETS
sent in, filled out completely - with deposit.
[] Camper Registration Form CMS/CA
[] Scholarship forms CMS-IE
[] Camp Scholarship Form CMS/SF
(2) MEDICAL FORM sent in - completed, signed.
[] Medical form signed
[] Medication Authorization
(3) RELEVANT DATES RECORDED (departures, baggage pickup, return).
(4) CLOTHES AND EQUIPMENT Purchased according to the clothing lists.
(5) LABEL all campers' belongings and equipment.
(6) CHANGE IN PERMANENT OR SUMMER ADDRESS - notify city office.
(7) SAVE THIS BOOKLET until your child returns from camp!!!
The parent or guardian grants permission to the camp for their child to participate in special trip or programs off camp grounds.

PLEASE NOTE
Camp Chomeish reserves the right to use camp pictures in which the child appears in any camp publication. Top of Page

CANTEEN
We advise parents to send canteen money and suggest sending at least $20.00 per month. This will also be used by your camper for personal spending money on camp trips. This money should be put in a sealed envelope with your child's name inside and addressed to the Head Counselors. Stamps and phone cards will be sold in canteen as well.
City office:

Financial Matters and Registration
Rabbi Sholom B. Stock
Camp ChoMeiSH of New England
18 Ceil Road
Trumbull, CT 06611
Telephone: (203) 371-0104
Fax: (203) 371-7434
E-mail: office@campchomeish.com
Staff registration: Mrs. Chaya Stock