Family Guide

Please complete camper forms honestly and thoroughly. The more detail you provide, the better prepared we are to help your child have a safe, happy, and memorable time at camp. We take confidentiality very seriously, any personal or sensitive information shared will only be accessible to those directly involved in your child’s care. We are committed to maintaining the privacy and dignity of all our campers and families. 

If your child has a mental health concern or a medical or psychological diagnosis, it is vital that you disclose this information so we can best prepare for the well-being and safety of your child and the camp community. Sharing information does not mean your child will be denied a camp experience, rather it will give us more information to support them as best as possible.   

You will find the forms in your CampMinder account –  log into your CampMinder account and select “Forms & Documents”. You may also complete forms on your mobile device using the Campanion app. 

All forms are due by February 27, 2026. This includes the Physician Exam form and Immunization Record. If your child’s next physical is scheduled after February 27, your physician should complete the Physician Exam form and Immunization Record based on your child’s previous physical or most recent doctor visit. If there are changes to your child’s health history after health forms are submitted, please contact Kelsey Lyons at kesley@herzlcamp.org. 

If you register for camp after February 27, your forms must be submitted within two weeks of registration. Campers who are missing forms will not be permitted to attend camp until they are complete.

Required Forms                                                          Required Forms (if applicable)
Authorized Pick-up Person                                           Allergy/Asthma Action Plan
Camper Questionnaire (excludes Ozrim)                     Medication Authorization                    
Community Expectations               
Health History                                                               Optional Forms
Medical Insurance                                                         Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutoring   
Over-the-counter Medication Authorization                  Cabinmate Request Parent Authorization    
Parent Questionnaire
Participants Agreement
Physician Examination & Immunization Record
Transportation

1. Help your child pack so you both know what is being sent up to camp.  Send comfortable practical clothing for all types of weather (cold, hot, rainy). Do not send valuable or fragile items. Label everything with your child’s first and last name. Lost items without clear labels will be donated.

Packing List Guide 

Campers are limited to two large bags (soft duffel bags only) and one small carry-on (backpack) for the bus or plane. Luggage is stored in the cabin, so space is limited. In late May, you’ll receive luggage tags labeled for your child’s session and group – luggage tags must be securely attached to each bag before your child heads to camp.

On the first day of camp, campers should CARRY ON a small backpack with a swimsuit and towel. Swim testing begins shortly after arrival and before luggage is unpacked. Campers with an epi-pen and/or rescue inhaler should carry on those items. 

Shabbat: Each Friday night at camp, your child will need an outfit of all-white clothing. Wearing all-white clothing on Shabbat evening is a long standing Herzl Camp tradition. “White” means white, not off-white or khaki. (Shoes and belts need not be white.) Clothing should be respectful of the elevated experience we create at camp for Shabbat. If you are having trouble locating white clothing (especially pants/shorts), we recommend Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Gap, Walmart, and Old Navy.

The packing list includes a list of items that are prohibited at camp. Please review this list carefully. Also review the Community Expectations form regarding items that are forbidden.

Cabinmate Requests

Our staff devote many hours to bunking with the hopes of creating a positive environment for each camper. We approach cabin placements with prior experiences, staff feedback, and individual cabin requests. Negative requests are discouraged. If there is a significant situation we should know about, please contact us to discuss.

We cannot guarantee all bunk requests will be met, we will honor at least 1 mutual request per camper. Requests will be reviewed and included only when all of the following are met:

• Cabinmate request form is submitted by Feb 27 (this form may be updated until May 1).
• Campers are in the same program.
• All other required camper forms have been completed and submitted by February 27.

Cabins will be announced to campers shortly after their arrival to camp. Parents will receive an email with cabin placements in the evening on the first day of their child’s session.

There are two primary modes of transportation to and from camp:

• Travel by bus from Minneapolis, MN
• Travel by air to Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport

For unique situations, parents have the option to drive their child directly to camp.

Please complete the Transportation Form in your CampMinder account, under “Forms and Documents” to indicate how your child will be traveling to and from camp. If your transportation plans change before May 1, log back into your CampMinder account and update your Transportation Form. If your plans change after June 1, email David Getzkin at david@herzlcamp.org or call our office at (952)927-4002.

