Who can attend Camp Raanana?
Camp Raanana is committed to providing dynamic summer camping experiences for all campers in grades Kindergarten through 10^th Grade who wish to attend. We provide a welcoming environment for campers of various cultural backgrounds and religious observance levels, and also strive to include special needs campers when possible. In addition, we offer scholarship assistance to qualifying families. JCC membership is not required to participate in camp, but non-members must pay a non-member fee of $50 per session per camper.

Where is Camp Raanana located?
Our camp is located on a beautiful, sandy beachfront onCedarLake (2500 Pierce Rd.Chelsea,MI48118). The facility includes a yurt (round hut), covered pavilion, a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing dock, grassy field, nature trails, and amphitheatre. We provide round trip school bus transportation from the JCC each day (see below for information about other transportation options). In cases of inclement weather, campers enjoy a variety of pre-planned activities in the JCC gym and lounges.

How are the campers grouped? Can my camper be with his/her friend?
Campers are grouped into groups according to the grade they are entering in the fall (group names are based on the Hebrew words for colors). Kindergarteners are in Group Adom (red), 1st graders are in Group Katom (orange), 2nd graders are in Group Tzahov (yellow), 3rd graders are in Group Yarok (green), 4th and 5th graders are in Group Kachol (blue), and 6th to 8th graders are in Chalutzim (pioneers). Our Counselor-in-Training program for 9^th and 10^th graders affords older campers the opportunity to work with younger children.  Even if your camper is in a different group than some of his/her friends, there are many times during the day (such as song sessions and free swim) and week (such as Shabbats and special activities) when the groups interact. The two or three youngest groups tend to interact quite a bit, and Groups Yarok and Kachol are together for specialties each afternoon.

What is the staffing for each group? Will my camper have the same counselor all summer?
Our staffing arrangements are designed to provide campers with excellent continuity as well as the opportunity to form connections with multiple members of our wonderful staff. Each group is led by a mature Head Counselor who has completed at least one year of college and has prior day camp experience. Group Adom (entering Kindergarten) and the Pioneers (grades 6-8) each have two Head Counselors. The Head Counselors work with the same group for the entire summer and are assisted by Junior Counselors who may work for half or all of the summer. In addition, Counselors-in-Training typically join groups for two week periods to assist the Head Counselors and Junior Counselors. 

How long are the camp sessions? Is there a minimum number of sessions?
We offer nine one-week long sessions to provide families flexibility with scheduling. Each week features different specialty choices for campers in grades 3-5 and a unique all-camp field trip or special event, typically on a Wednesday. Campers must register for a minimum of two weeks (not necessarily consecutive). Many campers join us for all or most of the summer, but we are also happy to welcome campers for just a few weeks. Our counselors are trained to help new campers transition into camp and integrate into the group each week.

What are the camp dates?
The camp dates for the 2012 season are June 25 - August 24.

Do you offer any programs the week before camp starts?
Although some students are out of school already, we do not offer any programs the week before camp starts, since we use that time for staff training.

Do you offer any programs after camp ends?
Due to the timing of Labor Day this year, most schools will start one week after camp ends and HDS will start the week immediately after camp ends. In order to best prepare for school-year programs, we will not be offering a gap week program in 2012.

Do you have to be a JCC member to register for camp?
JCC membership is not required to participate in camp, but non-members must pay a non-member fee of $50 per session per camper. In many cases, it is cheaper for families who aren't already JCC members to join the JCC rather than pay the non-member fees. Becoming JCC members also qualifies you for discounts on many JCC programs and entitles you to participate in the JCC's member-only programs during the school year, including programs for days off school and snow days. Families new to Ann Arbor may qualify for a half price membership; call the JCC at 734-971-0990 for details.

Do you offer a sibling discount or any other discounts?
We do not offer a sibling discount. Instead, we have an early bird registration option so that all families can take advantage of savings opportunities. The early bird deadline is April 1st. Families that register by the early bird deadline receive $5 off per session per camper. Families that also pay in full by the early bird deadline receive an additional $5 off per session per camper.

Do you offer need-based scholarships?
Yes, we offer need-based scholarships to qualifying families in order to enable as many children as possible to enjoy part or all of their summer atCampRaanana. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for scholarships as funds may be limited. Please note that all camp families also have the option to set up a payment plan to spread payments out over the summer (payment will be due prior to each session).

