Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What kind of discounts do you have?

Early Bird Discount

Campers who register by 6:00 pm on March 1, 2019 will automatically receive the early bird discount of $50 per full week ( $30/ 3 day per week sessions). All registrations completed after 6:00 pm on March 1, 2019 will be at the full price.

Sibling Discount

Families with more than one child enrolled in any Camp Keff program will receive a 4% discount on all programs for each enrolled child. When you register two or more campers on one account at the same time this discount will apply automatically. If you registered your campers in more than one transaction, please contact us at camps@pjcc.org so we can apply this discount on our end.

Financial Assistance

The PJCC is proud to provide financial assistance to families with financial need. To apply, contact us at 650.378.2704. Priority will be given to qualifying applications received before Friday, March 29, 2019. Paper registration forms and a $200 deposit per camper are required for those applying for financial assistance. Submitting a financial assistance application is not a guarantee that financial assistance will be awarded.

Do I need to be a PJCC member to attend camp?

No, you do not need to be a PJCC member to participate in any of our programs. However, membership does provide you with great discounts on our programs and Priority Registration for Summer Camp. Please contact the Youth Office at 650.378.2704 for information on how to become a member.

How are the camper groups broken up?

We break campers up by age in preschool. We split campers by the grade the camper will be entering in the fall for all other programs. You are able to make friend requests for campers so that they are with their existing buddies. This is an especially good idea for campers in signature camps, since there are multiple units of the same camp. The unit names and grades are listed below:
• K’tonton: age 2 – 3
• Yeladim: age 3 – preK
• Kindercamp: entering Kindergarten
• Yomah: entering grades 1 – 2
• Kefftana: entering grades K – 2
• B’Yachad (Together): entering grades 3 – 4
• Kadima (Moving Forward): entering grades 5 – 6
• Teen: entering grades 7 – 9
• Counselor In Training: entering grades 10 – 12
• Mix & Match and Adventure Camps have combined grades. We group grades K – 2 together and grades 3 – 6 together.
• Shalom Session: There is one program for campers entering grades K – 6

What is the ratio of campers to staff?

This varies slightly based on age. Younger groups have a lower ratio of campers to staff. All of our ratios meet or exceed the standards set by the American Camp Association. Preschool and Kindergarten have a ratio of 6:1, Grades 1 – 6 have a ratio of 8:1 and Grades 7 – 12 have a ratio of 10:1.

What is the schedule of an average day?

Below are the sample daily schedules for our signature camps. Program content and schedule is subject to change based on special program days and unforeseen circumstances.

Time	Day Without Swimming	Time	Day With Swimming
9:00am	Mifcad (Morning Meeting)	9:00am	Mifcad (Morning Meeting)
9:45am	Activity Period 1	9:45am	Activity Period 1
10:40am	Activity Period 2	10:40am	Activity Period 2
11:35am	Lunch	11:35am	Lunch
12:30pm	Activity Period 3	12:05pm	Change
1:25pm	Activity Period 4	12:25pm	Swimming (Activity Period 3)
2:20pm	Snack	1:05pm	Change
3:00pm	Dismissal	1:25pm	Activity Period 4
		2:20pm	Snack
		3:00pm	Dismissal

Registration

Can I register my child for multiple camps at the same time?

Due to staffing and camper space restrictions we do not allow campers to be enrolled in multiple camps that run at the same time. You may register your child for one camp per camp week, session lengths vary.

Can I get prorated for days of camp that my child misses?

We are not able to prorate any days that your child misses camp. There will be no reduction or refund of fees for camp programs or extended care because of absence, illness, suspension, expulsion, or withdrawal due to changes in family circumstances during camp sessions.

Can I request that my child is in a group with friends?

Yes you can! During the registration process there is a box for friend requests. Simply type the name(s) of the campers you would like your child to be with. While we do our best to meet grouping requests, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

I am holding my child back a grade, which program should I register for?

We request that you register your child in the group based on the grade they will be entering in the fall. Please call the camp office at 650.378.2704 to discuss your child’s particular situation.

How does applying for financial assistance work?

First, complete a paper camp registration form. These can be printed from the online registration link or provided at the Welcome Center or Youth Office at the PJCC.
Second, return the completed registration form along with a $200 deposit per child to the Preschool office for preschool campers or the Youth Office for campers entering grades K – 10. We will register your children to save their spots, pending the results of the Financial Assistance Application.
Third, our membership department will contact you with details on how to complete the Financial Assistance Application. Next, our financial assistance committee will review all applications and notify applicants if an award has been given.

Programs

What do you do in preschool camp?

We offer a variety of activities for our preschool campers; swimming, art & crafts, cooking, music, PE, jumping in the bounce house, special guests. Each day includes a rest period and naptime for our full day campers that require a break from all of the fun! Activities for our youngest campers age two also includes a plethora of sensory experiences, water play, messy open ended art that focuses on strengthening fine motor skills and nurturing creativity.

