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🏕️ Gabe's Camp Hub

Summer 2026 — everything about JCC, Camp Chris & Camp Eastman, from the family knowledge base

📝 Open To-Dos (2)

Pre-order Gabe's Week 8 lunch choices (Camp Chris)
Lunch order form (Google Form) linked in the Jul 24 email from summer@stjohnsprep.org — responses due Tue Jul 28 by 12:00 PM. Use Gabe's Week 8 group assignment (Owls, Lower Camp) from the welcome email/attachment.
Due Jul 28, 12pm
Register Gabe for JCC Camps at Medford Summer 2027 (returning families)
Both grandparent-pickup transportation change forms (Jul 21/22 and Jul 28/29) are now submitted ✅. Returning-family registration opens Mon Jul 27, 2026, 5:00 PM via Camp InTouch. Plan: 7 of 8 weeks, Jun 21–Aug 13, 2027, skipping Jul 5–9 (Nina's PTO week). $500 deposit due at registration (Early Bird pricing if registered by Oct 31, 2026). Grade levels were waitlisted by winter last year — register early. Late Aug 2027 (Aug 16–20 & Aug 23–27) still open — not urgent, revisit next year.
Due Jul 27
📅 3 camps, Jul 13 – Aug 28
🚌 Bus #1 (JCC)
🏊 Swim daily, all 3 camps
🏷️ Label everything
📝 2027 JCC registration opens Jul 27
1. JCC Camps at Medford Camp Hilltop · Jul 13–31, 2026 · Medford, NJ ▶

Gabe's Details

Bunk assignmentKindergarten · Division: Geza · Bunk: G-1
BusBus #1 — Pick-up 8:21–8:25 AM, Drop-off 5:08–5:12 PM. Stop #0340: Shirat Hayam Congregation. Arrive 10 min early — buses can't wait. Bus alerts via Campanion app.
Grandparent pickup exceptionAuthorized (via Camp InTouch) to pick Gabe up Tue Jul 21 and Tue Jul 28, and drop him off the next mornings (Wed Jul 22 & Wed Jul 29). Both transportation change tickets are submitted. Park visitor lot → security check-in → sign in/out at Welcome Center.
Camp Hilltop age group / bunksAges 3–6 (PreK–1st). Bunks: SHORESH (nursery–PreK), GEZA & ELON (K — Gabe's group), ANAF & BAYIT (1st). Staff ratio 1:5.

Location

Summer address400 Tuckerton Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Off-season / admin address1301 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Typical Camp Day

Buses arrive 9:30–10:00 AM · Flagpole 10:00–10:10 · Periods 1–5 through 10:15 AM–2:40 PM · Snack 2:45–3:30 PM · Bus yard 3:30–3:40 · Period 7 3:45–4:00 · Buses depart 4:00 PM.
SwimTwice daily (Free Swim + Instructional Swim). Evaluated on arrival; color-coded swim caps provided by camp.
Special weeksPicture Day (wk 3) · Israel Week (wk 5) · Ruach/Spirit Week (wk 6) · Maccabiah Color War (wk 8)
Israel Week — Week 5Jul 20–24, 2026 (Gabe's 2nd week at JCC). Camp's Israeli shlichim (emissary staff) lead extra programming.
Unconfirmed — from camp newsletter, double-check dates.
Ruach/Spirit Week — Week 6Jul 27–31, 2026 (Gabe's last week at JCC). Different dress-up theme each day; exact themes announced in camp's weekly newsletter (from jkaufman@jfedsnj.org) the week before — check that email.
Unconfirmed — check weekly newsletter for exact themes.
Week 4 (Gabe's first week, Jul 13–17)No special dress-up day was listed in the Week 3 newsletter (sent Jul 10) — expect a normal camp week aside from regular swim/activities.
Unconfirmed

Transportation Rules

No changing buses without Transportation Director approval — submit a Transportation Change Form. $50 fee for permanent changes after May 1. Last-minute changes can take up to 72 hrs. Not riding the bus? Email/call by the morning of.
Missed stopIf no one's at the stop, the bus loops back and camp calls; if still no one, Gabe goes to Katz JCC in Cherry Hill for after-camp.
Bus providerFirst Student — air-conditioned buses, required seat belts, radio + GPS tracking.

Drop-off / Pickup (non-bus days)

Email transportation@jfedsnj.org or call (609) 654-5192 x4106 (day before or morning of). Park in visitor lot, check in with security at the Welcome Center, sign Gabe in/out. Early/late pickup needs a Transportation Change Form in advance — no driving into camp.
Authorized pickup by someone elseWritten note to bus counselor, or add them via the Camp InTouch portal.

