" Chavayah Overnight Camp for Girls - JCC Chicago

Chavayah Overnight Camp for Girls

5th-11th Grades

At JCC Chavayah Overnight Camp, Orthodox girls from across the nation break out of their normal routine. They climb a little higher, dig a little deeper and find a home away from home on a private lake, surrounded by 600 acres of majestic woods, with groomed fields overflowing with endless activities, uplifting spirit, kind community and non-stop laughter.

Our small family-like camp community develops deep connections. We hit the ground running with individual attention and a personalized approach. Each camper is valued for her contributions as she grows more independent, confident and responsible.

Counselors are friends, confidants, mentors and guides. We select the best staff and role models from a large pool of girls eager to spend the summer working with us.

Camp Director

Wendy Singer | 773.516.5883
Marni Scott, On-Site Director

2018 Camp Dates

June 20-July 15

Fees & Registration

Learning Through Participation

Through Parsha, stories, role playing and journaling, your daughter will gain enthusiasm and pride for her rich heritage. At Shacharis davening, we explore the prayers and gain a deeper appreciation for the beautiful text of our siddur.

Shabbos is very special with zemiros, ruach and dancing. Davening in serene surroundings adds to the achdus. Afternoon walks, games, skits, and Divrei Torah, prepared and given by campers, make this time together memorable. Special guest rabbis and their families guide and enrich the Shabbos experience.

Every day is a new experience

With dozens of specialties to experience, campers can be athletes in the morning and artists in the afternoon, scholars one day and adventurers the next.

Something for Everyone

Archery • Aerial Adventure Park • Arts & crafts • Boating • Canoeing • Challah baking • Choir • Drama • Fishing • Horseback riding • Outdoor cooking • Paddle boating • Radio • Rock climbing • Ropes course • Sports • Swimming • Tennis • Tubing • Video • Zumba

Our On-Site Director

Marni Scott is a lifelong camper having spent many summers as camper at Agudah Midwest, staff at Agudah Toronto and assistant director at The BEST Day Camp in Milwaukee. She is a graduate of HSBY High School in Chicago and earned B.A. in Middle Childhood/Early Adolescent Education from Mt. Mary College. Marni is passionate about the benefits of overnight camp and working with children and teens.

Sample Schedule

7:30am	Wake Up	1:30pm	Rest Hour & Canteen
8:00am	Daven	2:30pm	Activity 2
8:30am	Breakfast	3:45pm	Activity 3
9:00am	Shiur – Learning Groups	5:00pm	Swim or Waterfront
9:45am	Activity 1	6:15pm	Mincha
11:00am	Swim or Waterfront	6:30pm	Dinner
12:15pm	Lunch	7:45pm	Night Activity
		9:00pm*	Lodge Curfew
		*Older campers have a later curfew.

Our Special Ruach

The sense of sisterhood and belonging creates a ruach and energy that can’t be found anywhere else. There is spontaneous singing and cheering at activities, at meal times and during night programs, such as talent shows, bunk competitions, bonfires, pool parties, field trips, camp outs, and more.

Unit Descriptions

Juniors

Entering 5th and 6th Grade
Juniors is the perfect unit to guide campers while they transition into life away from home. Our nurturing staff is hand-selected for this age group to help them adjust smoothly into camp life. Campers are exposed to all of our amazing camp activities ranging from western horseback riding to the fine arts. After their first summer at Chavayah they will feel the Ruach and be hooked for life!

Seniors

Entering 7th and 8th Grade
Campers thrive on autonomy in this age group. The activities are endless and are designed to match this stage of early teen development. Campers participate in more camp activities and have special late night programs. The schedule is designed specifically for 7th and 8th grade campers to experience more at Chavayah while having ample time to create lasting life-long friendships.

Teen Camp

Entering 9th and 10th Grade
Teenagers find what they are looking for at Chavayah. Later wake-ups and curfew are all part of this amazing program. Teens have the chance to design their own day by choosing specialty activities for 3- and 4-day rotations. At Chavayah, teens stretch themselves by trying new activities and mastering different challenges. Come see what other surprises Teen Camp has in store.

Staff-in-Training

Entering 11th Grade
Chavayah’s Staff In Training (SIT) program introduces campers entering 11th grade to the responsibilities of being a Chavayah Staff member. The program teaches leadership skills through hands-on experiences, special projects, guest speakers and formal training. Specific areas of training include child development, group dynamics, team building, learning and camp programming. Depending on the SIT’s interest she can work with a bunk group or in a different area of camp.

For more information or to apply, please call the camp office at 773.761.9100.

Apachi Rogers Park + Chavayah Overnight Camp Combos | Grades 5-8

8 Week Combo | 5th-8th Grade
Get the best of both worlds! Spend 3.5 weeks attending Chavayah Overnight Camp and the rest of the summer at Apachi Rogers Park at a discounted price. That is 20% off overnight camp when you combine with day camp for a full JCC summer!

Session	Dates	Grades	Fee	Canteen + Trip Account
Dimyonah Day + Chavayah Overnight	6/17-8/10	5	$3,750	$35 + $35
ACT Day + Chavayah Overnight	6/17-8/10	5	$3,800	$35 + $35
Chavayah Day + Chavayah Overnight	6/17-8/10	6-8	$4,000	$35 + $35

Fees & Registration

Chavayah

Fall 2018 Grade	Fee	Canteen	Canteen + Trip Account
Grades 5-10	$3,215	$35	$35
Grade 11	$2,445	$35	$35

Apachi Rogers Park + Chavayah Overnight Camp Combos | Grades 5-8

Session	Dates	Grades	Fee	Canteen + Trip Account
Dimyonah Day + Chavayah Overnight	6/17-8/10	5	$3,750	$35 + $35
ACT Day + Chavayah Overnight	6/17-8/10	5	$3,800	$35 + $35
Chavayah Day + Chavayah Overnight	6/17-8/10	6-8	$4,000	$35 + $35

Additional Information

Transportation
Optional roundtrip bus service to/from Bernard Horwich JCC is available for $120/camper.

