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 Q: What makes Camp Chaverim so special?

A: Camp Chaverim campers and staff have enjoyed 21 Years of Power Packed FUN!  Camp Chaverim is all about... Making Friends and Chaverim means “friends” in Hebrew. We are all about strengthening bonds of friendship, new and old, in a safe and nurturing day camp environment. We welcome ALL children ages 2 to 14, Jewish and non-Jewish!!  At Camp Chaverim, we

• Challenge campers to discover new skills, personal super powers and passions.
• Encourage campers through a variety of athletic, artistic and social activities to boost self esteem, foster creativity and fair play.
• Celebrate Jewish heritage, values and cultural traditions while sharing music, Shabbat, and Israel experiences with campers from other religious traditions.
  

Q: How does Camp Chaverim excel?

A: Our camp provides a unique community for our Jewish campers to develop pride in their Jewish heritage, while also sharing the songs, rituals, and celebrations with their non-Jewish camp friends.  Camp is a good time for children to express their creative side, try new skills, or share their talents. Camp Chaverim emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect, doing acts of kindness, and reaching out to everyone in need.  Camp Chaverim campers and counselors gain confidence in themselves as they play, work, and perform mitzvot (good deeds) together throughout the summer!

Q:  Is Camp Chaverim licensed?

A: Yes, Camp Chaverim is licensed and regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the city and County Health Departments.

Q:  Do you have to be Jewish to attend Camp Chaverim?

A: NO, our camp is open to ALL children ages 2 to 13. Typically, half of our campers are non-Jewish.

Q:  How many different campers attend Camp Chaverim over the course of the summer?

A: Each year, over 100 children between the ages of 2 and 13 enroll in Camp Chaverim, including Jewish and non-Jewish children.  In addition, we employ a large number of older Jewish youth during some portion of the summer. These young people gain important experience from working at camp. Many of our younger Jewish teens are assigned to a Mitzvah Corps where they perform a variety of community service in both the Jewish and general community.  Past service includes working at the Oklahoma City Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, Sugar Creek Camp, Positive Tomorrows, and the Infant Crisis Center.

Q:   Do you have to know Hebrew to enjoy Camp Chaverim?

A: No, Hebrew is the language of the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, as well as the modern language of Israel, the Jewish homeland. We give parents a booklet of Hebrew blessings and songs and include a list of frequently used Hebrew words or expressions in our Parent Handbook.  Be sure to ask your camper about the “Hebrew Word of the Day.” By the way, the word “Ivrit” is “Hebrew” in Hebrew!

Q:   What do I need to know about enrolling and paying for camp?

A: Space is limited for each age group, so we encourage you to register early!  

 If you need to make changes after registering, you must do so in writing to insure proper accounting. Please discuss any changes with the Camp Director and then fax all changes to Gayla at 848-3180.

• Camp Chaverim reserves the right to cancel or shift programming due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. However, we will make every effort to accommodate our campers’ wishes.
• Camp fees are due in full the week prior to each session for which your child is enrolled, unless you have made other arrangements.
• An updated Emergency Card must be completed for each camper and turned in prior to the first day of camp. (State Health Dept. rules)
• Back by popular demand! Again this year, we are offering a sack lunch option for children (1st grade and older) for only $60 per session.  If you would like your child to receive a camp lunch each day, be sure to mark it on your Registration Form.

Q:  If for some reason my child(ren) cannot attend an entire session, can I get my money back?

A:   Because space at camp is limited, we require each session to be paid for in its entirety, even though your child may only be present for part of a session.  Camp is staffed and designed in three-week sessions, and we can’t enroll a child for less than that.  However, if unforeseen circumstances arise that requires your child to miss most or all of a session, feel free to talk with us about the possibility of applying your fees to another session. Call 848-3132 for more information.

Q:  What role does the Jewish Federation play in funding Camp Chaverim?

A:   We believe a Jewish camp experience is of the utmost importance for every Jewish child, so we work to ensure that each one is afforded the opportunity to attend Camp Chaverim. Because camp fees only cover 80% of the annual $136,000 operating budget, the Jewish Federation underwrites camp with a generous allocation of $25,000 and offers “camperships” to Jewish families who need an adjusted fee schedule.   Each year, the Federation provides approximately $18,000 in camperships to 15-20 Jewish families.

Q: Tell me more about the counseling staff at Camp Chaverim.

A:  Our Camp Leadership team has 10 years of experience working together!
 

• Many of our best counselors are former Chaverim campers themselves. 
• Our special crew of enthusiastic and energetic counselors attend three days of  Staff Orientation and Training and are RED CROSS certified in CPR.
• In addition to the Israel Scouts who are on our staff each summer, we are fortunate to have several Israeli music students serving as Senior Staff and Camp Specialists.
•  The Israel Scout Friendship Caravan will also perform in Oklahoma City for one of our Parents Nights.   

Q: What kind of religious training do the campers receive?

A: Camp Chaverim is a Jewish day camp, which means everything we do is centered around Jewish values and themes.  We teach the children Hebrew words, phrases, and songs, as well as blessings and prayers.  We celebrate Shabbat each Friday.  And we practice the Jewish ideals of  gemilut chasidim (acts of kindness), tzedekah (justice), and tikkun olam (repair of the world).  We teach all of our campers the importance of tolerance, understanding, and acceptance.

Q: What do campers need to bring every day? What about the carpool route?  Discipline? Daily schedules? Other questions?

A: Not to worry! We know you probably have questions, so once you have enrolled, we will send you a Parent Manual with details about camp and camper Emergency Cards which must be completed and returned before the first day of the session your camper is enrolled in.