Family Guide

Forms will be online by January 15, 2025.
You can find forms in your CampInTouch account, log into your CampMinder account and select “Forms & Documents”. You may also complete forms on your mobile device using the Campanion app. Complete and submit all forms no later than February 28. If you registered for camp after February 28, please submit your forms within 2 weeks of registering. Campers who are missing forms will not be permitted to attend camp until they are complete.

Required Forms

Acknowledgement of Community Expectations
Asthma Action Plan (required only if applicable)
Allergy Action Plan (required only if applicable)
Authorized Pick-up Person
Health History
Physician’s Examination
Immunization Record
Parent Authorization (insurance information)
Camper Questionnaire (not applicable for Ozrim)
Parent Questionnaire
Participant Agreement
OTC Medication Authorization
Transportation

Optional Forms

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Practice Request
Cabinmate Request

Medical Forms

Physician’s Examination: For campers who have had a physical examination after September 2023, a new physical is not required before their physician completes the camp form, unless there have been changes to their medical history (or their physician will not complete the form without an examination). However, campers who have not had a physical examination since September 2023 must schedule an appointment with their medical provider before submitting the physician form.

Immunization Record: All campers must be current with routine childhood immunizations according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Health History: To be completed by a parent or guardian to provide additional information about physical + mental health, medical history, and medication information.

All items should be packed in no more than 2 duffel bags (without wheels) and 1 carry-on bag/backpack. We put together packing lists to be a guide for families, but you should adjust items based on the needs of your camper. You will find the packing list in your CampMinder account under “Forms & Documents”.

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. Herzl Camp is not responsible for lost or damaged items.

On the first day of camp, campers should CARRY ON a small backpack with the following items when boarding the bus/plane:

• Swimsuit and towel (labeled with camper’s full name). Swim testing begins shortly after arrival for most campers and before luggage is unpacked.
• Reusable water bottle (labeled with camper’s full name)
• Epi-pen and/or rescue inhaler (if applicable)
• Reading material and pillow (optional)

Label each article of your child’s clothing, water bottles, and all towels, etc. with first and last name when packing.

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.

Shabbat Attire: Each Friday night at camp, your camper 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.

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 data/experience, 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 request per camper. Requests will be reviewed and included only when all of the following are met:

Cabin request is received in writing via the form in your CampInTouch account and submitted no later than February 28 (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 28.

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

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

• Travel via 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 account, under “Forms and Documents” to indicate how your child will be traveling to and from camp. If your transportation plans change before June 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 the office at 952/927-4002.

Travel by Bus

Campers travel via 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.

There will be bus transportation available for campers traveling back to Kansas City on August 11.

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 camper. One flight for each city will be designated as the official Herzl flight. Flight options will be communicated by December 1. If your city is not listed, please contact David Getzkin at david@herzlcamp.org to discuss flight options. In general, flights must arrive into MSP between 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT on arrival day, and depart between 2:30-6:00 PM on departure day.

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

For more information about air travel, including an accompanied 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. One of your camper’s staff 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. Campers and their luggage will be brought to the office at that time.

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 of Camp & Culture
danya@herzlcamp.org

Michael Arato, Director of Program Innovation
michael@herzlcamp.org

David Getzkin, Operations Coordinator
david@herzlcamp.org

General Questions

campoffice@herzlcamp.org

MAIL

(June 1 – August 11):
Herzl Camp
7260 Mickey Smith Parkway
Webster, WI 54893

PHONE

952/927-4002 (year-round)

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 camper is having a hard time. We encourage you to keep in mind that oftentimes parents call camp after receiving an “I miss home” letter that was written the first night, only to learn that their camper (just two days later) is all smiles. 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.

Your camper’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

All camp families have access to Herzl’s one-way CampInTouch system.
To email your camper 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 will also be able to create guest accounts and purchase CampStamps, which you will need for sending camper emails. Each CampStamp costs $1. You may purchase CampStamps at any time, but you will not be able to email your camper until their session begins.
3. Send emails to your camper using the Campanion app.

