Capital Camps

Camp CurriculumA Jewish identity Blueprint

Our mission is to nurture and develop productive Jewish citizens. This, in turn, results in more vibrant Jewish and secular communities. The immersion environment we call ‘camp’ is the means to that end. Fun and adventure are the prime motivaters for attendance, yet our program provides content on multiple levels. You should be aware of this approach as it reinforces your decision to send your child to our camp. In fact, every experience is unique and as camp professionals we understand there is far more to camp than simple fun. With this in mind, we’d like to share with you a detailed explanation of the camp magic and how, through careful design, it benefits your child.

People often associate developmental growth with activities such as sports or drama. We believe every interaction and activity can impact personal growth. Whether it is a communal meal served in the dining hall or a lively song session, the experience leaves an indelible impression. These ‘moments in time’ are the puzzle pieces that challenge children to reflect and contemplate their place in the world. Camp is a place of extraordinary highs and occasional lows — just as in everyday life. Campers learn, grow, challenge, fail, invent and discover themselves, all in a uniquely Jewish setting.

Please take time to digest this information and feel free to ask questions. We are committed to providing a rewarding summer that grows in intensity as our campers mature. We also want you to feel good about choosing Capital Camps as the vehicle for your child’s physical, emotional and spiritual growth. We consider it an honor and a sacred task. Thank you for being part of our camp family.

The Staff and Board of Directors

Capital Camps

Jon Shapiro, Camp Director, and Julie Finkelstein, Assistant Camp Director

the immersion experience

Village life Overview ...............................................................................4-5 Village Norms .......................................................................6-8 Benjamin .................................................................................. 6 Reich ......................................................................................... 7 Kaufmann ................................................................................. 7 Macks ........................................................................................ 7 Leaders-in-Training ................................................................ 8 Counselors-in-Training .......................................................... 8 Special Needs ........................................................................... 8

discipline ..........................................................9

staff Qualification ...................9

Judaism, ritual & israel ....... 10

ContentsActivities Sports .................................................................................13-15 Aquatics .............................................................................15-16 Ropes Course ......................................................................... 17 Adventure ............................................................................... 18 Theater Arts............................................................................ 19 Fine Arts ................................................................................. 20 All-Camp Special Days ......................................................... 21

dining hall .......................................................21

Bus transportation ......................................22

Facility ............................................................22

evaluation ................................23

lay leadership ..................23

© 2008 Capital Camps and Retreat CenterWe really worked hard to produce this one-of-a-kind document. If you would like to build on it, improve it, or make it your own, please speak to us first. Now for the legal jargon: this document may not be reproduced, copied, or distributed without the written permission of Capital Camps and Retreat Center. If you choose to disregard this and get caught, it will not be pretty.

by future challenges. However, growth is possible only if the environment supports risk-taking. We accomplish this by reinforcing the core values and simple obligations described below.

Obligations and Core Values

ObligatiOns – These elements represent a simple but important bond between our agency and your family. They impact every decision and program we operate and are foremost in our minds at all times.

1. Safety – The safe return of each child to their home is the basis for our relationship with our camp families. You trust us to care for your child and we place this trust above everything else — period.

2. Role Models – Our staff must be exemplary role models at all times. They must care and nurture your child. There are no exceptions.

3. Fun – Camp is about children having fun. If it is not present, none of the serious identity-building activities can take place and be absorbed.

4

The Immersion Experience

Every summer, children and staff create a community that touches the hearts, souls and minds of its residents. How is it possible for a program to so profoundly affect the psyche of an individual? The answers can be found in conditions that are rare in the ‘real world’ but commonplace at camp. For example, we provide food, shelter, structure and other parental services, but we are not parents! As a result, campers enjoy the freedom to challenge, experiment and learn about themselves in a different way than at home. This 24/7 immersion experience is immensely powerful.

With the guidance of senior staff and the lessons learned from two decades of Capital Camps history, communal norms are established each summer. The campers help shape the community at the same time absorbing its dynamic, supportive culture.

The research is indisputable in attributing a positive Jewish identity to a quality Jewish residential camp. Adults consistently rank overnight camp as a significant factor in their own development. Where do you place it? The long-term payback of a Jewish overnight camp is social, educational and spiritual maturation. We take this responsibility seriously.

Ideally, the immersion process takes place over multiple years at the same camp. With this in mind, we have designed our curriculum so that each year brings new challenges based on developmental stages and programs are held in reserve to ensure campers remain excited

COre Values – Four core values provide a stable foundation that we integrate into our programs:

1. Community – Kehillah Experiencing life as part of a larger community is integral to

camp’s unique ability to create engaged members. We provide opportunities to experience communal living with unrelated peers, to understand responsibility for others and to appreciate how individual actions impact the larger community — both in and out of camp.

