Frequently Asked Questions

Whether your child is going away for the first time or has been going to camp for years, you probably have some questions. These FAQs answer the questions parents and campers ask most often. If you have questions or concerns that aren’t addressed here, please call us at 866.TRY.JKCP and we will be happy to help.

Before I Apply to Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs

How do I choose which Yesh Shabbat camp to attend?

It depends on what grade you will be attending in the fall. If you are attending high school this fall, we offer tennis, golf, basketball, or academic Enrichment. If you are attending middle school this fall, we offer tennis, golf, basketball or academic Xploration. Both programs are located at Haverford College.

How do I check to see if there are still openings for the weeks I would like to attend?

What is the difference between the residential, extended day and day options?

Residential students stay on campus for meals, housing, and evening and weekend activities. Day students are on campus for daily programming and lunch only. Day students are invited to join residential campers for dinner and evening and weekend activities at additional costs. Extended day is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and includes extra activities.

Can I attend if I live outside the United States?

We encourage overseas campers to spend their summer with us. Every summer we are home to international students from over 30 countries. We do, however, incur additional expenses to accommodate the needs of our international students, including round-trip airport ground transportation, specialized staff, laundry and linens. To defray those costs, we charge a nominal $200 per international student.

Where do the camps and programs take place?

Our Yesh Shabbat program takes place at Haverford College on Philadelphia’ prestigious Main Line. Please visit the Haverford website to learn more about this location: www.haverford.edu

After Applying

How do I make payments?

Balances, via check, may be made payable to Julian Krinsky Camps and Programs. We respectfully ask that you send your balance in on time to (Name of Program), Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs, 610 S. Henderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

What will I do on the weekends?

Two or three trips are offered each Sunday. You choose the one you want. We leave on air-conditioned motor coaches after breakfast and return in the evening. Click here for this summer’s schedule, subject to change: Weekend Trips and Destinations. If you need to sleep in, Sunday is the day to do it. Have brunch, then take a trip to the swim club, a baseball game, a museum or tour attractions in Philadelphia, Manayunk or Chestnut Hill.

What time should my parents pick me up at the end of the session?

Departure time from residential programs is on Saturday between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Students must sign out with one of our senior staff. Airline and train departures should be scheduled between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Do I need to obtain a visa?

Depending on your home country, some international students will need to apply for a visa. When doing so please apply for a visitor’s visa, not a student visa, and indicate that you will be attending a “summer camp” in the United States. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Before I Arrive at Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs

What should I bring to camp?

In your arrival packet you will receive a complete packing list including sportswear, sports equipment, linens, and casual clothing. Please leave your jewelry, designer clothing, televisions, DVD players and valuable personal items at home. We are not responsible for any personal items brought to camp. With all the planned activities, you will have very little time to use televisions, iPods and gaming systems.

Can I bring my cell phone?

While we appreciate your family’s desire to keep in touch with you and do not discourage students from bringing cell phones, we also are aware of their disruptive nature. Therefore, we prohibit the public use of cell phones by campers from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Campers may use cell phones in the privacy of their rooms at any time. Repeated violations of this policy will lead to confiscation of the cell phone until the end of the day.

What time should I arrive at my program?

For residential students, arrival time is Sunday from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. During this time we will assist your child with registering and settling in.

Day students must arrive by 8:30 a.m.

How do I get to and from the Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Train Station?

Transportation can be purchased to or from the airport or train station for $30, one way, or $50, round trip. Students must notify JKCP of their arrival and departure dates and times after receiving the arrival packet. Since students will be arriving from all over the country and the world, we must be informed in advance of all flight information. If flight and train information is not received two days prior to arrival or departure, we will not be responsible for last minute changes. Students arriving by plane should make their way from their gate to the baggage claim area where a staff member will welcome them. Students arriving by train should meet JKCP staff members at the top of the train platform stairs.

Philadelphia International Airport
Amtrak 30th Street Station

Are we permitted to tip the directors, pros and counselors?