TRAVEL BY BUS

Campers travel in comfortable, air-conditioned, bathroom equipped coach buses leaving and returning from Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park – 5225 Barry Street W, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.

Families should arrive between 12:15-12:30 pm on departure day to check in. There will be staff, Ozrim and volunteers in Herzl Camp t-shirts to help you through the process. Campers should eat lunch prior to arriving at Beth El. Shortly after they arrive at camp, they will have the traditional first day snack of cookies and lem-lem (lemonade). The first meal served will be dinner.

On the last day of the session, buses will depart Herzl Camp at 10 am and arrive at Beth El Synagogue at 12 pm. Details about the Herzl Camp Pick Up & Return from Camp Security Procedures can be found here.

TRAVEL BY AIR 

Herzl Camp campers come from all over the United States and the world! Many campers travel by plane to the Twin Cities, and we provide transportation from MSP to Herzl Camp.

Each family will make travel arrangements for their child. One flight for each city will be designated as the official Herzl flight. Flight options will be communicated by January 16. If your city is not listed, please contact David Getzkin at david@herzlcamp.org to discuss flight options. Flights must arrive at MSP between 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT on arrival day, and depart between 2:30-6:00 PM CT on departure day.

Camp will cover the flight expense of one chaperone per flight of 3+ campers.

For more information about air travel, including an unaccompanied minor, chaperoning a flight, and flight options, please contact David Getzkin at david@herzlcamp.org.

TRAVEL BY CAR

Drop-off on arrival day will take place at the office between 2:30-2:45 PM. Your child’s counselor will meet you to unload luggage and say goodbye. Be prepared to say your goodbyes at the office as families will not be permitted into camp. Pick-up on departure day will take place at the office between 9:30-9:45 AM. Campers and their luggage will be brought to the office at that time.

All campers traveling to camp from Beth El Synagogue should make every effort to drop off luggage and check in at the early Luggage Drop-off at Beth El Synagogue. This provides the Ozrim with time to deliver luggage to each cabin before the campers arrive. If you are not able to attend luggage drop-off, please email campoffice@herzlcamp.org for accommodations. 

At Luggage Drop-Off, you and your child will: 

1. Turn in any missing forms.
2. Pass our check for head lice (or provide a certificate from the lice check service that has been received within 24 hours of departure).
3. Drop off luggage with correct luggage tags affixed.

Herzl airport staff and volunteers will help load luggage on the airport bus for campers flying into MSP. 

We are excited to partner with Ship Camps as an option to get your child’s luggage to and from camp. Ship Camps is, by far, the most professional and reliable camp baggage handling company, and serves as an extension of the camp experience we provide for your children. Baggage registration opens on February 3, 2026, and all shipments are recommended to be booked by or before April 15th, which helps us and Ship Camps with planning. Visit https://www.shipcamps.com/herzl-camp or call (855)-540-2267 for more information.

Luggage Trucks Outside of the Twin Cities

Luggage trucks are available for Second and Third Session campers in Chicago, Kansas City and Omaha for the following transportation dates. Details on timing and location will be communicated in early May.

Second Session

• To Camp: Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha
• From Camp: Kansas City, Omaha

Third Session

• To Camp: Kansas City, Omaha
• From Camp: Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha

Mail (Summer Address)
7260 Mickey Smith Parkway
Webster, WI 54893

Phone
(952) 927-4002

Our summer office staff answers the phone from 9:00am – 6:00pm CDT every day except on Shabbat. Phones are not answered from 4:00pm on Friday to 9:00am on Sunday.

In case of a family emergency, call us at (952) 927-4002. If the office is closed, please leave a message and email campoffice@herzlcamp.org with details. We routinely check messages on Shabbat and will return your call as soon as the message is picked up.

If you are going on vacation while your child is at camp, please email campoffice@herzlcamp.org with your vacation dates, location, and whom to contact in your absence.

We’re here to help!