Why is Shorashim a great program for two year olds?
Shorashim is designed to help our young campers separate from their parents in a safe and nurturing environment and to foster independence and social skills. Each activity is planned and designed intentionally to meet and refine the development of gross and fine motor skills of two year olds.

What do preschool campers do in Etzim?
Etzim helps children socialize as well as gain self-confidence through a variety activities planned and designed intentionally to meet and refine the development of gross and fine motor skills of three and four year olds. Basic swim instruction is provide by water safety instructors one or two times a week in the shallow end of our indoor swimming pool.

What do you do in a signature camp program?

The signature camp programs have an emphasis on building community, enhancing social skills and relationships, and a rich exploration of Jewish values and culture. We provide a diverse mix of activities including swimming, sports, crafts, science, Israeli culture and fieldtrips. Campers in Grades 3 – 6 even get to go on a camping trip each session!

What is unique about Kindercamp?
In addition to all of the great camp activities Kindercampers get two special Kindercamp only programs. First, each afternoon the campers enjoy a nice break from all the running around, with a quiet story time to help the campers recharge for the rest of the day. Second, each session the Kindercampers have their very own themed party day. Campers enjoy special activities, games and treats!

What kinds of special programs are in Yomah?
Yomah is a program designed to really give campers a sense of independence. This is highlighted in one of the most anticipated programs of each session, the Yomah overnight! Once per session all of the Yomah campers spend the night at the PJCC. This is a great opportunity to spend a night away from home with all of their camp friends!

What makes B’yachad (together) unique?
B’yachad is a co-ed program for grades 3 – 4. Every session includes a three day, two night camping trip! In addition, field trips, swimming, camp wide special events make every day at camp truly KEFF!

Why is Kadima (Moving Forward) all the rage?
Introducing our NEWEST signature camp, KADIMA just for campers in grades 5 & 6! Kadima translates to “moving forward” which is exactly what these campers are doing summer. Kadima campers experience Camp Keff in their own exclusive way. Each session is filled with different experiences and adventures that are unique and KEFF such as; a ropes course, giant hamster balls, drones, water sports, an Escape Room, cooking classes, a field trip and advanced science & art programs. Of course, Kadima sessions culminate with a camping trip with activities based on wilderness skills, astronomy, and a history of the Redwoods. Join us for an unforgettable summer of growth, friendship and KEFF!

What do you do in an adventure camp program?

Adventure camps are one week programs. They are themed and are focused on a single activity or concept. These include sports, fine arts, performing arts, and science.

What makes Adventure Camps special?
One week camps offer a unique experience for our campers to delve into their own interests with professionals in their field. Campers come together as one big group in the morning for Mifcad and then head off to their specialty areas where they engage in their specialty theme in-depth through projects, activities, and with the use of their imaginations. Campers also join together as one big camp community during lunch and at the end of the day. With only a week to dig into their area of expertise, campers are always busy discovering and learning!

What do you do in a Mix & Match camp?

Mix and Match is a Camp Keff exclusive – it’s two camps in one! Create a customized week of camp that meets your camper’s interests and needs. Choose one morning and one afternoon option each session.

What do you do in the Teen programs?

Teen camps are an awesome way for teens entering grades 7 – 9 to build lasting friendships, learn new skills, travel, and build a sense of independence. Adventure travel camps include Bay Busters, a two week adventure that combines the best of cool urban destinations such as amusement parks along with some great outdoor sports including surfing and a ropes course, the trip concludes with a three day, two night camping trip. We also have a five day trip to SoCal where teen get to go to Disneyland and stay in a vacation home packed with their friends. Extreme Excursion is a high action packed week that includes a ropes course, indoor skydiving, white water rafting, and a trip to Lake Tahoe!

Our creative camps for teens are focused on developing skills in the world of Maker. Design awesome items using 3D printers, laser cutters and more at the Tech Shop in Maker Camp.

All of these camps are led by professional staff and give teens an opportunity to learn, have fun, and grow on many levels.

Staff

How do we screen our staff?

We require all staff to go through a multiple step application process which includes a criminal background check. Our staff is chosen for their enthusiasm, ability to be silly, skill in working with children and attention to safety. All our staff members are high school graduates or older, and many are long-time community members who have been preschoolers, campers and participated in leadership programs at the PJCC. Preschool teachers are the camp counselors for our preschool camp programs.

How is our staff trained?

Each of our staff participate in a week-long training to give them tools to keep your child safe, design programs, and teaching techniques for working with each age group. In addition, our camp head staff participate in an additional week of training as well as a first aid and CPR course.

Swimming

Does camp include swim lessons?

