2. O
ur mission is to nurture and develop productive Jewish citizens. This, in turn, results
in more vibrant Jewish and secular communities. The immersion environment we
call ‘camp’ is the means to that end. Fun and adventure are the prime motivaters for
attendance, yet our program provides content on multiple levels. You should be aware of this
approach as it reinforces your decision to send your child to our camp. In fact, every experience
is unique and as camp professionals we understand there is far more to camp than simple fun.
With this in mind, we’d like to share with you a detailed explanation of the camp magic and how,
through careful design, it benefits your child.
People often associate developmental growth with activities such as sports or drama. We believe
every interaction and activity can impact personal growth. Whether it is a communal meal
served in the dining hall or a lively song session, the experience leaves an indelible impression.
These ‘moments in time’ are the puzzle pieces that challenge children to reflect and contemplate
their place in the world. Camp is a place of extraordinary highs and occasional lows — just as in
everyday life. Campers learn, grow, challenge, fail, invent
and discover themselves, all in a uniquely Jewish setting.
Please take time to digest this information and feel
free to ask questions. We are committed to providing a
rewarding summer that grows in intensity as our campers
mature. We also want you to feel good about choosing
Capital Camps as the vehicle for your child’s physical,
emotional and spiritual growth. We consider it an honor
and a sacred task. Thank you for being part of our camp
family.
The Staff and Board of Directors
Capital Camps
Jon Shapiro, Camp Director, and
Julie Finkelstein, Assistant Camp Director
4. by future challenges. However, growth is possible only if
the environment supports risk-taking. We accomplish
this by reinforcing the core values and simple obligations
described below.
Obligations and Core Values
Obligations – These elements represent a simple but
important bond between our agency and your family.
They impact every decision and program we operate and
are foremost in our minds at all times.
1. Safety – The safe return of each child to their home is the basis for
our relationship with our camp families. You trust us to care for
your child and we place this trust above everything else — period.
2. Role Models – Our staff must be exemplary role models at all
times. They must care and nurture your child. There are no
exceptions.
3. Fun – Camp is about children having fun. If it is not present,
none of the serious identity-building activities can take place
and be absorbed.
4
The Immersion Experience
E
very summer, children and staff create a community that
touches the hearts, souls and minds of its residents. How
is it possible for a program to so profoundly affect the
psyche of an individual? The answers can be found in conditions that
are rare in the ‘real world’ but commonplace at camp. For example,
we provide food, shelter, structure and other parental services, but we
are not parents! As a result, campers enjoy the freedom to challenge,
experiment and learn about
themselves in a different
way than at home. This 24/7
immersion experience is
immensely powerful.
With the guidance of senior
staff and the lessons learned
from two decades of Capital
Camps history, communal
norms are established each
summer. The campers help
shape the community at
the same time absorbing its
dynamic, supportive culture.
The research is indisputable in attributing a positive Jewish identity
to a quality Jewish residential camp. Adults consistently rank
overnight camp as a significant factor in their own development.
Where do you place it? The long-term payback of a Jewish overnight
camp is social, educational and spiritual maturation. We take this
responsibility seriously.
Ideally, the immersion process takes place over multiple years at the
same camp. With this in mind, we have designed our curriculum so
that each year brings new challenges based on developmental stages
and programs are held in reserve to ensure campers remain excited
5. Core Values – Four core values provide a stable foundation that
we integrate into our programs:
1. Community – Kehillah
Experiencing life as part of a larger community is integral to
camp’s unique ability to create engaged members. We provide
opportunities to experience communal living with unrelated peers,
to understand responsibility for others and to appreciate how
individual actions impact the larger community — both in and out
of camp.
2. Challenge and Risk – Etgar v’ Hishtadlut
Being away from home requires children to think independently in
a safe environment. At camp, we guide children through the highs
and occasional lows associated with communal living and decision
making. Taking risks in a supportive environment is critical to
positive developmental growth.
5
3. Empowerment – Hasmacha
By inspiring campers to think critically and learn leadership
skills, our campers achieve a more complex sense of self
and greater self-confidence. Our program is designed to
consciously and subconsciously empower participants in
age-appropriate ways throughout the summer and their entire
camp careers.
4. Jewish Education – Chinuch
Immersion in a world where Judaism is fun, vibrant and an
everyday part of life is essential for Jewish engagement. A love
of Judaism and Jewish life is woven seamlessly throughout camp
life and allows campers to take ownership of their own spiritual
journey. Jewish education takes many forms at camp and our
pluralistic approach ensures everyone’s comfort level is respected.
6. 6
Village Life
V
illage life is the backbone of camp. It is where friendships are
forged and individuals become a “cabin family.” Villages are
considered home turf by children, and therefore sacred space.
We have designed intimate villages with unique physical and program-
matic attributes. There are, however, universal norms that shape the
camp experience regardless of the specific village.
