Camp Shalom offers children a transformative experience with lifelong benefits, fostering personal growth and enhancing self-confidence while honing crucial decision-making and social skills. This immersive environment provides a unique platform for children to explore their potential, uncovering hidden talents and abilities they never knew they had.
Jewish camping plays a pivotal role in shaping Jewish identity, with research indicating that children who attend Jewish summer camps are twice as likely to develop a strong Jewish identity in adulthood. At Camp Shalom, the focus is on instilling core Jewish values such as integrity, derech eretz (respect), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Every summer, the camp creates an ideal Jewish community which promotes a deep connection to the natural world and Judaism.
CAMP SHALOM 2025 Camper Enrollment Agreement
Terms & Conditions
Please carefully read the following Terms & Conditions of Enrollment which represent the agreement between the Parent(s) / Guardian(s) (“Parents”) identified on the registration / information forms and CAMP SHALOM. If you are registering more than one child, every reference to camper should be read as campers.
The parent(s) or guardian(s) submitting this registration are those having legal custody of the child. Conditions of custody, if applicable, must be fully communicated in writing to CAMP SHALOM, including, if applicable, a copy of the section of any court order referring to access or visitation rights.
By signing this document, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions for enrolling your camper at CAMP SHALOM:
REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL TERMS
The CAMP SHALOM 2025 camp season will operate from June 30, 2025 to August 14, 2025.
Registration:
- Previous CAMP SHALOM families (and siblings) will receive priority registration until Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:59am EST. At noon, we open up registration to new-to-Camp Shalom families on a first-come-first-served basis.
- New campers are encouraged to apply as soon as registration opens as applications from new inquiries are kept in the order in which they are received by our online system and acceptance is based upon availability in each cabin.
- Applicants who are not accepted are placed on a waiting list.
- CAMP SHALOM reserves, in its sole discretion, the right to depart from the acceptance procedures listed above to serve the best interests of the camp.
- Enrollment of all applicants is subject to space availability.
- Completion of this initial application does not guarantee acceptance into camp.
- Parents/Guardians must complete the full application process including providing their deposit and filling out all supplementary forms in order to be eligible for admission. Once all components of the application have been completed, families will be sent an email confirming their registration.
- Campers are admitted into camp on a first-come-first- served basis, based on completed applications (incl. deposit) only.
FINANCIAL/CANCELLATION TERMS:
Full Session, First (July) and Second (August) Sessions:
- This application is to be accompanied by a $750.00 deposit (per camper)
- Until January 1st – $300.00 cancellation fee
- January 2 – February 28 – $750.00 cancellation fee
- March 1 – April 30 – $1,500.00 cancellation fee
- May 1 onwards – 100% of camp fees are forfeited
- Any changes to the dates of registration to a lesser number of weeks will be considered a cancellation and subject to the cancellation fee and cancellation terms.
Sneak Preview Session:
- This application is to be accompanied by a $750.00 deposit (per camper)
- Until January 1st – $200.00 cancellation fee
- January 2 – April 30 – $750.00 cancellation fee
- May 1 onwards – 100% of camp fees are forfeited
Camp fees shall be paid as follows:
- $750.00 non-refundable deposit with completed application
- This application is to be accompanied by a $750.00 deposit (per camper).
- 50% of balance to be paid on January 15th, 2025
- Remaining balance on May 1st, 2025
Monthly and customized payment installments may be accommodated – please contact the camp office to make arrangements. Applications for financial assistance are due mid-December, with scholarships awarded in January.
Payment methods include Credit Card* (Visa/Mastercard) *subject to 3% surcharge, eTransfer, eCheck or cheque.
In the event of a payment returned unpaid, an NSF cheque, or a declined payment, there will be a $100 service charge and all future payments for any outstanding amounts will have to be in the form of either cash, e-Transfer or a certified cheque. If any amount is referred for collection or requires filing of legal action, Parents agree to pay collection, lawyers and all other fees associated with the collection or action.
No camper will be permitted to attend camp unless all camp fees have been paid in full prior to the start of the camp season.
CAMP SHALOM is a non-profit organization whose costs for food, staff and program are fixed; we cannot issue refunds or make-up days for an incomplete session for any reason.
Enrollment Terms & Conditions
- You agree to abide by all CAMP SHALOM Camper Enrollment Terms & Conditions and choose to enroll your camper at CAMP SHALOM.
