Events Shemesh - Summer Camp For Parents
For parents
Staffing
RSY-Netzer is a youth movement run by young people for young people. Shemesh camps run for 10-15 year olds and are staffed by 17-23 year old volunteers. In addition each camp has an adult Welfare Officer and nursing staff. Most of our leaders were themselves participants on Shemesh and in RSY-Netzer for a number of years. The leaders are close in age to the participants which means they can create a real friendship with participants, and the leaders are often seen as role models – positive Jewish role models that create a sense of inspiration and pride for the young people. We believe this is a very powerful educational tool. However because they are young themselves a lot of time and effort is placed on these volunteer leaders to train and support them. The leaders spend much of July preparing themselves and programmes for Shemesh, and work tirelessly to provide an exciting and stimulating experience for young people. They are supported by RSY-Netzer full time movement workers and the Youth Department staff.
Welfare Supervision
RSY-Netzer prides itself on its professional approach towards the health and safety of our participants. We employ a Senior Welfare Officer who is based at the Sternberg Centre all year round. In addition, we have an experienced Welfare Officer on each camp who is employed 24/7. These Welfare Officers are generally teachers or work with young people, and generally have a youth movement background themselves. We are the only youth movement to offer this level of support for our participants. To complement this professional support, our leaders are trained in welfare issues during a two-year leadership training course, which makes them great role models and supportive friends to the participants.
RSY-Netzer operates a “can-do” approach towards accommodating all young people where possible. We are able to support young people with medical, physical and social issues – both those that we know about in advance and those that arise during camp – in a sensitive and safe manner. We take both confidentiality and compliance with national standards for child welfare, very seriously.
Buddy System
RSY-Netzer welcomes new participants. We have set up a buddy system to allow camp participants to make new friends before Shemesh starts. If you would like to be put in contact with someone from your area before camp please let us know by contacting Alyson on 020 8349 5666.
Applying and Finding Out More
Brochures for Shemesh are available from he proceeding autumn. Applications should be made as soon as possible since camps fill quickly. We have a first come first served policy from the end of February, before that we will prioritise those who come from Reform Synagogues or have attended Shemesh in the past. After applying we will send an information pack in March/April, and during June we hold Information Evenings in London, Manchester and Leeds to answer any questions that you may have. All details are on the website and will be included in the information sent out to you.
Financial Assistance
The Movement for Reform Judaism works hard to provide a Financial Assistance Fund and we endeavour to give every Jewish child who wishes to attend our programmes the chance to do so. If you are unable to afford the full cost, please tick the Financial Assistance box on the Application Form and you will be sent a Financial Assistance Application Form. Details of your circumstances will be required, and a confidential committee makes allocations according to need and merit criteria. Financial Assistance decisions are made in April.
Mobile Phones
RSY-Netzer understands that mobile phones are commonplace and recognises your need to be in contact with your child/ren. We also believe that part of what makes the camp experience so special is the opportunity for young people to bond with their peers away from home. In order to maintain this balance between contact with parents and ensuring we create a special camp atmosphere, RSY-Netzer has the following policy regarding mobile phones:
Participants will hand in mobile phones at the start of camp. They will then be given back their mobile phone at agreed days and times to phone home. If for some reason parents are not available to speak then, in special circumstances, alternative arrangements can be made. Participants will also be able to use the payphone during free time.
If you need to contact your child urgently there is a dedicated emergency phone for you operating 24/7 during Shemesh.