Campers in signature camps Age 3 – Grade 6 have swim periods one to five times a week, depending on the program they are enrolled in. The aquatics staff provides some basic swim instruction in each of these periods. Campers in grades K-6 also get some supervised recreational time to splash around at the end of the instructional period.

Are there options for my child to swim more?
Yes. Campers in Kindercamp or Yomah can add four more swim periods a session in Aqua Kids from 3:00 – 4:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

You can also add a full set of swim lessons. For more information on swim lessons please contact the aquatics department via email at aquatics@pjcc.org by phone at 650.378.2782 or online by following this link PJCC Swim Lessons.

How do you keep the kids safe in the water?

The key to safety are clear expectations for the campers and lots of supervision while the campers are in the water. In addition to the amazing Camp Keff staff we add the swim instructors and lifeguards to facilitate the programming in the pool and add additional layers of supervision.

When campers in our B’yachad, Kadima and teen programs swim off site whether at a water park, lake or the ocean lifeguards are always present and trained to be life guards in the areas the campers are swimming in. Campers may only swim in designated areas when it is safe to do so.

Field Trips

Who goes on field trips?

All of our signature camp programs for grades K – 12 as well as some one week programs leave the campus for a field trip at least once per session. Older groups go on multiple trips per session. We take campers to a variety of destinations on both day long field trips and for grades 3 – 6 on our two night camping trip. Unfortunately, these trips are for campers only, parents are not permitted to attend. Preschoolers do not have trips in any of their programs. For our youngest campers special guests come to us!

How do you keep the campers safe on field trips?

Just like at camp we maintain our low camper to staff ratios. We also provide tags for the campers to wear along with their camp t-shirts. This makes identifying them easy in public places. Campers are counted constantly on trips and given clear safety instructions prior to departure and at field trip sites.

How do you safely transport the campers to the field trip destination?

The campers and staff are transported on chartered school buses or on PJCC buses with PJCC drivers. All of the PJCC buses have seat belts, while the school busses have either seat belts and/or high seat backs to protect the campers in the event of an accident. All of the vehicles and drivers are regularly screened by the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles and comply with all laws and safety requirements set by these agencies.

Where do you go on the field trips?

The field trips include popular Bay Area destinations. Each trip is designed to be appropriate for each age group. Some destinations in the past have included AT&T Park, Fairy Land, Raging Waters, The Exploratorium, Children’s Creativity Museum, and Memorial Park for our camping trips.

Food

Do you have hot lunch?

Yes! You can add lunch to any 5 day/week Preschool camp and most Grade K – 6 programs. Camps that don’t offer lunch are off site all or the majority of their camp program. Our friends at SchoolFoodies, prepare meals for your child fresh every day!

Please note, if you have SchoolFoodies from another program at the PJCC or another organization that account will not sync with camp. Simply add lunch when you register online, or contact us at camps@pjcc.org and we will help you get set up.

Can my child’s lunch be refrigerated or heated at camp?

Unfortunately, we do not have the storage space to refrigerate lunches or an ability to efficiently heat camper’s lunches. Please send your child to camp with a lunch with an ice pack inside if it needs to stay cool. Please do not send campers with lunches that need to be heated.

What food does Camp Keff provide?

Each day we provide a nutritious morning snack for preschoolers and kindergartners that need one on days with a late lunch. We provide all campers an afternoon snack. Snacks can include fruit, vegetables, yogurt, or cheese and crackers. On overnights we provide all meals and snacks except lunch on the first day of the trip.

Do I need to provide a Kosher meal for my camper?

In respect of the Jewish dietary laws known as Kashrut, we simply ask that you do not send your child to camp with any pork or shellfish products. Camp Keff will not serve milk and meat at the same time and any meat served (ie. camping trips or family programs) will be Kosher style.

Is camp nut free?

Camp is not nut free. We do not provide any food or snacks that include nuts. However, some campers may bring nut products in their personal lunches. Please contact the Camp Office if your child has allergies or if you have concerns.

Judaism

Do you have to be Jewish to attend camp?

No. We have an inclusive community that celebrates the strength of diversity. Our camp programs welcome campers and families from all faiths and backgrounds. One of our PJCC Guiding Principles is Hachnassat Orchim, which means “welcoming all” in Hebrew.

Are there programs about Judaism?

Yes. Our Jewish cultural programming is an important component of our camp, and we believe that our celebration of the values of justice, repairing the world, and community are universal.

What do you do to celebrate Shabbat?

Each week we spend Friday welcoming in the Jewish day of rest, Shabbat. Fridays are a special and unique day of the week. Friday morning’s campers in our traditional camps participate in our Shabbat Fair where they choose from a variety of activities and crafts. Every Friday afternoon we invite families to join us for a special song session and the traditional Shabbat blessings. We also have Shabbat picnics for all of our camp families, including preschool. This is a great opportunity for parents to have a taste of camp and to play some camp games, sing songs and see pictures of all the happy campers in our slideshow.