2. Challenge and Risk – Etgar v’ Hishtadlut Being away from home requires children to think independently in

a safe environment. At camp, we guide children through the highs and occasional lows associated with communal living and decision making. Taking risks in a supportive environment is critical to positive developmental growth.

5

3. Empowerment – Hasmacha By inspiring campers to think critically and learn leadership

skills, our campers achieve a more complex sense of self and greater self-confidence. Our program is designed to consciously and subconsciously empower participants in age-appropriate ways throughout the summer and their entire camp careers.

4. Jewish Education – Chinuch Immersion in a world where Judaism is fun, vibrant and an

everyday part of life is essential for Jewish engagement. A love of Judaism and Jewish life is woven seamlessly throughout camp life and allows campers to take ownership of their own spiritual journey. Jewish education takes many forms at camp and our pluralistic approach ensures everyone’s comfort level is respected.

6

Village Life

Village life is the backbone of camp. It is where friendships are forged and individuals become a “cabin family.” Villages are considered home turf by children, and therefore sacred space. We have designed intimate villages with unique physical and program-matic attributes. There are, however, universal norms that shape the camp experience regardless of the specific village.

• Boys and girls do not enter each others living space and respect personal space and privacy.

• Respect for individuals and community property permeates camp life. A cabin or tent is a home. Graffiti or any defacement of property is never allowed.

• Healthy living includes a zero tolerance for the use of drugs and alcohol.

• We encourage age appropriate relationships between boys and girls. Developmentally appropriate relationships are safe and provide good memories. Sexual activity, however, is neither appropriate nor accepted.

• Religious observance — in whatever form — is universally respected and nurtured.

The programmatic nature of village life is incremental and incorpo-rates all that came before and all that will follow. Our camp program is designed to mature in tempo with our campers.

Benjamin Village ~ rising grades 3-5

gOals• Develop independent living skills• Identify shared values for cabin behavior• Encourage independent decision-making and understand the

impact of behaviors on others

MethOd

We use a variety of tools (e.g., work-wheels and group meetings) to divide up cabin responsibilities. Every camper is encouraged to make their own choices. Ensuring a safe ‘home space’ relies on ongoing dialogue between campers and staff and careful monitoring of group dynamics.

7

reich Village ~ rising grades 6-7

gOals• Foster group decision-making and

conflict resolution techniques• Encourage individual ownership

of the camp experience and greater choice in activities

• Camper council introduces cabin and village leadership

MethOdWe allow campers to design a greater portion of their daytime routine. A Camper Council with elected representatives provides an avenue for feedback from peers and fosters interaction with all village staff. Gender-based programs nurture relationships among cabin groups. At a time when external societal pressures frequently push boys and girls together, we handle the rapidly changing minds and bodies of our campers with a heightened degree of sensitivity.

Kaufmann Village ~ rising grades 8-9

gOals• Individual empowerment• Camper-guided planning and facilitation of program• Increased discussion of ethical and moral issues

MethOdTeenagers desire increasing control of their lives. To support this, we introduce ‘schedule by choice’ allowing campers to choose activities that create a personalized daily curriculum. Camper Council helps identify issues that require debate and possible change. We also introduce topics that encourage the discussion of ethical and moral issues — often led by the teens themselves.

Macks Village ~ rising grade 10

gOals• Emphasis on leadership training • Individual responsibility to the “communal village” • Village-specific curriculum planned and implemented

by campers and staff

MethOd

Macks Village concentrates on social justice and advocacy as a foundation for programs that enhance both camp and the broader community. The elective component focuses on hands-on leadership as a transition to staff training. Campers work alongside staff to develop programs and curriculum. An extended off-site, team-building trip pushes boundaries and encourages exploration of mental, physical and emotional stamina.

8

leader-in-training (lit) ~ rising grade 11

gOals• Continuation of leadership development with a focus on program

selection, development and implementation• Hands-on experience leading programs for peers and younger

campers• Introduction of the formal transition from camper to staff member

MethOd

Using an extended off-site trip as a catalyst for discussion, camp-ers visit a location synonymous with quality programming (e.g., Disneyworld). Returning to camp, participants rotate to various specialty areas in order to better learn how program helps shape the camp experience. Daily seminars reinforce “teachable moments” and facilitate group learning. The LIT program, subsidized by Capital Camps, is our investment in the future of a strong staff team. Participation in the program is by application only and space is limited.