What to Pack

Camp gear cost2026 camp t-shirt included; camp backpack available separately for $35 (credit card only).

Cancellation & Refund Policy (2026)

$500 deposit per camper at enrollment. Same refund timeline applies to full cancellation, reducing weeks, or adding/switching weeks — all requests must go in writing to Pam Parker, Camp Registrar (pparker@jfedsnj.org). Before Feb 1: deposit + tuition fully refundable. Feb 1–Apr 1: tuition refundable, deposit forfeited. Apr 1–30: paid tuition returned only as JCC credit (not cash). After May 1: no refunds or credit for cancellation, withdrawal, or reduced weeks.
Unconfirmed — from camp email, double-check before relying on it.

Contacts

Jared Kaufman
Camp Director
x1281 · email
Mike Noble
Assistant Camp Director
x1273 · email
Dina Wolf
Camp Hilltop Director
x4110 · email
Sara Valli
Transportation Dept.
x4106 · email
Pam Parker
Registrar
x1238 · email
Julie Wilen
Camps Admin
email
Health Center
Nurses
x4117 · email
Camper Care
General support
x4128 · email
Shore Shuttle
Rebecca Moore, Coordinator
x4107 · email
Main office(609) 654-5192 — 8 AM–6 PM daily. Alt: (609) 654-5033

Apps & Portals

Campanion — bus alerts + daily photos (facial recognition). Camp InTouch (campsintouch.com) — paperwork, authorized pickup list.
2. Camp Chris Summer at St. John's · Aug 3–14, 2026 · Danvers, MA ▶

Gabe's Details

Weeks attendingWeek 8 "Galaxy Quest" (Aug 3–7) + Week 9 "Summer Send Off" (Aug 10–14), 2026
GroupOwls (Week 8, Lower Camp)
BusMelrose Express, Route #1
Cost$1,306 total (small lunch included)
Age divisionEntering Kindergarten → Lower Camp (K–1st grade)
Camp Store balance$0 (per Registration Summary, Jul 22, 2026)
Authorized pickup list on fileDaniel Fink, Nina Fink, Alexandra Chovin
Week 8 lunch pre-orderNina signed Gabe up for camp lunch — pre-order his meal choices via the Google Form linked in camp's Jul 24 email, due Tue Jul 28 by 12:00 PM. Use his Owls/Lower Camp group assignment when filling it out.

Program Basics

Full-day hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Runs June 15–Aug 14, 2026 (9 themed weeks). Age divisions: Chipmunks (PreK), Lower Camp (K–1st), Middle Camp (2nd–3rd), Upper Camp (4th–5th), Senior Camp (6th–9th), LIT (9th–10th).
Drop-off / pickup windowsDrop-off starts 8:50 AM, pickup starts 3:50 PM — camp encourages staggering pickup within a 20-minute window to help with traffic.
Early dismissal / late arrivalOnly 3 early-dismissal times offered: 12:30, 1:30, or 2:30 PM — must notify by 10 AM same day (call 978-774-1427 or email summer@stjohnsprep.org). No dismissals after 2:30 PM or without notice. Arriving after 9 AM: check in at the Main Camp Office, Memorial Gym.
Note: no-camp/early-dismissal Fridays (Jul 3, 17, 31) don't fall in Gabe's Aug weeks — just FYI if that changes.

Pickup & Authorization

Weekly Pick-Up PassEach week camp sends an Authorized Pickup Card/Pass (Gabe's Week 8 card confirmed received) — using it means staff will not ask for photo ID at pickup. To opt out and require ID instead, email summer@stjohnsprep.org before Gabe's first day.

Health & Medical

Illness exclusion criteriaDon't send Gabe if: fever ≥100.4°F (must be fever-free w/o medication 24 hrs before returning), flu-like symptoms, sore throat w/ swollen glands, vomiting/diarrhea within 24 hrs, contagious cold symptoms, uncrusted Chicken Pox, Strep Throat, or anything that keeps him from fully participating. If sent home sick, an authorized adult must pick up within 60 min.
Medical formsSigned physical (dated within 18 months, physician note "cleared to participate"), immunizations, emergency contact, and medication forms all required — uploaded to CampBrain, in English. 2026 deadline was May 1.
Medications & EpiPensDropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian — first day, hand to the camp admin at drop-off; bus riders give to the bus monitor with a Medication Form + doctor's order. EpiPens/inhalers must be brought (original container, visible prescription label) or Gabe can't stay; EpiPens also need an up-to-date Allergy Action Plan with his photo.
Dismissal policyCamp can dismiss a camper without refund for endangering self/others, disrupting activities, conduct violations, withheld registration info, or frequent toileting accidents the Health Team can't manage — an authorized adult must arrive within 60 min.

