Cancellations

• Cancelation Requests – All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to camp@jvalley.org.
• Cancellations Prior to May 17, 2023 – For cancellations requested prior to May 17, 2023 you will receive a full refund less the $150.00/per week deposit, this deposit will then be a CREDIT on your account to be used for future APJCC Programming.
• Cancellations Beginning May 18, 2023 until Two-Weeks Prior to Camp – Cancellation requests received beginning May 18, 2023 up until two weeks prior to camp receive a refund less the $150.00/week deposit which will be forfeited in its entirety and may not be used as credit for other APJCC programs.
• Cancellations Within Two Weeks of Camp – Requests for cancellations made within two weeks of the start of your child’s camp are not eligible for a refund or credit.

Transfers

• Transfer Requests – 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 to camp@jvalley.org.
• Transfers within Two Week of Camp – Transfer requests submitted within two weeks of the original camp state date are subject to availability and will be subject to a $25.00 administrative fee per transaction, through a written request to camp@jvalley.org.
• Transfers Once Camp Week Has Begun – Transfers once the camp week has begun are solely at the discretion of Camp Shalom and subject to a $25.00 Administrative Fee. There will be no prorated refunds should your child change programs.

What happens if camp is closed/canceled?
If Camp Shalom cancels an entire program, families will be notified and refunded to the original form of payment.  An “entire program” is defined as the one- or two-week session in which you have enrolled. There are no refunds for any single-day emergency closures. If a closure goes beyond one camp day, a prorated refund of prepaid camp fees will be issued for the days over one day until camp is reopened. This policy addresses all emergencies which force the APJCC to close the camp facility due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. Emergency closures include, but are not limited to: weather emergencies, natural disasters, threats, power outages, covid-19 or other unknown pandemics. Emergency closures of Camp Shalom and the Levi Family Campus could be mandated by: Jewish Silicon Valley Board or Directors or CEO, County of Santa Clara, Town of Los Gatos, State of California, Federal Government, or other agencies.

What happens if my camper is asked to leave camp?
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.

Unused Camp Days
No refunds or credits are given for illnesses (including covid-19 or other illnesses), travel/ vacation, or any other absences from camp. Unused camp days cannot be refunded or substituted with additional camp days.

• 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.
• Campers in traditional camp will participate in cooking several times per week. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time so we can coordinate alternate ingredients or activities. 
• We are excited to continue our partnership with My Green Lunch for summer 2023.  Information on ordering and the menu will be available soon, and will be shared out via our weekly emails, social media and webpage.

Looking for yummy lunch ideas?

Yogurt with Granola                                                          Veggie Burgers
Egg Salad                                                                                  Mac and Cheese
Raw Veggies and Ranch Dressing                              Fresh Fruit
Egg Salad/Tuna Salad Sandwich                                 Tuna salad
Bean and Cheese Burrito                                               Bagels
Grilled Cheese Sandwich                                               Quesadillas
Bagel & Cream Cheese                                                    Fish (no shellfish)
Spaghetti/ Pasta                                                                  Salad
Matzah Pizza                                                                         Bagel Pizza
Matzah Brei                                                                           Cheese / Veggie Pizza
Hard Boiled Egg                                                                   Vegetable Sushi

Times for Grades Kindergarten-10th

• Drop Off: 9:00am
  • We may stagger drop off times to alleviate traffic on our local streets and in the parking lot.
  • For campers who arrive after 9:15am, please park your vehicle and walk your camper to the main doors.  
• Pick Up: 4:00pm

Staggered Drop-Off
You will be assigned a staggered drop-off time based on your camper’s group. We will assign and communicate these times by email in the week prior to your first day of camp. 

Procare App Procedures
All campers in 1st-10th grade will check in using the Procare app. You will receive instructions, but can download the Procare App in advance.
Prior to the start of your campers program, families will receive Procare Instructions and Welcome Email with additional instructions.

All families must use the Procare App for checking in and out your campers.  We do not offer a paper form or other option.

Carpool Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• Carpool drop-off and pick-up for K-10th grade will be via carpool line only. Campers in Katan, must be walked to their rooms.