Tommy Hoffman, Executive Director (tommy@herzlcamp.org)
Danya Kornblum, Director Camp & Culture (danya@herzlcamp.org)
Gary Kibort, Operations Director (gary@herzlcamp.org)
Michael Arato, Director of Program Innovation (michael@herzlcamp.org)
David Getzkin, Operations Manager (david@herzlcamp.org)
Demi Fine, Assistant Director (demi@herzlcamp.org)
Kelsey Lyons, Director of Health Services (kelsey@herzlcamp.org)
General Questions (campoffice@herzlcamp.org)

Write letters often, if you can. Some campers will reply frequently and some will not. Talk to your child about your expectations before camp starts.

• Send a letter or email before your child leaves for camp so it’s waiting for them at camp
• Keep your letters positive and upbeat
• If your child complains about something, it’s ok to acknowledge it when you reply. Focus on the positive aspects of their experience and tell them you are confident they will work it out. We also encourage you to follow up with camp staff regarding any possible negative situation your child communicates.

We understand that it can be difficult to receive a letter home saying your child is having a hard time. Sometimes, campers write an “I miss home” note in the first day or two, but quickly settle into camp life shortly after. If you’d like to check in, please call the office at 952.927.4002. A message will be taken by the office and forwarded on to the appropriate staff person who will respond as quickly as possible. Please keep in mind that senior staff spend the majority of their time in and around camp, with the campers and staff, and not in the office. 

LETTERS

Your child’s cabin information will be emailed to you in the evening on their arrival day. Once you have the cabin number, include it in the address, as below. For prompt delivery, please address the envelope the following way:

Camper’s Full Name
Cabin #
Herzl Camp
7260 Mickey Smith Parkway
Webster, WI 54893

EMAILS

All camp families have access to Herzl’s one-way CampInTouch system. To email your child once the their session begins, follow these steps: 

1. Login to your CampMinder account.
2. Scroll down to “Online Community” and click on “Email.” In this area you can create guest accounts and purchase CampStamps, which you will need to send an email. You may purchase CampStamps at any time, but you will not be able to email your child until their session begins. 

Emails received by 9 AM will be delivered after lunch with the regular mail daily except for Shabbat and the first/last day of each session. Emails sent after 9 AM will be delivered the next day. When you email your child, your message will be printed by 9 am and delivered with the regular mail. 

PHONE CALLS

Herzl strives to foster an environment where campers gain self-confidence in making decisions and handling challenging situations on their own, under the watchful eye of their counselors and other camp staff. From years of experience, we have found that phone calls home often inhibit the progress of a camper adjusting to camp and gaining independence.

Campers are not permitted to call home except in rare circumstances. We will contact you immediately if there is a major concern or emergency.

Packages are not permitted to be sent to campers, except for two exceptions listed below.  Campers have plenty to do and everything they need to be successful at camp. The best way to stay connected is through letters – send as many as you’d like!

What we will accept
We accept flat envelopes smaller than 9” x 12” (FedEx, UPS, or USPS). Flat envelopes can include letters, photos, magazines, stationery/paper, cards, and other items that fit fully inside. 

All envelopes are opened by office staff. Any prohibited items (including food) will be removed before delivery to your child.

What we do not accept
Envelopes larger than 9” x 12” or boxes of any size. If something arrives that we cannot accept, it will be returned to sender when possible or held in the office and sent home with your child on departure day. 

Please let grandparents and other relatives know that letters are always welcome; packages should not be sent.

Exceptions

Replacement/forgotten items

If your child forgot something important at home, or needs a replacement item (retainer, glasses, etc.) you may send a package with the replacement item. Please contact our office at campoffice@herzlcamp.org, and we’ll let you know how to proceed. 

Birthdays

Campers celebrating their birthday at camp are permitted one birthday package from their family (if the camper’s parents are divorced, each parent may send one package). You must contact the office at campoffice@herzlcamp.org in advance to make arrangements for a birthday package so we know to expect it. All rules about forbidden items at camp – including restrictions on food – apply to birthday packages. 

 A note about Amazon packing and waste

We ask families not to send items directly from Amazon or other retailers, even if the item itself is small, because shipments often arrive with significant cardboard and packing materials. This creates unnecessary waste at camp and adds a burden on our office and maintenance teams. If you plan on sending a small item that fits in a flat 9” x 12” envelope, please send it directly yourself in that envelope. expect it. All rules about forbidden items at camp (including restrictions on outside food) apply to birthday packages.

