Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
COVID-19 Update
For updates related to COVID-19, please see our COVID-19 Update page.
One big change this summer is that for campers entering grades K-8 we are offering Camp Shalom To Go. We’ll provide you with a weekly “camp-in-a-box” kit, and activities will be led by our camp staff live online. Camp Shalom To Go sessions start June 8.
Camp for preschool-age children will still take place in person, and will start July 20.
Because of COVID-19, we’ve put a new refund policy in place:
- If you wish to cancel your child’s summer camp registration for any reason, you can cancel prior to June 1, 2020 for a full refund (less the non-refundable deposit).
- If Camp Shalom needs to run on an altered schedule, you will be presented with the option to change camp weeks, receive a full refund, use your payment to reserve your spot for next year, or to donate your tuition to support Camp Shalom.
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 campers (Pashoshim and Katan) you may contact the preschool camp office directly at 408.357.7417 or katan@apjcc.org.
What are the camp hours?
Camp Hours for Preschool Camp
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.
Camp Hours for Grades K-8
9:30am-2:00pm
How long is each camp session?
Preschool Camps (Pashoshim and Katan)
Session 2: Five Weeks
Camp for Grades K-8
Camp for kids entering grades K-8 offers one-week sessions.
Is Extended Care available?
Due to current restrictions, there is no extended care available.
FAQ for Campers Entering Kindergarten – 8th Grade
For campers entering grades K-8, camp will be offered online in summer 2020. For details, see the Camp Shalom To Go and Specialty Camps To Go pages.
How much supervision will Camp Shalom provide for my K-8 camper?
Camp Shalom staff are put through an intensive, one-week, professional training before they begin working at camp and have been fingerprinted and have passed a background check/ LiveScan. Staff ratios are in accordance with American Camp Association guidelines. Campers will be supervised in Zoom classrooms at all times.
How much parent involvement and oversight is required?
We will do our very best to minimize the need for parental assistance. Camp is all about the opportunity to be independent and we want to honor that spirit. Activity kits will include estimates of the amount of parent involvement in each project. We anticipate that our younger campers will need a little more support getting and staying logged in. Cooking projects that require knives and kitchen appliance use will be kept to a minimum.
How are groups formed?
Groups will be based on the grade your camper is entering in the fall.
How will we get materials?
All of the supplies you’ll need will be in your Camp Shalom To Go box. Every Friday, from 2:00pm-5:00pm your boxes will be available for drive-thru pick up at the APJCC. You’ll pull up to the building at the right-most doors (Camp/School side), tell us your camper’s name and grade and open your trunk. We’ll put the box in your trunk and off you’ll go. We’ll be wearing masks and gloves, and we ask that you wear a mask while you’re with us as well!
If you are unable to pick up your To-Go box, let us know. We’ll bring it to your home.
What materials do I need to supply?
You will need one internet-accessible device for each child in your home (children in the same age group are welcome to share a device). It will be great if your device has a camera so that your camper can be seen by their friends but this is not required.
You will need to download the Zoom application (you will be prompted to do so on your first meeting).
Your camper will need a surface like a desk or table for visual arts, STEAM, and cooking projects and a little bit of space for physical activity. They will also need the ability to make some noise as they socialize and sing!
There may be some common household items (like bowls or pencils) that you will be asked to provide. We will give you notice of these requirements.
How does my camper access Camp Shalom to Go?
Each camp group will have a unique Zoom meeting link and entry password, you’ll receive a schedule with all links at the start of each week.
I’ve heard about “zoom bombing” (interruptions of Zoom meetings). Is camp safe?
Each class will have a unique password available only to staff and enrolled families. Groups will be monitored by Camp Shalom staff at all times and we will take every precaution to keep camp groups private and secure.
What if we miss a day or an activity? Is it recorded so we can access it later?
We’ll be sure to send instructions for all projects every week To ensure camper safety, activity blocks will not be recorded.
Our internet crashed. Can we get a refund?
We will do our best to help solve some minor connectivity issues such as help with Zoom and passwords but we’ll be relying on you to make sure your devices are internet ready. Please see the refund policy below for more information.
Is there a behavior policy?
COMING SOON! Stay tuned, the behavior policy for Camp Shalom To Go will be posted here soon.
FAQ for Preschool Camp (Pashoshim & Katan)
How much supervision will Camp Shalom provide for my preschool camper?
For preschool-age in-person camps, the staff ratios will be 2 teachers per 10 campers or will be in accordance with current state licensing regulations. All preschool camp staff are fully qualified Early Childhood Educators.
What should my child bring/wear to camp?
This will all be included in our parent packet sent out prior to camp, and also in email blasts leading up to camp. The basics include lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, extra clothes, and extra shoes (swimsuit and towel for water days). 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.
What is Camp Shalom’s 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. For a list of yummy lunch ideas see the Camp Shalom Parent Packet.
Is there an alternative to me packing lunch each day?
Campers can enjoy lunch provided by the House of Bagels Cafe for an additional fee. For more information and to order, please see our Lunches web page.
What if my camper has allergies or needs to take medication during camp?
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 office 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 their 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 on 8/21/20. The JCC is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
Please label all items with your child’s first and last name so items can be returned if they are lost.
COVID-19 Related policies and procedures:
Drop off / pick up: We are working on a system of pickup and drop off 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 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.
Where is camp 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.
Preschool Camp Office
The Preschool Camp Office is located in the APJCC Preschool Office, on the school side of the APJCC building. Please come by and visit!
Phone: 408.357.7417
Email: katan@apjcc.org
Camp Shalom Policies
Refund Policy
- Cancellations and withdrawals must be submitted in writing to Alix Davidson, Camp Director, at alix@apjcc.org.
- Cancellation of entire registration prior to June 1, 2020 will result in a full refund (less the non-refundable deposit). After June 1, your deposits will be converted to a credit in your account. You can use this credit for any future Camp Shalom or APJCC programs.
- 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.
- Subject to availability, a registration transfer from one Camp Shalom program to another may be made at no additional charge up to two weeks prior to the original camp start date through a written request (email, letter, or fax) to the Camp Director. Transfer requests submitted within two weeks of the original camp start date may be possible and will be subject to a $25 administrative fee.
- 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 pro-rated 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 behavior contract.
- If a camp participant is voluntarily withdrawn after a camp begins by a parent or guardian, a pro-rated refund of camp registration fees will not be granted by Camp Shalom.
- If Camp Shalom cancels a camp for any reason, you will receive a credit or a full refund.
Late Registration Policy
In order to help us maintain safe camper-to-counselor ratios, camp registrations received within 2 weeks of a camp’s start date are not guaranteed. Registrations will be confirmed based on staffing and availability.