FAQ
How would you describe the campers that you accept?
Budding bnei Torah who appreciate the importance of maintaining kedusha and tahara in everything they do and everywhere they go… and want to have the time of their life!
What is the staff to camper ratio?
At least 4:1
How do you select your staff?
We assure that our staff are B’nai torah of sterling character, who parents would want as role models for their children.
Torah
What sugyas do you learn?
Shiur will be on interesting topics that are related to the outdoors, given by Bnai Torah who are picked for their character and ability to work with teenagers.
How long is seder each day?
We aim to have an hour and a quarter of learning in the morning and 40 minutes in the afternoon.
Safety
Is there someone who is certified in First Aid on staff?
Yerachmiel Markowitz is a Lifeguard instructor and a Wilderness First Aid instructor. Most of our staff are either Waterfront Lifeguards, or certified in First Aid or Wilderness First Aid.
Are there bears?
Yes, but no guarantees that you will see one. Bears are more scared of humans than we are of them. For the most part, they hear us coming and they leave the area. Also, the only bears in this part of the world are the very non-aggressive black bears, no brown bears. That being said, we conduct bear safety drills before every week at camp, because the possibility of seeing a bear is likely.
What do you do when it rains?
Get wet. We make a fire every night to dry off wet clothing.
What do you do when it thunders?
If we hear thunder when we are canoeing we stop on the side immediately and wait in the trees away from the river for half hour until the last sound of thunder.
Could I email you the medical forms?
No. Maryland State Law states that camps can’t store medical records in digital format, paper format only.
Are there rapids?
Absolutely. We picked the rivers for their rapids. But don’t worry, they’re not too intense. We teach everyone how to safely maneuver through the rapids before each canoe trip.
Does camp have a nut free policy?
At this point in time camp does not have nut free policy, it will be instituted if a there is a need.
Should I bring contact lenses?
No, glasses connected by a string is preferable. Microbes will get stuck between your lenses and your eyes and irritate them.
Transportation
Is there transportation to and from camp?
Depending on the week, you will be responsible to take your child to Patapsco Valley State Park or another closer location (ie: 7 Mile, Agudah, or another shul).
What type of transportation is used during camp?
Transportation will be in our insured camp vans during our 3-week session. During our 1 week sessions, the camp may also be transported in school buses.
Where do you travel to?
Week 1: Take in the picturesque views of Catoctin Mountain National Park.
Week 2: Race down wild stretches of the Potomac River.
Week 3: Enjoy challenging hikes in the endless, rolling valleys and mountains of Shenandoah National Park.
Where am I going to sleep every night?
Depending on the night and the week you will be sleeping on a combination of islands, riversides, Adirondack shelters, established campsites, and primitive campsites.
Communication
How do I contact my child during the summer?
The way to contact your child for an emergency is by calling Rabbi Szendro. He will make contact with the staff members on the trail when they become available. Staff members will not be able to answer their phones because they won’t have service. They will also be busy giving your child their full undivided attention.
How do I get more information about camp?
Call the camp office at 1866-55-TREKS or by email at info@torahadventurecamp.com
Packing List
What should I bring to camp?
Our packing list is very specific. Anything not listed should not be brought to camp because it will make your load heavier. You will be carrying everything in your own bag. Remember: every ounce counts!
The camp packing list can be found at: WWW.TorahAdventureCamp.com/Forms
What gear does camp supply?
Camp supplies all frame packs, dry bags, and anything else that is necessary for the woods or the river that is not written on the packing list.
Can I use a pocket knife in camp?
Every tool (ie: knife, saw, ax, survival knife, etc.) needs to be approved by one of our directors. Only pocket knives that fold shut and are 2.75 inches or less will be permitted. No sheath knives, no fixed blade knives, no automatically opening knives, no knives that are designed to look “scary.” You are only allowed to use a tool after you successfully complete our pocketknife safety class. If you are doing something unsafe (ie: not following knife rules) the knife/tool will be confiscated immediately.
What type of clothing should be brought to camp?
T-shirts, that you don’t mind getting ruined. Since this is a rugged outdoors camp, it is likely that everything brought to camp will get very muddy or otherwise subject to extreme wear and tear!
What is the dress code?
We will be bringing davening hats and jackets, so campers can daven in proper attire and not be worried about theirs getting ruined. No tank tops. No graphic t-shirts. Long pants are required for davening.