• Boys and girls do not enter each others living space and respect
personal space and privacy.
• Respect for individuals and community property permeates camp
life. A cabin or tent is a home. Graffiti or any defacement of
property is never allowed.
• Healthy living includes a zero tolerance for the use of drugs and
alcohol.
• We encourage age appropriate relationships between boys and girls.
Developmentally appropriate relationships are safe and provide good
memories. Sexual activity, however, is neither appropriate nor accepted.
• Religious observance — in whatever form — is universally
respected and nurtured.
The programmatic nature of village life is incremental and incorpo-
rates all that came before and all that will follow. Our camp program
is designed to mature in tempo with our campers.
Benjamin Village ~ rising grades 3-5
Goals
• Develop independent living skills
• Identify shared values for cabin behavior
• Encourage independent decision-making and understand the
impact of behaviors on others
Method
We use a variety of tools (e.g., work-wheels and group meetings)
to divide up cabin responsibilities. Every camper is encouraged to
make their own choices. Ensuring a safe ‘home space’ relies on
ongoing dialogue between campers and staff and careful monitoring
of group dynamics.
7. 7
Reich Village ~
rising grades 6-7
Goals
• Foster group decision-making and
conflict resolution techniques
• Encourage individual ownership
of the camp experience and greater
choice in activities
• Camper council introduces cabin
and village leadership
Method
We allow campers to design a greater portion of their daytime
routine. A Camper Council with elected representatives provides an
avenue for feedback from peers and fosters interaction with all village
staff. Gender-based programs nurture relationships among cabin
groups. At a time when external societal pressures frequently push
boys and girls together, we handle the rapidly changing minds and
bodies of our campers with a heightened degree of sensitivity.
Kaufmann Village ~ rising grades 8-9
Goals
• Individual empowerment
• Camper-guided planning and facilitation of program
• Increased discussion of ethical and moral issues
Method
Teenagers desire increasing control of their lives. To support this, we
introduce ‘schedule by choice’ allowing campers to choose activities
that create a personalized daily curriculum. Camper Council helps
identify issues that require debate and possible change. We also
introduce topics that encourage the discussion of ethical and moral
issues — often led by the teens themselves.
Macks Village ~ rising grade 10
Goals
• Emphasis on leadership training
• Individual responsibility to the “communal village”
• Village-specific curriculum planned and implemented
by campers and staff
Method
Macks Village concentrates on social justice and advocacy as a
foundation for programs that enhance both camp and the broader
community. The elective component focuses on hands-on leadership
as a transition to staff training. Campers work alongside staff
to develop programs and curriculum. An extended off-site, team-
building trip pushes boundaries and encourages exploration of
mental, physical and emotional stamina.
8. 8
Leader-in-Training (LIT) ~ rising grade 11
Goals
• Continuation of leadership development with a focus on program
selection, development and implementation
• Hands-on experience leading programs for peers and younger
campers
• Introduction of the formal transition from camper to staff member
Method
Using an extended off-site trip as a catalyst for discussion, camp-
ers visit a location synonymous with quality programming (e.g.,
Disneyworld). Returning to camp, participants rotate to various
specialty areas in order to better learn how program helps shape the
camp experience. Daily seminars reinforce “teachable moments”
and facilitate group learning. The LIT program, subsidized by
Capital Camps, is our investment in the future of a strong staff team.
Participation in the program is by application only and space is limited.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) ~ rising grade 12
Goals
• Advanced leadership curriculum with emphasis on the develop-
ment of counselor skills
• Increased knowledge of child development milestones
• Introduce a change of perspective from camper to counselor in
preparation for a staff role the following year
Method
The CIT program focuses on milestones associated with the final year
of high school. We delve into team and individual commitments and
the challenges associated with the transition to a college environment.
A week-long community service trip helps the CITs forge relation-
ships that transcend summer and often last a lifetime. Participation in
this subsidized program is by application only and space is limited.
Special Needs
The Atzma’im
(Hebrew for inde-
pendence) program
represents a significant
commitment to the
notion of an inclusive
community. Children
join this program and
are enveloped in a
comprehensive support
system that helps ensure a successful experience for them and their
cabin mates. All campers live in regular cabins, and the strength of
the program is derived from its mainstreamed nature. As we teach
tolerance and kindness, the Atzma’im program is a powerful hands-
on educational element that has proven to be meaningful to all
members of our community.
9. 9
Discipline
C
orrecting behaviors in a
camp setting can be a
challenge, depending on
the transgression and multiple other
factors. For the most part, we offer
simple verbal corrections and train
our counselors to be sensitive,
consistent and yet clear in their
expectations of future behaviors.
We also preempt potential problems
by using basic group work tech-
niques such as cabin meetings and
age-based discussions. If necessary,
senior staff members or our social
workers may process the situation in a group or cabin setting.