Drop-Off Procedures

Drop-Off via Carpool

• Please follow the instructions and directions of our staff in the parking lot, both our security and camp staff.
• Ensure you have signed your camper in using the Procare app.
• When you arrive please follow the carpool line, have your child wait in the car with you until a Camp Shalom staff member approaches. Please make sure to have all of your campers items for camp in the vehicle (do not place items in trunk, this adds additional time to drop-off or pick-up)
• Staff will open the vehicle doors and will assist your camper out of the vehicle with their belongings.  They will then walk directly to the sidewalk.
• Parents must remain in the vehicle during this process.  If you wish to exit your vehicle during drop-off, please use our walk-up option.

Drop-Off via Walk-Up Door

• When you arrive, please park your vehicle on the JCC side of the building.  With your camper you can exit your vehicle and walk on the side walk to the Walk-Up Door, which will be clearly marked. Please DO NOT go to the main entrance, you may not walk your child to this door.
• Families choosing this option will still need to sign-in their camper via the Procare App.
• Campers can be walked to the door, from their our staff will walk them to the correct area.
• Families are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to use the carpool option.

 

Pick-Up Procedure

Pick-Up via Carpool

• Please follow the instructions and directions of our staff in the parking lot, both our security and camp staff.
• Once you have joined the carpool line, and stopped your vehicle you may access your Procare app to begin the checkout process.
• To ensure everyone’s safety and to allow us to efficiently move through the line please stay in your vehicle.
• Staff will come to your vehicle to get your campers name, and ensure they are checked out.
• Staff in the carpool line will radio for your camper, one of our staff in a yellow vest will walk your camper directly to the vehicle and assist them getting into the car, along with their belongings.  At this time we ask families to remain in the vehicle.
• Should you need to assist your camper buckling up, please pull through the carpool line and park your vehicle.

Pick-Up via Walk-Up Door

• If you chose the walk-up option, the individual picking-up will go to the walk-up door, clearly marked on the outside of the building.
• Be prepared to show your Procare app for sign-out and give your camper’s name to the staff at the door.
• Another camp staff member will then proceed to get your camper from their group inside and walk them to the door.
• Parent, guardians, or other individuals picking up campers are unable to enter the building during this time.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time staff are unable to assist with questions, and will direct you to call or email the camp office.  All of our staff team is involved in the check-out process whether via carpool or the walk-up option.  Your questions and concerns are truly important to us, however during this time we work to ensure the safety of campers, staff, families and guests to the facility.

No cellphones. For everyone’s safety, please refrain from cell phone use in the carpool lane.
Once your vehicle is stationary then you may use the phone to check-in or check-out your camper.

Late Drop-Offs

• If you arrive after 9:15am, please park your vehicle.  Walk your camper to the front doors where security will meet you.
• Security will meet you at the door and notify camp of your arrival.  Please do not leave yet.
• A Camp Shalom Staff will come to the main doors, take your campers temperature and ensure you checked them in via the Procare App.  We will then escort your camper to their respective group.

Early Pick-Up

• Campers who need to be picked up early from the camp day require at least 24 hours in advance notice via an email to camp@jvalley.org.
• The last early pick-up available is at 3:30pm.
• Once you park please call (408)357-7416 and let us know you have arrived. Please wait at the main entrance where a camp staff will meet you with your camper; be sure to have your Procare App ready to show you have checked out your camper.
• There are no early pickups between 3:30pm-4:00pm as we are working to get all campers ready to leave for the day.
• Should you arrive for your early pick-up after 3:30pm we will be unable to accommodate.

Walk Home

We require all youth to be picked up by an authorized individual. The only exception to this is our Yoetz (counselor-in-training) who may walk home on their own with written consent from their parent or guardian via camp@jvalley.org. Should your Yoetz (counselor-in-training) have a younger sibling at Camp Shalom you wish for them to walk with, please email camp@jvalley.org providing written consent that your Yoetz may walk home with their young Camp Shalom sibling. Please note Yoetz, may only pick-up a sibling from Camp Shalom, no friends nor may they pick-up a Katan camper.