- You acknowledge and agree that it is your sole responsibility to read all forms carefully, complete the forms accurately, and sign where needed. These forms hold vital information related to your camper’s health, history, abilities, program activities, and associated risks, as well as your responsibilities and your camper’s responsibilities.
- CAMP SHALOM’s acceptance of your camper’s application is contingent upon CAMP SHALOM’s receipt, review, and acceptance of all completed forms.
- Failure to provide correct, detailed, and current information to CAMP SHALOM, including but not limited to camper medication, physical and mental health, or behavior, in writing, may result in early dismissal from camp and forfeiture of camp fees.
- You must notify the camp office in writing of all material updates to camper application forms prior to the start of camp. Failure to do so may result in early dismissal from camp and forfeiture of camp fees.
CONTACT INFO PERMISSIONS:
Under the Privacy Act, your personal information, including health information relating to your child, is protected. CAMP SHALOM complies with this legislation and understands the importance of protecting this information.
CAMP SHALOM collects, uses and discloses your personal information strictly for the following purposes:
- to register and collect payment for your child to attend our camp program
- to contact you with respect to registration information; to enable you to contact us and discuss your child’s supervision and medical care
- to assess your child’s health needs
- to identify, deliver and ensure continuous high-quality supervision and medical care of your child
- to communicate (before or during our camping season) with health care professionals who may be treating your child
- to set up and maintain confidential records on your child with respect to registration and medical information
- to comply with the law
CAMP SHALOM provides camper lists, which include the name, address and telephone numbers of campers, to its associate camp, Camp Solelim, for the purpose of providing your child with the opportunity of continuing in the ongoing camp program.
CAMP SHALOM also provides its campers with the names, addresses, telephone numbers and emails of other campers should they wish to communicate once the camp season has ended. Occasionally, we will share lists with information of registered campers with prospective and new campers in order to begin developing supportive camp relationships. Your personal information is managed and accessed by our Camp Directors, medical and mental health team and office staff.
Medical Conditions, Behaviour and/or Mental Health Concerns
In order for us to be able to do our best to help campers have an enjoyable experience at camp, we ask that Parents notify CAMP SHALOM in writing at the time of registration and up until the start of camp, of any medical conditions, life-threatening allergies, behavioural, psychological or emotional concerns, or other special needs. Some parents are hesitant to share this sort of information for fear that their child may be denied enrollment. While we hope to offer camp to as wide a range of campers as possible, it is essential that we are well informed and able to accommodate the needs of each camper before accepting their enrollment and/or in order to plan accordingly.
For campers accepted with known behavioral issues, if the camp finds it is unable to manage these issues despite taking necessary steps, and/or if the camp determines that its setting, pace, level of individual attention or need for additional resources and support does not meet the camper’s needs, the child may have to leave camp for their own good or that of the camp community. This is typically a last resort after other interventions have failed, and there will be no refund of fees.
If it is determined that a camper has special needs or behaviour that requires extra care and supervision in order for them to safely remain at camp, and in the opinion of the Camp Director, it is reasonable and possible for CAMP SHALOM to provide this additional supervision, it is understood that this additional cost will be assumed by the Parents.
CAMP SHALOM reserves the right to immediately and summarily suspend or dismiss any camper without a refund for refusal or inability to adhere to camp rules and policies, and/or conduct or behaviour which, in the opinion of the Camp Director is deemed to be detrimental or disruptive to the camper, to the camp program, or to other campers or staff, and is therefore in the best interest of the camper and/or the camp. This is typically a last resort after other interventions have failed.
In such an event, it is understood that no refund will be made.
Immediate Response: If a camper’s behaviour in any way indicates a serious level of concern and/or threatens the safety or well-being of themselves, other campers, or staff, the parent/caregiver will be notified and the child will be immediately prohibited from participating in programs. Suspending or expelling a camper from camp will require that the parent/caregiver pick up the child immediately. If the camp is unable to reach the parent/caregiver, the emergency contacts will be notified about the need for immediate pick up.
It is important to note that each situation is evaluated individually, considering the camper’s individual and specific needs and any additional factors to determine the most appropriate course of action.
CAMP SHALOM also reserves the right to refuse any camper to attend camp at its discretion prior to the camper’s arrival at camp and cancelling such camper’s registration, should it be of the view that the presence of such camper at the camp poses a health or behavioural risk to such camper or to other campers and/or staff.
Information Sharing: You understand and agree that the camp social workers may need to share information obtained from or about your child or yourself with the camp’s leadership team and other relevant staff members. This sharing of information is for the purposes of ensuring the safety, well-being, and appropriate support of all camp participants.