From time to time during the summer, you’ll hear from the Herzl Camp Director team, your child’s counselors, and other adults who “run the fun” on the shores of Devils Lake. This includes everything from glimpses into camp activities to important info on closing day logistics. Sometimes, updates will come via messages posted on your Campanion app.

You may receive a phone call from the office staff, Health Center, other supervisory staff, or one of our Directors. We often call just to give an update on how your camper is adjusting or to celebrate your camper’s achievement. We will also contact you to discuss certain situations, severe cases of homesickness, or unusual or concerning behavior.

Campanion is a mobile app that connects you with your child’s Herzl Camp experience through a personalized stream of content from camp. With brilliant photography, regular updates from camp, and more, Campanion connects you to camp like never before. To connect:

1. Download the Campanion App here: Android or Apple.
2. Log in using your CampMinder Account email address and password.
3. Opt-in to facial recognition software by uploading a reference photo of your child. This option enables the app to send you photos of your camper over the summer – the app will walk you through it. If you opt into facial recognition, you will get a news feed each day with identified pictures of your camper. Campanion also makes sharing photos easier than ever.
4. Enable push notifications so you can receive important updates from camp during the summer and all year long!

SOCIAL MEDIA

To follow along:

Like our Facebook page (@herzlcamp)
Follow us on Instagram (@officialherzlcamp)

Photos will be posted on your password-protected CampMinder account, which can be accessed on your computer and on the Campanion mobile app. You will be able to download high-resolution photos for free and share them with family and friends.

We share photos to give families a meaningful window into camp life and the joy their children are experiencing. We publish on a consistent schedule so families can stay connected to the highlights of their child’s camp experience.  

Photo posting schedule

• Arrival/First day of each session: posted late evening on the first day
• Camp life (photos taken on a weekday 1x per week): posted the next day
• Shabbat: posted Sunday
• Special events/programming (Bikkurim, Yom Yisrael, Kadimah Wall, etc.): posted the next day

On average, we’ll publish photos 3 times per week. 

Please note: you will not see your child in every set of photos. Our photographers work hard to cover all areas of camp in an efficient and unobtrusive way, and we never force a camper to pose. Not appearing in photos is common and does not mean anything is wrong.

Photos will be posted to your password-protected CampMinder account, accessible on your computer and in the Campanion mobile app. You can download high-resolution photos and share them with family and friends.

We value your collaboration, and ask you to please err on the side of over-disclosure with regard to information. Once camp is underway, and a significant undisclosed issue presents, it is highly unlikely that a camper can be accommodated in a successful manner without a plan in place. While camp is a naturally supportive and nurturing environment generally, mental health issues campers present at home do not disappear because the child loves camp.  We take the care and safety of our campers very seriously and expect parents to share any and all information with us to create the best plan for your child to succeed at camp.

When assessing if campers are prepared for camp, we look for indications that an individual camper will be successful in handling the vast majority of the camp’s day-to-day activities. There is a significant level of independence required for success at camp and we expect campers to behave in safe and appropriate ways. We are unable to provide 1:1 support at camp in an ongoing way throughout the summer. If after consultation, it is determined that a camper cannot function in a majority of the camp program or needs intensive 1:1 support to navigate the basic day, our resources may be unable to accommodate a camper.

At Herzl Camp we strive, to the best of our ability, to support campers with issues related to mental, emotional, social, and behavioral health, in order to promote a successful summer. We aim to create a camp community that is inclusive and welcoming.

Situations that present at camp are personal, private and complex. While you may hear rumors about a particular circumstance, please realize you may not be hearing an accurate or complete story. When a situation directly impacts your child, we will be in touch to share relevant information. 

YOETZOT

Herzl Camp employs staff members to serve as Yoetzot – adults who may be educators, mental health professionals, and/or people with relevant camp experience. Yoetzot will get to know campers over the course of a session. In addition to cabin counselors and RKs (Unit Heads), these professionals will offer extra attention to campers when needed. You may hear from a Yoetzet to fill you in on something going on at camp or to seek guidance about your child.