We work with staff to identify and distinguish bullying from rough-
housing. The behavioral standards we establish are designed to
create a consistent and thoughtful approach to community childcare.
Moreover, we stress that in all cases, it is our expectation that they
ask a supervisor, social worker or administrator for help. A strong
communications system and clear incident report tracking help
ensure safety for all and fairness across the board.
On occasion, a behavior may warrant interaction with parents and/
or guardians. During these more significant issues, we strive to work
collaboratively with all parties to ensure appropriate resolution.
Occasionally, this results in the departure of a child from our commu-
nity. The early departure of a child does not necessarily preclude
their rejoining us in the future. Forgiveness is a core Jewish value as
is personal responsibility. Should a child depart camp based on a
behavioral issue and wish to return, we do insist on a meeting to
ensure that there is an appropriate understanding of the situation and
a baseline expectation of behavior for the upcoming season.
Staff Qualification
We recruit responsible, respectful, hard-working, mature,
and motivated individuals who display a clear understand-
ing of camp core values. Staff must be minimally high
school graduates, as caring for children over an extended
period can be emotionally and physically taxing. All staff
members are interviewed and references/background
checks undertaken before they can begin employment. In
addition, all staff attend a one-week intensive orientation
training prior to camp. Orientation covers important
topics such as health and
safety, emergency protocols,
developmental stages, and
discipline. Over the course
of the summer we provide
ongoing feedback, formal
and informal supervision,
mid-season evaluations and
staff forums that allow for
input directly to admin-
istrators. Many staff are
ex-campers who have grown
up with us and ensure our
values and traditions permeate the current season.
At the core of a quality camp program is the senior level administra-
tors who oversee every facet of camp life. Our Camp Directors and
agency senior managers are college graduates with degrees correlating
to their professional portfolios. They have spent many summers as
campers, counselors and senior level staff. During non-camp periods
we continue to invest in their education via professional conferences,
workshops as well as other relevant educational opportunities. Their
knowledge and experience of working with children and young adults
in the camp setting is second to none.
10. 10
Judaism, Ritual & Israel
Reich Village
Theme: Giborei Yisrael v Dugma (Heroes & Role Models)
Jewish heroes are used as examples to help develop a sense of per-
sonal responsibility regarding their role in the Jewish, American and
global communities. Understanding how individuals have histori-
cally and successfully inspired change despite daunting obstacles is
a powerful lesson, especially when related to situations in campers’
daily lives.
Kaufmann Village
Theme: Avadim: Bein Adam L’chavero (Ethics & Values)
Kaufmann campers are encouraged to explore their opinions as
they relate to ethical and moral decisions and to make choices and
challenge assumptions based on their Jewish heritage.
Macks Village
Theme: Tzedek & Kehilah (Social Justice & Communal
Responsibility)
Communal responsibility and
social justice is the backdrop for
potent discussions that teach
campers the Jewish values of
tzedakah and tikkun olam.
LIT Program
Theme: M’dor L’dor (Generation to Generation I)
LIT campers are urged to incorporate positive Jewish content into the
programs they create and establish enduring Jewish camp traditions.
Jewish Values & Learning
We give everyone in our community the opportunity to live Jewishly
for weeks at a time. From blessings at meals to the Hebrew names of
our buildings, campers are subtly reminded of their Jewish heritage
every step of the way. Creating Jewish programs requires talented
educators who specialize in ensuring that fun permeates our pro-
grams. Camp must simply make Jewish content ‘cool’ in the eyes of
our campers and staff for it to have the greatest impact possible.
Benjamin Village
Theme: Oneg V’Simcha (Celebrations)
We focus on celebrating Jewish events together as a cabin, village or
the entire camp community and provide campers with the chance to
sample diverse approaches to Jewish ritual and celebrations.
11. 10
CIT Program
Theme: M’dor L’dor (Generation to Generation II)
In preparation for the transition to staff, CITs learn Jewish approaches
to working with children and discuss how being Jewish offers the
opportunity to weave cultural and value-based nuances into the fabric
of the camp experience.
Staff Members
Theme: Dugmah Ishit (Personal Example)
Being an effective role-model and teacher are fundamental to our
Jewish values and heritage. Staff receives ongoing training that relates
this most sacred role to hands-on work with campers and the greater
community outside of camp.
the quality of renewal and community responsibility, each village
cleans a designated area of camp as well as their own personal space.
Campers are given time to shower and dress before joining the entire
camp community to welcome Shabbat. One village has the honor of
preparing T’fillot (prayers) each week and serving as prayer leaders.
Our Shabbat worship, incorporating artwork, song and dance is both
magnificent and memorable. We offer an alternative service for those
who seek a more traditional Shabbat observance without the use of
electronic amplification.
