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Camp Kesher: A Fun-filled Weekend of Jewish Experiences

Open to all who seek to deepen family, friendship, and spiritual connections in the context of a Reform Jewish experience.

Scholar-in-Residence
Rabbi Denise Eger
Labor Day Weekend:
Friday, September 2 at 2PM – Monday, September 5, 2011 at 1PM.
Vashon Island, Washington

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Questions and Answers:

  1. Is there a recommend packing list for camp?
    Yes, here is the recommended Camp Kesher Packing List.
  2. How do I get to camp and what ferry should I take?
    Here is the 2011 Directions and Ferry Information.
  3. What is the schedule of activities?
    Here is this year's schedule so you can get an idea of the kinds of activities available. 2011 Schedule.
  4. Is there a curfew policy for teens?
    Yes, there is a curfew policy that needs to be read and signed by all parents or guardians of teenage campers and brought to camp.
  5. What is Gaga?
    Gaga is an Israeli game, similar to dodge ball, played inside a small hexagonal enclosure (see picture).
  6. How's the food?
    The food is great. The meals are served family-style or buffet. There is a vegetarian option at all meals and people who can guide you with any food issues.
  7. What do you do at camp?
    There is so much to do…there are scholar sessions for the adults, a well run camp program for kids, beautiful places to sit and relax or read or run. Every day there is free time before dinner with lots of fun activities offered by various Kesher campers.  Examples from past years have included Challah baking, team sports, archery, knitting circle, and a Kesher band.
  8. What goes on at night?
    Every night after dinner, there are family group activities – Israeli dancing, a talent show, sing-a-long and a game night. For the teens, there is special teen programming. Lots of people bring Mah Jongg sets and other games and play at the tables in Rounds Hall (our dining room).
  9. How are the cabins?
    The cabins are basic but clean and functional– there are wood frame beds and bunks. Some cabins have windows, some screens. Most cabins are situated near a bathroom but very few have their own bathrooms. You will need to bring linens, sleeping bags, pillows and towels with you to camp. Different cabin areas have different configurations. Most cabins have separate counselor areas with one – three single beds. We do our best to match everyone’s needs with the cabins available.
  10. What about my teenagers?
    The older teenagers at camp serve a very special function: they are the counselors for the Kids’ Camp and are paid a stipend.  The 8th graders participate in a special program where they learn CPR and other “life” skills.  During the evenings, there are special (fun!) teen programs run by our Teen Advisor. 
  11. What about services?
    There are lovely outdoor (weather permitting) services, including a Friday evening service, a Saturday morning service and Havdalah under the stars. There are also Shacharit Services on Sunday and Monday morning, as well as a healing service. We have many Rabbis from our local congregations join us, providing a variety of service styles. There is a Saturday morning kids service as well. We also bring in song leaders to provide musical accompaniment at services and sing-a-longs.
  12. What happens in the Kids Camp?
    The kids are split up into grade-level groups with counselors and participate in many activities around beautiful Camp Sealth including music, games, canoeing and arts and crafts. For reference here is the Kids Camp Schedule from a previous year.

Sponsored by the Reform Congregations of Western Washington

Endorsed by the Pacific Northwest Council of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)