Frequently Asked Questions
Why Camp Emes? By joining Camp Emes will my son be compromising his "catskill" camping experience? What is the crowd of boys that Camp Emes attracts? Although these are fine Yeshivas, what steps do you take to ascertain that the boys are of the right type? Where is the camp situated? What are the ages of your campers? How much learning is included in your program? What is the learning like? What is your level of supevision? Is going on "The Mesorah Trip" mandatory? Do you allow cellphones? Can my son visit family during his stay? How is the food in camp? Can I see a schedule of the upcoming summer? We are really interested in signing up. What is the registration process? Why Camp Emes?Camp Emes is a summer experience steeped in education, history and Ruchniyos growth. Our program is all inclusive, consisting of:
- A daily learning program with dynamic Rabbeim and experienced Maggidei Shiur
- Teffilos at Mekomos Hakedoshim
- Visits to Gedolei Hador and Tzadikkim who reside in Eretz Yisrael
- Fascinating and uplifting Shabasos in different cities and neighborhoods. your son will meet personalities and Jews from all walks of life and from all ends of the earth
- A monumental opportunity to discover, connect and foster a relationship with Eretz Yisrael, all through the lens of a Torah perspective
Absolutely not! In fact that is Camp Emes's unique niche. Just over 5 years ago the camp administration sought to create and develop a program that succinctly captures the "catskill camp experience" and has been successful in transporting this feeling and atmosphere to Eretz Yisrael. We are the only program of its kind. We tour all the classic sites, daven at the great Mekomos Hekedoshim, yet at the same time we present an itinerary that is packed with thrill and pulse pounding adventure and excitement. We believe strongly that our campers will maximize the great potential for Ruchniyos gain through enjoying healthy fun in a relaxing camp atmosphere.
Aside for daily excursions our program and facilities consists of:
- A rigorous sports and league program complete with playoff and championship games
- A recording studio
- A full workout room
- Camp is situated minutes from the expansive playing fields of Gan Sacher
- A mobile volleyball court, which we take with us to all beaches and around the country
- Weekly swims at stunning Olympic sized swimming pools and breathtaking beachfronts
- A state of the art indoor gym
We know how crucial it is to make sure the quality of the boys your son will be spending his summer with meets your standards. Our boys are great Mesivta Bocherim from upstanding Yeshivas who work hard during the year and are interested in a program that provides fun trips, sporting activities and at the same time keeps a strong focus on their learning and their growth.
A partial list of the Yeshivas our boys come from:
- Mesivta Torah Vodaas
- Yeshiva of Far Rockaway
- Yeshiva Darchei Torah
- Yeshivas Torah Temimah
- Kaminetz Yeshiva
- Mir Yeshiva
- Bais Pinchas (Lakewood)
- Merkaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor
- Chofetz Chaim (Flatbush)
- Ner Yisrael
- Meor Hatorah (Chicago)
- Yeshivah Shar Hatorah
- Yeshivah Yesodei Yeshurin
- Chofetz Chaim (Miami)
All boys who are accepted to camp have been interviewed. As well we have developed a trusting relationship with many devoted Mechanchim from the Yeshivos that our boys come from. We speak to each applicant Rebbi to ensure the right decision is being made for us and of course for the prospective camper.
Where is the camp situated?The camp is based out of the historical and picturesque neighborhood of Sh'aarei Chessed which is located Rechavia, Yerushalayim. The camp is hosted and is an educational program of Yeshivas Midrash Shmuel. The yeshiva's facilities consist of:
- Dormitory apartments
- Dining hall
- Beis Medrish / Shul
The ages for our campers range from 13-18
How much learning is there in the camp?There is a daily 2 hour seder in the morning and a 45 minute night seder.
What is the learning like?This depends on the level of learning and age. Some groups have more Chavrusa time and less Shiur and other have less Chavrusa time and more shiur. The morning seder is on Gemarah. Night Seder is always a Shiur/Shmuez on Halacha or Hashkafa. These shiurim/Shmuezin are usually different world renowned guest speakers which as a great bonus of our program greatly inspires the campers. Here is a partial list of past speakers:
- Harav Binyomin Moskovits Shlita
- Harav Nissan Kaplin Shlita
- Rabbi Uri Zohar Shlita
- Rabbi Hanoch Teller Shlita
- Rabbi Asher Sinclair Shlita
- Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky Shlita
- Rabbi Yom Tov Glazer Shlita
- Rabbi Tuvia Factor Shlita
- Rabbi Dr. Asher Wade Shlita
- Rabbi Natan Gamedeze Shlita (The Black Prince of Tzfas)
The boys are under close care and strict supervision 24/7! Aside for our caring and hardworking counselors, we employ a special night staff who's working hours begin at 10 pm and continue until 7 am! It is our guarantee that any parent can call us anytime of day or night and within minutes you will know the wherabouts of your son.
Is going on "The Mesorah Trip" mandatory?Last summers trip to Poland was an incredible and powerfully inspiring trip. We feel that every camper should take advantage of this great opportunity. It is not mandatory and there will be a separate direct flight to Eretz Yisrael.
Do you allow cellphones?The camp has a group plan made available through Amigo. The specialty of the Amigo phones is that it features a walkie talkie which is at no cost. It is crucial for safety and security that each registered camper sign up for the Amigo plan.
Can my son visit family during his stay?There are set "off Shabasos" set aside for family visits. One being mandatory and another optional. For those who do not have family to go to camp provides a full Shabbos schedule with meals.
How is the food in camp?Against all stereotypes about camp/Israeli food all of camp's food operations are second to none! Our kitchen provides 3 nourishing meals daily! Sometimes it is on the go and sometimes in the camp dining hall. As well we have plenty of BBQ's with a bit of felafal and Shwarma days every now and then. All we can say is in the 6 years we are around camp's food has always been delectable and plentiful!
Can I see a schedule of the upcoming summer?For various reasons, camp policy has been not to give out the upcoming summer itineary. What you can do is look at past summer's schedules which should give you a basic picture of what the schedule will be more or less.
We are really interested in signing up. What is the registration process?It is easy! All you need to do is login to our registration system and...
- Fill out the registration form and submit the form
- Send a $500 deposit to our Lakewood office
- Allow up to 10 days for the camp administration to contact you to arrange an interview
- Pending acceptance, book the flight with travel agency
- An information booklet and final paperwork (including waiver form, out shabasos consent form, medical insurance form) will be sent by mail to your home
- by May 15th the camp fee balance and the aforementioned paperwork needs to be mailed out to our Lakewood office. Camper will not be allowed to board the plane if this has not been done
- On departure day, meet our staff representative at the airport!