What is your inclusion program?

Our Accessibility and Inclusion team, along with programming staff, will work with children with disabilities and their families to create a successful and meaningful experience at the MNjcc. All of our programs are open to people of all abilities. We also offer programming designed to meet specific needs identified to us by people with disabilities and their families; however, at this time we cannot cover the cost of 1:1 counsellors but we will work with families to find funding for these resources. Contact Liviya Mendelsohn, Director of Accessibility and Inclusion: liviyam@mnjcc.org; (416) 924-6211 x330 Grace Smith, Accessibility and Inclusion Manager at graces@mnjcc.org (416) 924-6211 x335

Does my child need to be toilet trained?

No your child does not need to be toilet trained.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sending your child(ren) to camp during this time can be a difficult decision and we strive to make this as worry-free as possible. If you cancel any/all camp sessions by May 31, 2021, it will be fully refundable including the deposit. If you cancel any/all camp sessions after May 31, 2021, it will be fully refundable minus the initial deposit. In the event that we have to close camp during the middle of a session, we will pro-rate the remaining days and add a credit to your account. In the event that your camper is unable to attend the full week of camp, we are unable to pro-rate the weekly fee. Please refer to our cancellation policy.

When and how do I register?

Registration will open on March 15, 2021 at 9:00am EST. It has never been easier to sign up! Just visit www.mnjcc.org/summercamp and click the green button under your preferred age group!

What forms will I need to fill out?

Please take some time prior to your camper's first day to complete all of our required forms; they will be sent to you upon registration: (Emergency Contact, Health Form, Permission Form). If you indicate any medical requirements that your child(ren) may have, our staff will contact you to further discuss or send any additional forms. As our JSeeds program is licensed by the Ministry of Education we also require a copy of your child's most recent vaccination schedule.

Do I need to pack lunch for my child?

No you do not! We provide vegetarian, kosher style catered lunches daily to our campers from Wholesome Kids Catering ( https://wholesomekids.ca)

What about snacks?

We provide a catered snack each afternoon; however, we ask families to pack additional snacks for the morning. We are a nut-free facility and ask that families ensure that all food sent to camp is allergen friendly.

What happens if my child becomes ill while at camp?

In the event that your child becomes unwell during camp we will assess their symptoms and complete a incident log. We will contact the parents/guardians and will isolate the child until your arrival. Unwell children may not return to camp until they can present negative COVID test results* . *subject to change due to Ministry of Health guidelines.

What COVID policies will you be following?

We have a full, twenty-page COVID policy that is currently being used by our childcare and preschool. If you would like to see the most current version of it, please contact Anna Somers annas@mnjcc.org How we are adapting camp: • Increased time outdoors • Small camper groups that will stay together the entire week. Camper groups will not mix. • Daily screening • Staff wearing medical grade PPE and trained in covid policies/procedures • Campers will wear masks while indoors (Toronto Mandatory Mask or Face Covering By-Law 541-2020) and will change their masks mid-day, or when they are soiled. • No use of public transit to go on field trips, campers will walk to local parks and sports fields. • Activity hubs for each cohort with their own sets of materials. • Toys and all sports/play materials sanitized frequently. • High-touch surfaces ( doors, tables, handles, washrooms) sanitized frequently throughout the day • Camp hubs/rooms sanitized each afternoon after departure.

Does my child need to wear a mask while at camp?

As safety is our primary concern, we require our campers ages 4+ to wear masks both indoors and outside*. Please pack your camper extra masks and a carrying case to safety store used ones. * May change due to government regulations

Do I need to be Jewish?

Although rooted in Jewish Values, the MNjcc summer camp provides an opportunity for campers of all backgrounds to be active, learn, and have fun while making new friends!

Can I request that my child be placed with a specific counsellor or friend?

If your child’s friend is in the same age group there is a strong likelihood that they will be placed together but we cannot guarantee this. We cannot take counsellor requests at this time as we need to ensure our staff are placed with an age group that fits their strengths best.

Is there nap time?

Camp can be a long and tiring day for our youngest campers! We offer a 1.5 hr rest period following lunch for our JSeeds campers. Napping is not mandatory for all JSeeds however there will be structured time for them to unwind and chill on their cots. Please let our staff know prior to your start date if your child requires a nap. Parents are asked to provide a blanket for rest time and cots are sanitized daily. Any bedding sent to camp will be returned at the end of each week. ​

What should I pack?

To help your camper get prepared for their day, please pack: Water bottle Nut free snacks Bathing suit, towel, goggles Sunscreen Extra set of clothing (things happen)! Hat Any medication that your child requires (this should be given to counsellors at the beginning of the day) 2 extra masks and a carrying case to store used ones. We ask that you label everything that comes to camp! We do our best to make sure our campers return home with everything at the end of the day and its very helpful for our staff if everything is labelled.

What if my child loses something while at camp?

We do our best to ensure that our campers go home with everything at the end of each day, however we understand that sometimes things can be misplaced or forgotten. In the event that we find a campers item after their time with us, we will label and bag their belongings and you can arrange a time to pick up.

