Dear Camp Parent(s) Welcome to JCC Camp Tzofim ... - JCC East Bay

Dear Camp Parent(s)Welcome to JCC Camp Tzofim 2012!We are all looking forward to the terrific summer ahead. As a parent, yourparticipation in your child’s camp program is important. This ParentHandbook is useful as a reference for camp procedures, weekly schedulesand daily activities. Both new and returning parents are strongly encouragedto take the time to read this handbook as some procedures have changedfrom years past.Two summers ago, we went through an accreditation process with theAmerican Camp Association (ACA). The ACA is the only nationwideorganization that accredits all types of organized camps and helps ensure thehighest industry standards are followed around the health and safety ofcampers and staff. Additionally, this is our second summer operating fromour new site, located at 3245 Sheffield Avenue, the home of Redwood DaySchool.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through the JCCEast Bay main office at (510) 848-0237 x131 during the school year and at(510) 717-8625 once the camp begins or by e-mail atcourtneyj@jcceastbay.org.All the best,Courtney JacobsonJCC Camp Tzofim Director

2CAMP LOGISTICSCAMP TZOFIM 2012 is operating between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. out of 3245Sheffield Ave, Oakland. All campers are dropped off and picked up at the 3245 SheffieldAve, as well as those attending extended care (see ‘Parent Drop-off and Pick-up’).Berkeley Families please see the insert ‘Berkeley Bus & Extended Care Procedures’.The typical camp day looks as follows:8:45 – 9:10am Campers are Dropped-off (Berkeley Bus is dropped off between8:30 – 8:40. The bus will depart at 8:40 without you, so please beon time).9:10 – 9:25am Welcome and Group Time9:25 – 10:00am Kumzits (All camp assembly) & Snack10:10 – 11:15am Activity Rotation #111:30am – 12:30pm Activity Rotation #212:30 – 1:00pm Lunch1:00 – 2:00pm Activity Rotation #32:15 – 3:15pm Chugim (Free Choice Activity/Recharge time for Rishonim)3:15 – 3:45pm Closing Circle & Snack (Berkeley Bus Departs at 3:40)3:45 – 4:15pm Pick up (or extended care until 6pm)Rishonim, Sabra Aleph, Sabra Bet - Rishonim (entering Kindergarten), Sabra Aleph,Sabra Bet, and Giborim spend their days at our home base with activity rotations andswimming four times per session at the East Hills Church for lessons with Tim OliverAquatics and at least once to a field trip for free swim. During the second week of eachsession, Rishonim and the Sabra campers enjoy an Erev Kef - Extended Evening of Fun(BBQ, camp fire songs, and fun evening program) until 7:00 pm.Giborim - Giborim (entering third - fourth grades) enjoy most of their camp program atRedwood Park (South Side). They have four swim lessons per session at East HillsCommunity Church for lessons with Tim Oliver Aquatics. They will enjoy free swim andfield trips once each session. During the second week of each session, Giborim goes onan exciting overnight to Anthony Chabot campground.Chaverim - (entering fifth - sixth grades) travel throughout the greater Bay Area.Chaverim has activity rotations as well as spending a lot of time exploring nearby parksand natural areas. Once per session Chaverim goes on a two-night overnight and has funchallenge activities on each overnight.Habonim - (entering seventh - ninth grades) also travels throughout the greater BayArea. They have on-site activity rotations and go on day-trips in our Youth Busses. Theyengage in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). In addition, they go on an extended threenightand four-night overnights and experience a challenge activity on each trip.Week-At-A-Glance - For an exact schedule of your child's camp program please consultwith your child’s counselors. They will also be posted in the office and on our website.Because the groups will be enjoying camp in different locations, it is imperative that anylate drop-offs or early pick-ups be pre-arranged through your Head Counselor and/or thecamp office.