Counselor-in-training (Cit) ~ rising grade 12

gOals• Advanced leadership curriculum with emphasis on the develop-

ment of counselor skills• Increased knowledge of child development milestones • Introduce a change of perspective from camper to counselor in

preparation for a staff role the following year

MethOd

The CIT program focuses on milestones associated with the final year of high school. We delve into team and individual commitments and the challenges associated with the transition to a college environment. A week-long community service trip helps the CITs forge relation-ships that transcend summer and often last a lifetime. Participation in this subsidized program is by application only and space is limited.

special needs

The Atzma’im (Hebrew for inde-pendence) program represents a significant commitment to the notion of an inclusive community. Children join this program and are enveloped in a comprehensive support

system that helps ensure a successful experience for them and their cabin mates. All campers live in regular cabins, and the strength of the program is derived from its mainstreamed nature. As we teach tolerance and kindness, the Atzma’im program is a powerful hands-on educational element that has proven to be meaningful to all members of our community.

9

discipline

Correcting behaviors in a camp setting can be a challenge, depending on the transgression and multiple other factors. For the most part, we offer simple verbal corrections and train our counselors to be sensitive, consistent and yet clear in their expectations of future behaviors. We also preempt potential problems by using basic group work tech-niques such as cabin meetings and age-based discussions. If necessary, senior staff members or our social workers may process the situation in a group or cabin setting.

We work with staff to identify and distinguish bullying from rough-housing. The behavioral standards we establish are designed to create a consistent and thoughtful approach to community childcare. Moreover, we stress that in all cases, it is our expectation that they ask a supervisor, social worker or administrator for help. A strong communications system and clear incident report tracking help ensure safety for all and fairness across the board.

On occasion, a behavior may warrant interaction with parents and/ or guardians. During these more significant issues, we strive to work collaboratively with all parties to ensure appropriate resolution. Occasionally, this results in the departure of a child from our commu-nity. The early departure of a child does not necessarily preclude their rejoining us in the future. Forgiveness is a core Jewish value as is personal responsibility. Should a child depart camp based on a behavioral issue and wish to return, we do insist on a meeting to ensure that there is an appropriate understanding of the situation and a baseline expectation of behavior for the upcoming season.

staff Qualification

We recruit responsible, respectful, hard-working, mature, and motivated individuals who display a clear understand-ing of camp core values. Staff must be minimally high school graduates, as caring for children over an extended period can be emotionally and physically taxing. All staff members are interviewed and references/background checks undertaken before they can begin employment. In addition, all staff attend a one-week intensive orientation training prior to camp. Orientation covers important

topics such as health and safety, emergency protocols, developmental stages, and discipline. Over the course of the summer we provide ongoing feedback, formal and informal supervision, mid-season evaluations and staff forums that allow for input directly to admin-istrators. Many staff are ex-campers who have grown up with us and ensure our

values and traditions permeate the current season.

At the core of a quality camp program is the senior level administra-tors who oversee every facet of camp life. Our Camp Directors and agency senior managers are college graduates with degrees correlating to their professional portfolios. They have spent many summers as campers, counselors and senior level staff. During non-camp periods we continue to invest in their education via professional conferences, workshops as well as other relevant educational opportunities. Their knowledge and experience of working with children and young adults in the camp setting is second to none.

10

Judaism, Ritual & Israel

reiCh Village Theme: Giborei Yisrael v Dugma (heroes & role Models)

Jewish heroes are used as examples to help develop a sense of per-sonal responsibility regarding their role in the Jewish, American and global communities. Understanding how individuals have histori-cally and successfully inspired change despite daunting obstacles is a powerful lesson, especially when related to situations in campers’ daily lives.

KaufMann Village Theme: Avadim: Bein Adam L’chavero (ethics & Values)

Kaufmann campers are encouraged to explore their opinions as they relate to ethical and moral decisions and to make choices and challenge assumptions based on their Jewish heritage.

MaCKs Village Theme: Tzedek & Kehilah (social Justice & Communal responsibility)

Communal responsibility and social justice is the backdrop for potent discussions that teach campers the Jewish values of tzedakah and tikkun olam.

lit PrOgraM Theme: M’dor L’dor (generation to generation i)

LIT campers are urged to incorporate positive Jewish content into the programs they create and establish enduring Jewish camp traditions.

Jewish Values & learning

We give everyone in our community the opportunity to live Jewishly for weeks at a time. From blessings at meals to the Hebrew names of our buildings, campers are subtly reminded of their Jewish heritage every step of the way. Creating Jewish programs requires talented educators who specialize in ensuring that fun permeates our pro-grams. Camp must simply make Jewish content ‘cool’ in the eyes of our campers and staff for it to have the greatest impact possible.

benJaMin Village Theme: Oneg V’Simcha (Celebrations)

We focus on celebrating Jewish events together as a cabin, village or the entire camp community and provide campers with the chance to sample diverse approaches to Jewish ritual and celebrations.

