Frequently Asked Questions
We are thrilled to be planning for campers to come back to Camp Alonim for Summer 2021. We also recognize that Summer 2021 will likely look different than past summers. The FAQs below will allow you to stay up-to-date with how we are planning for Summer 2021. Answers will be updated as needed as guidelines and regulations continue to change regarding operating safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Updated 01-28-21. Please note, this is an evolving document and as information changes, so will our COVID-19 guidelines for Summer 2021. These guidelines are subject to change.
If camp cannot run in 2021 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 1, 2021. The cancellation fee for First, Second, Third, Mini A, and Mini B Sessions, as well as CIT Summer between February 2 and May 31 is $200. After May 31, the cancellation fee for First, Second, Third, Mini A, Mini B, 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.
What kind of health screening will be in place?
How many campers will be in a cabin?
I noticed some overnight sessions have different age parameters than in previous years. Why?
Will you be having Winter Camp?
How are you planning for Summer 2021?
What National Organizations are you working with to plan for COVID-19 and Summer 2021?
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 These guidelines are subject to change and may be superseded by directives from the State of California and the Ventura County Department of Health.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 2021. We will update this page with more information as we have it.
Is there a reason to enroll now even though we don’t know what the Summer will look like?
Enrolling earlier also makes paying for camp a bit easier! If you sign up by November 30th, you can take advantage of Early-Bird savings. Also, the earlier you register, the longer you will have to pay in full by the May 1st tuition deadline, allowing for a lower monthly payment if you decide to pay in monthly installments. Enrolling earlier also gives you ample time to explore other options of payment assistance if need be (information about scholarships and One Happy Camper grants are below).
As we know this is an uncertain time for our families, and it may be difficult to invest your money in camp at this time, we have adjusted our cancellation policy for Summer 2021. Full refunds are available through February 1, 2021 and a flat cancellation fee of $200 will be charged for cancellations received after February 1st. Our full cancellation policy can be found in the second question of this FAQ Section.
Will my OHC incentive grant from 2020 roll over?
Will my scholarship from Summer 2020 roll over?
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 prepping to meet the social and emotional needs of kids and teens given Covid-19 reality? What if my child feels separation anxiety after being home for so long?
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 2021 will be invited to apply for the Gesher Gan Internship Program. While still remaining a selective leadership development program, Gesher Gan 2021 will be expanded in size and 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.