3WHAT TO WEAR & BRINGMuch of what we do at camp involves hands-on activities that may result in dirty (andcreative!) campers. Therefore we request that you send your children in clothing thatshows the signs of summer fun. Camp Tzofim DOES NOT provide lunch. Please pack asack lunch everyday. Snacks are provided.WHAT TO WEAR:-Wear your Camp T-shirt every day, particularly on field trips-Tennis shoes-Comfortable pants or shorts-A light jacket or sweatshirt for cold mornings-A bathing suit & towel every day-A school backpack-A water bottle-A sack lunch (please no peanuts or pork)-Suggested: A change of clothes to leave at camp (REQUIRED FOR RISHONIM)PLEASE AVOID:-Sandals (Flip Flops, except for swimming)-Nice clothes you do not want to become dirty-Cell phones, iPods, and any hand-held Gaming units-Tobacco, Illegal Drugs, or Alcohol-Toys from home-Clothing or toys that promote war, violence, racism or sexism-Lunch boxes (okay if it fits in backpack)-“Anything that will make you cry if it gets lost or broken”*Money: There is no spending money at camp. Campers with money at camp createinequalities that can be harmful to the camp experience; however, Chaverim/Habonimcampers may bring up to $5 per day on field trip days.LABELING CLOTHING/BELONGINGPlease label all items that your child brings to camp (including lunches). This includesshirts, shorts, pants, sweatshirts, jackets, shoes, swimsuits, towels and daypacks. Properlabeling will assist us in returning misplaced items to their proper owner.LOST & FOUNDWhile traveling to different sites, staff will make every effort to keep the campers'belongings together and to ensure that no child leaves any items behind. Nonetheless, westrongly discourage bringing any items of value to camp, as things get lost, broken, orpossibly stolen. The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay is not responsible for lostitems brought to camp. Lost & Found items are collected and placed in a large trunk justoutside the camp office. Please check the trunk if something belonging to your child ismissing. At the end of each week an attempt is made to return the labeled items to theirowners. After the conclusion of Session 2 and Session 4 all unclaimed items will be takento a charitable organization.

4GENERAL OPERATIONSLUNCH & KASHRUTPlease send a sack lunch with your child each day. Camp Tzofim has a strict NOPEANUT & NUT POLICY because there are so many children with anaphylaxisallergies. We ask that you respect the Jewish dietary laws, called Kashrut or Kosher,observed by the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay. This requires that you sendlunches which do not mix dairy products with meat, and which do not include pork orshellfish products. At the Family Pizza Potluck, we ask that you bring vegetarian pizzasonly. We use products with vegetable by-products only and whenever possible usecertified kosher products. Meat products, when they are used, are always kosher certified.SNACKWe serve a snack each morning and afternoon. We do our very best to serve snack foodthat is low in sugar, and healthy for the children. A typical snack may include animalcrackers and a half of a banana, orange slices and string cheese, etc. Extended Care kidswill have a light snack at 4:15pm and again at 5:15pm.PHONE CALLSTHE CAMP TZOFIM OFFICE NUMBER IS (510)717-8625. The phone will be staffedthroughout most the day from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please leave a voicemail if thereceptionist is not available. We make every effort to return all calls within 24 hours.This number also reaches the JCC Administrative Office for billing or other questions.Berkeley families should also use this number for Camp Tzofim related issues.SHABBAT AND JUDAIC PROGRAMMINGEach week there will be an all-camp program that focuses on the community andintroduces some concepts of cultural Judaism. We’ll discuss topics such as Tikkun Olam(repair the world). In addition to integrating Jewish themes through music, song, art andculture into the Friday programs, each group will have at least one rotation with ourMusic & Judaic Specialist. On some Fridays it may be appropriate and enhancing forcampers to come in costume - if this is the case we will send a note home early in theweek with costume suggestions. Fridays end with a Shabbat ceremony enjoyed by thewhole camp and led by one group each week with our song leader. This ritual generallyoccurs between 2:45 -3:15pm on Fridays. Parents are welcome to come early and join us!

5SWIMMINGCamp Tzofim 2012's swim program will be based at East Hills Church for lessonsprovided by Tim Oliver Aquatics as well as trips to local pools. At all sites, Camp Tzofimstaff will work in conjunction with the lifeguards to ensure adequate supervision. At alltimes, counselors will be placed in the water with the campers.GROUP SWIMMINGRISHONIM, SABRA ALEPH, SABRA BET & GIBORIM - Each week includes: Twohalf-hour swim lessons with Tim Oliver Aquatics (1:3/4 ratio, not including Tzofim staff)CHAVERIM & HABONIM - Each session includes: free swim at Roberts Park, RobertsPool and other swim sites throughout the Bay Area.SWIMMING SAFETY-CULL CANYON & ROBERT’S POOL*All campers are tested by lifeguards during each visit to the swim area (testincludes swimming 40 feet on front and back)*Campers who are not able to swim are not allowed in water deeper than theirwaists. Counselors will monitor which campers have passed the test.*Camp Tzofim Staff are in the water with the campers at all times.*CULL CANYON provides at least two lifeguards on duty*Special medical problems indicated on camper's forms will be passed on to theCull Canyon & Robert’s Pool staff-TIM OLIVER AQUATICS @ EAST HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH*Camp Tzofim staff will be in the water helping during all lessons*Children will be tested before being allowed in water over their heads*Classes are taught at a ratio of 1:3-4THE ROLE OF TZOFIM STAFF* Camp Tzofim staff are experienced in first aid and water safety* Counselors will always be in the water with their campers* Head Conselors will be directly responsible for overseeing who has passed thedeep end testNOTE: Because swim schedules may vary and water play is frequent at the JCC even onnon-swimming lesson days, we strongly encourage sending a bathing suit and towelwith your child every day. If your child is sick or you do not want him or her to swimon a certain day, please notify your child's Unit Head when you drop him or her off.Also, please inform the Head Counselor if your child requires extra attention or supportwhile in the water.

6STANDARDS OF BEHAVIORCamp Tzofim is a place where all campers can feel safe, nurtured and accepted. In orderto facilitate a healthy and positive environment for all, the following behavioral standardshave been set:1. Ridiculing and teasing are not allowed. Campers are reminded about this policy ina gentle but firm manner. It is explained that the above behavior makes all of usfeel badly, and often times results in aggressive physical acting out.2. Physically violent and aggressive behavior is not allowed. A child will be senthome immediately if they are involved in a physical altercation.3. Aggressive and vulgar language is not allowed. Campers are reminded about thispolicy in a firm manner.4. Graffiti and other action that damages the premises will be dealt with by chargingparents for the damage.5. The staff of Camp Tzofim are here to create a positive environment for allinvolved. A camper who compromises the effectiveness of the staff (e.g., noncooperation,not listening, being in an unsupervised location) will be dealt with ina gentle but firm manner.6. Any type of toy or garment that depicts or is a representation of acts of war andviolence, drugs or alcohol is not allowed at Camp Tzofim. Personal toys are notallowed at camp. Lost or damaged items are not the responsibility of JCC CampTzofim or the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay.7. Repetitive occurrences of any of the above behavior after repeated warnings mayresult in expulsion from Camp Tzofim without a refund. Parents will be notifiedprior to any action taken.

7HEALTH AND SAFETYThe safety of our campers is the highest priority to all Camp Tzofim Staff. Our camp hasan on-call Family Physician, Dr. Ken Katzman, who is available by phone for our staffshould any medical questions, concerns, or medical emergencies occur. Dr. Katzman hasreviewed all Camp Tzofim Health Policies and Procedures and will be in contact with ourCamp Director to discuss any medical related incidents.All Camp Tzofim staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and have undergone training insafety and emergency procedures. Each group carries a First Aid Kit and EmergencyBinder at all times. Attendance is taken at the beginning of the day and all absences areinvestigated promptly. Campers are always provided with plenty of water, nutritioussnacks and sunscreen. Counselors have a counting system that is implemented at all timesto ensure the safety of all the children in their group especially while on field trips. TheCamp Tzofim Leadership is in constant communication with all Units regardless of theirlocation (thanks to modern technology!) via our four cell phones.MedicationIf your child needs medication at any time, it must be given to the Camp Director with anote naming the medication, what it is for and when it should be given to your child,along with a parent’s signature. Prescription medication must be in its original container(no plastic bags please!) and will be dispensed only under the specific directions of alicensed physician. Please do not send any medication in your child’s belongings! Youwere given the opportunity to indicate on your camp registration form whether youwanted your child to receive over the counter medication. All over the countermedication will be administered at the indicated dosage and at the discretion of the CampDirector. Parents will always be notified by phone of any medication administered. It iscrucial that you indicate any known allergies on your medical form! If your child appearssick, you will be called to pick him/her up from camp.Injuries at CampCamp Tzofim has a series of policies in place to ensure that parents are informed aboutany injuries their child may sustain at camp. For injuries like scrapes and bumps, we haveour camp staff fill out a form called an “Ouch Report” that provides information aboutwhere the injury is located, how it occurred and what care was provided. If an OuchReport is filled out for your child, a copy will be placed in their bag or backpack beforethey go home for the day. If it is a more serious injury, your child’s counselor or officestaff member will phone to inform you of the injury.Camp Tzofim General Health PolicyThe JCC East Bay reserves the right to refuse participation to any camper deemed byexecutive staff to be at elevated medical or emotional behavioral risk. The JCC East Bayalso reserves the right to request clearance from a licensed medical or mental healthprofessional at any time prior to or during camp to allow participation. Contagiousdiseases must be reported to the camp by the parent as soon as the illness has beendiagnosed so that other parents may be notified of the possible exposure.

8A child with the following symptoms may NOT attend Camp Tzofim:1. Conjunctivitis (pink eye).2. Fever in excess of 100.0 degrees (must be fever free for 24 hours).3. Excessive sneezing or coughing.4. First three days of a cold.5. Unidentified rash.6. Ear infection not seen by a physician.7. Vomiting or diarrhea.8. Lice (please see Camp Tzofim Lice Policy below)It is helpful to us in understanding and caring for your child if you keep us informed offactors of significance at home, such as prolonged illness in the family, a parent beingaway, death closely affecting the child, moving, etc., and of course, nice things, too!Camp Tzofim Lice PolicyCamp Tzofim follows the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Lice Policy:GUIDELINES ON HEAD LICE PREVENTION AND CONTROL FOR SCHOOLDISTRICTS AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES, 2009 The California Department ofPublic Health (CDPH) recommends that schools and child-care facilities maintain anactive educational campaign for parents on the accurate diagnosis and correct treatmentof head lice cases to prevent transmission of lice in schools and reduce lost school daysdue to head lice infestation. Head lice, while a significant social problem, do not transmitdisease to humans. Traditionally, head lice policies in schools emphasized that a childinfested with head lice could not return to school until no nits were found in their hair(“no-nit” policy). There is no evidence that a no-nit policy prevents or shortens lengths ofoutbreaks (Pollack et al., 2000,Williams et al., 2001). The American Academy ofPediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses, and the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention are all opponents of classical no-nit policies (Frankowski andWeiner, 2002; Schoessler, 2004).In light of current research, CDPH now recommends a no-lice policy. The essentialcomponents of a no-lice policy are the following:-Early detection of head lice infestations through routine screening-Distribution of educational material to school staff and parents on head lice, nitcombing, and treatment such as “A Parent’s Guide to Head Lice” brochure-Treatment of children with live liceChild Protective ServicesIn the State of California, all professionals who care for children, including Camp Tzofimstaff, are required by law to report “reasonable suspicion” of child abuse to either a lawenforcement agency or a county child protective agency. Camp Tzofim staff areexperienced and trained in assessing situations which may lead them to make a childabuse referral. Camp Tzofim is committed to maintaining a safe environment for childrenand for serving our children and families in the best way we can. In situations where wewould have to make a referral to either law enforcement or protective services, we willattempt to make the process as supportive as possible.

9EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURESCamp Tzofim has developed an extensive Emergency Preparedness Plan to provide thebest care for your children in case of natural disasters or human threat. This plan has beendeveloped in conjunction with the Oakland City Police & Fire Department. Counselorshave been trained in appropriate emergency procedures, as well as how to comfort andcare for children in an emergency. Each camper unit is equipped with food, water,blankets and first aid supplies. It is important that the information on your “authorized topick up” form be accurate, as your child may be released to people on this form (and noone else) if you cannot reach the Center or our evacuation site.In case of an emergency, the Camp Tzofim administrative staff or volunteers will attemptto call parents. Please be sure that all of your phone numbers are current and on file in theCamp Office. If you are unable to reach the Main Office of Camp Tzofim by phone (510)717-8625 or our Berkeley branch at (510) 848-0237, we will try to provide informationon the outgoing voicemail.Additional information will be available via:1. Media outlets: Radio Stations Television Stations; KGO 810 AM KRON; KCBS740 AM, KPIX2. The JCC East Bay will contact our sister JCC, the Merage JCC of Orange County,with information. Their phone number is (949) 435-3400. Parents can call forrecorded information and updates.3. In the event of an emergency, call the Oakland City Police at (510) 777-3333. If,for any reason, the Camp Tzofim facility becomes unsafe, we will relocate thechildren to a safe location. Our primary relocation site is the public park next doorto Redwood Day School.

10OPERATIONS POLICIESCamp Tzofim safety systems operate much more smoothly when all parents cooperate.Please be sure to:1. Notify us of all absences and/or schedule changes: Parents are required to notifyCamp Tzofim by 9:00am if their child will not be attending on a given day.Additionally, if you want Drop-In for Extended Care, but are not pre-registered,please notify the office by 9:00am. The Camp Tzofim office number is (510) 717-8625. Voicemail will record your message 24 hours a day. If your child isexpected in AM or PM extended care, please tell us in your message as roll willbe taken in both the individual units and Extended Care. We will research anyunreported absences, so please take the time to give us a call.2. Pick up is before 6:00pm. You will be charged $10 each time if you arrive after6pm. After 6:10pm, you will be charged $1/minute thereafter.3. Report any communicable diseases or conditions immediately: Head Lice, StrepThroat, Conjunctivitis and Chicken Pox, the flu and common cold are all commonchildhood occurrences. Unfortunately, these conditions can spread quickly in thecamp environment. When parents notify us at the onset, we are able to undertakethe proper procedures to ensure that these conditions are controlled.4. Communicate any special situations to your child's Unit Head or the CampDirector. The Camper Information forms from the Registration Packet are veryhelpful to us in anticipating special needs. Please make sure to fill those out. Also,please feel free to talk directly to any of Tzofim's Leadership Staff or write us aspecial note. We want to be in communication with you about special familyevents or situations that might affect your child’s behavior at camp in order tomake camp successful for him or her.PARENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP (Oakland Site)You may drop your child off from 8:50-9:00am each morning at 3245 Sheffield Ave.Please drive on Sheffield Avenue and pull as far as possible into the white zone for dropoff and pick up. If you would like to stop by and check in with the office staff or yourcounselors, please pull into the large school parking lot (located just before the whitezone). Camp staff will be at the curb to assist your children at this time. When you arepulling away from the white zone, please do NOT make a U-turn in the neighborhood.PARENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP (Berkeley Branch)You may drop your child off from 8:30-8:40am outside of the JCC in Berkeley at 1414Walnut St. Please wait with your child until they are asked to load onto the school bus(unless you are signed up for extended care). A counselor will take attendance, pass oncamp communications (week at a glances, program information, etc) and load campers onthe bus at 8:40am so the bus can depart at 8:45am. The Berkeley Bus leaves promptlyat 8:45am – please be on time. The bus will leave without you if you are late. The buswill leave from the Oakland branch at 3:30pm. Camp ends at 4:00pm and all campersmust be picked up no later than 4:10pm (unless registered for Extended Care). Camperswho have not been picked up by this time will be placed in the Extended Care program,for which the parents will be charged $16 (drop-in rate).

