Give your kids the gift of a meaningful and joyful Jewish camp experience… in the great urban outdoors!
Camp Shoresh is designed as two-week sessions (with the option to participate in one or both weeks). The theme of week one is Bereishit, and the theme of week two is Bamidbar. Campers will explore these themes through songs, stories, games, and nature observation.
The Bereishit (in the beginning) Week focuses on the different elements of the creation of the world.The activities of each day will be inspired by themes such as plants, insects, birds, and mammals.
The Bamidbar (in the wilderness) Week focuses on the Israelites journey through the wilderness following the Exodus from Egypt. Campers will develop survival skills and look for resources, including water, shelter, fire, and wild edibles.
Read more about Jewish outdoor education here and here.
SUMMER 2024 PROGRAM DETAILS:
- Session 1 Week 1 (Bereishit): Cedarvale, July 8 – July 12
- Session 1 Week 2 (Bamidbar): Cedarvale, July 15 – Jul 19
- Session 2 Week 1 (Bereishit): Riverdale, July 29 – August 2
- Session 2 Week 2 (Bamidbar): Riverdale, August 6 – August 9
- Session 3 Week 1 (Bereishit): Cedarvale, August 19 – August 23
- Session 3 Week 2 (Bamidbar): Cedarvale, August 26 – August 30
- Leaders in Training Program (week 1 of 2): Cedarvale, August 19 – August 23
- Leaders in Training Program (week 2 of 2): Cedarvale, August 26 – August 30
Camp Hours: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Extended Care available from 8:30am until 5:00pm (after care not available on Fridays)
Ages:
- Campers: 4-11 years old (entering SK- entering Grade 6 in September 2024)
- Leaders in Training: 12 to 15 years old (grades 7-11)
Pricing:
Standard “Honey Bee” Rate: $480 per week (or $900 for a full two-week session)
Sliding scale pricing is available on the registration website. We request that you select a price point based on your family’s capacity.
We are grateful to be able to provide financial scholarships through the Michelle Kopman Memorial Fund for Nature-Based Education. To apply to this fund, please register and select the Michelle Kopman Memorial Scholarship Fund option. You will be asked to pay an $18 deposit and then let us know what amount your family is able to afford.
To contribute to the fund and support community member’s access to Jewish learning outdoors, please click here.
Sign-up by March 1st and save 5% on registration!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
LEADERS IN TRAINING AT CAMP SHORESH
The Leaders in Training (LIT) program will be held at Cedarvale Park, August 19 – 30 alongside Session 3 of Camp Shoresh. You can sign up for one or both weeks of the LIT program, though we highly suggest signing up for both!
The Leaders in Training program will be a chance for participants to hone their naturalist skills through a Jewish lens. They will work together to become a team throughout the week, applying the knowledge they gain to lead and support the younger campers at Camp Shoresh. Using teachings from Bamidbar (“in the wilderness”, also known as Numbers), the 3rd book of the Torah, participants will explore nature and consider what it means to be leaders in the community.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
TESTIMONIALS .
- I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful educational and super fun experience. I love that [my child] came home filthy, tired and full of wonder for the natural world everyday. Every evening she regaled us with stories about the plants and animals that live in our parks and wanted to share what she had learned about taking care of them and our planet. I could not ask for a better summer experience!
-Parent
- Outstanding. I was impressed by the way you seemed to strike just the right balance between flexibility (particularly regarding weather) and adhering to a routine. I was impressed by all the ways you created ritual/routines around each day, including frequent use of song, and differentiation of each day’s theme by song. I was impressed by the inclusion of adults into very specific parts.
-Parent - It was really touching as a parent, knowing the richness of their day… beautiful values nature lessons. Heartwarming actually- just knowing this was the content they were taking in 🙂
-Parent - [My child] says to share that she learned that “everyone should be theirselves.”
-Parent
For a camper’s perspective, click here to read Adi’s blog post!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What does a typical day look like at camp?
Each session will be a bit different, as we are guided by the participants’ natural enthusiasms, energies, and curiosities, as individuals and as a group, as well as by changing weather. Families are welcome at our Opening and Closing Circles, though there is no obligation to join. On Friday, families are welcome to join at 3:00 PM for a final celebration.
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30AM | Before Care |
| 9:00AM | Opening Circle (families welcome until the end of Opening Circle) |
| 9:15AM | Morning Activities in Groups (games, forest exploration, snack) |
| 11:30AM | Lunch |
| 12:00PM | Afternoon Activities in Groups (crafting, nature-journaling, water play) |
| 2:00PM | Whole Camp Game |
| 3:15PM | Closing Circles (families welcome from the beginning of Closing Circle) |
| 3:30-5PM | After Care |
What do you do about rain or extreme weather conditions?
Shoresh programs happen outside, every day, rain or shine! We do not have any indoor programming space. Campers should come prepared with appropriate rain gear, and we recommend extra socks and a change of clothes. Campers should also come with sunhats, sunscreen, water bottles, and light, comfortable clothing. A sample packing list can be found below.
In the event of rain, our educators will make use of naturally sheltered areas in the ravine. Rainy days are often great opportunities for working on our shelter building skills! On very hot days, we also make use of the natural protection and cooling effects of the forest and green spaces, as well as water play and frequent hydration reminders.
In the event of extreme weather, such as lightning storms, extreme cold or extreme heat alerts, or any other situation that the Shoresh staff deem unsafe for Shoresh participants and staff to be outside, we will move to an emergency indoor location (the neighbouring school, public washroom, or public library, depending on where we are) and inform parents of any change to the pick-up spot.
What should campers bring with them each day?
- A filling nutritious lunch and plenty of snacks (please keep in mind that campers are responsible for carrying their own litter out of the park)
- A full water bottle!! (we will have the opportunity to refill water at lunch time)
- Closed-toed shoes, ideally somewhat waterproof for muddy days
- Rain coat, rain pants, rubber boots for rainy days
- Medications, inhalers, epipens, etc.
- Comfortable backpack to carry their food and personal items
- Hand sanitizer
- Face mask (for going inside public washrooms or in case we need to go inside any other public buildings)
*Please remember that Camp Shoresh is an outdoor nature program and your child will be spending time playing outside rain or shine. Please dress your child in weather appropriate clothing that can get dirty.
Is there a washroom on site?
There are public washrooms available in each of our camp locations.
What is your cancellation policy?
Click here to read our cancellation policy.
What is Jewish pluralism?
Camp Shoresh is a pluralistic program that welcomes Jews of all different backgrounds and affiliations. While learning about Jewish ethical teachings, holidays celebrations, rituals, and prayer, we will be open to the many different ways that our community members interpret these traditions and how they choose to live and learn “Jewishly.” As well, we create space for honouring the other cultural, religious, and spiritual identities that participants may be bringing to our programs.
Who are the staff?
Camp Shoresh is staffed by an all-star team of educators! All staff have undergone hands-on training in outdoor Jewish environmental education and are truly gifted at communicating the awe and wonder they experience relating to the natural world. At Camp, our staff:child ratio is 1:6. All staff are first aid trained and certified.
If you have more questions, email Shalva.