We hope this page answers your questions about COVID and Camp Shomria. 
Please Alex at +1 (201) 834-7207 if you have any questions

Will camp be open in Summer 2021? 
We are absolutely planning on opening in 2021. We will have learned from the camps that chose to open this past summer. We will learn from day schools as they operate throughout the year. We certainly will have a better understanding of the virus, significantly better rapid testing, and perhaps an effective vaccine. Therefore, we feel fully confident that Shomria will open in the summer of 2021.

How will you open safely?
The safety of your children is the most important thing. We are working with our medical advisory board and public health experts to make a plan for camp that is prudent, positive and without unnecessary risks. We value and love your children as our own. While there are still many details we are working out for the summer, we will keep you informed.
Four overnight camps in Maine that opened successfully, without a COVID outbreak, in Summer 2020 were featured in a CDC report, outlining successful strategies camps can employ to open safely. We are learning from these camps about what worked and what didn’t so we can mirror these best practices.
Shomria’s medical advisory board is a group of doctor-parents who are guiding us through the process, and we are grateful for their counsel. We are relying on this group in addition to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Camping Association (ACA), the Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC), JCamp 180, UJA, and the New York State Department of Health. The ACA is currently at work on a comprehensive guide that evaluates all camps that opened in 2020 and summarize their best practices.

What happens if I need to cancel?
We want to make sure we support every family in our community. Therefore, we have a cancel at any time policy this year. ​

Are you changing the sessions and dates for 2021?
No. We have two three week sessions. But, we will not be able to accommodate and campers joining us mid-session. 

​I would love for my child to come for a full session but it’s too expensive! That’s why we usually only come for two or three weeks.
Financial aid is entirely need based. We know the financial effects of COVID have been far reaching, and we want to do everything possible to make the full session possible for your child.

Are rates changing this year?
We have offered summer 2020 rates (super duper early bird) for summer 2020 families. We added a 5% raise to our early bird and full prices. 

Are other discounts still in effect?
​Yes! We have a sibling discount and a fist time camper discount for all ages and sessions. You can also a Refer-a-Friend and receive up to $600 discount! Earn $100 for every week a new family enrolls in!

What’s happening with the Yedid for rising 10th graders?
For rising 10th and 11th graders, we are reimagining our Yedid program to make sure it is safe for our teens. We have made the decision to continue perusing a meaningful and safe staff seminar and Israel trip. 

Will you require pre-camp testing and quarantine?
Precise details and protocols will be shared as summer gets closer and as we learn more about the current best practices. Please be flexible and patient; we will share what we know as soon as we know it. Our plan may include implementing a combination of pre-camp and in-camp quarantine, testing, and cohort separation. We ask that families be prepared to work with us to do what is necessary to open camp safely.

Will you require a COVID vaccine?
​It’s unknown if there will be a widely available, effective vaccine by next summer. With our medical advisory council, we will make a decision on the vaccine, if and when it becomes available, and data is released regarding its use in children and adults.