Following a delicious dinner with the campers’ favorite matzah ball
soup, family and friends from other bunks join together in an outside
theater for a high energy-filled song and dance session. Imagine,
if you will, hundreds of people dressed in their “Shabbat whites”
celebrating the arrival of Shabbat. This magical moment is a highlight
of the camp experience.
Acknowledging the sanctity of Shabbat, campers welcome a slower
pace on Saturday and are allowed to sleep in. Shabbat prayers (t’fillot)
are held by village and followed by Shabbat electives (chugim). In
the afternoon, campers can relax by the pool or play sports. After
dinner and evening programs, we conclude with a beautiful outdoor
Havdalah service.
11
“One of the best things
about being a camp
counselor is that I can
share my enthusiasm for
Jewish life and traditions
with the campers. It’s
rewarding to know that
camp has such a strong
influence on the kids and
that I’m a part of that.
“Ritual & Traditions - Masoret
Campers arrive with varying levels of religious observance which, in
turn, offers the opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate
traditions that are respectful to all.
Shabbat is one of those traditions. Friday afternoon begins the
purposeful journey towards welcoming the Sabbath. To signify
- Leah Schwartz,
camp counselor
12. 12
Adults have said that camp Shabbat has had a significant impact on
their lives as active Jews.
Israel – People, Land, State
Our connection to Israel is front and center. Through a combination
of Israeli staff, the use of Hebrew and Israel-specific programming,
we bring Israel to Waynesboro. Cabin names reflect various elements
of the homeland, be they mountains, famous people or cities. Our
camp benefits from our commitment to the centrality of Israel by
providing our campers with a comfortable level of familiarity with the
Jewish state. Israeli staff join us and provide a relationship building
opportunity that truly ‘comes to life’ and is mutually beneficial to all
parties. In addition, we facilitate a spectacular peer interaction with
upward of 14 Israeli campers joining us from our two sister cities of
Bet Shemesh and Ashkelon.
“Celebrating Shabbat
at camp continues to
have a profound impact
on my Jewish identity.
Beginning with my
years as camper and
continuing in my years
as counselor, I look for-
ward to Shabbat all year
round. I can’t wait for
my own kids to have the
same experience!
“
- Nate Friedman,
former camper &
current counselor
13. 13
Activities
We are proud that we have devel-
oped a skill acquisition program
designed to ensure that our camp-
ers are challenged and will gain
confidence and competency. At
the same time, we understand that
“pure fun” is essential if a child is to
be engaged and that age-appropri-
ate activities are critical to success.
We view “activities” through
a broader prism than other
camps. For example, we believe
that meal time is an important
program because it features participation, community norms and the
integration of daily living skills. Put simply, every experience supports
our values and reinforces the effectiveness of the immersion environ-
ment as a place for positive growth.
Because camp is most effective when campers return year after year,
it is critical that activities not be repetitive and that they “age” along
with the campers. Equally important is our commitment to finding,
training and retaining top-notch specialists. We understand that,
ultimately, the camper experience is only as good as the role models
we place in front of the camper.
These principles of skill acquisition, engagement, age-appropriate chal-
lenges and skilled staff form the backbone of all our specialty activities.
Sports
Some campers strive
to be great athletes;
others are equally
excited with a rec-
reational approach.
For some, athletics
are simply not on
their radar screen.
Because we believe
that physical activity
is important to the
well-being of every
child, our initial
goal is to further the
comfort level with sports. For example, if a child feels comfortable
on a tennis court, she is more likely to learn how to hold her racket
properly. Once a camper feels comfortable, teaching skills is a natural
and easy progression. Physical exercise should become a life-long
habit, and we support this by programming a minimum of one sport
activity per-day for every child. Of course, this is in addition to the
general walking necessary to move to and from activities.
Our “intensive” elective experiences allow our older campers to
benefit from an additional 6-8 hours of instruction — often with a
high school or college coach or semi-pro/professional athlete.
Healthy competition is developmentally appropriate and has a place
at camp, as does good sporting behavior and fairness, which build
on our core Jewish values.
Our sports program includes archery, basketball, flag football, frisbee,
golf, hockey, lacrosse, mountain biking, soccer, softball, tennis and
volleyball. All campers will have the chance to play all of these
sports. We have identified basketball, tennis and soccer as our three
signature sports and invest more heavily in their implementation.
14. 14
Basketball
Based on the NCAA methodology,
we use the I.D.E.A. method to
work on specific age-appropri-
ate skills. We Introduce the skill,
Demonstrate the skill, Explain the
skill, and finally Attend to campers
practicing the skill. Each activity
consists of a warm-up, a fitness
component, games, skill practice,
and a wrap-up.