When are payment and registration due?
A $100 deposit per camper is due with registration. Families are encouraged to register as soon as possible in order to reserve their space and take advantage of early bird discounts. Payment in full for all sessions is due by June 1st unless arrangements for a payment plan are made in advance. Registrations may be accepted after the June 1st deadline if space is available; a $10 additional fee per session applies.

What if I need to add, change, or switch weeks BEFORE the registration deadline?
After registering for camp, you may add, drop, or switch camp weeks as needed until the June 1st registration deadline. We know that figuring out summer plans can be difficult as you juggle vacations, work schedules, and family budgets. So we encourage you to register in advance and reserve your space for as many weeks as you think you would like, and then adjust your schedule in April or May once you finalize your summer plans.

What if I need to add, change, or switch weeks AFTER the registration deadline?
We understand that plans can change and that families of first-time campers, in particular, are often unsure of how many weeks of camp they will need. So we are happy to help you modify your schedule at any point during the summer (depending on space availability). A $10 additional fee applies for weeks added after the June 1st registration deadline. If you cancel a week after June 1st, you will be refunded the session fee minus a $25 cancellation fee. There is no charge to switch weeks.

Can my camper register for the same specialty twice?
For campers entering grades 3-5, we offer a choice of two unique specialty options each week. Campers should indicate their specialty requests on their registration form. A few of the specialties are offered more than once over the course of the summer. Campers may select the same specialty twice, but other campers who have not previously participated in that specialty will be given priority.

How do I register for extended care? Can I sign up by the day?
Families register by the week for extended care on the camp registration form. For campers that are not registered for extended care, drop-in care is available with advance notice. Families are billed at the end of each month for drop-ins; a higher per day rate applies ($7 per camper for AM Care and $7 per camper for PM Care).

How does morning care work?
We offer AM Care from 7:30-8:45 a.m. in the Maas Lounge at the JCC. AM Care offers low-key supervised activities such as arts & crafts, board games, and reading. Campers that are registered for AM Care may be dropped off at the JCC beginning at 7:30 a.m. Parents must park in a parking spot, escort their camper into the building, and sign in. At 8:45 a.m. the AM Care staff escort the campers to their camp groups at the front of the building.

How does afternoon care work?
We offer PM Care from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Maas Lounge at the JCC. PM Care features a late afternoon snack and enhanced programming such as organized craft projects, and outdoor games. Campers who are registered for PM Care or who are not picked up on time will be escorted to PM Care at 5:00 p.m. Parents should park in a parking spot and enter the building to pick up their camper from PM Care and sign out. A $10 fee is charged for late pick-ups.

What is the staffing for the entering kindergarten group?
It is always exciting to welcome a new group of campers to "big kid" camp each summer! Our entering kindergarten group is led by two experienced college-age Head Counselors who are trained to help campers adjust to their first camp experiences. The Head Counselors are assisted by outstanding Junior Counselors and Counselors in Training to help make each day run smoothly and enjoyably for the campers.

Do you offer nap time for entering kindergartners?
We do make sure the schedule is a bit slower-paced for our youngest campers, but we do not offer nap time at camp. We keep the campers engaged, well hydrated, and well nourished, and the vast majority do not have any trouble adjusting to the camp schedule. They certainly all sleep well at night after a full day of camp (and occasionally a few campers will fit in a quick nap on the bus ride back to the JCC)! If you have a camper who still naps and you are concerned about the transition, you may way want to consider starting with our 3-day program for entering kindergarteners.

How does the 3-Day Program for entering kindergartners work?
Campers entering kindergarten may choose to attend either our full week program or our 3-day program. The 3-day program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Campers in the 3-day program will get to experience our weekly field trips and special events, our Shabbat celebrations on Fridays, and most of the activity sessions that we offer. However, 3-Day kindergarteners will not get the full benefit of our Red Cross swim instruction program since they will only receive one swim lesson per week. Campers may start off in the 3-day program and switch to the full week program later in the summer.

What is a typical daily schedule for campers entering grades K-2?

We keep our campers busy, sunscreened, hydrated, and happy throughout the camp day! Campers entering grades K-2 follow the schedule below and have three swim lessons each week (3-day kindergarteners have one lesson). They also enjoy daily free swim time and numerous fun activity sessions including sports, arts & crafts, music, and nature. The afternoon schedule is modified on Fridays to accommodate our Shabbat celebrations and does not apply on Wednesdays when we have our field trip or special events. Please note that campers must arrive by 8:55 a.m. since busses leave promptly at 9:00 a.m. Click here to read about a typical day at camp!

