Who are we?

Who is Camp Yavneh affiliated with?

Camp Yavneh is affiliated with Hebrew College of Newton. We are a K’lal Yisrael camp open to Jews of all backgrounds. Our camp is strictly kosher and Shomer Shabbat. Our campers, 320 each session, come from a range of religious observances. While the majority of our campers go to Jewish Day Schools (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Community), we have quite a number of campers who attend synagogue or community religious schools. The camp staff strives that as we build a community from these diverse backgrounds, each and every camper can find a place at Yavneh that is comfortable. Some families come from more rural settings and find Yavneh offers their child a strong Jewish base that lasts them from summer to summer! Click here to read about our camp philosophy.

Where do Camp Yavneh campers come from?

Our largest draw is in the New England states. We have quite a number from the New York/New Jersey area (we provide bus transportation to/from NYC), and the Baltimore/Washington area. In addition to those locations, we attract campers from many other states in the U.S. and occasionally foreign countries.

Where is the camp located?

We are in southern New Hampshire, an easy 1 ½ hour drive from Boston and a 5 hour drive from NYC. If you are driving up to camp on a weekend or Friday afternoon allow extra time due to traffic. The closest airport is in Manchester NH and is approximately 25 minutes from camp. Click here for driving instructions.

Jewish Experience

How does camp deal with t'fillot (prayers) for kids from diverse backgrounds?

Camp has both Orthodox and egalitarian services available to our campers. The younger kids have a learning minyan that is geared appropriately to their age group. T’fillot are camper led with input from our staff including our teachers.

What is the Jewish educational program at Yavneh?

Yavneh was established as an educational Hebrew speaking camp in 1944. The camp remains educational and we describe Yavneh as a camp where Hebrew is spoken. We make announcements in Hebrew, refer to buildings and activities in Hebrew and our plays are partially in Hebrew. In addition, the campers take a Hebrew/Judaics class daily with our professional teaching staff headed by Rabbi Dov Lerea. Click here for bios on our head staff. Each summer we have a theme that is woven into the fabric of the week. We boast of our wonderful warm Shabbat atmosphere and strong Israeli programming. Yavneh also sponsors a 6-week summer in Israel program called Na’aleh, after the campers Kerem or CIT year.

Is tutoring available?

We offer the following tutoring: bar/bat mitzvah lessons, Hebrew language and almost all secular studies. You will receive a form in the spring on which you can request that we arrange lessons with a teacher/Rabbi of your choosing. If you just want someone to listen to your child in preparation for their upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, we can also arrange for that as well. There is a fee for tutoring.

Communication

Can I call my child while they are at camp?

Most children adjust very quickly to being away from home. For some campers the adjustment is longer and a bit more difficult than for others. Speaking with parents while at camp can create a situation where children miss home and need to go through their adjustment all over again. Email or regular mail is highly encouraged on your part and the campers must write home twice weekly. The campers may not email or call home.

Can I stop by and visit while I am in the area?

No! Parents are not allowed to just stop in to camp. For the same reason that we don’t allow phone calls, parent visits can be incredibly disruptive to the campers and the camp program. Please do not stop by when in the neighborhood.

How can I see what is going on at camp during the summer?

Check out the Camp 2007 section of our website. It will be updated regularly with pictures and news from the staff. You should have received the password on opening day and by mail pre-camp.

Is there a way to know how my child is doing at camp?

Yes! Halfway through each session we send a progress report that gives a bit of feedback about your camper and lets you know what electives they have chosen to be involved with during their stay. If at any point we have concerns about your child that are not easily resolved, we will give you a call. Basically the old adage no news is good news holds here. By the way, this is also reflected in the letters you may receive from your camper. Many campers write little to nothing of substance in their letters. This is no reflection on whether they are having a good time or what they are doing!

Is there anything else concerning communication I should know about?

Yes. This summer we have a phone number that you can call into that will briefly tell you what is going on at camp. It also is a way for us to communicate with you if there is an emergency at camp or our phones are down etc. That phone number will be posted here soon.

To email the Head counselor for your child click here.

Camper Registration and Camp Visits:

I would like to visit camp while it is in session, how can I do that?

Please call the summer office after June 15th (603) 942-5593 to arrange a visit or click here and someone will get back to you. Visits usually last about an hour. There are no visits Friday afternoon, Shabbat or trip days.

How do I register for camp and when?

Registration for new families begins in early November which is when applications for new families are sent out. Call the camp office or email us info@campyavneh.org if you would like to be put on our inquiry list.

Am I guaranteed a space at Yavneh?

Unfortunately the answer is no. Yavneh is a very popular camp with a limited enrollment of 320 campers. Anyone who does not get into camp is put on a waiting list. For information about the waiting list click here.

I hear you have a 2-week program, how can we sign up?

Camp Yavneh offers a shorter camp program (just under 2 weeks) for first time campers who are currently in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade. The program is called Kaytana, and fills very quickly. If you are interested, send in your application as soon as you receive it. Campers who come for Kaytana may stay for the remainder of the month long session upon agreement between the camp director and parents. The decision is made based on how well the camper has adjusted to camp during their Kaytana stay. Your child may only do Kaytana once.

Food at Camp

Is the food really as good as we hear?

The food is great. Our kitchen staff listens to the desires of our campers, watches what they like and dislike and considers the needs of kids both from a taste and nutrition perspective. For the occasional picky eater, we always have a salad bar with many tasty ingredients, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a vegetarian choice at all meat meals. We recently added a fresh soup bar and it was a big hit! For more information on Yavneh Food Service (YFS) click here.

Is it true that you don’t allow food to be sent to camp?

It’s true! We provide nutritious meals with great desserts, snacks during the day, trips to Kolbo (our canteen) to get candy, slush, soda etc, and we have parties in the bunk for every campers birthday. We don’t allow food as it attracts critters to the bunks (remember we are in the woods). Additionally, some of the food that had been sent to camp did not meet the camps kosher standards.

Miscellaneous

What is the difference between the program of first and second session?

Each session has similar content regarding sports, art and waterfront activities. The big differences are that our Zimriyah (song festival) is in the first session as is our camp play. The second session has a Dance show –Rikudyah–along with the excitement of Maccabiah (color war). To learn more about what's happening this summer, click here.

Why do we need to send so many towels to camp?

Believe it or not, the kids can go through them. They use even more towels in a wet summer. The towels don’t have a chance to dry out so fast in the wet weather. If we knew that we would always have beautiful dry sunny weather we would recommend less towels, but it’s New England and the weather is unpredictable.

Do I need to give my camper money for spending?

No. We provide spending money whenever they leave camp on a trip. Additionally, we don’t charge for treats in our canteen. The only thing they can spend money on at camp is clothing and other sundries. These items will be charged to your bill. You can settle your account at the end of camp.

Can my child bring their Game Boy to camp? How about an Ipod?

Yes…. However, camp can be a good place to get away from attachment to video games and television. Please consider that although some kids do bring video games, many leave them home. There are lots of appropriate board games and card games that encourage the kids to play with each other instead of playing with the screen. IPOD's that play only songs are allowed. We don't allow any devices that play video's or that can communicate with other devices, This includes playstation portables (psp).

Is Scholarship available for camp?

Camp Yavneh has a scholarship program to help ensure that camp is available to families regardless of ability to pay. If you would like to receive a scholarship application, please request one with your application. If you would like to help campers who are requesting scholarship, you can click here to make a donation to our scholarship fund.