CAMP CANYON
PARENT HANDBOOK
CAMP LOCATION
Our camp is located at the Molly Blank Jewish Community Center and is uniquely suited for a great camp experience. The spacious indoor and outdoor facilities, complete with playgrounds and air-conditioned facilities, will enable us to provide campers with summer fun, whatever the weather. Plenty of parking makes dropping off and picking up your child easy. There will be full supervision by Camp Canyon Staff at all times during drop off and pick up.
The Molly Blank Jewish Community Center is located at 930 W. University Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
AGES, DATES & TIMES
Adventure Division: Ages 5 -12
Kiddie Camp: Ages 2 - 4
Dates: Monday, July 1 - Friday, July 26, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (after care is available at an additional cost)
You may sign your child up per week or for the full 4-week session.
In order for your child to fully enjoy all the activities and projects during camp, we encourage his/her full participation. However, if this is impossible, customized dates may be worked out.
TUITION & FEES
Camp fees cover all activities, snacks, and trips. Although camp tuition goes entirely to cover costs, we understand that there are some who cannot afford the fees. We believe that every Jewish child should have this meaningful camp experience. No Jewish child will be refused because they cannot pay. Please call and speak to the Camp Director for confidential arrangements.
All camp fees must be paid before the first day of camp. There is a $50 deposit due with registration (to be deducted from tuition).
Adventure Division // Ages 5 - 12: $349 per week
Kiddie Camp // Ages 2 - 4: $299 per week
CANCELLATION POLICY
- There are no camp tuition refunds due to sick/quarantine days.
- No camp tuition refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 2 weeks before the first day of camp.
PROGRAMMING: AN OVERVIEW
Camp Canyon aims to expose campers to the widest array of activities, trips and educational programs. The daily schedule includes a mixture of sports, swimming, educational activities, drama, baking and creative crafts. All activities are carefully chosen to instill a spirit of sportsmanship, self-confidence, leadership and creativity. A week of Adventure Division generally includes two swim days and three trip days.
SWIMMING
Please make sure to send your child with a bathing suit & towel on swim days.
VALUES & JEWISH ENRICHMENT
Camp Canyon campers are imbued with a deep sense of pride in their Jewish heritage. Exciting activities, hands-on projects, stories, games, crafts and contests are part of the unique Camp Canyon experience. These events bring to life the beauty and value of our traditions and teach children positive values and character traits in a fun and exciting way.
CAMP CANYON FAMILY SHABBAT DINNER
All campers and their families are invited to celebrate Shabbat together at the Molly Blank Jewish Community Center. Please join us for a delicious four-course dinner in a warm, kid-friendly atmosphere.
Date: To be Announced
OUR STAFF
Counselors: Camp Canyon prides itself on its exceptional staff. All staff come with prior camp experience and a desire to work with kids. Our counselors are highly trained, dedicated and experienced, and are chosen for their warmth and ability to understand and care for each child as an individual. As positive role models, our counselors provide campers with an enriching summer experience, ensuring that each camper receives personal attention and guidance at all times.
SAFETY
We at Camp Canyon are dedicated to providing a fun, but SAFE environment. We strive to maintain counselor/camper ratios that far exceed those mandated by the state. Certified lifeguards (in addition to counselors) supervise swimming.
In case of a medical emergency, G‑d forbid, parents (or guardian) and family doctor (listed on the registration papers) will be contacted immediately.
Members of the Camp Canyon Summer 2024 staff are certified in CPR and First Aid.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND MEDICATION
If your child has any special challenges or conditions (i.e. social, behavioral), the knowledge of which would help us in caring for him/her and maximizing his/her camp experience, please bring them to our attention. It will allow us to address these needs properly and eliminate unnecessary difficulties.
All medication to be administered during camp hours must be clearly marked with camper’s name and be provided in its original container. A separate note containing dosage instructions and parent’s signature must be sent as well. If you would like to discuss your child’s health situation, please call the camp office.
WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS IN CAMP
Clothing: Clothes should be comfortable, washable and appropriate for camp activities. Younger children should have a complete change of clothing to be kept at camp.
Mark Clothing: Clothing, especially outerwear, should be marked with your child’s name.
Shoes: Campers should wear shoes that are appropriate for athletic activities. It is not advisable for campers to wear slides, flip-flops or croc-style shoes.
As we enjoy lots of outdoor fun every day, please send a water bottle and hat with your child every day.
YOUR CHILD’S BELONGINGS
There is a special Lost & Found box for lost articles, which will be displayed every Friday. Please alert us if your child has lost an item. The camp is not responsible for items lost during camp but will do our best to locate them. We strongly urge you not to send expensive items to camp.
LUNCH AND SNACKS
Please send a non-meat lunch and snacks with your child each day. The camp will provide additional snacks and drinks throughout the day.
TOILET LEARNING
A child is considered toilet trained when they initiate trips to the bathroom, and go almost every time. A child that needs regular reminders is still at the beginning stages of training, and should be in diapers at camp.
Diapers should be sent to camp in a labeled bag at the beginning of the week. As we enjoy water activities each day, please send a minimum of 10/week.
COMMUNICATION
We believe very strongly that open communication between camp and home is in the best interest of children, staff and parents. To facilitate this we offer the following:
Notes Home: Weekly newsletters with summaries of recent activities and plans for the coming week will be sent home with each camper. Check your child’s backpack for all notes.
Talk to the Counselor: To speak to your counselor, call the camp office and leave a message for her. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Arrival and dismissal times are not conducive times for meaningful conversations with counselors, as they need to be involved with the children.
Talk to the Director: Feel free to call the office with any questions or concerns you may have: 928-255-5756.
Keep us informed: If both parents are out of town the camp must be informed. As with all changes in arrangements, this should be in writing. It is also extremely helpful if you let us know when things are unusual at home. A stress can come from even positive situations, and counselors who are aware of the home situation are better able to help the children.
Change of dismissal plans: If your child’s end of day arrangement is different from the usual, please give a written note to the Camp Director. This includes changes in car-pool arrangements, play dates, etc.
A note on greetings: Parents want to see their child greeted warmly at the start of the day and rightfully so. Our greeting time extends until 9:05. After that, we start activities and the focus of the staff must move forward. For your child to have that warm beginning, it is important that you arrive on time.
Suggestions: Please share your feedback, suggestions, and critiques regarding any aspect of the camp’s program with us. Your input allows us to constantly improve and upgrade our program, and we value it greatly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does my camper find lost items?
Please mark all belongings with your camper’s name. Lost & Found items are available each day in the office, and displayed publicly on Friday. Please contact us regarding specific items.
How do I arrange to pick up my child during the camp day?
If you have to pick up your child during the day, please notify our office. Once we are aware of your arrival time, we can arrange to have your child ready for you. We cannot release campers without parental permission. Parents wishing to have their child released during camp to anyone other than themselves or their designee must make prior arrangements with the Camp Director.
What if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity?
No camper is forced to participate in any activity. However, we do urge campers to try all activities and take advantage of the complete program offered at Camp Canyon. We appreciate parental input and feedback on this matter.
What does my camper need each day?
A bathing suit and towel should be sent on swim days. Campers are advised to bring a water bottle every day. Counselors will apply sunscreen upon request.
Can my camper bring precious items to camp?
Campers should not bring jewelry, iPods, expensive toys, etc. to camp. Camp Canyon supplies everything campers may need.
How can I speak with my child’s counselor?
A call to the camp office will answer most questions. Since counselors are constantly supervising groups and activities, messages will be taken at the camp office. Please leave your name and evening phone number and the counselor will return your call as soon as possible.