Who can attend Camp Raanana?
Camp Raanana is committed to providing dynamic summer camping experiences for all campers 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 its own beautiful private beachfront at Independence Lake County Park (3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189). The facility includes a large covered pavilion, a private swimming beach, sports field, small playground, volleyball courts, nature trails, and access to a large playground, boating area, and spray zone. 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). 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 on 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 2011 season are June 20 - August 19 (the week of August 15-19 is our 9th Week program, consisting of field trips each day).  The JCC youth department is also offering a Summer Fun Days program from August 22-26.

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.

What is the 9th Week program?
The last week of camp is called our 9th Week program and is our all field trip week. We do not go to the camp site at Independence Lake during that week, but instead go on a different field trip each day. It is a very fun way to end the camp season! The 9th Week program is included on the camp registration form and counts toward the two week minimum for campers.

Do you offer any programs after camp ends?
Due to the timing of Labor Day this year, most schools will start two weeks after camp ends and HDS will start one week after camp ends. To help bridge this gap, the JCC youth department will offer a Summer Fun Days program from August 22-26. Students can sign up for one or more days during the week. The programs will be based at the JCC and each day will feature a field trip or special activity. The Summer Fun Days are for JCC members ONLY in grades K-5; middle school students may participate as helpers for a reduced fee. A separate registration form is required for the Summer Fun Days. The Summer Fun Days do not count toward the two week minimum for campers.

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. For more information about JCC membership, please click here. Families new to Ann Arbor may qualify for a half price membership; call 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 listed on the registration form. 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 at Camp Raanana. Our scholarship application is posted on the Brochure & Forms page each year. 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 registration deadline. If you cancel a week after the registration deadline, 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 $14 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 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Maas Lounge at the JCC. PM Care features a late afternoon snack and enhanced programming such as organized craft projects, outdoor games, and special activities including challah making on Shabbat. Campers who are registered for PM Care or who are not picked up on time will be escorted to PM Care at 4:00 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 modified on field trip and special event days and on Fridays to accommodate our Shabbat celebrations. Please note that campers must arrive by 8:55 a.m. since busses leave promptly at 9:00 a.m.

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 sports, 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, wave pools, 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. Pioneer schedules for each week will be sent out in the weekly email newsletter. Here is a sample schedule for a typical week:

How does transportation to camp work?
We provide round trip school bus transportation from the JCC to Independence Lake each day. Pioneer campers (and occasionally Group Yarok and Kachol campers) travel in the JCC's minibus or van. 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 at Independence Lake in the morning or use the North Side Pick-Up option (advance notice is required). Afternoon pick-up is between 3:45 and 4:00 p.m. at the JCC.

How does the North Side Pick-Up option work?
A morning only pick-up option is available for campers who live on the north side of town. The pick-up site is located at the corner of Plymouth Road and Green Road, by the volleyball courts in the Holiday Inn parking lot. Parents must wait with their camper until the bus arrives between 9:20 and 9:30 am; the bus leaves immediately if no one is present. If no one selects north side pick-up for a given week, the bus will not stop at the pick-up site. The north side option is not available on inclement weather days and field trip days (including 9th week and 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 drop off my camper at Independence Lake in the morning?
If you wish, you may bring your camper directly to the camp site at Independence Lake in the morning and wait with your camper until the bus arrives between 9:30 and 9:45 am. This option is not available on inclement weather days and field trip days (including 9th week and 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 Independence Lake in the afternoon?
Afternoon pick-up is from the JCC only, except for special circumstances. Parents who join us for our Shabbat celebrations on Friday afternoons may leave with their campers from camp. Parents who need to pick up their campers early from camp for other circumstances must contact the Camp Director in advance.

How do I get to camp?
Our camp is located at Independence Lake County Park (3200 Jennings Road, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189). If you need to drive to camp for a special event or to pick up or drop off your camper, please click here for a document with a map and directions. If there is a ranger at the entrance booth when you enter the park, let them know you are there for the JCC's day camp - you should not pay a fee to enter.

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 Independence Lake 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). 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. Campers are given certificates recognizing their swimming progression after the end of the summer.

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 three swimming areas at our waterfront (white water, blue water, and red water). White water is very shallow and the other water areas gradually deepen to around 4 feet. All campers are required to pass a swim test which determines into what color 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, close-toed shoes, hat (optional), water shoes (optional), goggles (optional).  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 bug spray, if desired) 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 their Camp Raanana 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, stuffed animals, 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 (including Pioneers) 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 to heat up food items. Also, please note that campers and staff are not allowed to share lunch items with other campers (except siblings).

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.

Is food provided to campers kosher and nut free?
An afternoon snack is served daily to all campers and an additional evening snack is served to campers in PM Care. All snacks provided are nut free and contain only kosher ingredients. However, some items served to campers are occasionally cooked in the JCC kitchen (which is dairy only but not kosher certified) or on the public grills at Independence Lake or camp overnight locations. In addition, Pioneer campers visit a variety of field trip sites and may occasionally receive edible treats that are not certified kosher and nut free. Families will have an opportunity to notify us if they do not wish their campers to eat food prepared in the JCC kitchen or on public grills, or if they do not wish their Pioneer campers to receive field trip treats that are not certified kosher and nut free. The pizza that is provided for lunch after camper overnights and that is available for purchase at some special camp events is not kosher, but we are happy to provide kosher alternatives with advance notice.

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?
Camp Raanana features unique Judaic learning experiences and opportunities. In addition to Shabbat celebrations and music & culture sessions, campers enjoy an annual visit and performance by the Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan. Camp Raanana's staff each summer also includes two Israeli shlichim (emissaries) who serve as counselors and specialists at camp. These dynamic staff members enrich the camp program and the entire community, as local families have the opportunity to host the shlichim for three-week periods. If you are interested in being a host family, please contact Deborah Huerta at 734-971-0990 or deborahhuerta@jccfed.org.

What are your Shabbat celebrations like?
Friday afternoons at camp are a special time filled with Jewish 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 2:15 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 last Friday of camp at Independence Lake (August 13th 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. Note: 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 overnight trips at Howell Nature Center 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 at Howell Nature Center, 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 is $25 per overnight). These events are always a hit with our 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. Teens may register for one or both four-week CIT sessions and must also attend several pre-camp staff training sessions.

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, and then the teens receive an honorarium upon successful completion of the training program. Once CITs have completed the initial four-week training program, there is a lower fee to participate in additional weeks. Fees and honorariums 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 or honorariums 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 Deborah Huerta at deborahhuerta@jccfed.org or 734-971-0990 as soon as possible. CIT applicants are given an employment 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 4:00 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.

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 during the camp day and help supervise campers during all the daily activities, including music, sports, nature exploration, arts and crafts, field trips, and swimming (all campers and staff go in the water every day).

What type of supervision do CITs receive?
During the summer, CITs are assigned to camp groups for two to three week periods where they are directly supervised by a college-age Head Counselor. Typically after two weeks we move the CITs to a different group so that they can learn from a different Head Counselor and gain experience working with a different age group. The CITs are under the overall supervision of the 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 Deborah Huerta at deborahhuerta@jccfed.org or 734-971-0990 by February to request an application.

Still have questions?  Contact Deborah Huerta at deborahhuerta@jccfed.org or (734) 971-0990 for more information.