The moment you feel fully prepared for a perfect summer
Preparing for camp can feel overwhelming, but it’s truly where the adventure begins. To help make the process as easy as possible, we’ve compiled a comprehensive camp guide to cover everything you need to know, so you don’t miss a thing. Whether you’re joining us as a new family or have some sessions under your belt, these details will provide helpful information about important dates, special programs and critical policies.
Our number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of our entire camp community. And together with nurturing staff, energizing programs and transformational experiences, we look forward to another transformative summer.
To help your child make the most of their time at Tamarack Camps, dive into the details below.
Prepare for a summer at Tamarack Camps with our comprehensive packing list. For more information, read on.
Luggage
Each camper is permitted to bring a total of three bags: two duffels and one carry-on backpack. Please use the luggage tags, which will be mailed prior to camp, to label them.
Note: We recommend duffel bags with a zipper across the middle, measuring approximately 36” x 18” x 16”. For the drive to camp, we recommend one backpack to bring last-minute additions and nighttime comfort items.
Clothing
Label, label, label! Simple and practical clothing is most suitable for camp. Additionally, we strongly recommend you purchase a village T-shirt for your child. These T-shirts are used for special events and village pictures throughout the summer, and they can be purchased at Brody’s or Perfect Trading Company.
To celebrate Shabbat on Friday nights, all campers and staff members are expected to dress respectfully (wearing blue and white). Shabbat tees are optional and are available at Brody’s and Perfect Trading Company. On Saturday, regular camp attire is sufficient.
Money
Campers do not need spending money while at main camp. However, campers in Kahn Ruach, Robinson Pioneer, Kaufman Specialty and Avodah may want money for their trip “pop stops.” Six-week campers and super session campers who stay during break should bring money for “pop stops.” We suggest a range of $10 to $40 in cash. Place your camper’s money in a sealed envelope with their name, village and exact dollar amount. At camp arrival, please bring the envelope to our staff. The envelope will be stored in the camp’s safe until your child’s trip departs.
Electronic Devices
Generally, campers are not allowed to have devices at camp. They may bring an MP3 player that does not connect to the internet to listen to music/audiobooks during menucha (rest time) or bedtime. However, any other devices must be approved by our staff in advance.
Cell phones are not permitted at camp, under any circumstances, and represent a distraction to camp’s community. If a camper is found with a phone, it will be confiscated and considered sufficient grounds for dismissal. In that event, a refund is unavailable. Additionally, campers are not allowed to use staff cell phones.
Dangerous Items
Guns, knives and any other potentially dangerous items are not permitted at camp. If you are unclear about any items, please ask for guidance from a member of the programs team. If a camper is found with a dangerous item, it will be confiscated and considered sufficient grounds for dismissal. In that event, a refund is unavailable.
Before the first day, campers and parents must drop off luggage (luggage tags will be mailed to households in May), and all campers must have their heads checked for lice.
To do so, please arrive with your camper at the following address, within your scheduled time on Sunday, June 14 (session one) or Sunday, July 12 (session two):
Adat Shalom
29901 Middlebelt Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Session 1 Mini, Session 1 and Six-Week Campers (Sunday, June 14)
9 – 10 a.m.: last names beginning with A-M
10 – 11 a.m.: last names beginning with N-Z
Session 2 Mini and Session 2 Campers (Sunday, July 12)
5 – 6 p.m.: last names beginning with A-M
6 – 7 p.m.: last names beginning with N-Z
If you live outside of the Detroit area, you may bring your luggage to camp on the first day. Alternatively, you can ship luggage directly to camp. In that case, please make sure it will arrive after June 12. The camp address will be provided in informational emails before the start of camp. You must also bring a signed note on letterhead or a prescription stating that the camper is cleared of lice. Many Great Clips salons, lice boutiques and doctor offices will do this service.