Benjamin Village – Eight to
ten-year-olds do not have the size,
strength, stamina, or skills to play
adult basketball. We make modifica-
tions, such as using a junior size
ball, lowering the basket, and
decreasing the free throw line
distance and court size. Additionally,
there is leeway in enforcing rules such as a 3-second violation and
a double dribble. Skills are practiced using 2-on-2 and 3-on-3
groupings for easier learning.
Reich Village – Reich campers use a larger ball and a higher basket
while continuing to use a shorter court. While not calling time
violations, we do enforce traveling and double dribble violations.
Drills are conducted in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 groupings.
Kaufmann Village – Campers at the ages of 13 and 14 are able to use
a regulation-sized basketball as well as regulation basket height and
court size. We refrain from using a shot clock, but do call all viola-
tions and fouls. Once proficiency with zone and man-to-man defense
on a half court is demonstrated, we will teach a full court press.
Soccer
Our curriculum is based on best practices established by the
United States Youth Soccer Association.
Benjamin Village – For our youngest campers, we teach basic
dribbling, shooting, ball lifting and juggling, throw-ins, and the
introduction of heading and crossing. Tactics include familiarity
with all positions, the 1 v 1 attack, 1 v 1 defending, 2 v 1 attacking
and man-to-man defense. We ensure campers work together in
pairs before progressing to groups of 3, 4 or 5. Modifications are
made to the field and ball based on age.
Reich Village – Reich campers learn feints with the ball, receiving
ground, bouncing and air balls with heel, shin, thigh as well as
abdomen, chest and head. Additionally, learning to head to
score, bending shots and the introduction of the slide tackle are
incorporated. Tactical skills
include 2 v 1 defending,
2 v 2 attacking and defend-
ing, visual and verbal com-
munication, and corner
kick plays (both attacking
and defending). We also
increase field size and the
enforcement of rules.
Kaufmann Village – Skills
for this age group include chipping-to-pass, bending passes, heading-
to-pass and heading backwards as well as kicking and receiving with
outside of the instep. Campers learn the role of the 3rd
defender, how
to make recovery and tracking runs, as well as penalty and free kick
plays. More advanced players will learn scissors, volley, bicycle kicks,
dribbling and off the ball runs and set plays. We use regulation-sized
equipment and enforce all rules.
15. 15
Tennis
Based on the best practices of the United States Tennis Association,
our program ensures learning and a love for the sport regardless of
age or ability.
Benjamin Village – For our elementary-age campers, emphasis is
placed on learning proper grip and forehand and backhand strokes.
Games reinforce court boundaries and volley maintenance. Court
modifications may be made based on age and ability. Scoring system
is introduced.
Reich Village – Reich campers learn volley skills and targets are used
to help campers hit the ball to specific areas of the court. The basic
serve and return is introduced as campers learn to use the entire
court surface. The scoring system is reinforced as they begin to
engage in modified game play.
Kaufmann Village – Our older campers use the entire court surface,
are taught top and back spin and methods to incorporate these skills
into their ground strokes and serves. Campers practice serving to
targets on the court as a method for learning advanced game play.
Kaufmann campers have the opportunity to engage in match play.
Aquatics
At our state-of-the-art aquatics center and lakefront, health and safety
are our #1 priority. All of our life-guards are American Red Cross
(ARC) certified, and our Aquatics Director is Water Safety Instructor
certified. Campers enjoy the aquatics center (Braycha) or lake (Agam)
on a daily basis. All campers have the opportunity to enjoy additional
pool or lake time through chugim (camper electives). At the conclu-
sion of the session, campers receive an ARC card certifying their
swim level.
Swim Instruction
We use the ARC “Learn to Swim” program as the foundation for
instruction. Campers are placed in an appropriate group based on a
simple swim assessment:
• Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills and Water Comfort
Skills include floating on back, submerging head, swimming on
front and back using arms and legs.
16. 16
• Level 2: Fundamental Water Skills
Skills include treading water, swimming on front and back using
combined strokes as well as swimming on one’s side.
• Level 3: Stroke Development
Skills include jumping into deep water, changing from horizontal
to vertical position on front and back, performing front and back
crawl proficiently.
• Level 4: Stroke Improvement
Skills include developing further confidence in acquired skills and
improvement in front and back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke, and
butterfly. Campers begin to learn basic safety skills.
• Level 5: Stroke Refinement
Skills include further coordination and refinement of strokes,
treading water using various kicks, front and back flip turns, and
continued development of emergency and safety skills, such as
survival swimming and rescue breathing.
• Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency
Skills include ability to swim all strokes with ease, efficiency,
power and smoothness over greater distances, and preparation for
participation in more advanced courses.
Benjamin Village campers receive swim instruction four times a week
and Reich Village campers receive swim instruction three times a
week. Campers have the opportunity to “test out” and move to the
next level.
