How is the Jewish Girls Retreat different from Bat Mitzvah Camp?
We opened the Bat Mitzvah Camp in 1999 as a day camp and expanded into an overnight camp in 2005. This year, Bat Mitzvah Camp partnered with YALDAH magazine and organized the Jewish Girls Winter Retreat. Our Summer Retreat will offer the same great experience that girls have had at Bat Mitzvah Camp in the past, but we’ve expanded to include three separate age divisions: Yaldah Camp, Bat Mitzvah Camp, and Teen Leadership Camp.
What is the YALDAH & Bat Mitzvah Camp partnership?
When YALDAH magazine editor, 16-year-old Leah Larson of Sharon, MA attended Bat Mitzvah Overnight Camp last summer, she realized that YALDAH and "BMC" share many common goals. Founded in 2003, YALDAH magazine is a quarterly magazine "for Jewish girls, by Jewish girls". In addition to providing fun reading material and a creative outlet for girls, YALDAH aims to connect Jewish girls and inspire them to embrace their Judaism with pride and become Jewish leaders of the future. YALDAH shows girls that using their talents and determination, they can make their dreams come true. Bat Mitzvah Camp & Club of the Capital District, founded in 1999 by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber, runs many programs throughout the year including a Bat Mitzvah Club, Bat Mitzvah Teen Club, and Bat Mitzvah overnight and day camps. Like YALDAH, BMC realizes that today’s Jewish girls are tomorrow's Jewish women, and helps girls discover what being a Jewish woman is really about. BMC also encourages girls to explore Judaism through their talents, so BMC activities include multi-faceted lessons through art, music, dance, sports, and drama. The retreat seeks to combine the strengths of both organizations, and provide an enriching summer experience for Jewish girls.
How much learning do you have at camp?
After prayer in the morning, we always have a 45 minute workshop which introduces the theme for the day through icebreakers, discussions, creative writing stories about great woman, and songs. Most of our learning is integrated into the activities and trips. We learn through action and hands-on activities. We conclude camp with a production that brings out the lessons from the summer.
What is the YALDAH camp division?
It is for ages 8-10 (girls entering grades 4-5). Campers discover talents and develop social skills in a warm, nurturing and safe environment. They explore their Jewish self through a fun and incredible program.
What is Bat Mitzvah camp division?
It is a one-of-a-kind program especially geared for girls ages 11-13 to explore what it means to be a blossoming young Jewish woman in the modern world. Girls explore their role as a "Bat Mitzvah", young Jewish women, through a combination of art, nature, drama and adventurous trips.
What is the Teen Leadership camp?
Our camp runs a special program for the 14-16 year olds that prepares and inspires them to become future counselors, mentors and community leaders. The program includes workshops on leadership and interpersonal skills, and inspiring lessons on great Jewish women. We also provide them with the hands on experience to shine and excel by leading parts in our camp production, color war, camp newsletter and running activities such as culinary arts, arts & crafts, dance and more. The TLC program offers our teen campers extra privileges, trips and night activities.
Are the attendees from generally diverse Jewish backgrounds, or are they children that are more from a similar background?
Our campers come from diverse Jewish backgrounds and all levels of observance. Our dynamic program emphasizes the unity of all Jews. Our camp is right for all Jewish girls that wish to express their Jewish self through fun, adventure, creativity and the arts. Our campers learn to accept one another in a loving and non-judgmental atmosphere.
I tried getting into your website and it is not opening. What is wrong?
In order to get to the website www.jewishgirlsretreat.com, you may have to press the refresh button.
Who are your staff?
Our staff have years of experience as counselors and as leaders in their communities around the world. They are so devoted to each campers and truly make our camp the "happiest place to be." They are role models for our campers in every way.
What are the accommodations?
Girls stay in the comfortable Russel Sage College dorms, with 2-4 girls per room. Every room has a sink, and bathrooms are dormitory style—near each set of bedrooms. Visit our location page for more information about the location of the Retreat.
What is the security on the college campus?
The Russel Sage College Campus is empty during the summer, but we still have college security at all times. Buildings are locked and you need a special card to enter the buildings.
hat is the kashrut supervision?
Kashrut will be supervised by Rabbi Avraham Laber, Chabad of Troy, NY.
Can I come for just one week?
The retreat is designed for girls to attend the entire time, but in special circumstances girls can come for part of the time. Please contact us for more information.
Do I have to pay all at once for camp?
No, you can send in head checks that will be cashed by the end of camp.
Are there scholarships?
We have a limited amount of scholarships. We run a very expensive and top notch program and can only give a limited amount of discounts when absolutely necessary.
How do I register?
Visit our register page!
What happens after I register?
Once we receive your registration and payment, we will contact you a few days later to let you know if you've been accepted to the retreat (if not you will be refunded). Then you will receive e-mail updates with important information about the retreat until we see you there!
What is your refund policy?
The Retreat payment may be refunded if a camper that was enrolled is ill (G-d forbid) and therefore cannot attend. A doctor’s letter attesting to such illness must be sent with a request for a refund of payment. In all other cases that a camper does not attend the retreat, to an illness or for any other reason, no refund will be issued.
Why do you need my e-mail address?
After you register we will be sending important information about the retreat to the e-mail address you provide. Please give a valid e-mail address that you check often.
What should I pack?
Click here to see our summer packing list.
Where do I drop off my daughter for camp?
Drop-off is at the camp dorms - Russel Sage Hall. You'll be able to help your daughter bring her things to her room and get settled. Click here for a map of the Sage College Campus.
