Programming at Camp Emeth
Daily activities include swimming, arts & crafts, music, sports, Israel, shiur, chuggim (elective activities), outdoor activities, and more. We combine a unique blend of traditional camp activities with specialty programming.
Jewish themes and meaningful hands-on activities are part of our daily programming. Each Friday, the camp celebrates Shabbat with special programs including field trips, music, Yom Israel, Israeli dance, and more.
Sports
Campers look forward to participating in our sports & games program several times per week. Activities are age appropriate and engage our campers in non-traditional ways. The goal is to keep them active, learn good sportsmanship and unique ways to play traditional games. Our sports program meets the needs of any kind of camper.
Arts & Crafts
Campers participate in art every other day. Our art specialist provides opportunities for each camper to tap into their inner artist. We encourage creativity while nurturing the process over the product.
Shiur
Shiur, translated as “Jewish lesson”, is where our camp theme is explored. Through exciting programming, our shiur specialist integrates lessons of the Torah and Jewish teachings to engage campers to think about themselves in the context of Judaism and our theme. Past themes have included Kehillah Kedosha (holy community), Making Menches, and Ometz Lev (strength of heart).
Music
Music is an integral part of the camp day. Our camp day begins and ends with song. Campers enjoy song sessions in smaller groups daily and as an entire community on Shabbat. Song sessions mix old and new favorites, combining both Jewish and secular music.
Israel
We are thrilled that our Israeli shinshin will be able to spend the summer with us. Inbar Bloch is with Congregation Shaare Emeth for the entire year and will know so many of our campers once camp starts and will be excited to meet new friends as well.
Israel is an important part of Camp Emeth. We are so lucky to usually have an Israeli shin-shin on staff who plays several roles throughout the summer to bring a taste of Israel to camp. Each group visits “Israel” twice a week and they engage in creative activities learning about Israel in a way that is meaningful to them.
Our shinshin helps lead flagpole every morning and teaches a Hebrew word of the day. In addition to these formal roles, the most important part of the shinshin’s job is providing an opportunity for our campers to personalize their experience by forming a relationship with someone who lives in Israel. We think this will ultimately help campers develop a connection to Israel that is their own and understand the significance of Israel to each of them and the Jewish people.
Chuggim
“Chug,” pronounced “choog,” is the Hebrew word for “elective.” (chuggim is plural) Each week, campers choose an activity, from a wide range of activities, in which they participate Monday through Thursday. Each summer we bring back camper favorites and add new and exciting ways to engage our campers. Chuggim highlights from past summers include: • Star Struck • Chess • Soccer Shots • Rythym & Ruach • HiNRG• Little All Stars Baseball • Kids in the Kitchen.
Friday Programming
Each Friday is celebrated in a special way. Campers and staff alike wear out Camp Emeth t-shirts. We come together as a community to celebrate Shabbat… each group will zoom into our beautiful interactive service led by Lucy Greenbaum. We dance in Israeli dance-Camp Emeth style and sing together in a song session.
Our Shabbat celebration is followed by an afternoon of special programming centered around a theme. Past programming events have included Red, White & Blue Day, Beach Day, Yom Israel and Show-Me St. Louis Day.
Swimming
Our swim program is run by the YMCA of Chesterfield. The YMCA provides the Aquatics Director, who oversees the entire program, certified swim instructors and lifeguards. The program includes both instructional and free swim days. Camp Emeth staff will also be in the pool with our campers at all times providing extra help to the YMCA staff.
Field Trips
After our success last summer with field trips, we will be planning several exciting field trip for summer 2023.
Late Nights
Enjoy a night out while your campers have fun at camp after hours! We are planning a few Camp Emeth Late Nights for summer 2023, with specific dates, times, and details to come! Campers have the opportunity to stay until dinner or later (depending on grade) to enjoy some fun evening camp activities! All food and activities are provided.
A Day at Camp Emeth
8:45 a.m. Carpool begins and staff greets each child at their car.
9:00 a.m. American and Israeli flagpole and morning song session
9:15 a.m. Pool (Monday-Thursday)
10:25 a.m. Change Clothes and Sunscreen
10:45 a.m. Art (Monday/Wednesday) | Israel (Tuesday/Thursday)
11:25 a.m. Sports
12:00 p.m. Lunch in our camp pavilion
12:45 p.m. Chuggim (elective activity for the week)
1:30 p.m. Shiur (Monday/Wednesday) | Music (Tuesday/Thursday)
2:15 p.m. Open Activity (planned by their counselors)
3:00 p.m. Clean room/pack up/snack
3:30 p.m. Carpool
**All programming is subject to change depending on registration, COVID protocols, or any other unforeseeable events.