10

Cit PrOgraM Theme: M’dor L’dor (generation to generation ii)

In preparation for the transition to staff, CITs learn Jewish approaches to working with children and discuss how being Jewish offers the opportunity to weave cultural and value-based nuances into the fabric of the camp experience.

staff MeMbers Theme: Dugmah Ishit (Personal example)

Being an effective role-model and teacher are fundamental to our Jewish values and heritage. Staff receives ongoing training that relates this most sacred role to hands-on work with campers and the greater community outside of camp. the quality of renewal and community responsibility, each village

cleans a designated area of camp as well as their own personal space. Campers are given time to shower and dress before joining the entire camp community to welcome Shabbat. One village has the honor of preparing T’fillot (prayers) each week and serving as prayer leaders. Our Shabbat worship, incorporating artwork, song and dance is both magnificent and memorable. We offer an alternative service for those who seek a more traditional Shabbat observance without the use of electronic amplification.

Following a delicious dinner with the campers’ favorite matzah ball soup, family and friends from other bunks join together in an outside theater for a high energy-filled song and dance session. Imagine, if you will, hundreds of people dressed in their “Shabbat whites” celebrating the arrival of Shabbat. This magical moment is a highlight of the camp experience.

Acknowledging the sanctity of Shabbat, campers welcome a slower pace on Saturday and are allowed to sleep in. Shabbat prayers (t’fillot) are held by village and followed by Shabbat electives (chugim). In the afternoon, campers can relax by the pool or play sports. After dinner and evening programs, we conclude with a beautiful outdoor Havdalah service.

11

“One of the best things about being a camp counselor is that I can share my enthusiasm for Jewish life and traditions with the campers. It’s rewarding to know that camp has such a strong influence on the kids and that I’m a part of that.

“ritual & traditions - Masoret

Campers arrive with varying levels of religious observance which, in turn, offers the opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate traditions that are respectful to all.

Shabbat is one of those traditions. Friday afternoon begins the purposeful journey towards welcoming the Sabbath. To signify

- Leah Schwartz, camp counselor

12

Adults have said that camp Shabbat has had a significant impact on their lives as active Jews.

israel – people, land, state

Our connection to Israel is front and center. Through a combination of Israeli staff, the use of Hebrew and Israel-specific programming, we bring Israel to Waynesboro. Cabin names reflect various elements of the homeland, be they mountains, famous people or cities. Our camp benefits from our commitment to the centrality of Israel by providing our campers with a comfortable level of familiarity with the Jewish state. Israeli staff join us and provide a relationship building opportunity that truly ‘comes to life’ and is mutually beneficial to all parties. In addition, we facilitate a spectacular peer interaction with upward of 14 Israeli campers joining us from our two sister cities of Bet Shemesh and Ashkelon.

“Celebrating shabbat at camp continues to have a profound impact on my Jewish identity. Beginning with my years as camper and continuing in my years as counselor, i look for-ward to shabbat all year round. i can’t wait for my own kids to have the same experience!

“- Nate Friedman, former camper & current counselor

13

ActivitiesWe are proud that we have devel-oped a skill acquisition program designed to ensure that our camp-ers are challenged and will gain confidence and competency. At the same time, we understand that “pure fun” is essential if a child is to be engaged and that age-appropri-ate activities are critical to success.

We view “activities” through a broader prism than other camps. For example, we believe that meal time is an important program because it features participation, community norms and the integration of daily living skills. Put simply, every experience supports our values and reinforces the effectiveness of the immersion environ-ment as a place for positive growth.

Because camp is most effective when campers return year after year, it is critical that activities not be repetitive and that they “age” along with the campers. Equally important is our commitment to finding, training and retaining top-notch specialists. We understand that, ultimately, the camper experience is only as good as the role models we place in front of the camper.

These principles of skill acquisition, engagement, age-appropriate chal-lenges and skilled staff form the backbone of all our specialty activities.

sports

Some campers strive to be great athletes; others are equally excited with a rec-reational approach. For some, athletics are simply not on their radar screen. Because we believe that physical activity is important to the well-being of every child, our initial goal is to further the

comfort level with sports. For example, if a child feels comfortable on a tennis court, she is more likely to learn how to hold her racket properly. Once a camper feels comfortable, teaching skills is a natural and easy progression. Physical exercise should become a life-long habit, and we support this by programming a minimum of one sport activity per-day for every child. Of course, this is in addition to the general walking necessary to move to and from activities.

Our “intensive” elective experiences allow our older campers to benefit from an additional 6-8 hours of instruction — often with a high school or college coach or semi-pro/professional athlete. Healthy competition is developmentally appropriate and has a place at camp, as does good sporting behavior and fairness, which build on our core Jewish values.