Parents/guardians will drop off campers at Camp Maas on opening day.
| Village | Arrival time (session one: June 16, session two: July 14) |
| Avodah | 10:30 a.m. |
| Shiffman, Applebaum | 9 a.m. |
| Fishman | 9:30 a.m. |
| DeRoy | 10 a.m. |
| Charach Sheruth, Wolfe | 10:30 a.m. |
| Berman, Hermelin | 11 a.m. |
| Robinson Pioneer | 9:30 a.m. |
| Kahn Ruach (session two) | 9:30 a.m. (at Butzel Retreat Center) |
| Kaufman Specialty | 10:30 a.m. |
| TLV | 9 a.m. |
To connect with your camper, you can:
- Send mail:
- When sending letters, please use the camp address provided in the informational emails before the start of camp.
- Please do not send gum, candy, etc. We check everything.
- Campers will write letters home. Please help your camper by pre-addressing and stamping envelopes for them.
- Send email:
- A link to access camper emails will be on the website by the first day of camp.
- Please send by 8 a.m. to ensure same-day delivery.
- Note: Campers cannot email back.
- Call:
- When you call camp during the summer, our office staff will take a message for a social worker or head of side to return your call, usually within 24 hours.
- Note: Campers cannot call home.
- Read our daily newsletters:
- Daily newsletters will be sent from various members of the summer staff. These emails are sent from tamarack@tamarackcamps.com and often get sorted into spam or junk folders. Please add this email address as a “safe sender” in your contacts to ensure you receive our communications.
- View our SmugMug photos:
- A link and password will be shared prior to the start of camp.
If your child(ren)’s birthday is during camp, our custom is to celebrate throughout the day. The counselors will highlight their birthday with special programs, and you can feel free to send birthday cards.
Note: Packages are not allowed, with very few exceptions. If your camper forgot an essential item, such as swim goggles or sneakers, please contact Rachel Pitt at rpitt@tamarackcamps.com for approval. Packages will be checked before delivery.
Here’s a sample day in the life of a camper:
- Boker Tov! (Good morning!)
- Degel (Flagpole)
- Breakfast
- Clean-Up
- Bunk Activity 1
- Bunk Activity 2
- Lunch
- Menucha (Rest Time)
- Prime Time*/General Swim
- Prime Time*/General Swim
- Shower Time
- Degel (Flagpole)
- Dinner
- Evening Activity/Schmooze (Free Time)
- Lilah Tov! (Good Night!)
Note: The above schedule may vary, depending on special programs and trips. Friday’s schedule, for example, differs, as we allow additional time for Shabbat preparations. We observe Shabbat by sleeping in, enjoying breakfast in the village, and participating in engaging and informal services, more relaxed programming and a meaningful Havdalah ceremony.
*Prime time: Campers choose an activity they will participate in for two or three consecutive days.
Activities
Opportunities include: omanut (arts and crafts), ceramics, farming, teva (nature), Jewish programming, tripping, horseback riding (HBR), land sports, multimedia, music, photography, theatre, ropes (climbing wall, tango tower, high ropes and zip line), swimming (at the pool and in the lake) and water sports (waterskiing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding).
Camping Trips
For peace of mind, we have dedicated “tripping” staff made up of experts on all things camping — setting up tents, building a campfire, etc. They are lifeguard and wilderness first aid certified and will be on all camping trips, along with the village counselors. Often, we find that campers who are reluctant to go on an overnight camping trip share this as a highlight of their summer — and even a lifelong passion.
The camp trip locations and lengths for each village are listed below:
- Applebaum and Shiffman: instead of departing camp for a trip, participants will enjoy our internal opportunities — a campfire with smores and stories.
- DeRoy and Fishman: 2-day, 1-night hiking and canoeing trip along the Huron River
- Charach Sheruth and Wolfe: 3-day, 2-night hiking and canoeing trip in Mio, MI
- Berman and Hermelin (fortnight and full session): 4-day, 3-night hiking and canoeing trip in Mesick, MI
- Kahn Ruach: 5-day, 4-night hiking trip to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
- Robinson Pioneer: 6-day, 5-night hiking and canoeing trip to Laurel Highlands in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania and a 3-day, 2-night ziplining trip in Hocking Hills, OH
- Kaufman Specialty: 5-day, 4-night hiking trip in the Upper Peninsula
- Avodah: 2-day, 1-night hiking and canoeing trip in Holly, MI
Trip destination and itinerary may change as needed.