Food & Swim

Nut-aware campusAll food brought must be nut-free; no shared snacks/food, including for birthdays. Staff checks each morning that campers have a water bottle and snack/lunch. If Gabe arrives without lunch, camp provides a bagged lunch and bills the daily rate.
SwimDaily recreational swim; must shower before the pool. Lower Camp (Gabe's division) gets swim lessons from certified North Shore Swim Club instructors starting Jun 22 — guaranteed min. 4 lessons/week (goal of 5). No child is ever forced into the water.

Payment & Refund Policy

$75/wk/child non-refundable deposit for Camp Chris; session add-ons (lunch/transportation/extended day) $10/option/child, Stay & Play $30/option/child, both non-refundable. Full balance was due May 1, 2026; $25/child change fee on registration changes from May 1 on. Refund tiers: 48-hr grace period from registration = full refund minus deposits; through Mar 29, 2026 = same; Mar 30–30 days before start = 25% refund; within 30 days of start = no refund (Gabe's Aug 3 cutoff was Jul 4, 2026 — already passed). No refunds for missed sessions, illness included.

Photo & Privacy

Camp may use camper photos/video for marketing (website, social media, newsletters, press) — email summer@stjohnsprep.org in writing before Gabe's first day to opt out. A recent photo of Gabe was also required on the registration account for staff ID (2026 deadline was May 1).

Location & App

Address72 Spring St, Danvers, MA 01923 (St. John's Prep)
Camp app codeSP1RE (Summer at St. John's app — weekly info, theme days, photos)
App supportCamp questions: summer@stjohnsprep.org. App technical issues: appsupport@campmanagement.com.

Contacts

Mike Evans
Managing Director
978-774-1427
Jackson Tingle
Director of Summer Programs
978-774-1427
Jenny Doherty
Office Manager / Registrar
email
Main line978-774-1427 · summer@stjohnsprep.org

Useful Links

Websitesummeratstjohns.org
Registration portalcampbrainregistration.com
3. Camp Eastman YMCA of Metro North · Aug 17–28, 2026 · Peabody, MA ▶

Gabe's Details

Weeks attendingWeek 10 (Aug 17–21) & Week 11 (Aug 24–28), 2026. Week 11 includes PM Care (4:20–5:30 PM).
Schedule change historyOriginally enrolled for weeks 8 & 9 (Aug 3, Aug 10) but those were cancelled — Gabe is with grandparents / at Camp Chris those weeks instead. $75 deposit per cancelled week was forfeited.

Drop-off / Pickup

Drop-off7:45–8:55 AM (morning ceremonies begin 9:00 AM). Park in main lot, walk to the drop-off area under the Camp Eastman banner.
Pickup3:30–4:20 PM — park in main lot, walk to the "Pick Up" table. Show photo ID even if staff recognize you; non-authorized pickups need advance written notice to campeastman@metronorthymca.org or a call to the Camp Directors.
PM Care4:20–5:30 PM (late fee after 5:30 PM)
Park in the main lot, not the back lot.
Rainy day planDrop-off/pickup: park main lot, enter through main entrance to the gym. Rainy PM Care: Chipmunks → OST classrooms (first left down Y Academy hall); Cottontails and up → gym.

Swim

Every group swims daily. Deep-end swim test: 25 yd freestyle, climb out, jump in, tread 30 sec. Ages 4–6 get swim lessons Mon & Wed. Flotation device required if under 10 yrs or under 50" and can't pass the test.

What to Pack

Facilities & Lost and Found

Changing hutsLocated on the playfield.
BathroomsPortable toilets on the playfield; also available in the OST classroom (Chipmunks campsite) and locker rooms.
Lost & foundLabel every item with Gabe's first and last name. Lost items are held at the checkout table and donated at the end of each week if unclaimed.