What is a typical daily schedule for campers entering grades 3-5?
Campers entering grades 3-5 group follow a modified version of the schedule shown above. Each morning they enjoy activity sessions including arts & crafts, music, nature, and twice weekly swim lessons. They spend an extended specialty period engaged in their chosen specialty each afternoon (except on Wednesdays when we have our field trips or special events), and then head to the waterfront for free swim at the end of each day. The afternoon schedule is modified slightly on Fridays to accommodate our Shabbat celebrations, during which campers in some of the specialties get to give special presentations. Specialty options are described in the camp brochure and must be selected on the registration form in advance.

What is a typical weekly schedule for Pioneer campers (entering grades 6-8)?
Pioneer campers have a varied and stimulating schedule. About half of each week is spent traveling to exciting field trip destinations (including rock climbing, ropes courses, arcades, water parks, canoeing museums/tours, nature hikes, laser tag, sporting events, berry picking, bowling, and more). The rest of campers' time is spent enjoying activities at camp, engaging in fun mitzvah projects, and participating in weekly special events and all-camp programs. Schedules for each week will be sent out in the weekly email newsletter. Here is a sample schedule:

How does transportation to camp work?
We provide round trip school bus transportation from the JCC toCedarLake each day. Pioneer campers (and occasionally Group Kachol campers) travel in the JCC's minibus. All campers must be dropped off at the JCC between 8:45 and 8:55 am; busses leave promptly at 9:00 am. Parents may also choose to drop off their campers atCedarLake in the morning or use the West Side Pick-Up option (advance notice is required). Afternoon pick-up is between 4:45 and 5:00 p.m. at the JCC.

How does the West Side Pick-Up option work?
A morning only pick-up option is available for campers who live on the west side of town. The pick-up site is located in the parking lot of K-Mart, near the corner of Jackson and Maple Roads. Parents must wait with their camper until the bus arrives between 9:20 and 9:25 am; the bus leaves immediately if no one is present. If no one selects west side pick-up for a given week, the bus will not stop at the pick-up site. The west side option is not available on inclement weather days and field trip days (most Wednesdays), or for Pioneer campers. All campers must be dropped off at the JCC on field trip days and inclement weather days. Pioneers must be dropped off at the JCC every day. Parents may call the JCC to check about inclement weather days.

Can I drop off my camper at Cedar Lake in the morning?
If you wish, you may bring your camper directly to the camp site atCedarLake in the morning and wait with your camper until the bus arrives around 9:30 am. This option is not available on inclement weather days and field trip days (most Wednesdays), or for Pioneer campers. All campers must be dropped off at the JCC on field trip days and inclement weather days. Pioneer campers must be dropped off at the JCC every day. Parents may call the JCC to confirm plans for inclement weather days.

Can I pick up my camper at Cedar Lake in the afternoon?
Afternoon pick-up is from the JCC only, except for special circumstances.

What do you do if it rains or if there is severe inclement weather?
We constantly monitor the weather for the safety of the campers and staff. As part of our emphasis on nature, we operate rain or shine, so we ask that parents send their campers with appropriate attire (including sweaters for cool days). If it is raining lightly, we continue camp activities as normal whenever possible. If it begins raining harder, we run activities under the pavilion at camp. If inclement weather is approaching, we return to the JCC and run activities in the building. On days when we decide not to go to CedarLake due to inclement weather forecasts, alternate activities take place at the JCC.

What do you do to keep campers safe during hot weather?
Water is available for drinking at all times and we make sure campers stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. Our counselors are trained to spot warning signs of overheating and encourage campers to drink sufficiently. On very hot days, we make sure to run most activities under the shade of our pavilion or the many trees on the camp site. If there is ever a weather warning about dangerously hot conditions, we can opt to stay at the JCC for the day and do activities in the air-conditioned gym and other rooms.

What are your sunscreen procedures?
All the campers get sunscreened multiple times each day - upon arrival at the camp site, after lunch, before free swim, and any additional times deemed necessary. Counselors apply sunscreen for the younger campers, while older campers sunscreen themselves under counselor supervision. Campers must bring a bottle of sunscreen labeled with their name to camp each Monday. For campers in grades K-5, the sunscreen is kept in a bucket at camp for the week and then returned on Fridays. On field trip days, at the waterfront, and during PM Care, we use our own supply of SPF 45+ hypoallergenic sunscreen (except for campers with sensitive skin or allergies; please contact us to make arrangements). Pioneer campers typically keep their sunscreen bottles in their bags.

