What is Camp Chaverim's mission and vision?

Camp Chaverim is not just an ordinary day camp. Camp Chaverim is a place where your child can make long-lasting connections, be creative, try new things and become a part of our UJC family.

Our mission is to promote and build high self-esteem, positive values, personal growth, along with a strong sense of identity. As a Jewish day camp, we infuse our camp with values, traditions, and holiday celebrations.

Camp Chaverim is a proud member of the American Camping Association. ACA helps member camps provide:

• Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences
• Discovery through experiential education
• Caring, competent role models
• Service to the community and the environment
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

We strive to foster growth through learning new skills and interacting with others in a safe, challenging, diverse and stimulating environment.

Camp Chaverim operates Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. A typical camp day will consist of activities including arts and crafts, swimming, athletics, team-building, outdoor programming, and a weekly Shabbat experience. Our goal is to give your child a summer to remember!

Camp Chaverim utilizes a mobile communication tool called MyCampApp. This wonderful app is specifically designed for our summer camp program. We will be able to share photos, notes, updates, and videos privately with our camp families. Parents/guardians can also easily stay in contact with staff as well as utilize the app to update your child(ren)'s camp needs.

You can also call the UJC front office with questions or concerns:
Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5pm
Fridays, 8:30am-4pm

We know that the key to a great summer is the quality of the staff. Our staff nurture the potential of each individual camper, creating an environment that fosters engagement, inclusion, and community.

Staff members model and teach positive behaviors for our campers such as teamwork, active listening, leadership, problem-solving, empathy and enthusiasm. Our staff range from students entering 11th grade to college graduates and older.

Prior to the start of our summer season, staff undergo multi-day professional training which includes learning to work with children of various ages, program planning, CPR/First Aid safety training, positive behavior support and management, emergency preparedness/situational awareness, and an overview of UJC campus policies. Together our staff forms a unified bond, where everyone is supported and challenged to be their best selves!

Bring the basics: dairy lunch, water bottle, sunscreen (please apply prior to arriving at camp each morning), hat, swim suit, towel, and a change of clothes. All items should be labeled with your camper's name. A more detailed list of items will be included in the parent handbook and will be sent to families before the first day of camp.

Health and safety is our number one priority at Camp Chaverim. We are committed to providing every camper at the UJC with a fun and exciting summer experience, while working to ensure each camper's safety.

We are dedicated to creating a summer camp environment that encourages positive physical, mental, social, and emotional health for all our campers and staff.

All ACA and Virginia Department of Health recommendations are closely followed and periodically reviewed.

With the help of our community’s generous support of the Annual Campaign, the UJCVP makes every effort to ensure that no child is denied a quality summer camp experience.

All inquiries and applications are kept strictly confidential.

The amount of financial assistance is determined once an application, and all accompanying documentation, are received. Only complete applications with accompanying documentation will be reviewed. Receiving financial assistance is not guaranteed and funds may not be sufficient to meet the needs of every applicant. The UJCVP does not award 100% assistance.

Your child’s camp application must be submitted prior to applying for financial assistance. Financial Assistance applications are due no later than April 1, 2024. Unfortunately, financial aid applications received beyond the deadline will not be able to be reviewed.

If you have questions about Financial Aid, please contact Libby Batten in our Jewish Family Services office.

Please CLICK HERE for the Camp Chaverim financial aid form.