Last summer, we welcomed nearly 1000 visitors to join us in celebrating Shabbat and experiencing the magic of camp. With Summer 2024 around the corner, we are thrilled to offer Summer Visitor Shabbat once again.
We have a few guidelines to which we adhere to offer the best experience for our campers, which includes families of current campers MAY NOT visit while their child is in session. Why? Not every camper’s family is able to visit while their child is at camp, and we have found that families visiting creates opportunities for moments of sadness that are not present otherwise. We invite you to look at dates when you child is NOT attending camp.
In order for us to create the best experience possible (and have enough Shabbat brownies!) REGISTRATION FOR EACH VISITORS SHABBAT WILL CLOSE ON THE SUNDAY PRIOR TO EACH EVENT. Please email Ariel Kurland with questions: akurland@urj.org
Community Shabbat
Friday, June 21 | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $36
Join us for a community Shabbat at Camp.
Alumni Shabbat and CIT Countdown
Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 | Schedule TBA
Cost: $36 for one day, $50 for Shabbat & Saturday
Calling all Saratoga, Swig, and Newman Alumni! Whether you attended camp 5 years ago or 50 years ago, reconnect with other alumni during this Shabbat!
Alumni Weekend Schedule
Friday – June 28
4:00 PM | Arrival
5:00 PM | Oneg
6:00 PM | Shabbat
6:45 PM | Dinner
7:30 PM | Shira and Israeli Dancing
Saturday – June 29
1:00 PM | Welcome Lunch
1:45 PM | Alumni Frisbee Game
2:40 – 3:40 PM | Shabbat and Art CIT shared experience
3:40 – 5:40 PM | Tour and schmooze
5:40 – 6:00 PM | Optional low key art activities, board games, snacks in Village 2
6:00 PM | Dinner
7:00 PM | Session Songs
8:00 PM | CIT Campfire (’04 and ’14 CITs will join) + Avodah Campfire (’04 Avodah will join)
9:00 PM | L’hitraot (Goodnight!)
Hagigah Festival
Thursday, July 4 | Schedule TBA
Cost: $36
We are excited to welcome parents of our current Hagigah campers to see the wonderful projects their campers have created.
Hagigah Festival Schedule
3:30PM – 4:30PM Arrival
4:30PM – 5:25PM Welcome Reception & Visual Arts Gallery
5:30PM – 7:00PM Hagigah Festival Performance Arts
7:05PM – 7:50PM Aruchat Erev (Dinner)
7:55PM – 8:15PM Siyum (Closing Circle)
8:15PM L’hitraot! (Goodbye!)
Please note that only immediate and extended family members of campers in the Hagigah program are invited to the festival. Our Friday night Shabbat program is open to all visitors!
Community Shabbat
Friday, July 5 | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $36
Join us for a community Shabbat at Camp.
Avodah and CIT Family Weekend
Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13 | Schedule TBA
Cost: $36 for one day, $50 for Shabbat & Saturday
Parents of CIT and Avodahniks are welcome to join us for Shabbat to celebrate their children and the impact they have made at camp this summer.
Avodah and CIT Family Weekend Schedule
Friday, July 12
4:30pm – Tour Of Camp
5:00pm – Welcome Reception
6:00pm Shabbat Services
6:45pm – Aruchat Erev (Dinner)
7:30pm Shira and Israeli Dancing
9:00pm – L’hitraot (Goodbye for now!)
Saturday, July 13
10:00am – Arrival
10:30am – Sat Morning Service Experience
12:00pm – Lunch with your camper
2:00pm – L’hitraot!
Community Shabbat
Friday, July 19 | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $36
Join us for a community Shabbat at Camp.
Community Shabbat
Friday, July 26 | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $36
Join us for a community Shabbat at Camp.
Hevrah Festival
Saturday, July 27 | Start and end times coming soon
Cost: $36
Parents of current Hevrah campers are invited to a celebration the work our Hevrahniks have done this session.
Hevrah Festival Schedule
9:45 AM | Arrival
10:00 AM | Breakfast with Hevrah
10:30 AM | Tefilah
12:05 PM | Festival
1:15 PM | Kiddush and lunch
2:15 PM | L’hitraot! (Goodbye!)
typical Visitor Shabbat Schedule:
4:00pm – Arrive and Check-in
4:15pm – Optional tour of Camp
5:00pm – Welcome Reception
5:50pm – Shabbat Procession
6:00pm – Shabbat Services
6:45pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Shira and Israeli Dancing
9:00pm – L’hitraot
A few important reminders about joining us for Shabbat in order to keep our community happy and safe.
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- No outside food or drink is allowed. Any outside food or drinks will be collected upon arrival.
- No pets for the safety of others.
- Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian.
- Families of current campers MAY NOT visit while their child is in session. Why? Not every camper’s family is able to visit while their child is at camp, and we have found that families visiting creates opportunities for moments of sadness that are not present otherwise. We invite you to look at dates when you child is NOT attending camp.
FAQS
Do I need to register for Shabbat or can I just show up?
You must register in order to join us for Shabbat. We will be releasing registration for all of our weekends in early Spring. We ask that you do your best to register no later than the Sunday before the Shabbat you are planning on attending. For example, if you are planning to join for the June 28 Alumni Shabbat, please register no later than Sunday, June 23.
I have a camper at camp - can I come to visit?
Other than specific visitation dates for current Hagigah, Hevrah, Avodah and CIT families, we ask that current camper families NOT visit while your camper is in session. We welcome you to visit during one of our Community Shabbatot when your camper is not at camp.
is anyone able to join any shabbat?
We want to ensure that everyone who wants to join us for a Shabbat at camp is able to. The three community Shabbatot are open to any members of our community. We have several rules in place to help ensure the safety of all of our campers and visitors.
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian from their family.
- Parents cannot join for a Shabbat when their children are at camp.
I have special dietary requirements. who should I get in contact with?
We offer a variety of selections for our Shabbat meals, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. If you have a specific concern about a food related allergy or accommodation, please contact Carly Zenker at czenker@urj.org.
My schedule has changed and I can no longer attend Shabbat. Can I get a refund?
Please do your best to let us know if you can no longer join us for Shabbat in a timely manner. If you cancel a week before, you will be refunded 100%. If you cancel any time after that, please be in touch with us directly about a refund.
Is Shabbat free?
Each Shabbat costs $36 and includes a reception, Shabbat services, dinner, and dancing. We do not want cost to be a prohibitive factor for anyone. Please feel free to reach out to Ariel Kurland at akurland@urj.org with any questions about financial assistance.
Have a question that is not answered here? Email Ariel Kurland at akurland@urj.org and we will be in touch to assist you.