FAQ for PARENTS
Camp Miriam staff embodies the concept of youth leading youth and most counsellors are graduates of Habonim Dror and Camp Miriam. Our staff is made up of counsellors, medical attendants, kitchen staff, lifeguards, and Israeli counsellors, who are adding to the richness of our Hebrew and Israel content. New staff members are paired with experienced staff members. Our counsellor-to-camper ratio is 1:5.
Senior Staff
Our senior staff team includes the Camp Director, an Educational Director, two Technical Directors and a shaliach from Israel. The Registrar also lives at camp during the season.
We provide transportation to camp from Vancouver and Nanaimo, and, depending on registration, from Victoria and Seattle.
We can also arrange for pick up and drop off at the Vancouver International Airport (needs to be coordinated with the Registrar well in advance).
All other transportation options must be arranged with the Registrar.
Great care and planning goes into meal preparation at camp. We provide three well balanced, nutritious kosher-style meals, and two snacks every day.
We make every effort possible to ensure that the camp is NUT FREE. We trust that everyone who comes to camp will understand the seriousness of a nut allergy, and will respect our nut-free environment.
If you let us know in advance, we will also do our best to accommodate other allergies and special dietary requirements, like: vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free and picky eaters.
Campers sleep with the other kids in their kvutzah (age group) in cabins or (for the older campers) large tents on platforms.
Most of the beds are bunk beds and the kids decide who gets the bottom and who gets the top bunk.
Counsellors sleep in the cabins/tents with their campers. For second session the Madatz (junior counsellors) often also sleep in the same cabin/tent as the campers.
Kupa means communal fund, and the idea of Kupa is one of the most important elements in the educational program and ideology of Habonim Dror. Through kupa, campers learn about sharing, teamwork, compromise, democracy, budgeting and more.
Kupa is how we insert elements of cooperative living into camp life. 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.
We take camper health very seriously. We have a fully staffed and stocked Mirpa’ah (first aid clinic). Our trained medical staff is available 24/7. We also have volunteer on-call doctors as well as backup support through the Gabriola Island Clinic.
The best way you can help us provide the very best care for your child is to give us accurate, detailed, current information when you complete your medical forms.
If there are any changes to your child’s medical status between the time you have completed the medical forms and the start of the session, please contact the registrar with updated information.
If your child requires regular or as-needed medications or supplements it is very important you carefully review the Medical Information section in the parent handbook.
All medications/supplements sent to camp must be prescribed by a physician and pre-packaged by a pharmacy. These medications will be distributed to your child by our medical team at mealtimes and bedtime.
Camp stocks most over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines and itch creams so there is no need to send these items to camp.
Camp Miriam provides a unique natural environment where kids have the opportunity to play, learn and develop independence. Campers have told us that the refuge they enjoy at camp has helped them make meaningful friendships, be more creative, focus on the present and feel free from judgment.
As a result, we have no visitor’s day during a three week session, and phone calls to campers are not permitted.
However, if you need to be in touch, we welcome calls to the Registrar. Summer phone numbers are provided before the start of the session.
As well, parents of all campers who have completed Grades 2-5, and any first-time campers, will be called during the first week of camp.
Finally, everyone is welcome to see camp during the Open House in May and new families are welcome to attend Family Camp.
Camp is an unplugged zone.
We do not allow campers to have mobile phones or other WiFi-enabled devices (with or without a SIM card). Please don’t pack these devices because we will have to take them away if they are brought to camp.
Yes! We enthusiastically encourage you to communicate with your child through the mail.
Some parents begin sending letters before their child has left home, to ensure they receive mail early in the session.
We will provide you with the camp mailing address in time for the summer.
As for packages, those are also welcome, but to respect our kashrut, nut-free, and kupa policies please do not send any candy or snacks (or food of any kind).
Finally, we cannot accept emails or faxes at camp.
Yes!
We post camper photos on the password-protected page of our website almost every day.
We’ll provide you with the password before the start of the session.
Each camper can bring two pieces of luggage. We suggest this include a suitcase for clothing and a duffel bag for linens (pillow, sheets, blanket, towels and sleeping bag). Our detailed packing list can be found here. All clothing must be labeled with camper’s full name.
Packing Tips:
- Pack with your child, so they know what’s in their bags.
- Put socks and underwear in separate zip lock bags — this helps young campers stay organized.
Laundry is done every ten days (there is no laundry for campers staying one week)
Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for your child’s things. For that reason, we suggest that your child not bring any valuable/irreplaceable objects to camp.
The exception is that if your child brings a musical instrument to camp (encouraged!) they are welcome to store it in the Registrar’s Bayit, however the instrument still remains the camper’s responsibility.
Tiyul (overnight trip) is one of the best parts of camp! It gives campers the opportunity to bond with their peers outside of camp, learn wilderness skills and test their abilities.
A successful tiyul depends on kids having the right equipment.
For younger campers, this means a good day pack and comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Older campers (Grade 7 and up), should bring a hiking backpack and hiking shoes with ankle support.
If your child has expressed an interest in staying at camp for an extra week we will be in touch near the end of the two-week session to discuss options.
The final decision will be up to you!
We strive to create an inclusive youth community for all counsellors and campers. Every human, regardless of gender, sexuality, race and class status is welcome at camp and is encouraged to contribute towards creating safe spaces where each individual is valued, their voices are heard and their needs are respected.
We acknowledge and accommodate campers according to the gender to which they identify. This includes providing gender-neutral bathrooms at camp.
We use a lot of Hebrew words and expressions at camp. Our glossary should help you understand your child!
To keep our campers safe and secure we do have a few important rules at camp. Please familiarize yourself and your child with these:
- No drugs, alcoholic beverages, or smoking/vaping allowed. If your child is involved with any of the above, they 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 not to send food!