Our sports program includes archery, basketball, flag football, frisbee, golf, hockey, lacrosse, mountain biking, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. All campers will have the chance to play all of these sports. We have identified basketball, tennis and soccer as our three signature sports and invest more heavily in their implementation.

14

Basketball

Based on the NCAA methodology, we use the i.d.e.a. method to work on specific age-appropri-ate skills. We introduce the skill, demonstrate the skill, explain the skill, and finally attend to campers practicing the skill. Each activity consists of a warm-up, a fitness component, games, skill practice, and a wrap-up.

benjamin Village – Eight to ten-year-olds do not have the size, strength, stamina, or skills to play adult basketball. We make modifica-tions, such as using a junior size ball, lowering the basket, and decreasing the free throw line distance and court size. Additionally, there is leeway in enforcing rules such as a 3-second violation and a double dribble. Skills are practiced using 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 groupings for easier learning.

reich Village – Reich campers use a larger ball and a higher basket while continuing to use a shorter court. While not calling time violations, we do enforce traveling and double dribble violations. Drills are conducted in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 groupings.

Kaufmann Village – Campers at the ages of 13 and 14 are able to use a regulation-sized basketball as well as regulation basket height and court size. We refrain from using a shot clock, but do call all viola-tions and fouls. Once proficiency with zone and man-to-man defense on a half court is demonstrated, we will teach a full court press.

soccer

Our curriculum is based on best practices established by the United States Youth Soccer Association.

benjamin Village – For our youngest campers, we teach basic dribbling, shooting, ball lifting and juggling, throw-ins, and the introduction of heading and crossing. Tactics include familiarity with all positions, the 1 v 1 attack, 1 v 1 defending, 2 v 1 attacking and man-to-man defense. We ensure campers work together in pairs before progressing to groups of 3, 4 or 5. Modifications are made to the field and ball based on age.

reich Village – Reich campers learn feints with the ball, receiving ground, bouncing and air balls with heel, shin, thigh as well as abdomen, chest and head. Additionally, learning to head to score, bending shots and the introduction of the slide tackle are

incorporated. Tactical skills include 2 v 1 defending, 2 v 2 attacking and defend-ing, visual and verbal com-munication, and corner kick plays (both attacking and defending). We also increase field size and the enforcement of rules.

Kaufmann Village – Skills for this age group include chipping-to-pass, bending passes, heading-to-pass and heading backwards as well as kicking and receiving with outside of the instep. Campers learn the role of the 3rd defender, how to make recovery and tracking runs, as well as penalty and free kick plays. More advanced players will learn scissors, volley, bicycle kicks, dribbling and off the ball runs and set plays. We use regulation-sized equipment and enforce all rules.

15

tennis

Based on the best practices of the United States Tennis Association, our program ensures learning and a love for the sport regardless of age or ability.

benjamin Village – For our elementary-age campers, emphasis is placed on learning proper grip and forehand and backhand strokes. Games reinforce court boundaries and volley maintenance. Court modifications may be made based on age and ability. Scoring system is introduced.

reich Village – Reich campers learn volley skills and targets are used to help campers hit the ball to specific areas of the court. The basic serve and return is introduced as campers learn to use the entire court surface. The scoring system is reinforced as they begin to engage in modified game play.

Kaufmann Village – Our older campers use the entire court surface, are taught top and back spin and methods to incorporate these skills into their ground strokes and serves. Campers practice serving to targets on the court as a method for learning advanced game play. Kaufmann campers have the opportunity to engage in match play.

Aquatics

At our state-of-the-art aquatics center and lakefront, health and safety are our #1 priority. All of our life-guards are American Red Cross (ARC) certified, and our Aquatics Director is Water Safety Instructor certified. Campers enjoy the aquatics center (Braycha) or lake (Agam) on a daily basis. All campers have the opportunity to enjoy additional pool or lake time through chugim (camper electives). At the conclu-sion of the session, campers receive an ARC card certifying their swim level.

swim instruction

We use the ARC “Learn to Swim” program as the foundation for instruction. Campers are placed in an appropriate group based on a simple swim assessment:

• leVel 1: introduction to Water skills and Water Comfort Skills include floating on back, submerging head, swimming on front and back using arms and legs.

16

• leVel 2: fundamental Water skills Skills include treading water, swimming on front and back using combined strokes as well as swimming on one’s side.

• leVel 3: stroke development Skills include jumping into deep water, changing from horizontal to vertical position on front and back, performing front and back crawl proficiently.

• leVel 4: stroke improvement Skills include developing further confidence in acquired skills and improvement in front and back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, and butterfly. Campers begin to learn basic safety skills.