MARP (HEALTH CENTER)

Ensuring the health and well-being of our campers is paramount to the summer’s success. Achieving this requires collaboration and partnership. If your child becomes ill shortly before or on departure day, please keep them home and notify us as soon as possible so we can arrange to bring your child to camp once they have recovered from their illness. Sending your unwell child to camp is a guaranteed unpleasant first-day experience and poses a considerable risk of illness transmission to the broader camp community. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and crucial in doing all we can to maintain a safe and healthy environment. 

The “Marp” is the Health Center at Herzl Camp that is staffed 24 hours a day by a team made up of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, EMTs, students nurses, and our Director of Health Services.

Campers who become ill or injured while at camp may stay in the Marp, an air-conditioned facility with sleeping rooms, exam rooms, bathrooms, and showers. Services provided by our Marp are free of charge; we do not bill you or your insurance for exams, treatments, or any services provided in camp. Campers who become ill with infectious illness will follow isolation protocols, as recommended. Infectious illnesses may require a camper to be picked up from camp based on the severity of the symptoms, the specifics of the illness, or camp’s space and medical capacity at that time. For medical care beyond the scope of our Marp, we use the St. Croix Medical Center or the nearby Webster Clinic for routine, non-emergency care. You or your insurance will be billed directly for care delivered outside of camp.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE MARP

Most visits to our Marp are for scrapes, sniffles, or feeling overheated or overtired. In that case, our medical staff will provide medical care and attention to allow your child to return to their camp activities.

If your child’s visit is more significant, our staff will call or email you with information and/or updates:

You will be contacted by the Health Center (Marp) if your child:

• Sleeps in the Health Center overnight.
• Has a fever of 100℉ or higher.
• Sustains a significant injury, including but not limited to head injury, laceration, water-related injury, significant burns, anaphylaxis, and/or asthma attack.
• Is put on prescription medication following a new diagnosis.
• Has been taken off-site to seek medical attention or requires an appointment with a specialist.
• Requires over-the-counter medication and you have not given prior consent on the OTC Authorization form.

You will not be contacted by the Health Center (Marp) if your child:

• Receives first aid for a minor injury.
• Receives over-the-counter medication deemed appropriate by medical staff and you have given prior consent on the OTC Authorization form.
• Rests in the Marp for a short period of time.

If we have tried to reach you regarding your child and we do not receive a response within the amount of time necessary to provide support in that specific situation, we will attempt to contact the emergency/alternate contact you have listed on your forms.

MEDICATION
The Marp staff administers medications at meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and before bedtime at the “Mini-Marp,” located in the Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall). For the safety of campers, no medications or vitamins/supplements are permitted to be kept in the camper cabins or in a camper’s possession with the exception of inhalers and epi-pens. Sharing and/or keeping medication in a cabin is prohibited. 

Herzl Camp partners with Pack My Rx to dispense, package, and ship medications directly to the camp before your child’s arrival. Your child’s medication must be registered with Pack My Rx – this includes prescription and over-the-counter medication.

The Marp stocks common OTC medicine such as Advil, Tylenol, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Tums, etc. If your child takes these medications occasionally or as needed, you do not need to order them through Pack My Rx. 

Please review the Medication Guide in your child’s CampMinder account under “Forms & Documents” for information about medication packaging and Pack My Rx. 

We recognize that gender exists along a spectrum and may change throughout an individual’s development. Our policies cannot address every situation that may arise, as each individual’s needs are unique. We work in partnership with the camper and their family to develop an inclusive, welcoming, and safe camp experience based on the available resources.

CABIN ASSIGNMENTS
Our cabins are separated by gender and grade level. Cabin requests may be made by gender identity instead of sex assigned at birth. This request must be made by the camper and a parent or guardian at the time of enrollment. Changes in cabin assignments cannot be made after the session has begun. We will work with families before camp to help identify and agree on the appropriate cabin assignment.

CABIN & BATHROOM FACILITIES
Each cabin will be equipped with a private changing area that any camper may choose to use. Bathroom/Shower spaces are gendered – they have private, locking toilet stalls and showers. Campers and staff will use the facilities of the gender they identify. Under no circumstances will a person be required to use separate facilities because they are transgendered or gender non-conforming.

