Covid-19 Policy

After the past 2 years of COVID-19 affecting our camps, we are incredibly excited to be moving closer towards a ‘normal’ camp! In saying that, we will communicate any changes to our current Covid policy as necessary. 

Every child must receive a negative result on a Rapid Antigen Test within 12 hours before drop off on Monday 27th June.

Unfortunately, should a child's test result be positive, they will not be allowed on camp, and must follow the DH rules for isolating. 

Please do not send your child to camp if they are presenting any flu-like symptoms, including a minor cold. They must only attend camp once they are feeling well AND have received a negative RAT result.  

If throughout the duration of camp the Rosh Machane, Shaliach or medic believes a child is displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, with parental consent the child will be tested and have their symptoms monitored. Alternatively, parents can pick up their child and bring them home instead.  If a child tests positive, the child will remain in a designated isolation room, with appropriate supervision, until they are picked up, which must be arranged by the parents. 

NB* We will be diligently following COVIDsafe practices, including disinfecting high-touch surfaces, encouraging use of hand sanitiser, and opening windows and doors to allow for ventilation. When possible, activities will take place outdoors.

 

Refund policy: 

In the unfortunate event a child tests positive before camp, and is unable to attend, we are able to offer a full refund. 

A refund will not be provided if a parent decides to withdraw their child from attending camp. A partial or full refund may be provided in extenuating circumstances, at the discretion of the Roshei Machane and/or Shlichim.  

Rules of Conduct at Camp

In order to ensure that camp is as educational, successful, organised, inclusive and safe as possible, we ask that parents help support the Roshei Machaneh, Shlichim and Madrichim by reading the following with their children and making sure that they are aware of and understand the Rules of Conduct at Camp

 

  • Safety:
  • If a child has a medical condition or special requirements, it must be made known to either of the Roshei Machs and the medics before camp.
  • Every child must maintain their hygiene throughout camp. Sanitiser will also be dispensed before and after every meal.
  • Every child must have a hat, water bottle and warm clothes available to them at camp.
  • Chanichim must stay within the boundaries set by their madrichim throughout camp. This includes leaving the campsite or entering any lake/rivers/oceans without explicit permission. 
  • There are to be NO illicit drugs, alcohol or raiding equipment (shaving cream, water balloons, swiss army knives etc…) on camp. If found, it will be confiscated and NOT be returned after camp. 
  • Bnei Akiva Winter Camp is a strict NUT-FREE and KOSHER camp. Any food brought to camp by your child must be kosher certified, and nut free. Any non-kosher and/or nut-containing foods found on camp will be confiscated.
  • Chanichim are strictly prohibited from leaving the campsite or entering any lakes / rivers / oceans without explicit permission from the Roshei Machaneh or Shlichim. NO children are allowed in the kitchen at any time. If they have special requirements or requests, they must wait outside to be addressed by a member of the kitchen crew or a madrich/a.
  • Damages:
  • Bnei Akiva does not accept responsibility for valuable items brought to camp. 
  • If a child is the cause of damages to the campsite or public property, payment may be required from the parents of the child depending on the nature of the damages.
  • Mobile Phones: 

Juniors: 

  • Mobile phones and devices are NOT permitted on Junior Camp to ensure optimal social experience and immersion. 
  • In the case that your child does bring their phone, they will be required to hand it in to be kept in a secure location for the duration of camp. 
  • Junior Chanichim will be able to call home through their Madrichim when necessary, however please be aware that phone reception is very poor, and therefore there will not be consistent contact between you and your child. 
  • Any important and urgent information that needs to be relayed between you and your child throughout camp will be done via our Shaliach, Motty and the Roshei Machane. 

Intermediates: 

We will operate with a ‘sign in/sign out’ policy in order to enrich the camp experience for intermediate chanichim. 

Sign in:

  • Upon arrival at camp, chanichim hand in their phone to their Madrichim who will be collecting them and storing them in a secure location (under the watch of the Rosh Machane). Please note, handing in fake phones will not be tolerated and consequences are at the discretion of the Roshei Machane and Shlichim. 

Sign out:

  • When appropriate, during free time, chanichim have an opportunity to sign their phones out, meaning they have a chance to chat with family whilst still being present on camp. Madrichim will keep a list of chanichim with their phones to ensure that we are keeping all devices safe.  

 

We do understand that this means that you may not be able to always contact your child on camp, however, if you need to speak to them, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Roshei Machane or their madrichim.

Please assist us in ensuring you are on board with this policy and that your child is aware of the rules.  

 

Seniors:

  • We encourage senior Chanichim to leave their phones at home. Should Chanichim bring their mobile phone on camp, they can only be used during free time and/or at the discretion of Madrichim. 
  • Inappropriate use of mobile phones on camp will result in a disciplinary process, with the potential for the phone to be confiscated for some or all of camp, or being sent home.

 

Tsniut 

  • Girls are expected to wear skirts to their knees during davening, benching and on shabbat. Baggy pants may be worn outside of these times. 
  • Boys are expected to wear a kippah (or a head covering) and tzitzit. 
  • Chanichim are not allowed to wear singlet/tank tops, sleeveless tops or short shorts.

 

Behaviour:

Bnei Akiva has a zero tolerance for behaviour that endangers the safety of the individual and/or others, and behaviour that we deem unacceptable and inappropriate – disregard for authority, ignoring campsite and Bnei rules, vulgarity, bullying, etc… 

Breach of these rules will be subject to disciplinary procedures on Winter Camp, which may include exclusion from some activities or exclusion from the entire camp. It will be the responsibility of the parents to arrange pickup should your child be sent home, and the decision of the Roshei Machane and/or Shlichim is final. 

Please note that the above rules operate in addition to the terms of the Indemnity Form.