• leVel 5: stroke refinement Skills include further coordination and refinement of strokes, treading water using various kicks, front and back flip turns, and continued development of emergency and safety skills, such as survival swimming and rescue breathing.

• leVel 6: swimming and skill Proficiency Skills include ability to swim all strokes with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances, and preparation for participation in more advanced courses.

Benjamin Village campers receive swim instruction four times a week and Reich Village campers receive swim instruction three times a week. Campers have the opportunity to “test out” and move to the next level.

For Reich and Kaufmann campers, we offer the ARC Guardstart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow program. This program prepares individuals for the ARC Lifeguarding certification programs and helps partici-pants build a foundation of knowledge and skills to be responsible lifeguards. Content is grouped into five areas: prevention, fitness, response, leadership, and professionalism.

Macks Village campers who are 15 years old at the end of their camp session may participate in the ARC Lifeguard Training program taught by camp staff. Successful completion allows these young adults to be employed as guards during the year and prepares them to work as part of our aquatics staff at camp in the future.

lakefront

The lake allows campers to develop skills and enjoy activities that are unique to camp! All lake participants wear safety vests at all times. Skills are taught based on age and assessment and all campers learn still-water canoe and kayak skills, as well as solo canoeing, kayak rolling and rescues. Each summer, depending on age and skill level, campers participate in off-camp adventures that build on skills developed at camp, such as canoeing. Our giant inflatable water toys are an ever-popular aspect of our lake and often entice even our most cautious campers to join in the lake fun. For example, campers can climb a 15-foot tall ‘iceberg,’ bounce on a floating trampoline, or be propelled into mid-air via the blob!

ropes Course Adventure

Quality adventure pro-grams foster confidence, self esteem and trust in one’s peers. Thanks to our expansive facility and a certified and talented staff, campers are exposed to top-notch equipment and can achieve seeming-ly impossible outcomes not accessible to them during the school year. Based on age, campers

are provided with a minimum of three-hour experiences twice during their camp stay — often with the opportunity for more.

Challenge by ChOiCe

Our ‘Challenge by Choice’ approach applies to all segments of our adventure program. If for any reason a participant is uncomfortable, there are many alternative ways to contribute to the group activity through coaching. The Challenge by Choice philosophy is quite suc-cessful and, most of the time, a camper will repeat the activity with eventual success.

To foster positive cabin dynamics, each group spends time at the Low Ropes Course (LRC), for a series of problem-solving experiences that physically and mentally challenge teams to execute a plan coopera-tively. The LRC increases in difficulty as trust and confidence are built (and by age). Following each challenge, the group debriefs from the activity. Participants are encouraged to draw real life conclusions and comparisons from the activity.

17

the ‘spider’s web’

One example of the lrC is the ‘spider’s web’ where the entire group passes through holes in a human-sized web structure without touching the strands. this challenge requires cooperation, trust, and “start to finish” implementation for successful completion. the practical outcomes include group/ individual accountability, role clarification, decision-making, and trust.

The High Ropes Course (HRC) consists of separate challenges which vary in height and complexity. HRC elements vary from balance beams to cable crossings to climbing structures as high as 35 feet from the ground. The HRC is available following the successful com-pletion of a low ropes experience. The HRC emphasizes individual goals. Participants are challenged to expand their comfort zones and overcome fears while simultaneously receiving peer encouragement.

Participants are fitted with helmets and harnesses, attached to a safety rope and belayed by a certified facilitator. If, at any time, the camper decides to come down, they are safely low-ered to the ground without repercussion.

adVenture aCtiVities by Village

benjamin Village Campers spend up to a total of five hours at the ropes course during multiple visits. Activities include energizers, problem-solving field games, low ropes initiatives and the

opportunity to ride the dueling zip line. Each cabin has the opportunity to attempt the 40’ climbing tower.

reich Village Campers spend a morning and afternoon engaged in adventure activi-ties. The experience includes energizers, problem-solving field games, trust activities, low ropes elements, dueling zip line and high ropes elements such as the giant ladder and dynamic tower.

Kaufmann Village Campers spend a full day on the adventure course. They begin with a series of complex energizers, problem-solving field games and trust activities, followed by time at the low ropes course to emphasize com-munication and teamwork. At the high ropes course, campers enjoy the dynamic and static towers as well as the giant zip line across the lake for the first time!

Macks Village Our oldest campers begin their day-long experience working on increasingly complex communication, teamwork, problem-solving and trust-building skills. In the afternoon, campers challenge them-selves on high ropes elements — the static tower, dynamic tower — and conclude their day zipping across the lake. As part of their leadership chugim (electives), campers may “shadow” our ropes course facilitators.

lit/Cit Participants Our future counselors spend their day learning how to facilitate prob-lem-solving and trust-building activities — skills we feel are essential to success as a future counselor.