For Reich and Kaufmann campers, we offer the ARC Guardstart:
Lifeguarding Tomorrow program. This program prepares individuals
for the ARC Lifeguarding certification programs and helps partici-
pants build a foundation of knowledge and skills to be responsible
lifeguards. Content is grouped into five areas: prevention, fitness,
response, leadership, and professionalism.
Macks Village campers who are 15 years old at the end of their camp
session may participate in the ARC Lifeguard Training program
taught by camp staff. Successful completion allows these young
adults to be employed as guards during the year and prepares them to
work as part of our aquatics staff at camp in the future.
Lakefront
The lake allows campers to develop skills and enjoy activities that are
unique to camp! All lake participants wear safety vests at all times.
Skills are taught based on age and assessment and all campers learn
still-water canoe and kayak skills, as well as solo canoeing, kayak
rolling and rescues. Each summer, depending on age and skill level,
campers participate in off-camp adventures that build on skills
developed at camp, such as canoeing. Our giant inflatable water toys
are an ever-popular aspect of our lake and often entice even our most
cautious campers to join in the lake fun. For example, campers can
climb a 15-foot tall ‘iceberg,’ bounce on a floating trampoline, or be
propelled into mid-air via the blob!
17. Ropes Course Adventure
Quality adventure pro-
grams foster confidence,
self esteem and trust in
one’s peers. Thanks to
our expansive facility and
a certified and talented
staff, campers are exposed
to top-notch equipment
and can achieve seeming-
ly impossible outcomes
not accessible to them
during the school year.
Based on age, campers
are provided with a minimum of three-hour experiences twice during
their camp stay — often with the opportunity for more.
Challenge by Choice
Our ‘Challenge by Choice’ approach applies to all segments of our
adventure program. If for any reason a participant is uncomfortable,
there are many alternative ways to contribute to the group activity
through coaching. The Challenge by Choice philosophy is quite suc-
cessful and, most of the time, a camper will repeat the activity with
eventual success.
To foster positive cabin dynamics, each group spends time at the Low
Ropes Course (LRC), for a series of problem-solving experiences that
physically and mentally challenge teams to execute a plan coopera-
tively. The LRC increases in difficulty as trust and confidence are built
(and by age). Following each challenge, the group debriefs from the
activity. Participants are encouraged to draw real life conclusions and
comparisons from the activity.
17
The ‘Spider’s Web’
One example of the LRC is the ‘Spider’s Web’
where the entire group passes through holes
in a human-sized web structure without
touching the strands. This challenge requires
cooperation, trust, and “start to finish”
implementation for successful completion.
The practical outcomes include group/
individual accountability, role clarification,
decision-making, and trust.
The High Ropes Course (HRC) consists of separate challenges which
vary in height and complexity. HRC elements vary from balance
beams to cable crossings to climbing structures as high as 35 feet
from the ground. The HRC is available following the successful com-
pletion of a low ropes experience. The HRC emphasizes individual
goals. Participants are challenged to expand their comfort zones and
overcome fears while simultaneously receiving peer encouragement.
18. Participants are fitted with
helmets and harnesses,
attached to a safety rope
and belayed by a certified
facilitator. If, at any time,
the camper decides to come
down, they are safely low-
ered to the ground without
repercussion.
Adventure
Activities by
Village
Benjamin Village
Campers spend up to a total
of five hours at the ropes
course during multiple visits.
Activities include energizers,
problem-solving field games,
low ropes initiatives and the
opportunity to ride the dueling zip line. Each cabin has the opportunity
to attempt the 40’ climbing tower.
Reich Village
Campers spend a morning and afternoon engaged in adventure activi-
ties. The experience includes energizers, problem-solving field games,
trust activities, low ropes elements, dueling zip line and high ropes
elements such as the giant ladder and dynamic tower.
Kaufmann Village
Campers spend a full day on the adventure course. They begin with
a series of complex energizers, problem-solving field games and trust
activities, followed by time at the low ropes course to emphasize com-
munication and teamwork. At the high ropes course, campers enjoy
the dynamic and static towers as well as the giant zip line across the
lake for the first time!
Macks Village
Our oldest campers begin their day-long experience working on
increasingly complex communication, teamwork, problem-solving
and trust-building skills. In the afternoon, campers challenge them-
selves on high ropes elements — the static tower, dynamic tower
— and conclude their day zipping across the lake. As part of their
leadership chugim (electives), campers may “shadow” our ropes
course facilitators.
LIT/CIT Participants
Our future counselors spend their day learning how to facilitate prob-
lem-solving and trust-building activities — skills we feel are essential
to success as a future counselor.
All campers have opportunities to experience age-specific elements
of both the high and low ropes course. During chugim (electives) and
chofesh (free time), we offer the climbing wall, static and dynamic
towers, and the zip lines. Counselors can also arrange for their cabin
to spend additional time with a facilitator in order to address a
specific issue.
