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 6, 2026.
Does Camp Emeth provide lunch?
By default, no. Campers are welcome to bring their own lunch from home, or take advantage of our catered lunch option.
Catered Camp Meals by Little Peeples
Let us take something off your plate (pardon the pun) by providing your camper with delicious and nutritious camp lunches prepared by Little Peeples Catering. Sign them up for the weeks they are attending, be sure to include any dietary restrictions or allergy information, and we will handle the rest!
Little Peeples can provide vegetarian or gluten-free meals upon request, and can work around allergens. Please be sure to include this important information during sign-up!
- Cost is $7.50 per day (registration is by week and is pro-rated for weeks shorter than 5 days)
- Check out a Sample Menu
- Deadline to sign up for catered meals during Weeks 1-3 (June 8 – June 26): Wednesday, May 27
- Deadline to sign up for catered meals during Weeks 4-6 (June 29 – July 17): Wednesday, June 17
- Deadline to sign up for catered meals during Weeks 7-9 (July 20 – Aug 7): Wednesday, July 8
- Please note: catered lunches do not include a beverage, so please continue to send your camper’s water bottle daily
- Camp staff also have the option to participate in the catered lunch program. Please contact Laura Horton for more information.
