Policies and FAQs

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures for Grades 1-8

Because of COVID-19, we’ve adopted a few new policies to help keep our camp community safe. The following policies are based on regulations and recommendations from the Santa Clara County Department of Health, the CDC, and the American Camp Association.

 

Group Size and  Mixing Restrictions 

Campers may not move from one program to another more often than every three weeks. This means that, for instance, if a child attends a week-long summer camp program, that child is not allowed to attend Camp Shalom for two more weeks. It also means that children cannot attend two camps simultaneously, or attend a summer camp and also another kind of recreational group or childcare program.

• Campers will be in stable cabin groups of 12 with two counselors. 
• Campers cannot move from one cabin group to another.
• Each cabin group will have a designated indoor space and a designated outdoor space. 
• Counselors will remain exclusively with their cabin group. 
• Cabin groups will not intermingle.

 

Face Coverings

• Staff and all children ages 13 and older must wear a face covering at all times while attending camp, unless they are eating or actively exercising, in which case they should still keep their face covering with them to put back on when done.
• Children ages 7-12 should wear face coverings while under direct adult supervision.
• Face coverings are not required for anyone if it is medically inadvisable for a person to wear one.
• Children ages 6 and under are not required to wear a face covering.
• Unless it is medically inadvisable, parents and caregivers should also wear face coverings when they are picking up and dropping off their children.

 

Group Formation

• Groups will be primarily based on the grades campers will be entering in the fall. However, whenever possible, campers who live together (i.e. siblings) will be placed in the same group to minimize the risk of exposure to other campers, staff, and other members of the childrens’ household. 

 

 

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedure

All drop-off and pick-up will be via carpool. Please do not park or exit your vehicle. 

Please enter the parking lot through the 3rd entrance off of Oka Rd, farthest from Lark Ave. 

• Staggered drop off will begin at 8:00am. You will receive an assigned drop-off time window. You must drop off during your assigned window; exceptions will not be possible. 
• When you arrive, please have your child wait in the car with you until a JCC staff member approaches. Please make sure you and your camper are wearing masks.
• You will be asked a few short screening questions (click here for example) and we will take your child’s temperature. If your child has a temperature above 100°F or other COVID-19 related symptoms or recent exposures, they will not be permitted at camp.
• Pickup will begin promptly at 3:30pm
• You will be sent a pickup placard to which you can add your camper’s name. Please display the placard with your camper’s name on your vehicle’s dashboard.
• We will walk your camper to your vehicle. 
• For everyone’s safety, please refrain from cell phone use in the carpool lane.
• Early pickups cannot be accommodated except in cases of emergency. 

 

Cleaning/Sanitizing

All classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized each evening. Frequently touched surfaces such as tables, door handles and bathroom fixtures will be wiped with disinfectant at regular intervals. Surfaces and spaces that are shared by multiple groups will be sanitized between uses.

 

COVID Exposure Response

In the event of a direct COVID-19 exposure at Camp Shalom, the following measures will be taken: 

1. Details regarding the COVID positive person’s location in the building will be reported to the JCC Director of Operations and the JCC Human Resources Director  in order to facilitate proper communication, and a report will then be made to the Levy Family Campus Facility Director to begin disinfecting of spaces and equipment.
2. Families of campers who may have been exposed to the virus due to being in the same cabin with the person who tested positive for the virus will be informed of the exposure. No personal details regarding the infected person’s identity will be shared.
3. Any space occupied by the COVID positive individual and any equipment that they used will be placed off-limits for 24 hours in order to properly clean and disinfect.
4. If a camper or staff member has been diagnosed with or in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, we will follow guidance from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to determine when the camper or staff member can return to the JCC.
5. In the event that your camper’s group is closed or temporarily suspended due to confirmed exposure to COVID-19, you will receive a prorated refund for any time period beyond the first 24 hours that the camp group is suspended.

 

 

General Camp Shalom Policies Grade 1-8

 

Behavior Policy

Please click here to see the Camper Code of Conduct. Please review this with your campers before their first day of camp. 

 

Food Policy

All food provided by Camp Shalom (snack, cooking time, etc.) will be kosher-style, vegetarian, and nut-free. All food that campers bring from home must be vegetarian as well (fish is okay, with the exception of shellfish). Please do not send your camper with meat, shellfish, peanuts, or tree nuts in their lunches. We are an allergy-aware camp. For a list of yummy lunch ideas see the Camp Shalom Parent Packet.

 

Refund Policy

• All payments are final upon registration. Refunds are not available.*
• No refunds are given for vacations, sick days*, or other absences from camp. Unused camp days cannot be refunded or substituted with additional camp days.
• In its sole and absolute discretion, Camp Shalom may withdraw a camp participant from camp for any reason. If Camp Shalom withdraws a camp participant from camp, a prorated refund of camp registration fees will be granted for the period after the withdrawal. No credits or refunds will be issued if your child is asked to leave Camp Shalom for breaking the camper code of conduct.
• If a camp participant is voluntarily withdrawn after camp begins by a parent or guardian, a prorated refund of camp registration fees will not be granted by Camp Shalom.
• If Camp Shalom cancels a camp session for any reason, you will receive a credit or a full refund. 
• *In the event that your camper’s group is temporarily closed due to confirmed exposure to COVID-19, you will receive a prorated refund for any time period beyond the first 24 hours that the camp group is suspended. If the group reconvenes and you choose not to attend, you will receive a prorated refund based on the time period beyond the first 24 hours that the camp group is suspended. 

