Answers to Common Parent Questions

Why should I send my child to Camp Gilgal?

Camp Gilgal provides a unique opportunity for Jewish young people to learn about their Messiah and heritage with other children with a similar background. Most who attend Camp Gilgal have at least one parent who is a believer in Messiah, but many have few, if any, relatives who are believers. We want to show them how they fit into this picture. We also want them to come away knowing what it means to have a relationship with Yeshua and to grow personally. Parents often tell us how much they appreciate the positive changes that took place in their child’s life as the result of camp. Others have told us how attending Camp Gilgal has turned their child’s life around for the better.

What if my child doesn't know anyone at Camp Gilgal or hasn't been away from home?

Most first-time campers don't know other campers because we draw from a wide-geographical area. And many haven't been away from home before. Camp Gilgal is an open and supportive community. Homesickness can be an issue, but most recover quickly and sometimes quicker than their parents! Our experience has been that campers adapt and bond pretty quickly. Strong friendships are often established at Camp Gilgal and often carry over throughout the year.

Is my child ready for Camp Gilgal?

In most cases, the answer is “Yes.” Your child needs opportunities to grow and become independent of you prior to leaving home. Camp Gilgal provides a safe and supportive environment for them to be able to “spread their wings,” and even do things they’ve never done before. Some of our campers have learned to cut their food, take a shower, use a broom, or write a letter for the first time. If most parents are honest, the question is really, “Am I ready for my child to attend Camp Gilgal?”

What about my child's unique situation?

Since we are a small-niche camp, we have a lot of flexibility to provide accommodation where possible. Here are some situations we have dealt with at Camp Gilgal: campers who have never been away from home, non-swimmers, bed wetting, learning disabilities, asthma, allergies, dietary restrictions, and other medical conditions. We can't say we can handle every situation, but don't dismiss the idea of sending your child to Camp Gilgal because of _____. Let's talk it over first.

Will my child be safe at Camp Gilgal?

We strive to treat campers as if they were our own children. Their health and safety are a priority in the planning and running of our camps. These high standards are contained in our Child Protection Policy, which can be made available to you upon request. All Camp Gilgal staff are vetted through an application process including reference and background checks.

What if I can’t afford to send my children to Camp Gilgal?

Our commitment is to work with any family to make it possible for their child(ren) to attend Camp Gilgal. In fact, no child has ever been prevented from attending Camp Gilgal due to a lack of finances. Many creative ways have been used over the years to make this possible: paying in installments, assistance from relatives and/or local congregation/fellowship, garage sales, children working to earn money for camp and partial scholarships. Please don't let finances be the reason you don't consider Camp Gilgal for your camper. Let’s talk.

How will I be able to last that long without seeing or talking with my child?

Just as some campers experience homesickness, this applies to parents, too. A brief separation from your child can also be a good growth opportunity for you. We don’t allow in-person visits or non-emergency phone calls to campers during camp to provide our campers with a full-camp experience. Such contact can be disruptive and even spark cases of homesickness. If you’re really having a hard time, you can call the camp director and get an update on your camper. Also, mail call at Camp Gilgal is huge! Send lots of mail and make your camper happy.

What’s with the camp names?

Camp names are a fun tradition and part of the culture of Camp Gilgal. It provides young people with a comfortable way to address those who are older. It’s also a badge of honor. Our younger campers can hardly wait for the day they can be part of the Camp Gilgal staff and earn their camp name.