Camp Shalom is the summer day camp program of the MKJF

Camp Shalom - which means "peace" - is the summer day camp of the Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation. Its Jewish environment is welcoming to all school-age children and provides a safe, nurturing and fun experience. Our theme for 2010 was "Making Jewish Fun!"

In 2010 we made some exciting changes to Camp Shalom! We met for a full day of camp; 9:15 am to 4pm - rather than a half-day. This allowed us to have more varied activities and a more impactful camp experience (as well as being more convenient for parents). Instead of four weeks of half days, camp was held for two weeks during this new "model" (Monday, July 5 - Friday, July 16) at Congregation Emanu-El.

Camp Shalom is open to all children entering pre-K through grade 5 in September. In addition, for summer 2010 we launched Camp Gesher, for children entering grades 6 through 8 in September.

CAMP SHALOM (Entering Kindergarten through Grade 5)

Camp Shalom encourages campers entering kindergarten through grade 5 to experience a wide variety of activities through programming designed to encourage unity, fun, and learning. Campers are divided into age-appropriate groups with assigned counselors, and daily programs will be specifically tailored to focus on the abilities and interests of campers according to their ages.

Each day at Camp Shalom was filled with fun. Program highlights include group games, sports, arts and crafts, music and dance, storytelling, Jewish and Israel themed programming, nature activities, and more. There were special, out-of-the-ordinary activities including guest storytellers, the popular ropes course, astronomy shows, community personalities visiting, local and national children's singers and musicians, field trips, recreational swimming and a tikkun olam (social service) activity. On July 13, the Israel Scouts visited Camp Shalom! They worked with the campers and a special lunch was held in their "honor" with Cafe Chevre members as their guests.

For our youngest campers (4-5 years old), we offer the Ofanim ("deer") group. Ofanim participate in special age appropriate activities that are similar to the older groups but are tailored to fit their needs. There is an appropriate balance of sports, play, music, arts & crafts and Jewish learning. We have a high staff to camper ratio.

CAMP GESHER (Entering Grades 6 - 8)

Our new Camp Gesher ("bridge" in Hebrew) program provided a challenging and activity filled camping experience for campers ages 11-13. At this age, campers need to express their individuality as well as relate to a strong peer-group experience. This program works to build a sense of mutual responsibility and cooperation and strengthen their Jewish identity.
Gesher activities support these goals. Campers actively participate in weekly Shabbat services, create unique art projects, chugim (daily elective activities including art, photography, cooking and more), sports, nature hikes, swimming, biking and more. Camp Gesher introduces leadership development skills. This group also takes field trips relevant to camp programming, and there will be one overnight during the session. In addition, Gesher campers will have the chance to work with younger campers during certain all-group activities. Our Gesher leader was Doug Padzensky.

Morning and afternoon snacks were provided. Lunch from Monday to Thursday was a "brown bag" lunch from home. A special Shabbat lunch was held each Friday.

Many thanks to our Co-Directors for Summer 2010, Jene Fisher and Katie Redler and their excellent staff of senior and junior counselors...and to all our volunteers who made camp a huge success. Now we will begin to work on a wonderful summer for 2011.
Watch for more details in the future!