11EXTENDED CAREExtended Care is available from 8:00-9:00am and from 4:00-6:00pm from both theOakland and Berkeley locations. We are happy to accommodate your extended careneeds; however, in order to plan for adequate supervision, we must know in advance ofany changes or additions. If you are planning to use the Drop-In care please notify us 24hours in advance by calling the camp office. Advanced Registration for Extended Caremust be made one week prior to the session of service. Extended Care requests made lessthan one week in advance will incur the daily drop-in rate.EXTENDED CARE PROCEDURESWe do not have provisions for unsupervised children, and therefore children who arrivebetween 8:00am and 8:50am are REQUIRED to be enrolled in Extended Care. If youdrop off your child before 8:50am, and are not registered in either Drop-In or PreregisteredAM Care, you will be charged $14 (the drop-in fee). AM Care participants(before 8:50am) should be walked into the building by a parent or guardian. Camp endsat 4:00pm and all campers must be picked up no later than 4:10pm. Campers who havenot been picked up by this time will be placed in the Extended Care program, for whichthe parents will be charged $16 (the drop-in fee).WALKING HOMEFor those campers who will be walking home, we need a letter signed by a parent orguardian on file in the camp office that states that s/he may walk home by him/herselfunattended from Camp Tzofim at the end of the camp day (4:00pm).AUTHORIZED PICK-UPSYou filled out who is authorized to pick-up your child in your parent forms. If a personother than those listed on your Pick-Up Authorization sheet will be picking up your childplease notify the Camp Director (Courtney Jacobson), preferably in writing.COMMUNICATION (for Oakland Branch Campers)In the morning during Drop-off time (8:50 - 9:00am) and Pick-up time, (both at 4:00pmand 6:00pm), Camp Staff will provide you with all camp information. At the start of eachsession you will receive an opening letter that will welcome and tell you about our plansfor the week. We will generate a Tzofim Update each Friday that can also be picked upfrom the staff during pick-up and drop-off. Please read this update carefully as it willcontain highlights of the past week and important information that you will need to knowfor upcoming activities. We will post a copy of every notice sent home in the office andonline at www.jcceastbay.org/camp-tzofim. If you notice that you did not receive a noticeplease ask a staff person and they will be happy to get one for you.TRANSPORTATIONAll Camp Tzofim transportation is provided by our own vehicles—Five 14-Seater Vans,One School Bus, and 3 mini-vans. The vehicles and drivers are all fully equipped andcertified according to California Highway Patrol Requirements. The van drivers for our15-passenger vans are certified as Class B with a passenger. Emergency vehicles arebrought to Roberts Park and field trip destinations as well.