When you email your camper, your message will be printed by 9 am and delivered with the regular mail. If email is after 9 am, it may be delivered the next day.
Letters and emails will be delivered to campers daily except for Shabbat and the first/last day of each session.

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 limited to flat envelopes, such as 8” x 10” or 9” x 12” mailers, FedEx, UPS, or USPS envelopes. Anything larger will be marked “Return to Sender”and sent back (including deliveries from Amazon, which go through our local post office, or other delivery services). This includes packages sent to your children as well as to their counselors. Please notify your child’s relatives of this policy. All rules about what not to bring to camp apply for packages.

There are two exceptions to the package policy:

If your camper forgot something important at home, or if you hear from us that your camper needs something important at camp that we can’t provide (for example, a replacement retainer or pair of glasses), we will make an exception to the “No Packages” rule for such emergencies. Email our office at campoffice@herzlcamp.org with the details and we’ll let you know how to proceed.

Campers celebrating birthdays at camp are permitted one birthday package from their family. (If the camper’s parents are divorced or separated, each parent may send one package.) This is optional. Please contact the Camp Office at campoffice@herzlcamp.org in advance to arrange a birthday package for your camper, so we know to 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.

Our photographers work hard to cover all areas of camp in an efficient manner, while remaining unobtrusive. You will not see your child in pictures every day. If you don’t see your child, it does not mean anything is wrong. We never force a camper to be in a photo if they don’t want to pose – we understand that some campers don’t like being in pictures.

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. 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, it is important that campers and parents understand that mental health issues campers present at home do not suddenly disappear because the child loves 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 programming. 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.

Herzl Camp employs staff members to serve as Yoetzot. Yoetzot are 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 your guidance about your camper.

MARP (HEALTH CENTER)

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.

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.

MEDICATION

The Marp staff administers medications at meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and before bedtime at the “Mini-Marp,” which is attached to 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 has partnered with Pack My Rx to dispense, package, and ship medications directly to the camp before your camper’s arrival. For more information, and to enroll with Pack My Rx, review the Medication Guide found in your CampMinder account under “forms & documents”.

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 camper to return to their camp activities.

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

Parents/Guardians will be contacted by the Health Center (Marp) if:

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

Parents/Guardians will not be contacted by the Health Center if:

• Your camper receives first aid for a minor injury.
• Your camper receives over-the-counter medication deemed appropriate by medical staff and you have given prior consent on the OTC Authorization form.
• Your camper rests in the Health Center for a short period of time.

If we have tried to reach you regarding your camper 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.

The Herzl Camp community strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all campers and staff.  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 individual and their family to develop an inclusive and welcoming 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.

Bathroom + Cabin 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 so or the camper or staff has given permission.

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: Please send your camper to camp with a laundry bag.

The Herzl Camp Chanut (Camp Store) is stocked with inexpensive items like water bottles, t-shirts, frisbees, and other miscellaneous items. Campers withdraw from this 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 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 camper’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 camper 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.

In addition to Chanut at camp, a selection of Herzl Camp sweatshirts, sweatpants, shirts, and more will be available on our online Chanut store. A link will be sent out via email to purchase Herzl merchandise prior to your child’s session.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH PRACTICE

Bar/Bat Mitzvah practice and review is available for campers who will become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah prior to November 1, 2025. Review will take place 1-2 times per week. It is the camper’s responsibility to attend and participate actively. This is intended only to review material previously learned at the camper’s synagogue; we don’t teach any new material. To enroll your child, please complete the Bar/Bat Mitzvah practice form found in your CampInTouch account under “Forms & Documents”.

Keeping our community safe and secure is our top priority. 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. We maintain a 24/7 security presence. We train our staff on how to respond to security situations at camp or outside of camp for a field trip.

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.