Is Camp Emeth Right for You?

Is Camp Emeth Right for You?

Are you new to Camp Emeth and wondering if it is the right place for your child this summer? We’ve outlined some common questions below with some helpful info for parents. Need more information? Please reach out to Camp Director Laura Horton by e-mail or at 314-692-5362.

Does my camper need to be Jewish to attend Camp Emeth?

Camp Emeth is a Jewish day camp experience open to all, regardless of religious affiliation. We do not require membership to Congregation Shaare Emeth (although Shaare Emeth member families receive discounted tuition rates and scholarship opportunities) or any other Jewish institution and offer children a fun summer experience regardless of religious affiliation. Our staff is also comprised of a diverse group of individuals from Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds.

Campers are taught Reform Jewish values, like the importance of tikkun olam (the repair of our world), tzedek (justice), and chesed (love and compassion). Those values are put into action through mitzvot (good deeds) and tzedakah (righteousness; charitable giving). Our Jewish values and practices are woven throughout much of our programming.

How do I know if my child is ready for Camp Emeth?

We understand that all children go at their own pace when it comes to development, but here are some skills your child will need in order to have a successful first summer at Camp Emeth:

  • Completing all bathroom tasks independently, including washing hands with soap and water
  • Changing their clothes independently (campers change out of swimsuits Mon-Thurs)
  • Interacting with peers in a safe, respectful manner (with minimal prompting from adults)
  • Staying with their group
  • Following multi-step directions, and knowing how to ask for help when they need it

What support does Camp Emeth provide for campers with social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs?

At Camp Emeth, our goal is to accommodate as many campers and their unique needs as possible. With that being said, we understand that it is not feasible for Camp Emeth to accommodate all needs of all children, and we may not be a good fit for all children based on their unique needs. If you are unsure about your child and whether or not we can accommodate their needs, please feel free to reach out to discuss!

Something to note for our youngest campers (typically rising Kindergarteners), is that we sometimes see changes in a child’s social/emotional/behavioral patterns during the transition out of preschool into a new environment, so our goal is to keep the lines of communication open with parents in order to help their child thrive in this new environment.

During the registration process, please be sure to share in thorough detail any needs your child has, so we can best serve them throughout their time with us. Leading up to summer, our Inclusion Specialist(s) assist our camp leaders to set up the best plan for each camper based on their specific needs.

Please also be aware that safety is at the core of what we do, and therefore if campers cannot follow our safety guidelines at camp, a behavior plan may be implemented, which will involve the parents as well. If we can no longer serve your child while keeping other campers/staff safe at camp, we reserve the right to dismiss them from camp on a temporary or permanent basis. Again, communication from parents early is key in order for your child to have a successful camp experience!

Scholarship Opportunities

Camp Emeth scholarships are available to members of Congregation Shaare Emeth. Please contact Executive Director, Craig Neuman, for the scholarship forms. All scholarship request forms are due by March 7, 2025.

ABOUT

Madeleine Elkins & Harvey Wallace

2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Madeleine and Harvey have been cherished members of Congregation Shaare Emeth since 1996. Shortly after their wedding, they began “shul shopping” and quickly found a spiritual home at Shaare Emeth—a community whose warmth and values resonated deeply with them. Since then, they have become pillars of both the congregation and the broader St. Louis community.

Madeleine Elkins built a distinguished 45-year career in the corporate world, with leadership roles in medical supply distribution and law firm financial management. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Madeleine has always made time for meaningful volunteer work. She served on the board of the St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition and was part of the organizing committee for the JCC Senior Olympics in its early years. Her dedication to Jewish community life is evident in her service on various committees for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, including co-chairing the 2017 L’Chaim Event. In 2022, she and Harvey co-chaired the JCC’s J’la gala, raising vital funds for scholarships. At Shaare Emeth, Madeleine is a compassionate member of the Caring Committee, and in 2025, she joined the board of the American Jewish Committee, continuing her lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.

Harvey Wallace is a trailblazer in the accounting world and a passionate community leader. In 1973, he co-founded Brown Smith Wallace, a firm that grew to become the 77th largest CPA firm in the United States, with 340 team members at the time of its 2021 merger with Armanino LLP. He now brings his expertise to Private Fiduciary Solutions. Harvey’s professional success is matched by his extraordinary record of community service. He has held leadership roles on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of St. Louis (where he served as Chairman from 2015 to 2017), Jewish Family Services, The Magic House (Chairman, 2013–2014), Wyman Center, and the Chancellor’s Council at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. His civic engagement also includes board service with the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center. Harvey has been a dedicated member of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer and was honored with the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Public Service Award.

Madeleine and Harvey are blessed with two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad & Elizabeth Wallace and David & Melissa Wallace, and four grandchildren Emma (23), Katie (19), Miriam (13), and Aaron (11).

Together, Madeleine and Harvey exemplify the spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion. Their decades of service have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. We are proud to honor them with the 2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award.