Safety and Well-being: You acknowledge that the social workers have a duty to disclose information necessary to maintain a safe and supportive camp environment. This includes, but is not limited to, situations involving health and safety concerns, behavioral issues, and any other matters that may impact the camp community.
Compliance with Policies and Regulations: You understand that the camp must comply with various policies, procedures, and legal requirements. The social workers may share information as needed to ensure compliance with these obligations.
Coordination of Care: You consent to the social workers sharing relevant information with other camp staff, counselors and administrative personnel involved in your child’s care and support. This is to provide the best possible care and coordination of services for your child.
The information presented above will be communicated to campers to ensure they understand our responsibilities. By sending your child to CAMP SHALOM, you also consent to the sharing of information as described above.
Yes – I acknowledge and consent to the sharing of information by the camp social workers under the circumstances described above.
Program Withdrawal, Dismissal from Camp & Refund Policy
- There will be no refunds for involuntary or voluntary suspension, dismissal or departure from camp.
- Any changes to the dates of registration to a lesser number of weeks will be considered a cancellation and subject to the cancellation policy.
- Parents understand that CAMP SHALOM has limited enrollment, trained staff and fixed operating costs; and that these commitments remain essentially the same regardless of camper attendance. Therefore, there will be no make-up days or refunds given for absence, illness, cancellation, family vacations, special events, inclement weather, acts of G-d, or early withdrawal of a camper regardless of circumstances. No refunds or credits are possible.
- At its sole discretion, CAMP SHALOM will set up rules and regulations and a code of conduct to protect campers’ well-being while offering a safe, fun environment for all campers. You and your camper agree to follow all CAMP SHALOM rules and regulations and the CAMP SHALOM code of conduct, with the understanding that failure to comply may result in suspension or dismissal.
- CAMP SHALOM reserves the right to suspend or terminate the registration of any camper when it is deemed by the Director to be in the best interests of the child or camp. There will be no refund of camp fees if CAMP SHALOM decides that a camper must leave camp to prevent harm to themselves, others, or if the camper’s behavior is unsafe, inappropriate, and/or disruptive, or requiring continuous one-to-one attention.
- In the event that the camper is suspended or dismissed for infractions of camp’s policies, no refund will be issued. Examples of such policies include but are not limited to those found in our Camper Code of Conduct.
- CAMP SHALOM is not responsible for costs associated with returning a suspended or dismissed camper to parents or guardians.
Parents/Guardians must understand and acknowledge that participation in camp activities, as well as travel to and from the camp, involves inherent risks that can impact campers’ health and safety in various ways. These risks include environmental factors such as weather conditions, exposure to airborne viruses and diseases, and other hygiene and health-related conditions that are more prevalent in camp settings. Additionally, there is an increased likelihood of rapid spread of viruses, diseases, or other health-related conditions due to the difficulty in maintaining separation or isolation of campers and staff, as well as challenges in keeping personal belongings separate. While the camp will make reasonable efforts to maintain proper hygiene and infection control practices, and may implement enhanced measures where advisable and reasonable, it cannot guarantee complete protection from exposure to or infection by viruses, diseases, and other health-related conditions. I/we freely and voluntarily accept and assume these risks, which may include property damage or loss, physical and emotional hardships, sickness or injury. By acknowledging these potential risks, participants and their guardians demonstrate their understanding of the camp environment and the measures in place to mitigate, but not eliminate, these inherent risks.
Medical Release and Authorization
- You authorize the camper’s diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed medical professional in a medical situation that, in the opinion of the attending medical professional, needs immediate attention to prevent endangerment of the camper’s life, physical disfigurement, impairment, undue pain, suffering, or discomfort if delayed.
- You grant permission to the attending physician to proceed with any medical or minor surgical treatment, x-ray examination, and immunizations for the camper.
- In case of an emergency from serious illness, the need for major surgery, or significant accidental injury, you understand that CAMP SHALOM and the attending physician will make every attempt to contact you as quickly as possible. You grant this authorization only after CAMP SHALOM and/or the physician have made a reasonable effort to reach you.
- You grant permission to CAMP SHALOM and its directors and staff to give the needed emergency treatment prior to the camper’s admission to the medical facility.
- You authorize and execute this release of your own free will, with the sole purpose of authorizing medical treatment under emergency circumstances for the protection of the camper’s life and limb, in your absence.