 

COVID-19 Related policies and procedures for preschool camps: 

Drop off / pick up: We are working on a system of drop off and pickup that allows for the health and safety of campers, staff and parents. Detailed directions will be emailed before the start of camp.

 

Group size and social distancing measures: On the advice of the County Public Health Department and directives from state licensing, we will be limiting group interactions. Each group of up to 10 children will spend the day with their immediate cohort and the same teachers. Interactions between groups and activities for more than one group at a time will not take place this summer.

 

Cleaning / sanitizing: All classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized each evening. Frequently touched surfaces such as tables, door handles and bathroom fixtures will be wiped with disinfectant at regular intervals. Surfaces and spaces that are shared by multiple groups will be sanitized between uses.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I speak with someone about what to expect before camp starts?

You can always contact our camp office, 408.357.7416 or camp@apjcc.org, to speak with our knowledgeable camp staff.  For preschool and rising kindergarten campers you may contact the preschool camp office directly at 408.357.7417 or katan@apjcc.org.

All camp families will also receive a packet of camp information via email before camp starts.

 

How much supervision will Camp Shalom provide for my camper?

Our staff are put through an intensive, one-week, professional training before they begin working at camp. In addition, all staff are CPR and First Aid Certified and have been fingerprinted and have passed a background check/ LiveScan. Our staff ratios are in accordance with American Camp Association guidelines. We will be strictly adhering to the Santa Clara County Department of Health guidelines requiring stable groups of 12 campers and two counselors. Preschool camp will have groups of 10 campers and two teachers. 

 

What should my child bring/wear to camp?

This will be included in our Parent Packet sent out prior to camp, and also in email blasts leading up to camp. The basics include lunch, snacks, water bottles, and sunscreen. Camp Shalom provides snack for preschool campers. Campers should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dirty. PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR CAMPER’S NAME.

 

Will my child be able to go swimming? 

We are working closely with the aquatics department to determine whether we can offer swimming at camp this summer based on the regulations and restrictions announced by Santa Clara County. If we are able to swim and follow the County’s guidelines we will let you know as soon as possible.

 

Is there an alternative to me packing lunch each day?

TBA. Please check back here for more information.

 

How can I find out more about what my camper does at camp each day?

We will send out a weekly newsletter via email that summarizes the highlights of the week.

 

What if my camper has allergies or needs to take medication during camp?

Camp Shalom is proud to have a licensed Camp Medic on staff. If your child has any allergies or medical needs, please indicate this when completing your camp forms, on the Health Information form. In addition, you can contact our camp medic who can work directly with you with regard to your child’s specific needs. A doctor’s note may be required in order to dispense medication.

We are an allergy aware camp. Every effort will be made to reduce exposure to common allergens.

 

How do I ensure that my camper is in the same group as his/her friend?

An important part of the camp experience is developing new relationships and trying new things. We encourage you to allow your camper to be placed at random instead of in a requested group. However, if you still prefer campers to be in the same group, you may provide these requests during registration, in the Additional Notes area. We will do our best to accommodate your request; however we cannot guarantee your camper’s placement in the same group as another camper.

 

Does Camp Shalom have a “Lost and Found”?

Unclaimed or unlabeled items left or found outside will be brought to the Lost and Found table outside the Camp Office. Any items left at the end of summer will be donated to charity on 8/21/20. Children are responsible for their own items. The counselors do their best to keep track of their group’s items but ultimately, it is up to the camper to keep track of their things. The JCC is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR CAMPER’S NAME.

 

Where is Camp Shalom located?

Camp Shalom is located at 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032. We are part of the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley. To keep everyone as healthy as possible, the camp office, grounds, cabins, and lobby are only open to campers and staff. Parents and guardians will not be permitted inside  the Camp Shalom side of the building. 

 

Camp Office for Campers in Grades K-8

Phone: 408.357.7416

Email: camp@apjcc.org

 

Camp Office for Preschool-Age Campers

Phone: 408.357.7417

Email: katan@apjcc.org

 

What are the camp hours?

Camp Hours for Grades K-8

Drop Off: Staggered drop off will begin at 8:00am. 

Pick Up: 3:30pm 

Camp Office: The camp office is open 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Due to current restrictions, extended care is not available. 

 

Camp Hours for Preschool Camps (Pashoshim & Katan)

Drop Off: 9:00am

Pick Up: 12:30pm for Half day classes; 4:30pm for Full day classes

Preschool Camp Office: The preschool camp office is open 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

  

How long is each camp session?

Camp for Grades 1-8

Session Aleph: 3 Weeks

Session Bet: 3 Weeks 

 

Preschool Camps (Pashoshim &  Katan)

Session 2: Five Weeks

 

Can I sign up for a partial session? 

According to the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health guidelines, enrollment in partial sessions is not permitted. You can sign up for a full session and use the days you need. We are unable to prorate fees.