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19. The Arts
Our arts program includes drawing,
painting, ceramics, photography,
theater, journalism, and dance. We
want to expose campers to new
media while encouraging them to
experiment with modes of artistic
expression more familiar to them.
As campers mature, they have the
opportunity to concentrate of those
areas of most interest to them.
Within our arts program, we have
developed two signature programs:
theater arts and ceramics.
Theater Arts
Theater is where participants learn what it means to safely explore
thoughts and feelings. While the ‘camp show’ has long been the focus
of many camps (and we are no different!), we also ensure that our
Benjamin campers participate in a drama-based activity daily and
that it is available as an elective for Kaufmann and Macks villages.
Our theater arts program has four intended outcomes:
1. Develop internal and external personal resources
Campers develop body awareness and spatial perception,
sensory awareness and personal creativity. Additionally, our
actors work on their sense of rhythm, imitate physical movement
and learn to express moods and concepts through movement.
2. Develop interpersonal skills and awareness
Included in this objective is improvisation, dialogue and provid-
ing feedback. Cooperative problem-solving through mirroring
techniques and the use of drama as a metaphor for life (e.g.,
figuratively placing them-
selves in someone else’s
shoes) are also emphasized.
3. Relate drama to a
larger context
By role-playing, campers
place themselves in
imaginary situations that
are aligned with the camp
program (e.g., issues of
identity, Jewish values,
etc.). They will create situ-
ations that ‘come alive’ in
fictional environments
and then practice
improvising responses.
Campers also learn
about the role theater
plays in the media and
daily life.
4. Get on stage!
Research demonstrates
that the earlier a
person performs in
front of a group, the
more self-confident and secure they will become. We provide a safe,
encouraging environment for this.
Benjamin and Reich campers begin with structured games that
reinforce the goals of our theater arts program. Campers that desire
a more intense drama experience are encouraged to participate in
a camp-wide production either onstage or backstage. Any camper
that wants to participate in the end-of-session production will be
encouraged to do so.
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20. Fine Arts
Our Arts and Crafts program (omanut)
offers copper enameling, drawing, painting,
femo model making and silk screen print-
ing. Our staff works with each camper to
help them create meaningful art and feel
a sense of pride and accomplishment with
their finished work.
Ceramics
Our signature ceramics program fosters
the development of spatial relations, improves manual dexterity and
connects participants with something that is basic in nature (clay!).
Based on age level, our program progresses incrementally and contin-
ues to challenge even our oldest campers
Benjamin Village
Our Benjamin campers create plaques, pinch pots and low reliefs.
More advanced campers are introduced to coiling to create three-
dimensional objects.
Reich Village
All Reich campers use coiling to explore the
creative boundaries of clay. Joinery is also
introduced to create items such as animals
and people. Reich campers also benefit from
kiln firing and the use of different color
enamels. Rising 7th
grade campers begin to
explore elementary pottery wheel techniques,
including throwing and pot making.
Kaufmann Village
Kaufmann campers focus on increasingly complex clay techniques
including hand building, molds, wheel throwing, slip and glaze
techniques, and the firing processes.
Macks Village / LIT & CIT
Our older campers continue to progress in all the elements of ceram-
ics that they have learned previously as well as having the opportunity
to teach younger campers.
21. Special Days
Several times during a session,
we pause in our daily activi-
ties and immerse ourselves in
‘one of a kind’ events. These
fluctuations in camp tempo
capture the imagination and
hearts of campers and staff
and allow us to experience the
ruach (spirit) that can only
be found at summer camp.
Examples include Maccabiah
(color war), ‘Backwards Day’,
Israel Day, or an ’80s themed
dinner. The entire community
is energized and unified as they compete, learn, and grow to-
gether. Campers and staff may be selected for specific leadership
roles and become team leaders. In many cases, these days become
pivotal moments in a child’s camp experience. Great thought and
sensitivity are given to the timing of these days as to avoid disrup-
tion in the camp routine.
Dining Hall –Chadar Ochel
Meals at camp are not a break from program but rather an integral
part of it! It is a time when we share, celebrate, display spirit (ruach)
and gain the physical nourishment necessary to sustain a busy daily
schedule. Without a doubt, the Chadar Ochel is at the epicenter of
camp life.
In addition to the fun of eating together, mealtime also provides many
learning opportunities. For example, each meal begins with the Motzi
(the blessing before the meal) and concludes with the Birkat Hamazon
(the blessing after the meal). Respect for others is taught through the
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use of a raised arm to indicate the need for quiet. Every camper
understands the shared obligation to regulate the noise in the
dining hall. At the conclusion of each meal, a pre-selected cabin
remains to help clean the dining hall. These valuable lessons in
responsibility are a few of the hidden benefits of your child’s time
at camp.
