Yes, we are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Accreditation is simply the best evidence for parents that a camp is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children. It demonstrates our commitment to meeting government-recognized best practices and assures parents that we have had a regular, independent safety audit that goes beyond regulations in most states. Accreditation is different than licensing in that it is voluntary. To earn our ACA Accreditation status, we have to first comply with 26 mandatory prerequisite health and safety standards. Then, we have to demonstrate substantial compliance with up to forty additional standards in ten operational areas. Every three years, we are visited by ACA evaluators who confirm that we are continuing to meet all of their standards. Accreditation visitors ask over 300 questions regarding essential health, safety and program quality issues important to our camp’s overall operation. Parents can (and should) verify the accreditation status of any camp by visiting www.acacamps.org or calling 1-800-428-CAMP.

Safety is a priority at Perlman Camp and our staff practices fire, aquatic and other emergency skills and drills on a routine basis. Our 24-hour gate guards, security staff and in-camp emergency response teams ensure that all campers are safe while on camp grounds. In addition, all Perlman Camp Staff and Visitors are required to wear BBPC issued ID’s at all times. Campers are taught to recognize these ID’s and alert staff of possible trespassers. Perlman Camp undergoes an annual insurance safety audit and strictly adheres to all American Camp Association accreditation standards.

Most campers live in cabins with 10-14 campers and 2-4 counselors. We require that campers are supervised by staff at all times (even during informal and free time activities). Our staff selection process is very competitive and we value many of the same qualities sought by other employers - - trustworthiness, enthusiasm, creativity and dependability. The ability to adapt to a variety of situations, function under pressure, work well with others and care for children are important characteristics for all of our camp staff. We also look for individuals with a strong self-image, outgoing personality and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

We provide a 7-day, intensive pre-camp orientation program that includes training in safety, communication, emergency procedures, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, leadership skills, camp expectations and supervision procedures. Special trainings and certifications are also required for many of our activity specialists (i.e. waterfront, archery, outdoor adventure). Throughout the summer, staff are continuously evaluated and provided with feedback to enhance their performance.

ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. Generally, the ratios for resident camps are 1:6 for campers ages 7-8; 1:8 for campers ages 9-14; and 1:10 for campers ages 15-17. Perlman Camp meets and exceeds ACA standards at all age levels.

Perlman Camp has a strict behavior policy that must be read and agreed to by parents and campers prior to camp. Positive reinforcement, assertive role-modeling and a sense of fair play are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and leadership. Rules are necessary in any organization and our disciplinary approach is always reasonable and well communicated. Violations of camp policy are dealt with quickly, calmly, fairly and without undue criticism to campers. Parents will be notified in the event of serious behavioral problems and disciplinary actions.

It is our goal to make sure that each and every child has a positive experience at camp. We know that every child reacts differently to being away from home and our staff is prepared to give each child the individual attention they require. Our social workers are available to help with the adjustment process and talk through appropriate issues. If homesickness becomes so intense that it interferes with the child’s overall camp experience, parents will be notified by a member of our Leadership Team.

Mail is simply the best way to communicate with your child during camp. Campers love getting letters and packages (no food please!) from friends and family. Mail Call takes place immediately after lunch, every day except Saturday. All mail, packages and emails are delivered at this time.
Email is often a quicker and easier way to reach your child. While campers do not have direct access to the internet, we have made arrangements with Bunk1 to give you the ability to send your child email (Bunk Notes) for a minimal charge. Bunk1 also offers a Bunk Reply service - - handwritten notes from your camper, sent to your email address within 24 hours of being submitted to the camp mailbox. Pre-paid stationary can be accessed online before or during your child’s stay at camp. Information about Bunk1 and instructions on how to set up an account will be mailed to all camper families in the Spring.
Cell phones are not permitted at camp and parent/child phone calls are prohibited. If a family emergency requires that you speak with your child, please call the camp office.

Campers are expected to write home regularly. In fact, twice weekly ‘Letter Meals’ require them to submit a letter in order to be admitted to the Dining Hall. However, because we do not monitor campers’ personal mail, we cannot guarantee that their letters are exactly the kind you are expecting, or that they are even addressed ‘home’. Campers often become so involved in their activities that they lose track of time and fall behind in their letter writing. (This is actually a good thing!) And, like many of the overnight camps in our area, the mail pick-up and delivery service is extremely slow. We encourage you to be patient with your child, to take no news as good news and to keep writing!