Our pay schedule for counselors and instructors is among the highest in the industry. In keeping with guidelines from the American Camping Association, we ask that you refrain from tipping individual staff members.

Campus and Dorm Life

What will I eat?

Our on-campus dining facilities are Glatt Kosher under orthodox rabbinical supervision. We strongly advise bringing or buying only Kosher foods into our Yesh program.

Who should I talk to about my dietary needs?

For any specific dietary needs, questions or concerns, please contact conference services at the campus you are attending. Also, please mark any dietary needs on your medical form so we can best accommodate you.

    Bryn Mawr College: Lisa Zernicke
    Haverford College: Geoff Labe
    Univ. of Pennsylvania: Brandie Plasket
    Westtown School: Ceil Guetter

How do I get from activity to activity?

Counselors and teachers are stationed throughout the campus area to direct campers to their activities and are always at crosswalks. However, counselors rarely walk students to their classroom as it is generally in the same building or nearby facility.

What time do we go to sleep?

Students are advised to go to their rooms at certain times depending on their ages. As long as they are quiet there is no lights out policy.

What type of laundry services are available?

Laundry will be done on campus at no charge. Campers will be given laundry bags and informed when and where to leave their laundry. Please mark all clothing with campers names.

Do I have to clean my room?

You are responsible for keeping your private space neat, clean, and presentable. Hallways and bathrooms are cleaned daily by the colleges.

What happens if I lose my room key?

A $200 room key deposit must be paid before check-in for overnight students. The full amount will be returned at the end of the summer providing the room key is returned and no damage was done to the room. If you lose your room key notify your residential counselor immediately. The locks will need to be changed and you will be issued a new key deducting $100 from your room key deposit.

What happens if I am sick or injured?

A nurse, doctor, pediatric nurse practitioner and trainer are always on call. There is a hospital within 10 minutes of all our camps. If you are not feeling well, please tell your instructor or counselor immediately so we can help you feel better faster! If you are seen by our family practitioner, the office will bill your parents directly, not your individual insurance company.

What is your policy on smoking and substance use?

We have a zero tolerance policy for the use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or drugs. Their use or possession will result in immediate expulsion from camp. If students come to the program carrying alcohol, tobacco, weapons or drugs they must hand these in before camp begins. Parents and students are required to read and sign JKCP program rules and policies (included in their arrival packet) prior to their attending camp. In addition, students are made aware of these rules during student orientation.

Staying in Touch with Home

Can I receive mail while at camp?

Of course! Receiving mail is always fun, especially while you are away from home. Ask your friends and family to address your envelope or package like this:

   Your Name
   Julian Krinsky Yesh Shabbat at Haverford
   610 South Henderson Road
   King of Prussia, PA 19406

Can I receive email while at camp?

We recommend setting up a free gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo email account before arriving at the program. You will have free time and will have access to the campus computer lab during that time to check your personal emails.

Can I have visitors while at camp?

Parents and guests are always welcome to visit at any time. (Please note that students are generally off campus on Sundays.) Please call our office to schedule a visit or guided tour. Only parents and relatives may visit the dorm rooms with the camper.

Can I leave camp with my visitors?

If you would like to leave campus with your friends and family, proper identification and written confirmation from the parent or guardian are required before the student is permitted off campus. For insurance purposes the driver of the vehicle must be at least 21 years old.

Parent Concerns

My child is a first-time camper. How can I prepare him or her for camp at JKCP?

“Summer camp is more than a vacation for children,” says Bruce Muchnick, Ed.D., a licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps. “As a parent, there are a few things to consider to increase the opportunity for a rewarding camp experience for your child.”

Consider camp a learning experience. This is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his/her neighborhood and a chance for you and your child to practice “letting go.” Letting go allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork, be creative, and more. This time also allows parents an opportunity to take care of themselves so that they will feel refreshed when their child returns home.

Prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp, like where to go and what to pack, should be a joint venture, keeping in mind your child’s maturity. If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience will improve.

Talk about concerns. As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings rather than acting on what you think his/her feelings may be. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home.