Youth Rideshare

Families using a Youth Rideshare (example: Hop Skip Drive), must schedule a pick-up for 4:15pm, to ensure that the driver is not caught in our carpool pick-up. Parents or guardians must email the photo, individuals name, make and model of the vehicle to camp@jvalley.org prior to the pick-up. Camp will not release any camper to a youth rideshare without this information prior to pick-up. When using a Youth Rideshare for drop-off, if your camper arrives with a fever or illness the camper will be isolated at camp and family will be contacted for immediate pick-up.

What happens if I am late to pick up?
We know emergencies and traffic happen! 

Should your camper not be picked up at the end of the camp, a $15.00 fee for the first 5 minutes will be charged for each camper not picked up by 4:20pm, or any fraction thereof, and a $2.00 per minute per child fee will be charged every minute thereafter.

If your child is enrolled in extended care, and you arrive after 6:00pm a fee of $15.00 per child for the first 5 minutes, or any fraction thereof, and a $2.00 per minute per child fee will be charged thereafter.

If your child is not picked up 45 minutes after the end of the camp day or at the conclusion or extended care, we will call CPS. Their telephone number is (408)299-2071.

Late fees can be paid by cash or check on the day of, or a credit card form confirming Name, Address, card type, last four digits of card, expiration date and CVC code. Payments must be made prior to the next date of attendance. A Late Pick-Up Form will be completed at time of pick-up.

What if my camper will be absent from camp?

If your camper will be absent from camp for the day, please call 408.357.7416 or email us at camp@jvalley.org to let our staff know.

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

Who will be supervising my child?
Our staff are put through an intensive, one-week, professional training before they begin working at camp.  Many of our staff have are also past campers or CITs themselves. In addition to our training, all staff are CPR & First Aid Certified and have been fingerprinted and have passed a background check/LiveScan, as well as Megan’s Law. Our staff ratios are in accordance with American Camp Association guidelines. 

Hours:

Camp Hours for Grades K-10th

• Drop Off: 9:00am
  • We may stagger drop off times to alleviate traffic on our local streets and in the parking lot. 
  • For campers who arrive after 9:15am, please park your vehicle and walk your camper to the main doors.  
• Pick Up: 4:00pm
• Camp Office: The camp office is open 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Cabin Assignments
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 email requests to camp@jvalley.org with both campers first and last name, program registered for and which weeks they would like to be together. We will do our best to accommodate your request; however we cannot guarantee your camper’s placement in the same group as other campers.  Campers must be enrolled in the same program as their friend in order to be placed in the same cabin.

Field Trips
Campers in Sababa (grades 6-8) will travel to field trips two days per week. These trips will be a combination of trips, local parks, and service oriented.  Field trips will take place during normal Camp hours. Campers will be transported via vans.

• Campers will be supervised by their cabin counselors in small groups at all times during field trips, unless parents have signed the independent form, provided via email prior to their campers first week of camp.
• Campers must wear their Camp Shalom shirt on field trip days.
• All campers in eligible groups will attend field trips. We are not able to provide supervision on-site at camp for campers who do not want to attend scheduled field trips.

Daily Activities & Sample Schedule

Sample Schedule – Traditional Program
8:45am-9:15am                      Drop-off
9:15am-9:30am                      Songs and Announcements
9:30am-10:00am                   Cabin Meeting
10:00am-11:00am                Visual Arts
11:00am-12:00pm                Field Games
12:00pm-1:00pm                   Lunch/Recess
1:00pm-1:30pm                      Turtle Time/Quiet Individual Choice Time
1:30pm-2:30pm                      Science/Teva
2:30pm-3:30pm                      Snack*/Playground
3:30pm-4:00pm                      Pack-up/Pick-up
4:00pm-6:00pm                      Extended Care (Additional Fee, Registration Required in Advance)

Sample Schedule – Specialty Program
8:45am-9:15am                      Drop-off
9:15am-9:30am                      Songs and Announcements
9:30am-12:00pm                   Specialty Activities
12:00pm-1:00pm                  Lunch/Recess
1:00pm-2:15pm                     Specialty Activities
2:15pm-2:30pm                     Snack*/Break
2:30pm-3:30pm                     Specialty Activities
3:30pm-4:00pm                     Pack-up/Pick-up
4:00pm-6:00pm                     Extended Care (Additional Fee, Registration Required in Advance)

*Snack – brought from home
**Specialty Camps do not take part in swimming or all camp events, as they will be busy taking part in their chosen specialty program.