Do you offer subsidy for camp?

Unfortunately at this time we are not able to offer financial assistance for camp.

Swimming

Will my child swim? Currently, due to provincial guidelines we cannot guarantee that our campers will have access to our aquatic facilities. However, should the government allow us to run aquatics programs, our campers are scheduled to have recreational swim a minimum of twice per week which will be reflected in the weekly schedule that we send out to parents. Does my child need to know how to swim to participate? Any child who cannot complete the deep-end test will be fitted with a life jacket that we provide. Along with lifejackets, we also add tot platforms to the shallow areas which allow our younger campers the chance to stand on their own. Aside from our counsellors swimming alongside our campers, we also have two lifeguards in the water for support. Our frequent recreational swim gives our campers the chance to strengthen their swimming skills and over time will become more comfortable in the water. Can I join my child in the pool? We know how much fun it can be for parents to join our activities; however, at this time cannot have anyone beyond our trained staff interacting with our campers. Do you provide towels/goggles? We ask that families pack their camper's bags with goggles and towels, and cannot offer rentals at this time. In previous years we have kept campers swim wear at camp during the duration of their stay, however as safety is a primary concern we will send any worn clothing home at the end of the day.

Field Trips

Unlike past summers, we will not be taking our campers on field trips this summer via public transit. However we will be walking to local sports fields and parks to ensure our campers have ample outdoor time. What happens on rainy days? Getting outside is an important part of every camper's summer, especially this summer. In the event of a rainy day, we are lucky enough to have many indoor spaces to use including exclusive access to our full-size gymnasium.

What is the child to staff ratio?

For our campers under the age of 5, our ratio is 1:8. For our campers older than 5 we will have a maximum of 12 kids in each cohort, however our maximum ratio is 1:15

What qualifications do your staff have?

All staff must be a minimum of 18 years of age and are all certified in Standard First Aid CPR-C. Our youngest camper rooms each have a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Each staff also completes a Vulnerable Sector Police Check prior to beginning the summer. Finally, our counsellors go through a week of pre-camp training (approx. 40 hrs) to ensure they are ready to give your child an excellent summer!

Who are your head staff?

Anna Somers – Manager, Camps annas@mnjcc.org 416.924.6211 X389 Anna has been working at the MNjcc for 3.5 years, and has nearly 15 years of experience working in daycamp/overnight camp settings. Aside from overseeing MNjcc summer camps, she co-manages the After School Program and the School’s Out program. She can also be found supplying in the Preschool! Anna loves the energy and excitement that each new camp day brings, and is looking forward to getting to spend the summer with her campers and staff again this year. Anna has worked in a variety of community centers, and thrives on the sense of belonging that such organizations offer. One of the most exciting opportunities she had was as a Team Leader for the aquatics program that operated in Athletes Village during the Toronto Pan-Am/ Para Pan-Am Games (2015). There she got to see firsthand how strength and ability comes in many different forms. When Anna is not at the MNjcc working, she can be found outdoors! Whether its basking in the sun, taking her dog for a walk, or going on 5 day canoe trips, Anna loves the fresh air. You may even spot her riding her bike to work!

Hey everyone! My name is Russell but you can call me “Russ”. This is my third summer working for MNjcc Summer Camps as a Head Staff. I also work in the After School Program and as a float staff in the Libbie Cowan Childcare Centre.

I am a former basketball player and played in the USA for four years. When I was 15 years old I got to play in Brazil, and when I was 20 I had the opportunity to play in Spain. Being active is a big part of my life and something that is very important to me. Some of my other favourite camp activites are colouring, painting, bracelet-making and melting beads. I find that these activities really calm my mind and help me focus.

Can I drop drop my child off inside the MNjcc?

Unfortunately at this time we cannot allow parents/guardians to enter our facility. Our welcoming and friendly staff will greet you and your camper each morning at the entrance and will ensure they have a smooth transition into camp.

Who do I contact if I am running late for pick up?

In the event that you will be late for pick up we ask that you contact your camper's hub directly. This contact information will be given to families prior to the first day of camp. If you are unable to reach our staff at your campers hub, please call Manager of Camp –Anna Somers at 416 924 6211 x 389 or the front desk at x0.

What if someone needs to pick up my child who is not on the authorized list?

Please indicate anyone who will be picking your child up on your Emergency Contact list. If you need to add/remove an authorized pickup person please send Manager of Camps an e-mail with the person's full name. We require that anyone picking up a camper show government issued photo identification

What should I know about parking?

Prior to each camp week, a welcome email will be sent out to enrolled families with a parking pass attached. We offer 15 minute parking at the beginning and end of camp in the parking lot located behind the Metro grocery store. We are also conveniently located directly across from Spadina subway station.

Do you offer bussing?

We do not offer bussing at this time but as we are directly across from Spadina Station and offer 15 minutes of free parking to our enrolled families.

Why are you not offering extended hours?

Due to current COVID guidelines, we cannot offer before or after care at this time as we are prohibited from mixing cohorts. We will continue to evaluate this decision and will update families of any changes.