All campers have opportunities to experience age-specific elements of both the high and low ropes course. During chugim (electives) and chofesh (free time), we offer the climbing wall, static and dynamic towers, and the zip lines. Counselors can also arrange for their cabin to spend additional time with a facilitator in order to address a specific issue.

18

The ArtsOur arts program includes drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, theater, journalism, and dance. We want to expose campers to new media while encouraging them to experiment with modes of artistic expression more familiar to them. As campers mature, they have the opportunity to concentrate of those areas of most interest to them. Within our arts program, we have developed two signature programs: theater arts and ceramics.

theater Arts

Theater is where participants learn what it means to safely explore thoughts and feelings. While the ‘camp show’ has long been the focus of many camps (and we are no different!), we also ensure that our Benjamin campers participate in a drama-based activity daily and that it is available as an elective for Kaufmann and Macks villages.

Our theater arts program has four intended outcomes:

1. develop internal and external personal resources Campers develop body awareness and spatial perception, sensory awareness and personal creativity. Additionally, our actors work on their sense of rhythm, imitate physical movement and learn to express moods and concepts through movement.

2. develop interpersonal skills and awareness Included in this objective is improvisation, dialogue and provid-ing feedback. Cooperative problem-solving through mirroring techniques and the use of drama as a metaphor for life (e.g.,

figuratively placing them-selves in someone else’s shoes) are also emphasized.

3. relate drama to a larger context By role-playing, campers place themselves in imaginary situations that are aligned with the camp program (e.g., issues of identity, Jewish values, etc.). They will create situ-ations that ‘come alive’ in

fictional environments and then practice improvising responses. Campers also learn about the role theater plays in the media and daily life.

4. get on stage! Research demonstrates that the earlier a person performs in front of a group, the

more self-confident and secure they will become. We provide a safe, encouraging environment for this.

Benjamin and Reich campers begin with structured games that reinforce the goals of our theater arts program. Campers that desire a more intense drama experience are encouraged to participate in a camp-wide production either onstage or backstage. Any camper that wants to participate in the end-of-session production will be encouraged to do so.

19

Fine Arts

Our Arts and Crafts program (omanut) offers copper enameling, drawing, painting, femo model making and silk screen print-ing. Our staff works with each camper to help them create meaningful art and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment with their finished work.

Ceramics

Our signature ceramics program fosters the development of spatial relations, improves manual dexterity and connects participants with something that is basic in nature (clay!). Based on age level, our program progresses incrementally and contin-ues to challenge even our oldest campers

benjamin Village

Our Benjamin campers create plaques, pinch pots and low reliefs. More advanced campers are introduced to coiling to create three- dimensional objects.

reich Village

All Reich campers use coiling to explore the creative boundaries of clay. Joinery is also introduced to create items such as animals and people. Reich campers also benefit from kiln firing and the use of different color enamels. Rising 7th grade campers begin to explore elementary pottery wheel techniques, including throwing and pot making.

Kaufmann Village

Kaufmann campers focus on increasingly complex clay techniques including hand building, molds, wheel throwing, slip and glaze techniques, and the firing processes.

Macks Village / lit & Cit

Our older campers continue to progress in all the elements of ceram-ics that they have learned previously as well as having the opportunity to teach younger campers.

special days

Several times during a session, we pause in our daily activi-ties and immerse ourselves in ‘one of a kind’ events. These fluctuations in camp tempo capture the imagination and hearts of campers and staff and allow us to experience the ruach (spirit) that can only be found at summer camp. Examples include Maccabiah (color war), ‘Backwards Day’, Israel Day, or an ’80s themed dinner. The entire community is energized and unified as they compete, learn, and grow to-gether. Campers and staff may be selected for specific leadership roles and become team leaders. In many cases, these days become pivotal moments in a child’s camp experience. Great thought and sensitivity are given to the timing of these days as to avoid disrup-tion in the camp routine.

Dining Hall –Chadar Ochel

Meals at camp are not a break from program but rather an integral part of it! It is a time when we share, celebrate, display spirit (ruach) and gain the physical nourishment necessary to sustain a busy daily schedule. Without a doubt, the Chadar Ochel is at the epicenter of camp life.

In addition to the fun of eating together, mealtime also provides many learning opportunities. For example, each meal begins with the Motzi (the blessing before the meal) and concludes with the Birkat Hamazon (the blessing after the meal). Respect for others is taught through the

21

use of a raised arm to indicate the need for quiet. Every camper understands the shared obligation to regulate the noise in the dining hall. At the conclusion of each meal, a pre-selected cabin remains to help clean the dining hall. These valuable lessons in responsibility are a few of the hidden benefits of your child’s time at camp.