Contacting Camp
You can always contact our Camp Office, 408.357.7416 or camp@jvalley.org, to speak with our knowledgeable camp staff.

For preschool campers you may contact the Preschool Camp Office directly at 408.357.7417 or katan@jvalley.org.

Weekly Communication
We will send out a weekly Welcome Email the Friday prior to your campers program with up to date information, as well as reminders for the upcoming week.

Communication though App
Be on the lookout for messages and updates through the Procare app! You will receive instructions prior to the start of your camp session.

 

Follow Camp Shalom

Stay up to date on all that Camp Shalom has to offer by following Camp Shalom online!

Follow us on Instagram at CampShalomJCC

Check out Camp Shalom on Facebook at CampShalomJCC

Sign-Up to receive our year-round monthly newsletter HERE

What to Expect
Most campers will have the chance to swim in the APJCC’s heated outdoor pool. Camp groups swim one at a time to ensure a maximum staff-to-swimmer ratio and maximum fun! 

Swim Schedule:

• Yeledim: will have recreational swim at least once during the week
• Sabra, Yalla, Kadima, Sababa and our NEW Focused programs: will swim at least once during the week.
• Sports & Swim: will swim at least three times during the week.
• Musical Theater: will have recreational swim once during their session
• Circus & STEAM camps will not swim during the camp day so they can focus on their specialties.

Your camper’s swim days will be determined ahead of time and we will communicate that to you. 

What to Bring
Please pack:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Pool shoes (preferably slip-on shoes or sandals) 
• Sunscreen 
• Goggles (optional)
• Puddle Jumper or Life Jacket, must be U.S. Coast Guard Certified (optional)
• Bag to pack your wet swimsuit and towel (optional)

Please make sure all belongings are labeled with your child’s name.

Water wings are not permitted. Please refrain from bringing large floaties. 

In Pool Supervision
The pool is staffed and supervised by the APJCC Aquatics Director, certified lifeguards, and swim instructors. Campers are supervised in the pool by Camp Shalom staff and APJCC aquatics staff at all times in adherence with ACA ratio regulations.

Medical Staff
Camp Shalom is proud to have a licensed Camp Medic on staff.

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

If your child has any allergies or medical needs, please indicate this when completing your camp forms, on the Health Information via your online account. 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.  

In addition, for all medications at camp families must complete a Medication Release and Record Form and email it to campmedic@jvalley.org.

You can email our camp medic at campmedic@jvalley.org with any questions prior to or during camp.

Medical Form
Please make sure to complete your Health Information form no later than May 19, 2023. Your child may not start camp until their health form is completed.  If you have previously completed the online Health Form, we ask that you still access the form and update any information accordingly.  This also includes Emergency Contact Information and Authorized Pick-Ups.

Hours
4:00pm – 6:00pm

Pick-Up

• Campers will be checked into Extended Care directly after the end of the regular camp day.
• When picking up your child please park your vehicle and walk to the Camp Office main door.
• Camp staff will greet you, check you have signed out via the Procare App and walk your child to you.

Registration
Advance registration is required for Extended Care. In order to maintain safe and legal ratios, we are unable to accommodate drop-ins. 

What to Expect
Campers will have an opportunity to hang out with friends, play games and do projects during this time. The Extended Care program is more loosely structured than the rest of the camp day.

For additional information visit out Extended Care page.

How do I apply for a Financial Assistance/Scholarships?

Camp Shalom provides a limited number of camperships (need-based scholarships) to campers who qualify. Financial Assistance applications for summer camp are due on April 1, 2023.
Applicants will be informed of scholarship decisions prior to the camp pay in full day, May 19, 2023.

To apply for a scholarship, please complete the following items:

• Financial Assistance Registration Form – submit to kidscholarships@jvalley.org
• Online Campership Application
  • Most recent Tax Return
  • Recent pay stubs or W-2
  • A brief personal statement, describing your need and how this APJCC program would benefit your child.

All items must be submitted in order to apply for financial aid. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Camp Shalom, along with our summer preschool program Katan, utilize the same application process and forms.

Please contact the camp office at 408.357.7416 or camp@jvalley.org with any questions.