Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Each of our beautiful, clean, rustic cabins at Camp Solomon Schechter holds 8-14 campers and at least two counselors. All cabins are equipped with a bathroom and shower inside, and a porch area for shoes and wet clothing. Our Yurts have communal bathrooms and showers. There are cubbies in each cabin where campers can unpack their clothing, allowing for a tidy and sanitary living space. The cabins are cleaned daily by campers and staff. If you are interested, you will be able to fill out our online form for tutoring once your camper is registered.
Camp Solomon Schechter’s policy of inclusion means that we try to accommodate as many campers as possible, but our programming is not specifically geared towards campers with special needs. We are happy to discuss your child’s specific needs to see if we would be the right fit! Campers unable to readily communicate with other campers and staff, toilet and groom themselves, or move about the cabin without assistance will need to provide their own integration aide to assist them during Camp. It is up to the parents to find and secure the needed 24-hour integration aide for their camper with special needs. Your local Jewish Family Services is often a good starting point.
We recommend registering your children for camp in the fall, as many of our sessions could fill up by winter. You can register here.
In typical years, Camp Solomon Schechter offers transportation from Seattle, Bellevue, Portland, Vancouver B.C., and Spokane. If you are coming from outside one of these locations, you can either arrange to have your child take the closest bus, or you can bring your child directly to camp. If your child requires a flight, we will work with you to arrange an accompanied pick-up and drop-off at the airport. There is a charge for the transportation provided.
For our younger (Shorashim) campers, our program consists of cabin rotations, where each cabin rotates from activity to activity throughout the session. In our Nitzanim and Anafim sessions we focus on individual choice, where campers are encouraged to make choices for themselves, and try several different activities in a session. Campers in these sessions sign up for activities in 5-day rotations, allowing them to challenge themselves and learn new skills at each activity they choose. Try looking at a typical Summer Camp program page for more info.
Camp Solomon Schechter is a Kosher camp, meaning that all food both in and out of the Chadar Ochel (dining hall) is Kosher. At every meal, we have vegetarian, vegan and lactose intolerant options. CSS is a peanut- and tree nut-free facility. We strive to accommodate all dietary issues, although that is not always possible. Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact Adi Azoulai.
Financial aid and scholarship information can be found here.
If you would like to see Camp and experience Camp life for yourself and your family, please consider attending one of our fabulous Family Camp programs! As much as we love all of you, visitors can be disruptive to the Camp program and difficult for children who miss their parents. In addition, visitors coming and going decreases our ability to provide a secure and safe environment for your children.
Absolutely! At Camp Solomon Schechter we have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring program available. We will set up your child with one of our staff members trained in tutoring, and they will work together throughout the session to make sure your child is prepared for the big day!
Yes, but now that it is fully computerized, the information will already be linked to your camper’s records, so you’ll just need to review it and update it as appropriate each year.
The best and fastest way to communicate with your camper is through the CampInTouch eLetter system on CampMinder. We deliver notes and send out notes daily. You will be able to write to your camper and your camper will be able to write back through CampInTouch or the US Postal Service, so please make sure your camper has either CampInTouch eLetter stationery, or stamps, pen or pencil, and some paper. Kids also should have paper and envelopes. You do need to sign up for the CampInTouch eLetter service, which includes camper email replies (which are faxed to CampMinder, scanned, and emailed to you).
Shabbat at camp is the most restful time of the week, but also overflows with ruach (spirit). From the moment we parade down to the amphitheater for our Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming of Sabbath) .We slow down to savor our meals and rituals, and we sing our hearts out, often late into the night.
On Shabbat morning we sing shacharit (morning prayer service) and have alternative service options as well. Afterward, we eat babka, listen to the Torah being read, and embark on our first free time of the day. We come together to make kiddush (blessing over the grape juice) before lunch, and sing beautiful Israeli folk songs, and later, come together as an entire camp to watch the counselors act out the Torah portion as we eat cupcakes.
We end Shabbat with a moving Havdalah service — all camp gathered together on the hill under the stars, arm in arm — to mark the separation between Shabbat and the rest of the week. Campers and staff hug each other and try to draw out Shabbat as long as possible. Don’t be surprised if you hear a guitar or microphone on Shabbat. We have permission from our Mara De-Atra, Rabbi Kosak to enhance the spirit of Shabbat camp through music.
Call us at 206-447-1967, or email our Registrar. We are here to answer questions and make your camper’s experience (and yours) a positive one.