How does your swim instruction program work?
Our Red Cross certified swim lessons, which are included for all campers in grades K-5, help campers develop into skilled swimmers and learn to love the water. We offer swim lessons geared toward all levels of swimming ability, including instruction for non-swimmers. Campers entering grades K-2 receive lessons three times a week and campers entering grades 3-5 receive swim lessons twice a week. Entering kindergarteners who select the 3-day program receive lessons once a week. It is highly recommended that campers attend several consecutive camp sessions in order to derive the maximum benefit from their swim lessons.

Do you find that campers are really able to learn to swim in a lake? Is it hard for them not have anything to swim to (like the side of a pool)?
Yes, the campers do learn to swim in the lake! We work hard to expose the campers to the fun of swimming and get them comfortable with nature and the water. We have swim lines all around the swim area and between the different depths, so the campers can swim to the lines. Most campers are also able to stand in the two shallowest depths. And, of course, our counselors and swim instructors make excellent targets to swim to, as well! Goggles help some kids feel more comfortable in the water, and some also like to wear water shoes.

Can campers wear water shoes in the lake?
Most campers are comfortable without water shoes, but some prefer to wear water shoes in the lake. Water shoes are always permitted during free swim, but campers may be asked to remove their water shoes during swim lessons so they can practice kicking and other skills.

Do you help the campers change into and out of their bathing suits if necessary?
We ask that campers come to camp wearing a bathing suit underneath their clothes so that they can spend more time swimming and less time changing. However, for girls in the entering kindergarten group, we recommend that bathing suits be packed in their bag unless they are wearing a two piece suit. Counselors help the kindergarten girls change before swimming so that they don't have to deal with taking off their bathing suits during bathroom breaks. We do help all the younger campers change out of their swimsuits after swimming. We have high staff to camper ratios so the process goes very smoothly, and we make sure to have male and female staff on hand at changing time.

What are your safety procedures at the waterfront?
All of our counselors are trained in water safety, first aid, and CPR and we use only our own Red Cross certified lifeguards and swim instructors. Staff members are stationed within each of the swimming areas at our waterfront, which are classified by swimmer ability.  All campers are required to pass a swim test which determines into which water levels they may go. A color-coded nametag is placed on the appropriate section of our Buddy Board when a camper goes into a particular color of water, and our lifeguards conduct frequent buddy checks and head counts.

What do campers need to bring each day?
Campers should bring the following items to camp each day: a nut-free and meat-free lunch, bathing suit, change of clothes, water bottle, towel, hat (optional), water shoes (optional), goggles (optional). Campers should wear closed-toe shoes at all times, both to protect their feet and so that they can participate in all our camp activities; campers may go barefoot or wear water shoes at the waterfront. If campers wish to use goggles at the waterfront, they may bring their own goggles or use the camp's supply. Campers should bring all their belongings in a backpack that they can carry and all items should be clearly labeled. At the start of each week, camper must also bring a bottle of sunscreen and a bottle of bug-spray to be kept at camp for the week.

Do campers need to bring their own sunscreen?
Campers must bring a bottle of sunscreen labeled with their name to camp each Monday. For campers in grades K-5, the sunscreen is kept in a bucket at camp for the week and then returned on Fridays. On field trip days, at the waterfront, and during PM Care, we use our own supply of SPF 45+ hypoallergenic sunscreen (except for campers with sensitive skin or allergies). Pioneer campers typically keep their sunscreen bottles in their bags.

Do campers need to come to camp wearing their bathing suits?
We ask that campers come to camp wearing a bathing suit underneath their clothes so that they can spend more time swimming and less time changing. However, for girls in the entering kindergarten group, we recommend that bathing suits be packed in their bag unless they are wearing a two piece suit. Counselors help the kindergarten girls change before swimming so that they don't have to deal with taking off their bathing suits during bathroom breaks.

Can campers wear water shoes in the lake?
Most campers are comfortable without water shoes, but some prefer to wear water shoes in the lake. Water shoes are always permitted during free swim, but campers may be asked to remove their water shoes during swim lessons so they can practice kicking and other skills.

What do campers need to bring and wear on field trip days?
All campers must wear theirCampRaanana t-shirt for our all-camp field trips on Wednesdays. Campers are given their t-shirt on the first day they attend camp each summer. For field trip days, campers typically need to bring the same items as for a normal day of camp. Some field trips do not require swim items and this information is provided to parents in advance. Since lunches are not placed in coolers on field trip days, campers may wish to include an ice pack in their lunches.

