Men’s Camp
May 31 – June 2, 2024
What to Expect
Join us for a relaxing and fun-filled weekend at camp full of tasty beverages, Havdalah on The Hill, and reminiscing about camp around the fire pit.
We’ll have a delicious menu (matzah ball soup, beef ribs, omelette bar, and vegetarian options too). Relax by the lake, jump off the high dive, or take out a paddle board and race around Clark the Aqua Park! Or stay dry, hike in the back country, and explore the bog. Craving some friendly competition? Play in our basketball tournament, poker tournament, or challenge a new friend to a round of frisbee golf! Whether you are a “first-timer” or a seasoned veteran, Schechter Men’s Camp will be an unforgettable experience.
We look forward to spending time with you all,
Matt Korch, Josh Niehaus, and Kyle Berger
Men’s Camp Co-Chairs
Our Location
Camp Solomon Schechter’s spectacular 175-acre wooded facility located near Olympia, WA features a private lake, river, miles of hiking trails in pristine forests and wetlands, and outdoor adventure courses (ropes course, zip line, giant swing, and climbing tower).
Packing List
From fishing to hikes, trips up the climbing tower, GaGa, boating, and so much more, there is a lot going on at Men’s Camp, and we want to make sure that you pack accordingly. Please do not bring valuable or sentimental items to camp. Camp is not responsible for lost or broken items. Camp has a lot of uneven and rocky terrain, and is located on a hill. Please wear shoes that you can move around in. All of the buildings and cabins used during the weekend are heated. However, you will be walking between buildings and we want you to be comfortable. Please pack accordingly – a suggested packing list is below. Camp weather can vary and get cool at night.
There is a new tradition at camp to wear white for Shabbat. Please bring white clothes for Shabbat if you are able. We wear something a bit nicer on shabbat than the rest of the week to make Shabbat that much more special!
Tee Shirts
Long Sleeve Shirt
Shorts
Jeans/Pants
Sweatshirt/Sweater
Lots of Socks and Undies!
Warm Jacket
Raincoat (hopefully won’t use it)
Swimsuit
Warm Hat
Sneakers
Sandals
Hiking Shoes or boots
Fitted Sheet
Top Sheet
Pillow/Pillow Case
Blanket or Sleeping Bag
Bath/Beach Towel
Washcloth/Face Towel
Water Bottle
Flashlight
Soap
Comb/Brush
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Shampoo, Conditioner
Any other health and toiletry supplies you otherwise use
Medication you would use
Tissues
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Musical instrument
Book
Journal, writing utensils
Yoga mat
Board games
Talit/Tefillin, Kippah if that’s your custom
Swimming Goggles
Adult Beverages if Desired
We love cats, dogs, snakes, and rabbits… but they can’t come to Men’s Camp. No pets allowed.
CSS is a kosher and nut-free facility, so all food needs to have a hechsher (kosher symbol) and be nut-free.
CSS is a weapons-free facility (besides the archery bow and arrows we provide).
Other Important Information
Special requests must be noted in registration and in the questionnaire. Based on this information, staff and committee members will be assigning cabins and rooms. Arrangements will be done to the best of everyone’s availability, and no guarantees can be made. All cabins come with bathrooms, including showers. Cabins have bunks. Private rooms have shared bathrooms that include showers.
Please be in touch with Zach Duitch about any cancellation needs. As we have a wait list, we appreciate prompt communication and will attempt to fill your spot. You’ll receive a $50 refund if you cancel by May 26, there will be no refunds after this date.
Campus has a locked gate with a coded entrance. Once the gate is closed on Friday night, we ask everyone to stay on property until departure time at the end of our weekend together. We have a facilities manager who lives on site in case of any emergency. We are also located near a hospital and will have volunteer medical professionals onsite with us for the weekend.
We have men from all over the US and Canada coming for this awesome weekend. Our ages range from 20’s – 70’s! Some are first-timers to Camp, and some are second or third generation “campers!” Everyone coming has choices and options galore throughout the weekend. Our goal is to make this your weekend with Camp.
Throughout the weekend, you will have opportunities to give to camp, and help make a child’s summer the best ever. Your contribution makes a difference.
A detailed schedule will be sent out before our weekend. All programs and activities are optional! One of the best parts about the weekend is that there are many different choices for things like chuggim (electives). You get to choose what makes this weekend yours. Our committee members have been hard at work making incredible things happen for a jam packed weekend. We are excited to offer you so many great possibilities to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read More FAQsEach 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.
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 families with special needs. We are happy to discuss your 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.
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 us.