Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about running camp safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that Summer 2022 will likely look different than Summer 2021, as well as different from past summers. We are evaluating our policies and procedures for Summer 2022, and we will update this page, and enrolled families, as the summer takes shape. Answers will be updated as needed and as guidelines and regulations continue to change regarding operating safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Click here for our Summer 2022 Covid-19 Preparedness Plan and Policies.
If camp cannot run in 2022 due to Covid-19, are my payments refundable?
If I decide to cancel my child’s enrollment, are my payments refundable?
All Camp Alonim summer sessions are fully refundable until February 15, 2022. The cancellation fee for First, Second, Third and Fourth Sessions between February 2 and April 30 is $250, and between May 1 and June 1 is $500. The cancellation fee for Mini Session A and Mini Session B between February 2 and April 30 is $150, and between May 1 and June 1 is $250. The cancellation fee for CIT Summer between February 2 and April 30 is $400, and between May 1 and June 1 is $800. After June 1, the cancellation fee for First, Second, Third, Fourth, Mini A and Mini B Sessions, and CIT Summer, is the entire tuition amount for the applicable session(s). Cancellation fee payments cannot be applied to other campers’ tuition, other sessions, or possible future enrollments. Any requested Camp Alonim cancellations must be submitted in writing to alonim@aju.edu.
Does Camp Alonim require campers to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Medical exemption requests must be submitted to the camp office and accompanied by a written statement from a licensed physician, explaining that the immunization is not considered safe as a result of the camper’s physical condition or medical circumstances. Requests for medical exemptions will only be considered if they are written by physicians who 1) are in good standing with the medical board, and 2) practice in accordance with generally accepted standards of care. All requests for medical exemptions will be reviewed by Camp Alonim’s Medical Committee who will make a determination based on each individual request. Requests may be denied. For Summer 2022 camp sessions, requests submitted after May 1st may not be considered.
What kind of health screening will be in place?
Health screening will begin before coming to camp with a daily symptom screening to be conducted at home. Upon arrival to camp, campers will undergo a health check including a temperature check, symptom check, and COVID-19 Specific screening questions. Counselors will also conduct short daily health check-ins each morning during the camp session.
How many campers will be in a cabin?
How are you planning for Summer 2022?
What National Organizations are you working with to plan for COVID-19 and Summer 2022?
The American Camp Association and Centers for Disease Control have released the following guidelines for operating overnight camps during the COVID-19 Pandemic. These guidelines are subject to change and may be superseded by directives from the State of California and the Ventura County Department of Health.
We are continually participating in seminars with health experts to further develop our policies and procedures for Summer 2022. We will update this page with more information as we have it.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
For a more thorough explanation of our scholarship application process and what is required to apply, please visit our scholarship FAQ page.
How is camp preparing to meet the social and emotional needs of kids and teens coming to camp this summer? What if my child feels separation anxiety?
Camp Alonim is a safe and wonderful place where kids can simply be kids! At camp, kids are able to relax, unplug from technology, have fun, try new things (from a new food to climbing to the top of the rock wall), make new friends, discover their connection to Judaism, and feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves; a community unlike any other. We feel strongly that camp is a place where your children will thrive and forget about the “outside world” for a little while.
If you are concerned about sending your child to camp and would like to discuss anything with us, please reach out to Karen Garelik, Associate Director, at karen.garelik@aju.edu.
What about the CIT and Gesher Gan Programs?
Incoming 12th Graders in the Fall of 2022 will be invited to apply for the Gesher Gan Internship Program. While still remaining a selective leadership development program, Gesher Gan 2022 will be expanded in scope as we continue to adapt the Alonim program to the current moment. The Gesher Gan application will come out in January and we will notify all prospective applicants, and their parents, once it is available.
If you have any questions about Alonim’s Teen Leadership Programs and would like to discuss anything with us, please reach out to Jacob Martinez Raizman, Assistant Director, at jraizman@aju.edu.
These are great, but I have more questions! Where should I go to get my questions answered?
Is it really hot at camp? Is there air conditioning?
Does “all white” clothing on Shabbat really mean white?
What happens if my child has a birthday at camp?
Will my child go on an overnight?
Can I bring special food to camp if my child has certain dietary needs?
My child is studying for his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Do you offer tutoring? Can he/she bring an iPod for this purpose?
Is Laundry provided at camp?
What happens if my camper misplaces something? Do you have a lost & found?
It’s generally a good rule of thumb to leave items of significant monetary or sentimental value at home.
We will make every effort to contact you after the summer ends if we find an item which are labeled with a camper’s name. These items will be available for pickup from the Camp Alonim office, or can be mailed back to you at your charge.
How do you select the staff?
What does a typical day at Camp Alonim look like?
8:00 | Boker Tov! Good Morning! |
8:30 | Breakfast |
9:15 | Bunk Clean-Up |
9:45 | Jewish Interactive Experiences |
10:45 | A Taste of Everything: Rotation Through Camp Experiences |
12:00 | Israeli Folk Dancing |
12:30 | Lunch |
1:15 | Rest Time & Mail Call |
2:15 | Camper’s Choice – Art Elective |
3:15 | Camper’s Choice – Active Elective |
4:15 | Free Time & Snack |
5:15 | Shower Time |
6:30 | Dinner |
7:15 | Evening Fun: Carnival, Scavenger Hunt, Sports Night |
8:30 | Snack & Cabin Time |
Lilah Tov! Sweet Dreams! |
Are cell phone, computers, iPods or other electronics allowed at camp?
What happens if my child gets sick while at camp?
Can I call or visit my child?
Can I email my camper?
Can I view photos of camp during the session?
Are care packages allowed?
Camp Alonim will NO LONGER ACCEPT packages from any online retailers including Amazon, Target, Sealed With A Kiss (SWAK), Walmart, Zappos, etc.
In addition to postcards and letters, Camp Alonim will continue to accept packages provided they are being mailed directly from a home address and not an online retailer.
Packages may not contain prohibited items (such as electronic games or food of any kind). As in previous years, all packages will be opened and inspected by Camp Alonim office staff in front of campers, and prohibited items will be removed. Prohibited items will not be distributed to the camper or returned to the sender.