CONFIDENTIALITY
A camper’s gender identity will only be known by the Director Team, Summer Health Staff, and staff directly responsible for their care (counselor and program supervisor). Herzl Camp will not disclose any information that may reveal a camper or staff member’s gender identity to others unless legally required to do.

NAMES & PRONOUNS
All campers and staff have the right to express their gender identity in a way that feels authentic and be addressed by names and pronouns that align with their identity and expression. Sharing pronouns is entirely optional and not required.

Herzl Camp serves three balanced meals each day. Fruit is available as a snack throughout the day in the Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall), and we serve nosh (snack) in the afternoon between lunch and dinner and again before bedtime. Most meals are served family style and we have a set menu with additional offerings at the breakfast, salad, and alternative bar.

In tradition with the Jewish camping experience, we keep Kosher at Herzl Camp. All food is prepared and served in accordance with the Jewish dietary laws of Kashrut. Our kitchen is not supervised by a rabbi or mashgiach on a daily basis.

ALLERGENS

Our chefs and kitchen staff are conscious of allergens when preparing meals. Menu items containing known allergens of campers and staff are identified and listed on the allergy board located in the Chadar Ochel (dining hall). We deem a food item to contain an allergen if it’s listed in the ingredients or if the packaging states “may contain” or “made on shared equipment”. If the packaging indicates “processed in a facility that also processes” the allergens, we do not consider the food item to contain said allergen.

Any food items containing or labeled “May Contain” nuts are not allowed on property or within the kitchen. Because many foods are procured by manufacturers and other outside sources, Herzl Camp and Wolfoods cannot fully guarantee a nut free facility.

In addition to the meal served, our breakfast bar, salad bar, and sandwich/alternative cart contain a variety of rotating items, such as hummus, garbanzo beans, tuna, egg salad, pita bread and fresh fruit and vegetables. We also have soy nut butter, bread and jelly available at lunch and dinner. Campers and staff should be aware of the risk of cross-contamination that can occur in this setting.

Please list any important information, such as allergic reactions and treatment, regarding your camper’s dietary restrictions and food allergies on the Health History form on CampMinder. If your child has a severe allergy or dietary restriction, please contact Danya Kornblum at danya@herzlcamp.org to discuss if Herzl Camp is properly equipped to manage it.

OUTSIDE FOOD

Please refrain from sending food items with your camper. We understand the comfort and convenience that snacks and treats can provide; the reality is that we have campers with severe, life-threatening allergies at camp. It’s crucial that we maintain a controlled environment to minimize any potential risks. Even seemingly harmless foods may contain allergens that could pose a significant threat to certain campers.
In addition, storing food in cabins can attract animals, adding another safety concern for all campers and staff.

Campers may bring snacks for their travel to camp (please send nut free snacks only). Traditionally, some counselors have a “candy party” the first night in order to clear out any remaining treats. There should be no outside food in cabins after the first night of each session.

An important part of being at camp is the opportunity to “unplug” from technology. It allows everyone to interact more directly with each other and be present in conversation. Campers are not permitted to bring cell phones, iTouches, video games, kindles, iPads, laptops, or other devices with a screen to camp. There are a few approved devices that are permitted for campers who would like to listen to music, including an iPod Shuffle and others that do not connect to the internet. Campers traveling by plane with their cell phone will store their phone in the camp safe for the duration of their session.

Laundry service will be provided once for campers during Second Session and Third Session. Kadimah and B’yachad campers will have their laundry completed twice during the summer. Ozrim will have availability and access to laundry facilities during the entirety of their summer. Campers enrolled for multiple sessions will have the opportunity to have their laundry done during intersession. Laundry is not provided during First Session or Taste of Herzl. Laundry typically takes 24 hours to complete and return. Laundry bags and their contents should all be clearly marked with your child’s full name. Important: if your child is enrolled in a session with laundry service, please pack your a laundry bag labeled with your child’s first and last name.