Parents will receive an introductory letter during the first week of camp from their child’s counselors. In addition, parents of first-time Perlman campers will receive a personal phone call from a member of our Leadership Team to discuss their child’s initial camp experience, answer any questions and address relevant concerns. You can also check on your child’s activities and view photos on Bunk1.com. We post thousands of pictures each summer on this secure site that is only accessible to parents (and their invited family members) and staff. Perlman Press (our camp newsletter) and camp photos are posted every 2-3 days. We cannot guarantee that you will see your child at every activity but our talented (and busy!) media staff always do their best to make sure that campers are photographed consistently throughout the summer. Information about Bunk1 and instructions on how to set up an account will be mailed to all camper families in the Spring.

Our Camp Office is open from 9:00am until 8:00pm for incoming calls and we are happy to arrange a phone conversation between you and one of our Leadership Team members when necessary. The office is closed on Shabbat but we do check our voice mail system on a regular basis for urgent issues. When leaving a message, please be sure to state your name, your child’s name, your phone number and the reason for your call. We ask you to be aware that things are busy at camp and we cannot always return your call immediately. Staff members spend most of their day outside with campers and are often unable to check their messages until late in the day. It may take time to gather the information necessary for the return phone call and while it is our policy to return all calls within 24 hours, we ask that you be patient with us as we try to give each situation our complete attention.

We do our best to accommodate campers with special dietary needs and/or food allergies. If your child has serious food restrictions and/or allergies, please contact our office prior to camp to discuss how we can best prepare for their needs.

We do everything we can to make sure that your child spends the summer with friends. In the Spring, you will receive a form that gives you the opportunity to formally request one child of the same grade level to be bunked with your child. Cabins are assigned based on gender, grade level and length of stay at camp. Because of space restrictions, staff assignments and other limitations, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all requests. If you have a specific concern regarding your child’s placement with another camper, please let us know.

Yes, Visiting Day is scheduled for the third Sunday of First Session and is open to parents and their invited guests. An action-packed day of fun is planned with time for sports, swimming, the camp play, lunch, and of course - - visiting! Limited space is available in the A-Lodge for families who wish to spend the entire weekend at camp (reservations are required). An alternate Visiting Day is available for parents who are unable to be at camp as scheduled (arrangements must be made with the camp office). However, because of campers’ busy schedules, activities and overall programming, we cannot provide for individual visitation at any other time. In the past, allowing this privilege has created increased homesickness, feelings of envy and breeches in security. We understand that every parent misses their child intensely but ask you to respect their camp experience and allow them to fully benefit from their summer independence. Note that on Visiting Day, our 2-week campers (and 4 & 7-week campers not expecting visitors) are treated to a special trip. Besides being an unanticipated adventure, it prevents homesickness by taking them out of camp while other campers are with their families. They return to camp after all visitors have departed - - just in time for the traditional all-camp water fight!

No, Perlman Camp provides everything your child needs during their stay at camp. The tuition and canteen fees cover all in-camp expenses as well as entrance fees, meals and spending money for out-of-camp trips. Campers in our Pioneer (Chalutzim) and Jr. Staff (Ohr Machar) Leadership Programs will be notified before camp of the need for additional spending money. If your child does bring money to camp, it will be collected by their Unit Leader and secured in our safe. Perlman Camp is not responsible for any money (or valuables) that are not inventoried with the Camp Bank.

Yes! An order form will be included with the mailing sent to camper families in the Spring. Perlman Camp staff will personally label the items with your child’s name and deliver them to his/her cabin during the first week of camp.

Every day is a special day at Perlman Camp. But, when a camper is celebrating a birthday, we make sure it is a VERY special day! Campers receive recognition in the Dining Hall and are honored with songs, cheers and a cake. We’ll set up a time when you can speak with your child via phone. In addition, parents may purchase a camp birthday party for their child and his/her cabin (Pizza or Ice Cream Party options are available). An order form will be mailed to all camper families in the Spring.