What items are not permitted at camp?
Camp is a place for children to make new friends, explore nature, and experience personal growth. Toys, blankets, game cards, cell phones, and other electronics are not permitted at camp as they detract from the camp experience and have a high likelihood of getting lost, damaged, or misplaced. Any cell phones, electronics, or other items deemed inappropriate for camp will be immediately removed from campers' possession and returned to their parents at the end of the day. In addition, campers may not bring money to camp. Since we are a nut-free and meat-free camp, products containing meat, poultry, shellfish, nuts, animal shortening, or animal fat are also not permitted.

What are your lunch policies and procedures?
Campers should bring a nut-free, meat-free lunch and a beverage to camp each day. Lunches may not contain meat, poultry, shellfish, or products containing nuts, animal shortening, or animal fat. Lunches are placed in coolers with ice packs when we arrive at camp each morning. On field trip days, lunches are not placed in coolers so campers may wish to pack an ice pack in their lunches. Pioneer campers should include an ice pack in their lunch box every day if needed. Please note that we do not have a microwave.

What are some suggestions of what to pack for lunch?
Here are some suggestions of what to pack: Vegetables & Dip, Egg Salad, Cheese & Crackers, Cheese Sandwich, Tuna Salad, Yogurt & Fruit, Fish Sticks, Potato Pancakes, Muffins, Cold Cheese Pizza, Kugel, Pasta Salad, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Nachos & Salsa, Gefilte Fish, Bagel & Lox & Cream Cheese, Veggie & Cheese Pita, SunButter or Soy Nut Butter Sandwich, Cheese & Bean Burrito, Cottage Cheese & Fruit.

What are your snack policies and procedures?
An afternoon snack is served daily. All snacks provided are nut-free and contain only kosher ingredients. However, some items are occasionally cooked in the JCC kitchen (which is dairy only but not kosher certified) or on the public grills at camp. Families may notify us if they do not wish their campers to eat food prepared in the JCC kitchen or on the camp grills. (The pizza available at some special events and programs is also not certified kosher.)

Can I send a special snack on my camper's birthday?
If your camper is celebrating a birthday, you may send a special snack for your camper's group and we will arrange a time to celebrate. All treats provided must be nut-free and certified kosher, so we do not allow home-baked goods to be served (fresh fruit is acceptable). Packaged treats cannot say "made in facility that processes nuts" and must display one of the following kosher certifications (a K alone is not sufficient):

What type of Jewish content do you have at camp?
CampRaanana features unique Judaic learning experiences and opportunities. Campers explore Jewish values and connect with Jewish and Israeli culture through engaging Music & Culture sessions each week.  On Fridays, the entire camp community gathers for a special Shabbat celebration. CampRaanana also hosts an annual visit and performance by the Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan, a group of talented Israeli teenagers who bring the sights and sounds of Israel to life through singing, dancing, storytelling, and activities.

What are your Shabbat celebrations like?
Friday afternoons at camp are a special time filled with song and dance, storytelling, and skits and performances by the campers. Campers always look forward to our weekly Shabbat celebrations and our Friday snack of challah and grape juice! Pioneer campers typically help lead the Shabbat prayers and organize camp-wide games before our Shabbat celebrations. Each Shabbat features a performance by a camper group or by participants in the specialties for campers entering grades 3-5. The campers work very hard on their performances for Shabbat and are thrilled when their families are able to attend our celebrations. Parents, grandparents, and siblings are invited to join us for Shabbat beginning at 3:15 pm each Friday that we are at camp. The schedule of Shabbat performances is provided in advance.

What is Shabbat at the Lake?
On the second-to-last Friday of camp at Cedar Lake (August 17th this year), families who attended any camp sessions during the summer are invited to a special Shabbat celebration featuring inspiring performances by all the camper groups! Pizza is available for purchase at the event, or families may bring a nut-free and meat-free picnic dinner. Campers who do not stay for the event are transported back to the JCC as usual and PM Care is provided as usual.

How do the camp overnight trips work?
Each summer, we offer two singleton overnight trips atHowellNatureCenter for campers in grades 3-5 and two for campers in grades 6-8. Campers may choose to attend either or both of the overnights for their age group and may participate in the overnights even if they are not attending camp that week. After arriving atHowellNatureCenter, campers set up tents, have a hot dog or veggie dog dinner, enjoy a nature hike, make s'mores, and tell stories around the campfire before settling in for the night. Campers returning to camp the following day are provided with breakfast and lunch. Registration forms for the overnights are available at the beginning of each summer (the cost the cost is $25 per overnight). These events are always a hit with our campers!