What kind of t-shirts should I bring to camp?
Graphic t-shirts are not allowed. No tank tops.
Why is it necessary to bring t-shirts made of 100% polyester and not of cotton for the canoe treks, doesn’t it get hot in the summer?
Any material other than cotton will still have a chance of keeping you somewhat warm when wet. When cotton gets wet, it zaps the heat that your body is generating and will make you freeze very quickly.
Are electronics allowed in camp?
Yes, flashlights only!
We recommend buying the $15 Energizer headlamp from Walmart. Home Depot has better prices than Walmart for batteries and Walmart has better prices for headlamps. Coast also makes good headlamps. URL to $15 Energizer headlamp sold by Walmart
Are cell phones permitted in camp?
No
Should I send extra spending money?
No
Is there laundry?
No. The boys come home each week, so they bring enough clothing to get them through the week.
Why am I not allowed to bring deodorant?
Deodorant attracts bears. Bears have a very keen sense of smell and it could attract them during the night while we our sleeping. When a bear is in the area, we want to have advanced notice of its presents.
Is there a place to fill up on water every night?
There is scheduled to be water fill ups every night.
Is there running water?
There is running water at established campsites. We scheduled each week to have at least one night at an established campground. On nights with no running water we will have a purifier to filter drinkable water from springs and streams.
What is the best type of whistle for camp?
A plastic whistle with a lanyard. We recommend Fox40, available at Walmart for $5. URL to $5 Fox 40 whistle at Walmart
Where should I buy rain gear from?
There are two types of rain protection: breathable and non-breathable. Non-breathable is significantly cheaper. You will feel wet regardless of which type of rain protection you use: With breathable material, eventually the rain soaks all the way through. With non-breathable material, all the moisture from your body recondenses on you and you feel soaked. When it comes to non-breathable rain protection we recommend Ozark Trail or Coleman because their gear is small and packs up nice when not in use. We can’t recommend breathable gear because one size does not fit all.
What type of pocket knife do I need?
The only tool a pocket knife needs to have is the knife, spending money on additional gadgets or accessories that come with the knife is not necessary. Every knife MUST have a locking blade. All tools brought to camp MUST be approved by one of our program directors. If you are looking to buy a knife we recommend the following companies to choose from: Gerber, Victorinox, Swiss Army. Butterfly knifes (eg: Leatherman) are strongly not recommended as they are hard to use for our purposes. Knives must be shorter than 2.75 inches. Walmart carries pocket knifes for as low as $2.
Why is a long sleeve t-shirt strongly recommended for canoe treks?
Long sleeve t-shirts are for controlling sun exposure on canoe trips. Your long sleeve t-shirt should be made of 100% polyester. Cotton clothing will make you cold very quickly. http://www.amazon.com/Cooling-Performance-Sleeve-T-Shirt-Black/dp/B00BPXOQYW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455251688&sr=8-1&keywords=long+sleeve+100%25+polyester+t-shirt
Why do I need a sleeping pad?
A sleeping pad is necessary to insulate you from the cold ground. We recommend Ozark Trail and therm-a-rest. Walmart sells an Ozark Trail sleeping pad for $7. http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Camping-Sleeping-Waterproof-Comfort/dp/B00MGJSSFW/ref=sr_1_21?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1456254126&sr=1-21&refinements=p_n_condition-type%3A6503254011%2Cp_36%3A1253555011
What type of sleeping bag do I need?
The sleeping bag should be rated for either 40 or 50 degrees. Smaller is better. It helps if it is compressible. A mummy sleeping bag with a hood is recommended. It should weigh less than 3lb. Look at: http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sleeping-bag.html.
Is there a camp text message system?
Yes. Text the word torahadventurecamp to 84483 and you will be added to our texting system, your email is added automatically. You will receive a message that says “Welcome! RainedOut mobile alerts – 4msgs/mo. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for help.” The 4 messages/ month is wrong, we are unable to change it.
We send out regular updates on all our trek progress in the form of a text or email so that you could rest assured that your child is okay and having the time of their life. We also send out alerts to update you on our estimated time of arrival at the end of each week.
Should I bring a camera?
Please don’t bring any camera other than a cheap, disposable one, as it will likely get broken. We bring a group camera and share all the pictures at the end of each week.