The Herzl Camp Chanut (Camp Store) is stocked with inexpensive items like water bottles, t-shirts, frisbees, and other miscellaneous items. Campers withdraw from their Chanut account to pay for the items they purchase. Campers may order one snack and one beverage per day. The cost for snacks and beverages are included in their camp tuition. 

To add money to your child’s Chanut (Camp Store) account, please log into your CampMinder account. We recommend providing $15 per week.

To add funds, follow these steps:

1. Login to your CampMinder account at https://herzlcamp.campintouch.com/v2/login.aspx
2. Scroll down and click on “View Chanut.” Click the “Fund” button. Enter the amount you wish to add to your child’s account, the form of payment, and click “Fund Account.”
3. Note: A balance of $20 or less at the end of the summer will be donated to the Herzl Scholarship Fund. If your child has a balance of more than $20 at the end of the summer, it will be returned to you OR you may choose to donate it to the Herzl Scholarship Fund. If you have an unpaid balance, any remaining camp store monies will be used toward the account balance at the end of the summer.

Our online Chanut store will open this spring with a selection of Herzl Camp apparel, including sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, and more. More details to come soon.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH PRACTICE

Tutoring is available for campers who will become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah before November 1, 2026. Staff will review material learned at the camper’s synagogue; as there are many different tunes, expectations, and customs. New material will not be taught. To make arrangements for tutoring for your child, please complete the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Practice form located in your CampMinder account under “forms & documents”.

Keeping our community safe and secure is our top priority. For security reasons, we don’t publicly share our security protocols, but rest assured we maintain an extensive security plan that includes 24/7 security presence. We regularly review our security protocols with input from local, state and federal agencies. We work closely with the JCRC of Minnesota and other experts in the field who help train and support our year-round and seasonal staff.

Please label your camper’s items with their first and last name.
Items left at camp labeled with campers’ full names will be brought back to our winter office and kept until the day after Labor Day. Any unclaimed items will be donated after that time. Unlabeled items may be donated to the local communities surrounding Herzl Camp.

Leaving camp to return home at the end of summer can be bittersweet for many campers. Understanding your child’s experience and managing your expectations can help make the transition smoother for everyone.

When it’s time to come home, most children are excited to reunite with their families and enjoy the comforts of home. At the same time, they may feel emotional about leaving their “summer home” and the friends they’ve made. This mix of emotions can lead to various behaviors at home — your child may seem withdrawn one moment and cheerful the next. 

To support your child during this transition – and maintain your own sanity – give them the space they need to process their experience and ease back into family life. Give them plenty of downtime, let them sleep in, and let them take the lead in talking about camp and getting back into the swing of home life. Try not to take their behavior personally – transitioning from camp life to home life is an adjustment, and it’s normal for children to take some time to recalibrate. 

In addition to potential challenges, many campers return home as a more responsible, mature, and self-sufficient version of themselves. Even those who face challenges, such as homesickness or complex social dynamics, develop resiliency to help them through these experiences. Keep in mind that at camp, they made their bed, cleared their dishes, made plenty of their own decisions, and survived without an iPad or cell phone in sight.  Encourage them to apply the skills and responsibilities they learned at camp at home. 

When your child is ready to open up about their camp experience, show genuine enthusiasm and pride for everything they accomplished over the summer. Listen with curiosity and empathy to support them as they share the stories of their memorable summer.

During the camp season, we do not permit families to visit. Visiting days during the camp season are disruptive to the routine of camp and can have a negative effect on campers.  

Instead, we welcome all visitors to our annual pre-camp open house and tour on Sunday, May 31. All current and future families may come for a guided tour of camp, meet some of the seasonal staff, and speak with the full-time staff. More details will be communicated in May.

Herzl Camp summer sessions are fully refundable until February 15, 2026. Cancellations made between February 16  – April 15, 2026 will incur a fee equal to 50% of the total tuition. 

After February 15, 2026, any request to change a camper’s registration that reduces their enrollment (such as reducing weeks and/or sessions) will incur a $500 fee. 

No refunds will be issued after April 15, 2026. 

Cancellation fees cannot be applied to other campers’ tuition, other sessions, donations, or future enrollments.

Cancellation or enrollment changes must be submitted in writing to danya@herzlcamp.org.