What happens during the 7^th Week Overnight program?

New this year,CampRaanana is offering a full-week overnight program during the week of August 6-10.  This week is the perfect introduction to sleep-away camp: a familiar site with old friends and favorite staff!  Campers will have full program days, beginning with an optional Polar Plunge (chilly, early morning swim) before breakfast in the Lodge.  The program day will be a modified version of the day camp schedule listed above, but will include afternoon rest time immediately after lunch and evening activities after dinner such as night hikes, campfires and sunset swims.  All campers will return to their bunkhouses for lights out no later than 10 p.m.  (younger campers will have earlier lights-out times than older campers).

What is the Counselor-in-Training program?
Camp Raanana offers a fun and supportive CIT program for teens who have completed 8th or 9th grade and are making the transition from camper to counselor. CITs receive training and hands-on experience in child development, leadership and team-building, conflict resolution, program planning, and first aid. CITs also get to participate in social activities and special field trips. Accepted teens may register for one or both four-week CIT sessions.  The program is broken down into two classes: First-Year CIT is like an apprenticeship, where participants get a combination of workshops, supervised opportunities to work with younger campers and general camp activities; Returning CIT is more like an internship, where participants will work directly under the guidance of a senior staff member to hone the skills learned in CIT 1.

Is there a fee to participate in the CIT program? Do the CITs get paid?
Families pay a fee for their teens to participate in the CIT training program. Once CITs have completed the initial four-week training program, there is a lower fee to participate in additional weeks. Fees are described in the brochure and registration form. Please note that families must be current JCC members to participate in the CIT program.

What if a CIT needs to miss a few days of camp?
If a CIT will be absent for a few days, we would simply need to be notified in advance. We don't adjust the fees for absences of just a few days.

What is the application process for the CIT program?
A limited number of spots in the CIT program are available each summer, so interested families should contact camp director Shoshana Jackson at shoshanajackson@jccfed.org or 734-971-0990 as soon as possible. CIT applicants are given an application to complete. The camp director then meets with the applicant and a parent to go over the application and discuss the CIT program. Once a CIT is accepted into the program, the family submits the registration form.

What are the hours for CITs?
CITs are asked to be at the JCC to help with car-line starting around 8:40 a.m., but they can get to the JCC as late at 8:55 a.m. if that is not possible. CITs are usually done helping with afternoon car-line by 5:00 p.m., but can be picked up a few minutes earlier than that if necessary. CITs are also welcome to come as early as 7:30 a.m. and stay as late as 6:00 p.m., but must be in the after-care room with the rest of the campers and staff.

What activities are CITs involved in during the day?
CITs are involved in all of our camp activities throughout the day. Besides helping with car-line, they stay with their assigned group or activity area during the camp day and help supervise campers during all the daily activities, including music, nature exploration, arts and crafts, field trips, and swimming (all campers and staff go in the water every day). CIT 1 campers will spend much of their days as a group, in workshops or general camp activities, but will spend some time shadowing camp staff.  CIT 2 campers will spend their session assigned to a camper group or special activity area and work under the guidance of a senior staff member.  All CITs also get to meet as a large group for several CIT training/mentorship sessions each week.

What type of supervision do CITs receive?
First-year CITs will spend much of their time with the CIT counselor, in workshops and training sessions or participating in general camp activities.  When doing their shadowing sessions, CIT 1s will be supervised by the senior staff member in the group or program area.  During the summer, Returning CITs are assigned to camp groups or activity areas for two- to three-week periods where they are directly supervised by a college-age Head Counselor or Specialist. Typically after two weeks we move the CIT 2s to a different assignment so that they can learn from a different staff member and gain experience working with a different age group or activity area. The CITs are under the overall supervision of the CIT counselor, camp director and assistant director.

What is the Junior Counselor program?
Enthusiastic and responsible teens who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade are eligible to work as Junior Counselors at camp. This is a paid position which requires a four-week minimum commitment. Junior Counselors may be hired for either four or eight weeks. Applicants must have previous experience in a day camp setting and must attend several pre-camp staff training sessions. Interested teens should contact camp director Shoshana Jackson at shoshanajackson@jccfed.org or 734-971-0990 by February to request an application.

Still have questions?  Contact us at campdirector@jccfed.org or (734) 971-0990.