Frequently Asked Questions
Hosted by Henry S. Jacobs Camp, a URJ Organization
Will the COVID Vaccination Be Required?
Camp Dream Street is a program of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and therefore follows all URJ guidelines. The URJ requires that all individuals on camp grounds be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes the primary series for ages 5+ and up.
All those who are in residence at camp or traveling with a URJ program are required to have completed the age-appropriate vaccine schedule or the relevant immunization catch-up schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as vaccination requirements at the vast majority of primary and secondary schools around the United States.
All members of our community are required to complete the relevant vaccination series at least two weeks prior to participating in any URJ programs and camps.
Are there any exceptions to the URJ vaccination policy?
Religious vaccinations exemptions will not be granted for any vaccines, including the covid vaccine.
The only vaccination exemptions that will be granted must come with supporting documentation from an MD or DO. The documentation must include the medical reason that exempts the participant from receiving covid vaccination.
There are exceedingly rare circumstances where vaccination is contraindicated for legitimate and documented medical reasons. Individuals who have had a documented allergy or severe adverse reaction to the usual childhood vaccination series might not be able to complete the COVID-19 vaccine schedule. Additionally, individuals who are immunodeficient (for example, people living with cancer or who are receiving chemotherapy, transplant recipients, and people receiving immunosuppressive drugs) may not be able to receive certain vaccines. In these extremely rare circumstances, current documentation from a licensed Physician (MD or DO), or a Pediatric/Family Practice Advanced Practice Nurse (ARNP or PNP) not related to the individual, describing the condition that prevented immunization, must be furnished to URJ Camps and Programs Medical Advisory Team. The medical advisory team will review these very rare situations on a case-by-case basis to determine if that individual can safely participate in the relevant URJ camp or program.
Exception forms may be made available upon receipt of application.
What if my child missed camp these past three years and is now older?
COVID-19 caused major disruptions to our program over the last 3 years. In an effort to bring our program back to its original form, it is important that we honor the age guidelines established when Camp Dream Street was created. Our program is designed for campers ages 8-14 and we will continue to respect these age requirements.
Counselors and Program Staff: What if I’ve never done camp before and have no experience?
Camp Dream Street recognizes that due to the disruptions of COVID-19, that many counselors and/or program staff may be new to our program this summer. The leadership team has taken the necessary steps to adapt our already comprehensive training program to provide thorough preparation for all people involved.
On site, we will have a two day training, led by our Professional and Leadership Teams, as well as experienced past staff members. On-site orientation is required for all participants and a comprehensive staff manual will be released over the months prior to camp.
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