Benjamin and Reich Village campers sit together in their cabin groups to reinforce the importance of cabin unity and provide

these campers with a sense of belonging. For the Kaufmann, Macks, and leadership programs, campers may choose where they sit. Our kosher meals are supervised by the internationally respected Star K organization and reviewed by nutritionists to be child-friendly and nutritionally sound and healthy. There are alternative options at every meal so every camper can find something to eat! Of course the entire camp family celebrates a camper’s birthday — complete with the singing of “happy birthday” in both English and Hebrew and concluding with the Capital Camps tradition of skipping around the entire dining hall!

Bus TransportationCamp truly begins when a child travels by bus along with fellow campers and is supervised by our counselor staff. Taking the bus begins the socializing process and allows campers to meet peers both old and new. Songs are sung and games played to ensure the time

flies quickly. Counselors are trained to ensure connections are made and that any parent separation issues are noted and addressed either on the bus or during the opening few hours. Some parents choose to drop off their children at the camp facility and while we encourage the use of the camp bus system we offer no objection. However, please note that due to the complicated nature of first day opera-tions all separations must take place at the welcome center.

FacilityPeople are truly what make our camp a warm, caring community, however, having a state of the art facil-ity that is second to none does allow us to offer the best and most powerful programming anywhere. Our facilities are exceptional and include the following highlights:

• Modern cabins with bathrooms and comfortable bunk beds.

• Solar-heated aquatics complex with two 40’ water flumes, dump buckets, beach entry, and plenty of shade.

• Theatre building with indoor/outdoor seating, professional stage light and sound.

• Fine arts center with various production area for enamel-ing, ceramics, silk screen and visiting artist studio.

• Comprehensive adventure challenge course, incorpo-rating thirteen low elements, two challenge towers, a climbing wall and two zip lines (one that spans the lake!).

• Sports facilities including four tennis courts, two volleyball and basketball courts, a manicured athletic field for soccer and lacrosse, a softball field, numerous gaga pits, and two lakes for water-based activities.

• Dining Hall that is capable of seating our entire community at one time in an air-conditioned environment, to ensure that hydration and nutrition remain the priority.

22

Year-round ConnectionWe are committed to facili-tating camper relationships throughout the year and not just during the summer months. We feel strongly that staying in touch and connecting is a powerful and important element of our program and one that requires our attention.

Some examples of our commitment to year-round connections are that we wish each camper and staff member a “happy birthday” by card and phone. We also send newsletters to campers, parents and staff on a regular basis (we know that children especially enjoy having something arrive in the mail addressed to them!). Finally, our virtual Oneg Shabbat is distributed electronically on a regular basis to both staff and campers and allows us to keep these groups updated on late-breaking news via the medium they like best – the computer!

It is also important that we get the chance to see each other during the year. Each year, we organize all-camp and age-specific reunions so that we can get our entire community together again and allow people the chance to hug, reminisce and catch up on current events in their intertwined lives.

EvaluationWe are committed to ongoing assessment and improvement and to providing the best possible experience for campers, staff and families. With this in mind, we use a variety of tools to solicit dynamic feedback. For example, campers are asked to complete an evaluation while they are still at camp. Similarly, staff evaluates their experience at the conclu-sion of the season and we spend many hours in private conversations to solicit additional feedback. Shortly after campers return home, parents are emailed an online evaluation tool. With all our surveys we track the

responses year by year and compare how we have performed over time. Finally, throughout the year we bring together focus groups of parents, campers and staff to see if their opinions have changed and to gauge interest in new programs and changes to camp.

Our year-round senior administrative staff produces an annual camp report that is reviewed by lay leaders. As a not-for-profit agency our camp committee, made up primarily of parents and past staff, receives regular reports and helps our Board of Directors review the camp report to provide additional guidance to staff. All of these ‘formal’ methods of evaluation are augmented by the anecdotal information we glean from phone calls and ongoing interactions with campers, parents and staff during the year.

Lay Leadership

We are fortunate to have an engaged and dynamic cadre of communi-ty leaders that comprise our Board of Directors. The Board provides strategic guidance and oversight in areas such as fiscal management, development and internal agency operations and was instrumental in developing our master facilities plan. Board members are drawn from diverse backgrounds including camp parents, business leaders and community advocates. Anyone interested in serving on either our Board or one of the various sub-committees should contact the Agency President.

23

CAMp FACility:12750 Buchanan trail east waynesboro, pA 17268

telephone: 717-794-2177 www.capitalcamps.org

Business Address:12230 wilkins Avenuerockville , Md 20852

telephone: 301-468-2267