Will camps be opening this summer? That is the million dollar question that parents everywhere are wondering. Meanwhile, camp directors everywhere are grappling with whether or how they can open up safely this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as we enter June, it is becoming more difficult to imagine how we can open up without even knowing what the guidelines will be once the governor announces them.
As the director of Camp Acheinu for boys in Teaneck and with more than 20 years of camp experience, I have been trying to come up with creative ways for children to reap some of the benefits of camp (should camps be unable to open) while being physically apart.
So, I decided to introduce “Camp Kayitz in the Cloud,” an innovative online summer experience for boys in first through sixth grades that will help fill this gap if in fact children will not be able to enjoy a regular camp experience this summer.
As we all know, summer camp has so many benefits for children. Camp is important because it offers children a structured opportunity to grow in a non-judgemental school setting. Camp is a place where children learn new skills and by doing so gain self-confidence. Camp affords kids the opportunity to take risks, explore new hobbies and dive deeper into interests they already have, but don’t necessarily have the time or opportunity to develop during the school year. Overall, camp is a place where children gain friendships, confidence and use their creativity to develop in so many ways.
Camp Kayitz in the Cloud was created to fill as many of the opportunities as camp can offer in the safest setting possible. We will be offering a two-hour morning program and a one-hour evening program. Choose morning, evening or both––whatever works best for your family dynamics this summer. These programs will be offered at an affordable price and will offer learning with year-round Rebbeim, fun interactive camp activities, skills-based workshops and entertaining shows.
Physical camp is obviously the best choice as long as it is feasible to do so in a safe manner. But if Plan A becomes a non-option, Plan B is a great opportunity that will afford your boys as many of the benefits of traditional camp as possible in the safest environment possible––the comfort of your home and backyard. For updates and further information, please join our growing email list by emailing [email protected].
By Rookie Gross
