Camp Info

Shabbat at Camp

As we go into Shabbat as a camp, Friday afternoon is marked by an event we call, Shabbatiyada. This is a special hour at camp when we gather as community and participate in activities to prepare ourselves and camp for Shabbat. The staff runs booths, in a carnival setting, featuring stations for drum circles, writing “Shabbat-O-Gram” greetings, nature tea and meditation, challah braiding, and making Shabbat decorations and omanut (arts-and-crafts) projects.

Our camp is shomer shabbat, which means we use no electricity or fire, we do not write, or do any work on the Sabbath. On Friday afternoon, activities end early so that all of camp can prepare for Shabbat by cleaning up and dressing in our best. We enter the Sabbath with Kabbalat Shabbat, featuring performances in Israeli dance, song, and a weekly sikkum (summary) video, featuring highlights from the week at camp. Friday evening services are in our Beit K'nesset.

Shabbat dinner follows, including home-made challah from the chanichim (campers) at Shabbatiyada, chicken, and apple turnovers. Following Shabbat dinner, camp enjoys an oneg performance put on by the staff.

After a slightly later wake up on Shabbat morning, we assemble for breakfast and morning services with a Torah service. The Torah service invites all campers up for an aliyah on a rotation, and features Torah reading from members of the older aidot (age groups). Shabbat is a lovely day at camp, full of relaxation, Shabbat-friendly activities, and an afternoon of non-competitive sports and games.

Saturday evening, we gather for Havdalah (the service that marks the end of Shabbat). After Havdalah, we have Saturday night fun, where the whole camp joins in a rousing session of rikud (Israeli dancing).

Shabbat is a special time at camp for everyone. Due to Sabbath observance, we don't answer the phone in the office. However, we do have an answering machine; in the event of an emergency, parents should leave a message on that machine.

Accommodations

Each cabin structure has two bunk areas on either side. A bathroom runs the width of the building in the back and contains showers, sinks, and toilets; chanichim at CYJ Sprout Lake never have to go to a separate bathhouse.

Camp Food and Nutrition

All campers eat together, by bunk with their counselors, in our bright, air-conditioned dining hall. Each meal at camp is prepared in our kosher kitchen by an incredibly talented kitchen staff. CYJ Sprout Lake provides a menu of healthful and delicious meals. Our chef creates kid-friendly favorites out of wholesome foods, with many meals made from scratch.

Electric water fountains are available throughout the camp and a refreshing snack is given twice a day. Fruit is always available.

Health & Safety

Sprout Lake has a brand new, 1900 square foot Health Center, equipped with 2 exam rooms, living quarters for 3 medical staff, a triage center, and can accommodate over 32 campers who require overnight medical care. We have between 1-2 nurses on staff at all times, 24 hours a day, and a doctor who joins us at camp 3-4 days a week. Any camper medications are administered by the medical staff either at mealtime or at the health center. The health center is open any time of day to take care of any camper needs.

To ensure the safety and well being of all of our campers and staff, Camp Sprout Lake has trained security guards patrolling our camp 24 hours a day.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). We are also affiliated with the Foundation for Jewish Camp, Young Judaea, and the Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy.