HEALTH, SAFETY & NUTRITION

We work closely with parents in making sure that campers' health needs--daily medication, allergies, hygiene, application of sunscreen and bug spray--are carefully monitored. Led by a team of pediatric nurse practitioners, nurses and EMTs, our health center has private rooms and multi-bed areas and is staffed by an outstanding medical team 24 hours a day. We also have a Camper Care Team that creates supportive programs for any campers with behavioral, nutritional or social concerns. We consult with a nearby medical practice (just in case!) and if necessary, it’s a ten-minute drive to two local hospital walk-in clinics. Our medical staff makes themselves available before every meal and before bedtime right in front of the Chadar Ohel (Dining Hall), establishing rapport and relationships and monitoring health and wellness of our entire community.

FOOD

Tasty, kid-friendly food, healthy selections, a constantly changing menu, rave reviews from kids…this is camp food? YES!

Every day at camp we offer fresh, delicious and appealing food choices to our campers and staff. We are proud of our ability to expand even the pickiest kids’ repertoires with tempting, tasty food choices! In addition to traditional favorites like mac and cheese, hotdogs and hamburgers at our weekly cookout, grilled cheese and curly fries, chicken fajitas, homemade pizza, make-your-own tacos and our weekly Friday night festive Shabbat meal, we offer inviting vegetarian options, a breakfast bar, giant, ever-changing salad bar, pasta bar, fresh fruit and vegetables and heart-healthy selections. Our yummy, homemade desserts and ice cream treats are legendary! (And did we mention an afternoon and evening snack?).

We provide nutritious, kosher meals from farm-to-table and avoid processed foods where possible. We can accommodate food allergies, including gluten-free, soy-free and other dietary restrictions, as well as lactose intolerance, picky eaters, vegetarian or vegan diets, and more! Our nursing staff works closely with our chefs, campers and their families to ensure that every child is eating nutritious and delicious meals and snacks. The entire camp eats together three times a day in our modern dining hall or outside in our park for picnics and cookouts. Each camper belongs to a table “family” made up of a cross-section of campers of different ages. Although we do serve peanut butter as a replacement meal, all of our other products and cooking are nut-free. Fruit and snacks are always available.

In addition, we aspire to reuse, recycle and reduce in all camp activities.

STAFF TRAINING

Interviews and staff reference checks are done for every employee, including required background criminal-record checks. Staff training includes pre-camp distance learning technology, a week of in-camp training before campers arrive and in-service training throughout the entire summer. All Waterfront staff are certified in First Aid and CPR as well as Lifeguarding; Water Safety Instructor certification is required of all second-year aquatics staff. We require certifications in other areas such as Boating, Archery and Low and High Ropes course programs.

SAFETY

CYJ is accredited by the American Camp Association, which provides year-round training and conducts on-site visits to ensure compliance. All cabins are equipped with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and lightning rods. We work closely with local law enforcement authorities and have sensible security protocols in place. Our staff is well-trained in handling potential emergency situations of all kinds. We have an extensive security camera system in place that surveils the perimeter of our camp and we employ security staff to keep our community safe. Our in-camp phone system allows immediate contact with the office, health center and director.