Camper FAQ
It depends on where you live — usually a combination of buses and ferry boats. But, everyone takes at least one beautiful ferry ride to get to camp.
There’s a really great packing list on our website.
When you’re packing, keep in mind that it’s easy for things to get lost at camp, so:
- Label everything with your full name!
- Don’t pack items you would be broken-hearted to lose.
Yes! Camp is an inclusive, inviting environment. You will be in a kvutzah (group) with other kids your age and your madrichim (counsellors) will help you make friends.
The short answer is yummy and healthy, with lots to choose from!
We serve three kosher-style meals and two snacks every day. You can expect things like: salad, burgers, hot dogs, mac n’ cheese, cereal, fruit, desserts and soups. On Shabbat we have challah, chicken, potatoes, and a pop for every camper!
We also always have options for picky eaters and people with special diets. If you have any special dietary requests, make sure your parent or guardian lets us know before camp so we can make sure we have lots of great choices for you.
One more important thing to know is that camp is completely nut free.
Kupa means communal fund, and the idea of Kupa is one of the most important elements of Camp Miriam and an integral part of camp life. Through Kupa, campers learn about sharing, teamwork, compromise, democracy, budgeting and more.
All campers pool their funds and then decide as a democratic community how to use those funds. The campers have the opportunity to direct part of their kupa money to a charity of their choice.
The recommended amount for kupa is $5.00 for each week at camp. Please remember that each person should give what they are able.
You’ll be assigned a cabin or, for the older kids, a big tent, with other kids in your kvutzah (age group). Most of the beds are bunk beds. Your counsellors and even sometimes your Madatz (junior counsellor) will share your cabin or tent with you.
It depends on your age. But in general bedtime is between 9:30 pm and 11:30 pm, with the youngest campers (Nitzanimot) going to bed before 9:00 pm.
You can lie in bed and read, or quietly get dressed and head outside. There’s even a sweet rope swing to play on! but make sure there is a madrichol (counselor) to supervise you.
It happens, don’t worry! Just tell your counsellor and they will discretely change the sheets and get them (and your blanket if needed) washed.
If you think you might have this problem, make sure your parent or guardian lets us know on the medical forms. The more we know, the more we can support you at camp!
It’s normal to feel a little homesick at first when you go somewhere new, but our experience is that most Miriam campers adjust to the fun and busy life at camp really quickly!
If you do miss home, a great way to feel better is to talk to someone at camp about it, (a friend or one of your counsellors) and/or send a letter to a friend or family member.
We have a first aid clinic at camp with trained medical staff to help keep you safe and healthy.
If you need regular medication, our nurse and medics will give it to you at the appropriate times at the clinic.
Camp Miriam is an unplugged zone! It provides a unique environment where you can play, learn and grow without the distractions of the outside world.
While it might seem hard at the beginning to give up your mobile phone and social media, it actually helps you make better friendships, be more creative, and feel more relaxed.
Please don’t bring any WiFi-enabled devices (with or without a SIM card). If you do, we will take them away and keep them safe for you until the end of camp.
Absolutely! We do loads of activities as a whole camp, including the evening programs and eating meals together. There are also lots of mixed-age activities like avodah (work groups) and chugim (interest groups).
Yes! Our tiyul (trips) program is one of the best parts of camp. Every kvutzah (age group) gets to go on a two-night hiking/camping trip. How far you go depends on your age. Younger campers stay close to camp, sleep at a campsite and go for short hikes and beach combing adventures. As you get older, the hikes get more adventurous. You might even get to participate in a kayaking overnight.
To keep you safe and secure we do have a few important rules at camp. Here are the most important ones to know before you come:
- No drugs, alcoholic beverages, or smoking/vaping allowed. If you’re involved with any of the above, you will be sent home immediately and there will be no refund.
No mobile phones or other WiFi-enabled devices (such as Kindle, Nooks, iPod Touch, iPad, laptops, notebooks, tablets, Nintendo DS, PSP Go, handheld electronic games, etc.). If these items are brought to camp, they will be confiscated and returned when the camper leaves at the end of the session.
No snacks or candy from home. Due to our nut-free, Kupa and kashrut policies, please make sure your parents know not to send you food!