Camper Medical, Dental or Other Costs
- As needed, CAMP SHALOM will engage qualified personnel to provide campers with medical, dental, or other services. You agree to reimburse CAMP SHALOM for all out-of-pocket expenses.
Code of Conduct
We are committed to fostering an environment of respect, safety, and positivity for all participants. We expect campers and staff alike to demonstrate consideration for themselves, their peers, the equipment they use, and the facilities they occupy. Our primary goal is to ensure the well-being of everyone involved while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to fun and personal growth. To achieve this, we have established a comprehensive code of conduct that prohibits bullying, physical aggression, and any form of hostile or disruptive behavior.
In the event of inappropriate conduct, we will promptly communicate with parents or guardians to discuss the issue and collaborate on finding effective solutions. However, it’s important to note that in cases of severe misconduct, particularly those involving violence or abusive actions, our staff reserves the right to immediately dismiss a camper from the program. This policy is in place to protect the safety and enjoyment of all campers and staff members.
While we strive to create an enjoyable experience for everyone, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of all campers and staff. Although we value and consider input from parents and guardians, our staff must make decisions that protect the group and/or the entire camp. In some cases, this may necessitate dismissing a camper whose behavior poses a risk to themselves or others. Depending on the severity of the incident, certain campers may be prohibited from returning for the remainder of the camp season.
To promote transparency and preparedness, we will communicate behavior expectations clearly and in advance of the start of camp. We also emphasize that it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to review and discuss these conduct policies with their children before the start of camp. Our staff recognizes that children will naturally exhibit a range of behaviors, and we are committed to working diligently to establish and reinforce acceptable conduct standards from the very beginning of the camp experience. We aim to cultivate a culture of mutual respect that permeates all aspects of camp life.
It’s important to note that our behavior policy is designed to be flexible, allowing for appropriate responses to individual situations. Our experienced staff members will always exercise their best judgment and collaborate closely with supervisors to address behavioral issues in a manner that ensures a positive experience for all campers. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and enjoyable environment where children can grow, learn, and make lasting memories while adhering to the principles of respect and consideration for others.
You and your camper agree to abide by the CAMP SHALOM Code of Conduct, which includes the following guiding principles:
- Every camper has the right to enjoy a safe, supportive, and organized environment.
- Every camper has the responsibility to contribute to this positive environment through the demonstration of respect for others and commitment to camp programs. Conflicts, issues, and differences should be resolved with respect and civility.
At CAMP SHALOM, we:
- Want everyone to have fun!
- Value campers’ uniqueness, beliefs, ideas, and cultural background.
- Recognize individual and collaborative efforts.
- Prohibit verbal and physical harassment.
- Empower campers to make choices and decisions.
- Treat everyone fairly.
- Help campers when they need assistance.
- Set clear expectations.
What CAMP SHALOM Expects from Campers:
- Enthusiastic participation at activities.
- Cooperation, honesty, and integrity.
- Respect for the rights, needs, and feelings of others.
- Politeness and respect for all staff and campers.
- Proper care and respect for camp property and the property of others.
- Responsible and respectful behavior that enables all campers and staff to feel safe and secure.
- Adherence to camp policies and rules.
- No use of matches, lighters, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any kind.
Consequences for Non-Adherence
- There are profound consequences for campers and their parents/guardians if campers do not meet CAMP SHALOM’s expectations, including, but not limited to: loss of privileges, modified programming, reimbursement for replacement of willfully damaged property, suspension or dismissal from camp, and forfeiture of camp fees.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Property
- CAMP SHALOM is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged camper items. Please do not send valuable items to camp.
Informed Consent and Acknowledgment
- You hereby give your approval for your camper’s participation in any and all CAMP SHALOM activities, trips, and programs. While CAMP SHALOM emphasizes safety first, there is a risk of serious injury inherent in all camp activities.
- In exchange for the acceptance of your camper’s enrollment by CAMP SHALOM, and for other good and valuable consideration, you release and waive and forever discharge CAMP SHALOM, their subsidiaries, affiliates, and successors, and each of their respective directors, officers, servants, insurers, agents, or employees (“the Releasees”) from any and all loss, damage, injury, whether to property or person (including death), claims, demands, damages, rights, actions, or causes of action or legal costs, past, present, or future, anticipated, or unanticipated, resulting from or arising out of or in consequence of camper enrollment and participation or attendance at CAMP SHALOM, due to any cause whatsoever, including breach of contract, or breach of any statutory or other duty of care on the part of the Releasees.
