The Grossman day is about fun! Campers belong to units based on age and and spend most of their time together, making friends and learning new skills.
Carmel (co-ed, pre-K and youngest 1st graders)
Camper/staff ratio: 5:1 plus
Campers are exposed to almost all the activities that camp has to offer. Their day includes arts & crafts, boating, cooking, dance, gymnastics, music, nature, sports, street hockey, tarboot (Jewish culture), basketball, drama, games, soccer, t-ball, and jewelry making. Activities are either brought to the Unit or require limited walking. Although the day is structured, campers also have unstructured play at the Carmel playground. A rest period is included.
Galil (co-ed, grade 1)
Camper/staff ratio: 5:1 plus
The Galil campers' experience is similar to Carmel's, without the rest period and with a ropes & challenge course and photography added. Galil campers are encouraged to make their own choices (chugim) from suggested activities, giving them an opportunity to learn and participate in activities that interest them the most.
Negev (boys and girls separate, grade 2)
Camper/staff ratio: 10:1 plus
Negev campers have a full weekly program, with fishing and ceramics added to their activities. Four times a week they are encouraged to choose activities of personal interest (chugim-choices).
Boys and girls in the Negev unit are also introduced to Maccabiah, a summer-long, lightly competitive activity that includes athletic and non-athletic challenges. Maccabiah builds self-esteem and encourages cooperation as each camper earns points for the team.
Aravah (boys and girls separate, grade 3)
Camper/staff ratio: 10:1 plus
Aravah boys and girls are active during the summer with all regular camp activities, and archery, funyaking, paddleboating and surf biking are added. Choices (chugim) are offered six times each week.The Maccabiah challenge continues twice a week.
Golan (boys and girls separate, grade 4)
Camper/staff ratio: 10:1 plus
Golan campers participate in many varied activities during their time at camp, with wrestling and one optional overnight added—plus Family Night. The Maccabiah challenge continues and Golan campers' participation is increased to two or three times a week.
Kinnerit (boys and girls separate, grade 5)
Camper/staff ratio: 10:1
Kinnerit boys and girls participate in many varied activities during their time at camp, with overnight options increased to two. The Maccabiah challenge continues and Kinneret campers' participation is increased to two or three times a week, with more activity choices and options.
Kfar (boys and girls separate, grades 6 and 7)
Camper/staff ration: 10:1
Although Kfar campers participate in all camp activities, they have 8-10 weekly activity choices (chugim). Maccabiah increases to three or four times each week. Most campers tell us it's the highlight of their summer—they remember the final songfest and skit for many years to come!
Kehilla (boys and girls separate, grades K-5)
Camper/staff ratio: 5:1 to 10:1
Kehilla campers participate in all age-appropriate camp activities (see above) within the framework of traditional Judaism. In addition to regularly scheduled t’fillot (prayer) and Torah study, Kehilla emphasizes experiences that foster the observance of mitzvot (commandments/good deeds), and is an excellent summer option for more observant children who ordinarily attend religious day school.
Kibbutz (boys and girls separate, grades 8 and 9 separate)
Camper/staff ratio: 15:1
Kibbutz campers are able to participate in all camp activities, including Maccabiah, within the framework of this unique program. They form a special community and have the opportunity to sleep at camp several nights each week, help cook their own meals, and handle work assignments. They also participate in recreational and cultural activities and community service projects. Evening activities, in and out of camp, are planned. Informal learning about Israel comes naturally as part of the Kibbutz Grossman lifestyle.
Kehilla Kibbutz (boys and girls separate, grades 6-9)
Camper/staff ratio: 10:1 to 15:1
The Kehilla Kibbutz program mirrors the regular Kibbutz program with several overnights, and is offered to the older campers within the traditional framework of the Kehilla program.
Counselor in Training (CIT) (boys and girls, grade 10)
Camper/staff ratio: 20:1
The Grossman Camp Counselor in Training program prepares high school students for counselor positions. CITs take part in their own camp recreational and non-recreational activities, skill sessions, and discussion groups. After discussion with the CIT Director, they are assigned to supervised work with a group of campers or at a particular specialty activity. CITs have several overnights planned together with evening activities, and are able to fulfill community service commitments for school. The highlight of their summer is participation in Maccabiah, a summer-long, lightly competitive activity that includes athletic and non-athletic challenges.
Food
Children should bring a kosher (vegetarian or dairy) lunch and snack in an insulated bag or container.
Safety
Campers are supervised by specialists with many years of experience working with children from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. While we take every precaution to safeguard the physical and emotional wellbeing of each child, camp is staffed by two registered nurses (RNs) and a physician on call. In the case of an emergency, the local hospital is located less than five miles from camp.
Parents may request copies of background checks, health care and discipline policies as well as procedures for filing grievances. JCC Grossman Camp is in compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health policies and is inspected and licensed by the Town of Dover Department of Public Health.
Sun Safety
Children will be outdoors for many activities during the camp day and should arrive with sunscreen applied. Staff will make time for children to reapply throughout the camp day. Parents may also give permission for staff to help children apply sunscreen.
Hydration is also very important and water is available for campers throughout the day. Staff will encourage children to stay hydrated and parents are asked to do the same.