Rules & Behavior Policy

Phones & electronicsNot allowed at any time — must stay off and put away if brought for a specific need (coordinate with the Camp Director in advance). iPads/tablets not permitted. To reach Gabe during camp hours, call the Camp Director.
Behavior escalation1st offense: alternate activity, removed from group to calm down, parent called, immediate pickup required. 2nd: parent called + immediate pickup + one-day suspension. 3rd: parent called + immediate pickup + three-day suspension. 4th: parent called + immediate pickup + termination from camp.
Serious behaviorsDisrespect toward staff/campers/property, bullying, name-calling/foul language, running away, aggressive physical contact, harassment/threats, illegal substances/weapons, destruction of property or stealing, leaving camp without notice, or inappropriate contact with other campers can mean immediate expulsion or suspension without reimbursement.

Location & Contacts

AddressTorigian Family YMCA, 259 Lynnfield St, Peabody, MA 01960
Christopher Munnell
Regional Camp Director
978-979-7598
Kaylee Liberty
Camp Eastman Director
978-979-6527 · email
Joshua Robins
Registrar
978-979-8738 · email
🗓️ Looking ahead — Summer 2027 (JCC) Returning-family registration opens Jul 27, 2026 ▶

Gabe's 2027 Plan

Plan: Gabe attends JCC Camps at Medford (Camp Hilltop) for 7 of the 8 weeks, Jun 21–Aug 13, 2027, staying with grandparents in Medford, NJ. Skipping the week of Jul 5–9 (Nina's PTO week). Late August 2027 (Aug 16–20 & Aug 23–27) still needs a plan — last year Camp Eastman covered this same slot; Nina's considering a shore trip for one of the two weeks instead of camp.

Registration & Dates

2027 seasonMon Jun 21 – Fri Aug 13, 2027 (~8 weeks, flexible enrollment, 3-week minimum)
Returning familiesRegistration opens Mon Jul 27, 2026, 5:00 PM via Camp InTouch
New familiesRegistration opens Mon Aug 10, 2026, 5:00 PM
Open pricing questionJCC's published tiers are 3/6/8-week bundles — need to confirm with registrar Pam Parker (pparker@jfedsnj.org) how the non-contiguous 7-week selection (skipping the Jul 5–9 week) is priced, since it's likely not simply 7/8 of the full-summer rate.
Grade levels were waitlisted by winter last year — camp recommends registering early. Added weeks not guaranteed after Jun 1, 2027.

Pricing (Camp Hilltop, ages 3–6)

Early Bird (register by Oct 31, 2026)3wk $3,560 · 6wk $6,100 · full summer (8wk) $6,775
Regular rate (after Oct 31, 2026)3wk $3,670 · 6wk $6,285 · full summer (8wk) $6,980
Includes camp t-shirt, transportation, lunch, late stays, Medford Swim Club. Extended care: AM or PM $75/wk, both $125/wk. Discounts (stackable, confirm with camp): 10% Katz JCC Full Facility Member, 10% sibling.

Deposit, Payment Plan & Refunds

$500 deposit due at registration, fully refundable until Feb 1, 2027. Pay in full by Apr 1, 2027, or choose a 7-month payment plan (Oct 1, 2026–Apr 1, 2027) — must actively select this option and have a valid payment method on file. Payment-plan families are entered to win a free week of camp (drawings 10/31, 11/30, 12/31, 1/31). Refunds: full refund until Apr 1, 2027; Apr 1–30 as JCC credit only; no refunds/credit from May 1, 2027 on.

Financial Aid

Applications open Aug 1, 2026 (uses 2025 tax return), rolling decisions — apply early. Max award is 50% of dues; requires the $500 deposit first. Apply at online.factsmgt.com/grant-aid/inst/4KF50/landing-page. Questions: fainquiries@jfedsnj.org.
Health, safety & general notes ▶

Health

Speech screening (Aug 2025)Screened by Melanie Hitchens, MS CCC-SLP (Buttonloop), 8/26/25 — within functional limits; occasional /s/ dentalization, monitor only. No further evaluation needed unless it persists.
Medication drop-off (JCC, already passed for 2026)Meds must be in original prescription packaging with a physician-signed authorization form from Camp InTouch.

Birthdates on file

GabeMarch 11, 2021
AnnieJuly 17, 2024

Universal camp conduct

Code of Conduct: Respect, Honesty, Cooperation, Safety — expected of campers, parents, and staff. Fighting/bullying/foul language never tolerated at camp, on buses, or on trips.

Grandparents (backup pickup)

Grandparents live in Medford — noted as available for occasional pickup/drop-off help. (Source data says "Medford" without state; JCC's Medford is in NJ, so double check which Medford if this comes up for a camp other than JCC.)