12FIELD TRIPS AND OVERNIGHTSAt least once per session the campers will travel to an exciting Bay Area location for afield trip. (SEE YOUR CAMP WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE!) Please check your weeklyupdate as to specifics concerning location and gear needed for field trips and overnights.OVERNIGHTS & EXTENDED EVES OF FUNRishonim, Sabra Aleph and Sabra Bet: Midweek of the second week of each session,these campers will enjoy a special Erev Kef (Extended Evening of Fun) onsite atRedwood Day School. They will prepare and eat dinner together, play games and enjoycampfire songs. This fun evening will occur will conclude at 7:00pm.Giborim: Children will sleep at the campsite on their overnights, so it is extremelyimportant that you send them with their gear for the next day at camp, including a bathingsuit and towel for swimming, as well as a change of clothing, toothbrush and toothpaste*.Camp Tzofim will provide lunch for Giborim campers the day after their overnight.Overnights are a special time for the campers and the staff; however, they can be a bitforeign for first timers! Please talk with your child(ren) before the overnights to helpthem feel comfortable about the new experience**. The overnights will occur at AnthonyChabot Park.*Parents are discouraged from visiting their children during the overnights. If you find itnecessary to do so, you MUST have prior permission from the Camp Director. If a childis not feeling well or is homesick during an overnight, parents will be called and requiredto pick up their children at the entrance to Anthony Chabot. IMPORTANT: Please informthe Head Counselor how he/she can reach you during the overnight.**If your camper does not want to sleep overnight, you may arrange to pick up your childbefore 8:00pm at Hawk Ridge – please arrange this ahead of time with Camp Director!Chaverim and Habonim: Each session, campers in Chaverim (grades 5-6) enjoy a twonightovernight and Habonim (grades 7-9) enjoy a three-night or four-night overnight andboth enjoy an excursion at an exciting Northern California location. All excursions andovernight destinations are subject to change.WHO SHOULD YOU TURN TO?Please NOTE—The most important person for you to speak with regarding your child atcamp is the Head Counselor. The Head Counselor should be notified if your child hasspecial needs (i.e. health requirements, or to dispense medicine). The Unit Heads,together with the counselors, as well as the Leadership Staff have reviewed the forms youturned in, and are always here to speak with you or your child about your child's campexperiences. Courtney Jacobson (Camp Director) is available to assist you with questionsand/or concerns in all areas of Camp Tzofim. Please refer attendance issues directly toCourtney. Please refer billing questions to the Camp Office Manager, Chris Teare.Questions about Extended Care should also be directed to Courtney or the camp office.Camp Tzofim is a community program and we encourage parents to be involved withtheir child's camp experience. Any camp staff is available to answer questions aboutcamp activities. Your child’s Head Counselor can discuss how your child is doing on aday-to-day basis.PLEASE CALL CAMP TZOFIM AT (510)717-8625 WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

13PARENT PARTICIPATION & EVENTSWe have two MAJOR family events during the summer that are designed to give yougreater participation in your child's camp experience as we create the special nature ofour camp community.-Family Pizza Potluck – Thursday, July 12 from 5:30 – 7:00pm (Sessions 1 & 2)-Family Pizza Potluck – Thursday, Aug 9 from 5:30 – 7:00pm (Sessions 3 & 4)These fun-filled evenings give you a chance to socialize with your child's counselors inan informal setting. The events feature a special presentation by each group and a slideshow. Details will follow closer to the time of these events. The Potlucks take place at3245 Sheffield Ave and are open to all Camp Tzofim families regardless of whether theyare attending during that session.VISITING CAMPParents are welcome to join us for Shabbat on Fridays 2:45 – 3:30pm. At all other times,prior permission from the Camp Director is necessary to visit and participate in camp,and dropping in without prior notification is discouraged.PARENT VOLUNTEERING!Exciting volunteer OPPORTUNITIES exist at Camp Tzofim for you to lend your hand,energy and talent. We NEED volunteers to coordinate the events listed below!!! In fact,there are so many ways that we could use your help. We are always looking for parentswho would like to share a specific skill or experience with the campers.Perhaps you can:*Coordinate the Pizza Potluck*Coordinate a staff-parent sport activity*Help with Extended Evenings of Fun*Teach special crafts or creative arts to the childrenIf you are interested in investing some of your time, please talk to Courtney!

