Parent Handbook
Section 1: Staff Contacts & Support Chart
We believe that clear communication and strong relationships between families and staff are key to a successful camp experience. Below is your guide for who to contact regarding specific areas of camp life.
Supports camper mental/emotional wellness, homesickness, and interpersonal concerns.
Section 2: Packing List - What to Bring
Pro Tips:
• Pack with your child so she knows what she has
• Label everything clearly — laundry markers or sewn labels work best
• Leave valuables and expensive items at home
To help your daughter feel comfortable, organized, and prepared, we've compiled a comprehensive packing list for her summer at CGI United. Please label all items clearly with your daughter's full name. The camp is not responsible for lost or unmarked belongings.
Clothing
• Daily camp outfits
• Undergarments & tights
• Night gowns & robe or cover-up
• Modest swimwear
• Raincoat and boots
• Light jacket/sweatshirt
• Shabbos outfits (2–3)
• Sneakers, Shabbos shoes, water shoes/slides, rain boots
Bedding & Linens
• Twin mattress protector
• Fitted & flat sheets (2 each)
• 1–2 pillows & pillowcases
• 1–2 blankets
• Towels: bath, pool, hand
• Laundry bag or hamper
Toiletries & Personal Items
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant
• Nail clippers, feminine hygiene items, sunscreen, bug spray
• Tissues, shower caddy, water bottle
Religious Items
• Siddur, Tehillim, Chitas (optional)
• Robe or tznius sleepwear
• Shabbos candle-lighting kit (optional)
School & Camp Supplies
• Notebooks, pens, pencils, coloring/art supplies
• Flashlight, batteries, Ziploc bags, Jewish books, backpack, umbrella, hangers
Optional
• Small fan, camera, watch, alarm clock, writing supplies, Tzedakah box
Pro Tips:
• Campers may not bring nosh boxes to camp (bears!)
• Include a note for Shabbos to uplift her spirit
Section 3: Food & Kitchen Guidelines
CGI United is committed to providing nourishing, kosher meals in a joyful, respectful, and Chassidic environment. We also support campers in learning responsibility around shared kitchen spaces and food storage.
Meals & Snacks
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Shabbos meals provided
• Motzei Shabbos snacks included
Food Storage
• Food must be labeled and stored in designated areas
• No perishables unless approved
• No private food preparation or cooking allowed
Dietary Needs
• Allergies/dietary restrictions must be listed in forms
• Reasonable accommodations will be made
Encouragement:
• Responsibility around laundry and cleanliness is part of growing independence. We support campers in learning these skills with kindness and patience.
Section 4: Laundry & Cleaning Expectations
Campers are expected to take care of their belongings and contribute to a clean environment.
Laundry
• CGI united uses a laundromat to pickup and drop off laundry (all items are put in the dryer)
• Bring laundry bag
• Make sure to label everything
Cleaning Expectations
• Daily tidying of personal space
• Chore rotation for shared spaces
• Weekly bunk inspections with incentives
Professional cleaners maintain bathrooms and shared areas.
Section 5: Rooming, Sleepovers & Shabbos Outings
Rooming
• Bunk assignments are final but made with care
• Bunkmate requests honored when possible
• No sleepovers or bunk changes without approval
Shabbos Outings
• Campers remain in camp for full Shabbos programming
• Requests to leave must be submitted in writing and pre-approved
• Hosts must reflect Torah values
Visitors
• Must be pre-approved and signed in/out
Section 6: Electronics, Media & Dress Code
Electronics
• No cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches
• Devices for medical use must be pre-approved
• Collected on arrival if brought for travel
Books & Media
• Only Jewish/inspirational content
• No secular books, music, or magazines
Dress Code
• Daily: Skirts to knees, sleeves to elbows, modest neckline, tights
• Swim: Full coverage swimwear, cover-up to/from pool
• Sleep: Tznius nightwear and robe for halls
• Shabbos: Elegant, modest dress
Section 7: Camper Health, Medication & Illness Protocol
Health Support
• Staff monitors camper well-being daily
• Parents contacted for fever, injury, or extended illness
• First aid available; OTC meds only with permission
Medication
• Must be labeled and submitted to staff
• Only designated staff may dispense medication
Chronic Conditions
• Must be listed on forms
• EpiPens/inhalers permitted with documentation
Emergency
• Insurance recommended
• Parents notified immediately in case of emergency
Section 8: Safety, Sign-In/Out & Curfew
Sign-In/Out
• Campers must sign out/in with staff for any off-site trip
• Approved adults must show ID and sign out campers
Visitors
• Pre-approved only, no walk-ins
General Safety
• Walk in groups, lock doors, no unauthorized departures
Curfew
• Ages 9–12: 9:30 PM
• Ages 13–15: 10:00 PM
• Ages 16+: 10:30 PM
Lights-out enforced, bunks are quiet zones
Section 9: Discipline Policy
Photo Gallery:
• Families will receive periodic uploads of camp life highlights via secure Google Photos links or similar platforms.
Mail:
• Campers LOVE receiving mail. You may send letters or pre-addressed envelopes with stamps so they can write home.
• Mailing Address will be provided before camp starts.
Our goal is growth and accountability through Chassidic values.
Expectations
• Respectful, modest, responsible behavior
Unacceptable Behavior
• Disrespect, bullying, breaking curfew, hiding issues
Section 10: Parent Communication & Updates
Communication Channels
• WhatsApp group, weekly emails, emergency calls, photo recaps
Who to Contact
• General: info@cgiunited.org
Visits
• No mid-session visits unless pre-approved
End-of-Session
• Exit instructions, media links, evaluations sent to families
• For all questions and communication, please contact: info@cgiunited.org