Canteen Fee
The Canteen is our camp store where campers can get snacks and purchase Chavayah merchandise. We operate on a debit system where each camper has an account. Any amount over $5 that remains at the end of the summer is refunded to you. Balances of less than $5 are retained as donations to our camp scholarship fund.

Trip Account
Campers do not bring spending money to Chavayah. Money too often gets lost or misplaced. Instead, we hold $35/camper in her trip account. When we go on field trips, we provide each camper with cash from her trip account to use as spending money. Our camp fees cover any costs associated with admission for field trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is Chavayah Overnight Camp for Girls located?

Camp is located on the grounds of JCC Camp Chi, on 600 acres of wooded land on Lake Blass in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. Chavayah is housed separately at the Perlstein Retreat Center. The camp is located 3 hours from Chicago.

Do campers get to choose what they do?

Juniors (5th and 6th Grade) and Seniors (7th and 8th Grade) participate in all activities as a bunk.

Teen Camp (9th and 10th) participants are able to choose an activity they really enjoy for 3-4 days at a time.

How many campers and counselors are in each bunk?

Each bunk has about 8 campers, 1 Senior Counselor, and 1 S.I.T. (Staff in Training)

Where do campers sleep?

Campers live at the Perlstein Retreat Center which is in a section of Camp Chi. The rooms are rustic hotel style rooms. There are 3-4 girls in each room. Each room has its own bathroom with shower. Every room is air conditioned.

Can my daughter request to bunk with a friend?

Camp provides a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends. However, if you daughter has her heart set on bunking with her bestie, mutual friendship requests can be made before June 1st. While there are no guaranteed about room assignments, we take this process very seriously and try to make everyone happy.

What is camp food like?

The food is amazing, our campers love it! A variety of options are offered at meals to cater to different tastes and a salad bar is available at most meals. In addition to the daily meals we offer snacks and campers visit our camp canteen for special treats 3 times a week. All food at camp is served under cRc supervision (all meats are Glatt). No food may be brought from home, unless arrangements are made in advance for special dietary reasons (allergies, gluten free, etc).

Do you accommodate campers with food allergies?

We can accommodate certain food allergies and dietary restrictions. These issues are coordinated directly with the camp director and kitchen manager. To make arrangements for special dietary needs, please call the camp office prior to the start of camp.

Also, please note that we are not a nut-free camp. Although nuts and nut oils are not used in preparation by our Kitchen or any food, we do offer peanut butter sandwiches at meals.

What does my child do if she needs to see a doctor or nurse?

Your daughter’s health and safety is our number one priority. JCC Chavayah Overnight Camp for Girls has access to Camp Chi’s health center. Staffed by 6 to 7 nurses and a resident physician, the health center is centrally located, air-conditioned and open 24 hours a day.

Campers receive excellent medical attention should they require treatment, take daily medications or need medical observation. If a child needs to get a prescription medication or is not well enough to stay in her room, we will notify you.

How does my child get to camp?

We offer round trip bus transportation from the Bernard Horwich JCC via coach bus for an additional transportation fee. You can sign up for the bus at registration time or at a later date once your plans are made. You may also drive your child to camp.

What if my child is needs to take an airplane to get to camp?

Camp will provide bus pick from O’Hare Airport for an additional transportation fee. (We do not provide transportation from any other airports.) Please contact the camp office for details before you book your flight.

What does my child do with her luggage?

Luggage will go on bottom of the coach bus that your child is riding to camp.

What should my child pack?

Please see our 2017 What to Pack List.

Download

What is the dress code?

Campers must dress appropriately for all camp activities.

Skirts must cover knees
T-shirts must cover elbows
No pants outside of the bunk house areas
No capped sleeves
No low cut neck lines
Cover-ups must be worn to the lake and pool activities

Do you provide laundry service?

Camp provides laundry 2 times during the camp session.

Do you provide linens?

Camp provides sheets, pillows, and blankets for all campers.

What extra money should my child bring?

You camper does not need to bring money or cash to camp. When you register, you put money into your daughter’s canteen and trip account. These funds are what your daughter will use for all visits to the canteen and for spending money on out-of-camp trips. We will help campers manage this money. If, for some reason they run low, we will contact you.

For the canteen account, any amount over $5 that remains at the end of the summer is refunded to you. Balances of less than $5 are retained as donations to our camp scholarship fund.

Are there offsite camp trips?

We take campers on trips during the camp season. Trips may include Devil’s Lake State Park, Mt. Olympus Amusement Park and bowling.

How can I communicate with my camper?

You may send snail mail, emails, and packages that adhere to our camp package policy. The package policy can be found in our parent guide, which is posted in your CampInTouch account a few weeks prior to the start of camp.

When will I hear from my child?

We post pictures and newsletters from camp every few days. Your child may call home on their birthday or if they are ill. You may contact the on-site camp director anytime there is a concern. She will return all calls within 24 hours, less if there is an emergency.