- You further agree to indemnify and save harmless the Releasees from any claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action or legal costs arising out of or in consequence of claims by other persons for any loss, injury, or damage to them or their property caused wholly or partly by your camper or for which the Releasees are claimed or made liable.
DISMISSALS
- The Camp Director reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any camper, without refund, who willfully disregards camp rules, endangers campers’ or their own safety, or fails to meet the character requirements of camp.
CAMPER PROPERTY
- Camp accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to any camper property incurred during the session or while in transit.
CABIN GROUPS
- Campers are placed into cabins by grade and age. Requests will be honoured when possible, at the discretion of the Camp Director or their designate. A cabin request form will be made available to you in the spring.
PHOTO/VIDEO CONSENT
- Parents agree that CAMP SHALOM may use any photograph, video, image, likeness, utterance, or statement in which the participant may appear for promotional or other purposes, without approval or compensation to the participant or parent.
ELECTRONICS/CONTRABAND
- The family agrees to adhere to the CAMP SHALOM policies regarding the sending of food items, packages, and electronics as set out in the Parent Handbook. Cell phones and communication devices are not allowed and will be confiscated if found. If a camper’s cell phone is found hidden at camp, this camper may be suspended or dismissed from camp and no refund of fees will be issued.
TRIPS
- Parents/guardians give the camp permission to take the camper out of camp for the purpose of camp programs/outings (e.g., camping, inter-camp sports, special trips) and/or medical treatment.
MEDICAL
In case of an emergency, every effort will be made to contact the parents. If this is impossible, parents grant permission to the camp-selected physician to hospitalize, secure proper treatment, and order injection, anesthesia, or surgery for the child.
- The parent(s)/guardian(s) give(s) permission for the Camp Medical Staff to administer any non-prescription drugs to the camper in the recommended dosage as may be reasonably required.
- Any prescription drugs required by the camper should be brought either in the original, labeled bottle or blister-packed – in sufficient quantities as required for the duration of the camper’s stay and must be given to Camp Staff at the baggage drop.
- Each camper must be covered by provincial health insurance or equivalent medical insurance. In the event that a camper requires special medication, x-ray, or treatment (anything beyond that which is available at Camp) the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified promptly and will be charged the additional expense of transportation and special care.
- Camp Shalom is dedicated to accommodating children with food allergies, gluten intolerances and special diets. The camp will do everything reasonably possible to meet the needs of campers with allergies and special diets. It is essential for parents to inform the camp staff in advance about any severe food allergies so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
- The camp provides gluten-free options and offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, and non-meat options at every meal for those following vegetarian diets.
- In cases of significant dietary restrictions, parents will be put in contact with the catering company to further discuss the specific dietary needs. Where necessary, parents may be responsible for providing certain ingredients or food products. Each situation will be managed individually and as reasonably as possible to ensure the camper’s needs are met.
- Camp Shalom staff are trained to monitor campers to ensure they are eating adequately, and they are aware of the importance of food safety for all campers.
- While the camp takes steps to label foods containing potential allergens, there is always a risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, manufacturers may change food formulations without notice, which means that Camp Shalom cannot guarantee that any specific food item is free from all allergens or that consumption will not lead to an allergic reaction.
- Parents should understand that Camp Shalom does not guarantee an allergen-free environment. It is crucial to communicate any allergies clearly and to work with the camp to create a safety plan for children with severe allergies.CAMP SHALOM requires that campers who have potentially life-threatening conditions, such as anaphylactic allergies to food or insect stings, be able to manage their exposure to those substances, provide two sets of medication, be familiar with its use, and carry the medication with them at all times.
Interpretation and Jurisdiction
- This agreement shall be interpreted and be subjected to the laws of the Province of Ontario, with the courts of the Judicial district of Toronto having exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any proceeding in connection with this agreement.
By signing your application(s), the parent/guardian represents to Camp Shalom that he or she has all necessary authority to enroll the camper, to execute all required documents and make all disclosures, and that he or she has obtained any necessary consent, permission, or authority. The signing parent agrees that in the event of a challenge to the signing parent’s authority, or any other dispute arising from the camper’s presence at Camp Shalom: a) the child may, in the exercise of Camp Shalom’s sole discretion, be sent home promptly without refund of enrollment and fees and, b) the signing parent will protect, defend, and indemnify Camp Shalom against and from any claim of any third party, including paying all costs and fees, including reasonable attorney’s fees.