Benjamin and Reich Village campers sit together in their cabin
groups to reinforce the importance of cabin unity and provide
these campers with a sense of belonging. For the Kaufmann, Macks,
and leadership programs, campers may choose where they sit. Our
kosher meals are supervised by the internationally respected Star
K organization and reviewed by nutritionists to be child-friendly
and nutritionally sound and healthy. There are alternative options
at every meal so every camper can find something to eat! Of course
the entire camp family celebrates a camper’s birthday — complete
with the singing of “happy birthday” in both English and Hebrew
and concluding with the Capital Camps tradition of skipping around
the entire dining hall!
22. Bus Transportation
Camp truly begins when a
child travels by bus along
with fellow campers and is
supervised by our counselor
staff. Taking the bus begins
the socializing process and
allows campers to meet
peers both old and new.
Songs are sung and games
played to ensure the time
flies quickly. Counselors are trained to ensure connections are made
and that any parent separation issues are noted and addressed either
on the bus or during the opening few hours. Some parents choose to
drop off their children at the camp facility and while we encourage
the use of the camp bus system we offer no
objection. However, please note that due to
the complicated nature of first day opera-
tions all separations must take place at the
welcome center.
Facility
People are truly what make our camp a
warm, caring community, however, having a state of the art facil-
ity that is second to none does allow us to offer the best and most
powerful programming anywhere. Our facilities are exceptional and
include the following highlights:
• Modern cabins with bathrooms and comfortable bunk beds.
• Solar-heated aquatics complex with two 40’ water flumes, dump
buckets, beach entry, and plenty of shade.
• Theatre building with indoor/outdoor seating, professional stage
light and sound.
• Fine arts center with various production area for enamel-
ing, ceramics, silk screen and visiting artist studio.
• Comprehensive adventure challenge course, incorpo-
rating thirteen low elements, two challenge towers, a
climbing wall and two zip lines (one that spans the lake!).
• Sports facilities including four tennis courts, two volleyball
and basketball courts, a manicured athletic field for soccer and
lacrosse, a softball field, numerous gaga pits, and two lakes
for water-based activities.
• Dining Hall that is capable of seating our entire community at one
time in an air-conditioned environment, to ensure that hydration
and nutrition remain the priority.
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23. Year-round
Connection
We are committed to facili-
tating camper relationships
throughout the year and
not just during the summer
months. We feel strongly
that staying in touch and connecting is a powerful and important
element of our program and one that requires our attention.
Some examples of our commitment to year-round connections are
that we wish each camper and staff member a “happy birthday” by
card and phone. We also send newsletters to campers, parents and
staff on a regular basis (we know that children especially enjoy having
something arrive in the mail addressed to them!). Finally, our virtual
Oneg Shabbat is distributed electronically on a regular basis to both
staff and campers and allows us to keep these groups updated on late-
breaking news via the medium they like best – the computer!
It is also important that we get the chance to see each other during
the year. Each year, we organize all-camp and age-specific reunions
so that we can get our entire community together again and allow
people the chance to hug, reminisce and catch up on current events
in their intertwined lives.
Evaluation
We are committed to ongoing assessment and improvement and to
providing the best possible experience for campers, staff and families.
With this in mind, we use a variety of tools to solicit dynamic feedback.
For example, campers are asked to complete an evaluation while they
are still at camp. Similarly, staff evaluates their experience at the conclu-
sion of the season and we spend many hours in private conversations to
solicit additional feedback. Shortly after campers return home, parents
are emailed an online evaluation tool. With all our surveys we track the
responses year by year and compare how we have performed over time.
Finally, throughout the year we bring together focus groups of parents,
campers and staff to see if their opinions have changed and to gauge
interest in new programs and changes to camp.
Our year-round senior administrative staff produces an annual camp
report that is reviewed by lay leaders. As a not-for-profit agency
our camp committee, made up primarily of parents and past staff,
receives regular reports and helps our Board of Directors review
the camp report to provide additional guidance to staff. All of these
‘formal’ methods of evaluation are augmented by the anecdotal
information we glean from phone calls and ongoing interactions with
campers, parents and staff during the year.
Lay Leadership
We are fortunate to have an engaged and dynamic cadre of communi-
ty leaders that comprise our Board of Directors. The Board provides
strategic guidance and oversight in areas such as fiscal management,
development and internal agency operations and was instrumental
in developing our master facilities plan. Board members are drawn
from diverse backgrounds including camp parents, business leaders
and community advocates. Anyone interested in serving on either
our Board or one of the various sub-committees should contact the
Agency President.
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24. CAMP FACILITY:
12750 Buchanan Trail East
Waynesboro, PA 17268
Telephone: 717-794-2177 www.capitalcamps.org
BUSINESS Address:
12230 Wilkins Avenue
Rockville , MD 20852
Telephone: 301-468-2267
