Synagogue-Wide Retreat - Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What are accommodations like?

Everyone is staying in some form of staff housing for this retreat - much of this housing has been built new or upgraded in the last 5 years. These rooms are clean, but are camp, not a hotel. All of the places have toilets and sinks. Children will sleep with their parents except for our 6^th grad       pre-b'nai mitzvah group. The 6^th graders will bunk together (boys and girls separately!) sleeping on camp cots and will be supervised by counselors. Each of the staff rooms has beds that are either full or queen size - many of which have new mattresses. You will be notified in advance as to where you are being housed. Bring appropriate size sheets for the bed you have which will be listed on the housing sheet next to your name.

2. How will we observe Shabbat and Jewish rituals as a community?

We are working hard to make this retreat a comfortable one for all families. In general, we will be following the traditions of Conservative Judaism during the weekend. Wherever possible we will be involving all those attending, adults and kids and drawing on our knowledge base in our services and rituals whether it be during tefillot or for birkat hamazon after meals, etc. Tefillot will be egalitarian. Camp Yavneh has a kosher kitchen.

We are asking families to observe Shabbat in all public areas. Please do not plan to drive into, out of or around camp on Shabbat. Please do not use phones, Ipods, CD or MP3 players or electronic games on Shabbat.

We have been asked about clothing for Shabbat. We suggest clothing that is comfortable, appropriate for a rustic setting as well as for Shabbat. Use your own discretion.

3. What sports facilities are available for use?

Sports and outdoor activities are very much a part of the recreational and free time during Shabbat at our retreat. We will be able to use all of Yavneh's sports facilities including the softball field, 2 tennis courts, volleyball court, basketball court and soccer field. Yavneh will loan us volleyballs, bats, basketballs, and soccer balls. Feel free to bring other sports equipment. Bring your own gloves, bats, tennis rackets and balls, soccer equipment, etc.

4. Is there a beach? Where can we swim?

Camp Yavneh is adjacent to a lake. There is a beach with fine sand. Weather permitting we will use the lake for swimming if it is warm enough. Remember, it will still be May and the water may not have warmed up sufficiently. We will be the first group using the camp after the winter. This means that the beach will not have been prepared yet for summer use and the docks will not be in. The beachfront and lake are certainly usable if it's warm.

There will be at least one lifeguard on duty whenever the waterfront is open. There will also be boats available for boating. Although there are lifeguards on duty, we are asking that one parent per family accompany their child(ren) to the lake at all times. Please tell your child(ren) that they may not go near the lake unless they are accompanied by a supervising adult.

5. What supervision and programming is available for the children?

Wayne Goldstein and his staff (high school/college age), who have been hired as counselors for the weekend, will oversee activities for our younger children during the weekend. Appropriate activities have been planned.

Yavneh's dining room has 3 high chairs and 2 junior chairs available for the younger set.

Parents are ultimately responsible for their own child(ren) during the weekend.  Younger children will not, of course, be required to participate in their kids' group activities but we hope they will choose to be involved.  Should your child be unwilling or unable to participate in his/her group, you will be responsible for supervision of your own child.

6. What if there is an emergency at camp?

We have the name and phone number of a local physician, as well as directions to the closest hospitals (in Concord and Portsmouth, New Hampshire).

7. Communication with the "outside world"?

Cell phones and pagers do work at Camp Yavneh although reception depends on your service.

8. What if I need access to a refrigerator/freezer?

There is a full-size refrigerator/freezer in the Yavneh infirmary. The infirmary may also be used as housing during the weekend. There will always be access to the refrigerator/freezer for all. We do ask you to be considerate of those housed in the infirmary when you come into the building to use the refrigerator/freezer.