Camp Policies, Code of Conduct and Noncompliance
Attention, parents or guardians! Please review this section carefully with your child before they arrive at camp. This is also a form that you can sit and review with your camper and sign before arriving to camp.
SESSION RULES
Camper Code of Conduct
Our mission is to provide a safe, fun, nurturing community where children, teens, and young adults grow as individuals and build lifelong friendships.
To accomplish this mission, there are rules prohibiting malicious, destructive, and inappropriate behavior by campers. Any behavior in violation of that spirit or the following policies may be cause for forfeiture of camp privileges, calls to a camperโs home, and even immediate expulsion from camp with no refund of camp fees.
Campers and their parents or guardians should be familiar with the following rules and restrictions before campers come to camp:
- Alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping products, illegal drugs and non-prescribed legal drugs of any kind have no place at Camp Judaea. Therefore, any camper who uses, possesses, or distributes tobacco, alcohol or drugs, as determined by Camp Judaea in its sole discretion, will be sent home immediately at the parent or guardian's expense.
- Anything deemed destructive or dangerous to anyone at campโincluding (but not limited to) matches, lighters, fireworks, scissors, knives, or weapons of any kindโ is prohibited. Camp Judaea reserves the right to confiscate any item deemed dangerous or detrimental to the camp community.
- Supervision: Campers must comply with staff supervision, no matter how old a camper is. Campers must stay on the campgrounds (within camper boundaries) at all times and respect camp boundaries told on opening day. All campers must follow established curfews and remain in their cabin throughout the night.ย ย
- Campers should be present to participate fully in all scheduled programs and activities.
- Inappropriate sexual behavior is not allowed.
- Destruction of Property: Campers are jointly responsible with their parents or guardians for any damage, including graffiti, to camp property; parent(s)/guardian(s) will be billed to cover the cost of the repair. Parents or Guardians agree that any negligent, willful or intentional damage to camp property by their child, including any graffiti on any buildings or structure, will result in a charge to the credit card provided by the Parent or Guardian, equal to the cost of materials and labor to repair the damages. This includes campers who write their names or draw on the cabins, bunkbeds, or anywhere around camp (a minimum of $150 fee for each word written).ย
- Behavior: Camp Judaea will not tolerate any form of bullying nor retaliation against any person who reports bullying. Purposefully harming others in physical and/or verbal abuse will not be tolerated. Campers are expected to demonstrate respect for their peers, camper personnel, the camp, its programs, and rules. The use of foul or harmful language or discussion of inappropriate topics is not allowed. Parents/Guardians: while we also strongly discourage cyberbullying it is your responsibility to manage your child's device.
Camp Judaea (CJ) will not tolerate repeated disregard for the camp rules. At any time, Camp Judaea may find it necessary to alter and/or add rules and restrictions.
Campers are part of a special community where they get to make memories, build friendships, and be part of something meaningful. Choosing to break the rules takes away from that experience for them and others. Campers agree to fully comply with all rules or restrictions, including any alterations and/or additions made by Camp Judaea.
Noncompliance Policy
If a camper does not meet behavioral expectations or breaks camp rules, the following steps may be taken based on the severity and frequency of the behavior:
Campers disrupting camp activities and not adhering to camp rules and policies (including but not limited to the code of conduct), may result in disciplinary measures, at the sole discretion of Camp Judaea, up to and including immediate dismissal from Camp.
Any Camper who is dismissed or otherwise removed from the program will be sent home at their parent/guardian's expense and is not eligible for any tuition, fee, or other refund. A parent/guardian will have 24 hours to arrange transportation.
Camp Judaea believes in guiding campers toward better decision-making and positive behavior. We encourage open communication and collaboration with families to support each camperโs success.
By attending Camp Judaea, campers and their families acknowledge and agree to abide by this Noncompliance Policy. We appreciate your partnership in creating a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all.
Supervision & Curfew
Campers must comply with staff supervision, no matter how old a camper is. Campers must stay on the campgrounds (within camper boundaries) at all times and respect camp boundaries told on opening day. All campers must follow established curfews and remain in their cabin throughout the night.
At Camp Judaea, we love fun, adventure, and traditionsโbut not all traditions align with our camp values. Leaving the cabin past curfew might seem like harmless fun, it is actually unsafe and disruptive for campers, staff, and the entire camp community.
Electronics (including Cell Phones)
At Camp Judaea, we do not allow campers to bring ANY electronics to camp. Exceptions are made for a digital camera, a non-internet MP3 player preloaded with music and a Kindle (basic model, reading-only) with no games or apps. We strive to provide an atmosphere that further enhances the growth and experience of each camper. Camp is a time when campers and staff have a chance to live in the moment, unplug & have fun.๏ปฟ
Cell Phones are NOT permitted at camp. For campers who have a phone with them for traveling to and from camp, they will be collected during drop off on Opening Day by our team and will be stored safely in the office where they will remain until Closing Day. Please make sure the phones are labeled with your campers full name. We ask that phones be fully charged when turned in so campers can use them during travel home.
Parents or Guardians: Our collective focus at camp centers on connecting with camp friends and our beautiful natural surroundings. We cannot stress the importance of your role in supporting the critical camp policy that reflects the best practices throughout the residential camping network. If it is not needed for travel, please collect all devices from your camper including tablets, laptops, watches and other electronic devices, before they arrive to camp. Due to limited space and camp policies, we are unable to hold or secure these items during the session unless the phone is needed for travel. Camp Judaea will not be responsible for loss or damage to confiscated devices.
Camper/Parent Calls & Visiting Camp
At Camp Judaea, we are committed to creating a fully immersive and intentional camp experience for our campers. To support this, we do not allow current camp parents to visit during the camp session and campers do not call home during the session. Maintaining the routines and rhythms of camp life is essential for our campersโ growth, independence, and maturity. โโWe appreciate your support and understanding in upholding this policy, ensuring that every camper has the opportunity to fully engage in their camp experience.
Outside Food & Packages
To maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive environment, campers are not permitted to bring outside food or candy to camp. Food in cabins can attract unwanted critters, creating hygiene and pest concerns. In addition, outside food poses allergy risks for campers with food sensitivities, and Camp Judaea carefully manages ingredients and food handling to help keep everyone safe. Camp Judaea also follows kosher guidelines, and outside food items may not meet these standards.
We want all campers to enjoy shared experiences rather than individual treats. Our staff plans fun cabin parties, and we provide daily snacks.
Our no-package policy. is an effort to create cabin-group bonds centered on inherent commonalities rather than on who is receiving what gifts from family members. Any packages received will be returned to sender, please remind other family members as well. As a reminder, no packages will be accepted on Opening Day.
Privacy
Campers and staff should only enter the cabins/living quarters in which they are assigned to live in.
While respect for the privacy of individuals at camp is a value we teach and encourage, the needs of the community sometimes supersede the needs of the individual. At the director's discretion, campers may have their belongings searched and inventoried by two designated members of the senior staff.
Contact with the Staff & Gratuities
Before and during the summer, all communications between parents or guardians and the Camp Judaea staff must go through the Camp Judaea office. After the summer, your child may wish to exchange contact information or โfriendโ their staff members through Facebook or other social networking sites. We discourage this and it should only be permitted with your explicit permission and supervision.
As an American Camp Association Accredited Camp, Camp Judaea does not allow tipping.
All of the CJ staff members work extremely hard and every position at camp contributes to the overall success of our program (many of whom are behind the scenes). If you would like to show your appreciation for a staff member please consider contributing to the Staff Appreciation Fund. The funds go toward extra staff events, treats, and surprises for our hard-working summer staff.