14HEBREW AT CAMPAs you have noticed we are using some Hebrew words to define people and places atCamp Tzofim! Not only is this fun and interesting for the campers, it also allows them tofeel comfortable with the different sounds of another language. Below you will find aglossary of some Hebrew words used at camp translated into their English phoneticspellings. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity and have some fun with yourchildren at home by using the Hebrew words when you talk about their campexperiences.Hebrew/EnglishTzofimScoutsRishonimStarters or First-timersSabraFruit of a Cactus - or a person born in IsraelGiborimHeroesChaverimFriendsHabonimThe BuildersGesherBridgeBoker Tov Good morningLila TovGood nightErev KefEvening of FunKabbalat Shabbat Welcoming the SabbathKumsitz"Come Sit" - ok, this one’s in Yiddish!MisradOfficeMazel Tov CongratulationsMachaneh CampRoshHeadShabbat Shalom A Sabbath of PeaceShalomHello, Good-bye, PeaceSheketQuietTovGoodYeladimChildrenYomDayFinally, good luck -- “b’hatzlacha!” -- for a great summer with Camp Tzofim!

15BLESSINGS WE SAY ON SHABBAT SERVICES AT CAMPLighting CandlesCandles are lit representing the dual commandments to remember and to keep theSabbath. After lighting, we wave our hands over the candles to welcome in Shabbat. Wecover our eyes, so as not to see the candles before reciting the blessing and we recite theblessing below.Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olamasher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanuvl'had'lik neir shel Shabbat. (Amein)Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universeWho has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded usto light the lights of Shabbat. (Amen)Grape JuiceKiddish is recited while holding up a cup of grape juice.Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olamborei p'ri hagafen (Amein)Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universeWho creates the fruit of the vine (Amen)ChallahHa Motzi is said before we eat the challah. We cover the challah (because it gets jealousthat we bless it last). We remove the challah cover so that everyone can see it. At camp,we make a human chain so that everyone is touching someone who is touching thechallah to bless it. After the blessing, we may eat bread and anything else around thetable.Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olamhamotzi lechem min ha'aretz. (Amein).Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the UniverseWho brings forth bread from the earth. (Amen)

162012 SUMMER CALENDARJuneSunday 6/24 Parent Orientation 3:30-5:00pmMonday 6/25 SESSION I BEGINS 6/25-7/6Habonim Overnight (7th-9th grades) - Overnight 7/3 – 7/6Chaverim Overnight (5th-6th grades) - Overnight 7/3 – 7/5Giborim (3rd-4th grades) - Overnight 7/5Rishonim Sabra Aleph/Bet (K – 2) - Extended Eve 7/5 4 - 7:00pmJulyFriday 7/6 Last Day SESSION 1Monday 7/4 JCC CLOSED (4th of July Holiday, except for Chaverim & Habonim)Tuesday 7/9 SESSION II Begins!! 7/9 – 7/20Habonim Overnight (7th-9th grades) - Overnight 7/17 – 7/20Chaverim Overnight (5th-6th grades) - Overnight 7/17 – 7/19Giborim (3rd-4th grades) - Overnight 7/18Rishonim Sabra Aleph/Bet (K – 2) - Extended Eve 7/19 4 - 7:00pmThursday 7/12 Pizza Potluck 5:30 – 7:00pmFriday 7/20 Last Day SESSION IIMonday 7/23 SESSION III Begins!! 7/23-8/3Habonim Overnight (7th-9th grades) - Overnight 7/31 – 8/3Chaverim Overnight (5th-6th grades) - Overnight 7/31 – 8/2Giborim (3rd-4th grades) - Overnight 8/1Rishonim Sabra Aleph/Bet (K – 2) - Extended Eve 8/2 4 - 7:00pmFriday 8/3 Last Day SESSION IIIAugustMonday 8/2 SESSION IV Begins!! 8/6-8/17Habonim Overnight (7th-9th grades) - Overnight 8/13 – 8/17Chaverim Overnight (5th-6th grades) - Overnight 8/14 – 8/16Giborim (3rd-4th grades) - Overnight 8/15Rishonim Sabra Aleph/Bet (K – 2) - Extended Eve 8/16 4 - 7:00pmThursday 8/9 Pizza Potluck 5:30 – 7:00pm