Have realistic expectations. Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Your child should not feel pressured to succeed at camp, either. The main purpose of camp is to relax and have fun.

What can I do to help my child deal with homesickness?

This summer, millions of children will get their first taste of independence at a summer resident camp. For many, it will also be their first experience with homesickness. But parents don't have to feel helpless when homesickness strikes. The prescription for camper homesickness is a simple solution of preparation and patience.
Click here for more information.

What should I do if my child experiences a problem while away at camp?

While cell phone use is allowed at Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs, if a problem of any sort arises, campers are encouraged to notify the director of the program immediately. We have found that campers who use this direct communication get their problem resolved in the quickest and most professional manner. Working with the directors on campus is much easier than calling home and having parents try to fix the problem remotely.

We promote communication between students and parents, as this helps overcome homesickness in many cases. However, please keep in mind that JKCP employs an experienced professional summer staff to help your child have a memorable, fun learning experience while at camp.

How are the weekend trips supervised?

Trips are always well supervised. Within reasonable limits, the level of supervision varies, based on the age of the campers and the locations of the trips, for example, a local movie theater as opposed to New York City or Washington, D.C. More specifically, students 12 and under are always assigned to small groups with a designated counselor. Students 13 years and older are allowed to walk in groups of three or more. Numerous “hotspots” are set up so students can quickly find counselors throughout the day.

Where do the instructors and counselors come from?

Drawn mostly from top local schools and colleges, our instructors are career educators who have devoted their professional lives to the educational, emotional and social development of young people.

A separate residential counseling staff stays on the same floor with their assigned groups. They provide friendship, support and guidance, as needed, but students enjoy the freedom and personal responsibility befitting their age. Chosen for their experience and skill in working with teenagers, residential counselors come from across America and many countries around the world, giving the staff diversity and a wide range of experiences.

How are roommates picked?

Roommates are selected according to age, year in school and the answer provided on the student profile form. Students may request a roommate on their application. Room assignments cannot be guaranteed, but we do our best to consider all students’ requests.

What is your cancellation policy?

Notification of withdrawal must be made in writing to Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs (JKCP). Refunds will be made as follows:

• Withdrawal by May 1: All but $300 per week
• Withdrawal by May 2 and later: No refund without cancellation insurance

We recommend cancellation insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, sudden illness or injury to you or a family member, or a change in travel plans. JKCP offers cancellation insurance that provides a refund of all but $300 per week. The price of the insurance is 5% of the total tuition fee and must be paid at the time of application. There will be no refund of tuition after May 1 if cancellation insurance was not paid in full at the time of application. Even if cancellation insurance is paid for, there will be no refund for a student who is asked to leave the program for the use or possession of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and/or weapons or whose conduct is detrimental to the program. These decisions are at the sole discretion of JKCP.

How much spending money should my child bring to camp?

The amount of spending money you send with your child is at your discretion; you are the best judge of your child’s spending habits. However, we suggest that students bring approximately $75–$125 per week for off-campus meals, snacks, dry cleaning service, and personal expenses. This money should be sent with the student in the form of a debit or check card.

We urge parents to review the banking options provided by Wachovia Bank in your arrival packet. Based on the student’s age and needs, a Wachovia Free Student Checking or the VISA BUXX card will allow for convenient and safe access of their funds. There are differences between the two so please review the information in your arrival packet from Wachovia Bank.

Students will have access to ATM machines during their stay and the majority of vendors now accept bank cards and VISA for payment. Both options allow the student and the parent to check balances or add funds. The major difference is the availability of bank personnel to assist with financial questions. The Wachovia Free Student Checking provides access to the bank employees should a problem arise. The Prepaid VISA travel card is owned by the VISA vendor and all information, customer service and funding is done online. There are fees associated with this card. Of course, this is merely a convenience for you, and students may use an existing debit card or one sponsored by their own bank.

Employment

How can I become a JKCP employee?

For information about becoming a residential counselor, director, coach, nurse or teacher at JKCP, please go to http://www.jkcp.com/employment