YJ ROOKIE CAMP

YJ Rookie Camp: A Prospective Camper Overnight (with Day-Only Option) for kids entering grades 2-7.

Visiting Camp YJ is just the beginning; the true magic happens when you experience it! From bunk life and shared meals, to laughter, friendships, and nighttime routines, a full day and night at camp lets your prospective camper feel the magic of Camp YJ.

dates

July 9-10, 2026 (Thursday to Friday)
or
August 2-3, 2026 (Sunday to Monday)

day only experience

10:30am-5:15pm Thursday, July 9th or Sunday August 2nd
Enjoy a tour, meet campers and staff, join us for a picnic lunch and participate in camp activities for the afternoon.

sleepover experience

Day Experience + Overnight at Camp 
(parents pick up the next morning at 9:15am) 
July 9-10, 2026 (Thursday to Friday) or August 2-3, 2026 (Sunday to Monday) Continue the full camp experience with dinner, evening activity and a sleepover in a bunk with friends.
RSVP HERE

Schedule

10:30AM: Arrival and check in

11:00AM: Camp tours

12:15PM: Prospective campers meet up with staff, tour the bunks, meet bunkmates and see where they’ll sleep.

12:45PM: Enjoy a classic Camp YJ picnic lunch. Prospective campers will enjoy eating with their bunkmates while parents will have the opportunity to sit with our staff and ask questions.

1:30PM: Parents depart. Campers head to their bunks with their new friends.

2:45PM-5:10PM: Campers join bunkmates for afternoon schedule which includes electives, activities and free swim.

5:15PM: Parents return to pick up campers who are not sleeping over.

5:45PM: Campers enjoy dinner in the dining hall with bunkmates and new friends. 

7:30PM: After dinner, campers participate in a camp-wide evening activity, snack and bedtime routines.

Next morning: Parents return to pick up their campers at 9:15AM.

RSVP HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • YJ Rookie Camp is an opportunity for prospective campers to step into a typical day of Camp YJ. Campers participate in age-appropriate activities, meet counselors, make new friends, and experience our daily routine in a supportive, small-group setting.

    The goal is simple: help children feel confident and excited about coming to camp.

  • YJ Rookie Camp is designed for children entering grades 2-7 who are considering attending camp next summer. It will provide prospective campers a taste of Camp YJ.

  • Prospective campers rotate through a variety of camp activities such as Athletics (sports & games), Project Adventure (team-building), Swimming, Arts & Crafts, and Music. Prospective campers will:

    • Meet Camp YJ bunk staff and campers 

    • Tour Camp YJ and learn what “Bunk Life” is all about

    • Join the Camp YJ community for meals 

    • Participate in activities with Camp YJ campers their own age

    The schedule is a typical YJ camp day!

  • No. The overnight portion is completely optional.

    Prospective campers may choose to participate in just the day programming or to stay for the sleepover experience. The overnight is designed to gently introduce campers to sleeping at camp in a safe and highly supervised environment. Families should choose the option that feels right for their child.

  • Campers who stay overnight will:

    • Participate in a fun all camp evening activity

    • Get ready for bed with Camp YJ bunk staff support

    • Sleep in bunks with campers their age and Camp YJ bunk staff (Staff members remain on duty throughout the night, and campers are closely supervised at all times)

    • Join Camp YJ for a delicious breakfast before departing

  • Absolutely.

    It is very common for prospective campers to experience a range of emotions during their first visit to camp. Some campers may decide not to stay overnight, and that is perfectly fine. If that happens, we will contact you to arrange pick-up.

    On the other hand, campers who originally registered for the day experience may decide they would like to stay for the sleepover. We recommend sending an overnight bag just in case so that option remains available.

    We want every child to feel comfortable and confident in their decision.

  • Feeling nervous is completely normal, especially for first-time campers.

    Our staff is experienced in supporting children through transitions. We focus on reassurance, redirection, and keeping campers engaged. Your child’s comfort and well-being always come first.

  • Camp YJ runs rain or shine. We have indoor spaces that allow us to continue programming safely and comfortably. If weather requires adjustments, we shift to engaging indoor activities, always providing campers with a YJ experience.

  • Campers are supervised by experienced counselors and leadership staff. Our team is trained in youth development, safety procedures, and emergency response protocols. Senior leadership is on site throughout the event.

  • All medications are managed by our Health Center staff. Our Health Team is well equipped to manage medical needs and administer medications.

    At drop-off, parents will check medications in directly with our Director of Health and Wellness. Medications must be in their original packaging with clear instructions. Our health team administers medications according to the schedule provided and keeps detailed documentation.

    Upon arrival, you will meet with our Director of Health and Wellness to review any medical concerns, medications, or dietary needs. With advance notice, our dining hall can accommodate nearly all allergies and dietary restrictions.

    If your child has specific or complex needs, we encourage you to reach out ahead of time so we can prepare appropriately.

  • Your child’s safety is our priority.

    Our dining team can accommodate most food allergies and dietary restrictions with advance notice. Please indicate allergies during registration and connect with our Director of Health and Wellness at drop-off so we can review protocols together.

  • For the Day:

    • Comfortable clothing that can get dirty

    • Sneakers

    • Swimsuit

    • Towel

    • Sunscreen

    • Flip flops or water shoes

    • Water bottle

    If Staying Overnight:

    • Pajamas

    • Change of clothes

    • Sweatshirt and sweatpants

    • Toothbrush and toiletries

    • Bath towel

    • Sleeping bag

    • Pillow

    • Any necessary medications (to be checked in with Health staff)

    A detailed packing reminder will be sent prior to the event.

  • Registration can be completed online by clicking here or by clicking on the RSVP button above. Space is limited to maintain small group sizes, so early registration is encouraged.

  • If you have questions, you may email Marni Israel, Director of Recruitment and Family Engagement, at misrael@campyj.org.