If a camper is unwilling to participate in their trip, we reserve the right to send them home, and a refund will be unavailable.
Session Break and Super Session
Super session campers may either stay at camp during the session break or go home for those days. Those who stay at camp during break should be pre-registered for it. All six-week campers, however, will stay at camp over session break. Activities and meals during session break are paid for, but campers will have opportunities to buy snacks on field trips. Please plan on sending $10 to $40.
Super session campers also have the option to spend one day/night at home from Monday, July 15 to Tuesday, July 16. If they do, please coordinate pick-up and drop-off with Rachel Pitt at rpitt@tamarackcamps.com.
During session break, super session campers may leave their laundry at camp to be laundered at no cost, or they may bring it home to launder themselves. In that case, luggage should be dropped off at the Session 2 luggage drop-off on July 14.
Food
The Sara and Irving Mahler Dining Facility, or as many campers know it, the chadar ochel (dining hall), provides a comfortable atmosphere where campers eat at tables with their bunk. Senior Side campers eat breakfast in their village lodge.
All food at camp is kosher, certified by the Vaad. Our kitchen staff is trained and well-equipped to manage dietary restrictions, food allergies, and sensitivities and picky eaters. Meals are designed to be nutritious and kid-friendly and will always have a vegetarian and gluten-free option. In addition, there is a fresh salad bar — often with vegetables grown at our own Farber Farm — available at lunch and dinner. Download a sample menu.
Laundry
Tamarack uses an outside laundry service that’s provided to campers for no additional cost. Laundry is offered once per session and over session break for super session campers.
If your child needs emergency laundry, our staff is happy to help and will wash a quick load for them.
For a fee, laundry service may be offered at camper pick-up at Adat Shalom at the end of the session.
Security
Led by our head of security and in partnership with Jewish Community Security, Inc. (JCSI), we employ a team of highly trained security officers on site 24/7, and all entrances to the camp’s property are gated. Additionally, both lakes on our property are private — not accessible by visitors.
All staff members undergo background and reference checks prior to their summer employment, and guests (such as laundry service, vendors, etc.) are escorted through camp by a member of our team.
At Tamarack, we take mental health seriously. Each side of camp has its own dedicated social worker who is there to support your children, and staff members have their own social worker, as well. Please feel free to share your concerns and talk candidly with the camp staff, specifically with the camper care team, which is led by Carly Weinstock, our camp director.
If your child is feeling nervous about coming to camp, we encourage you to discuss these emotions and empower them to handle the separation confidently. With that in mind, please refrain from saying, “If you don’t like it, I’ll come and get you,” as it communicates unrealistic expectations. Instead, if your child expresses apprehension or anxiety, please reach out to a member of the camper care team. This will help us prepare for your child’s needs.
We also encourage you to pack items that might help ease the transition (such as lovies/stuffies, pictures, a calendar, battery-operated night lights, downtime activities, etc.), which are all intended to provide familiarity as signs of home. Many campers, of all ages, bring comfort items.
Please know most children need a few days to adjust to life at camp, and during this time, homesickness — even for returning campers — is quite natural. Time and time again, we see campers cope with their concerns and, with the ongoing guidance and sensitivity of our staff members, build support systems. However, if, after reading a letter, you feel concerned about your child(ren) or, if you haven’t gotten a letter in a while, please feel free to contact us directly. A message will be taken by our supportive office staff and a member of the camper care team will be available to answer questions, respond to calls, field questions, research answers (where necessary) and, after a reasonable time, provide updates to our families.
Finally, along with preparing your child emotionally for the challenges of camp, please prepare your child(ren) for the realities of being away from home. We recommend reviewing our code of conduct with them, so they are aware of our expectations.
LGBTQIA2S+
We are committed to a culture of inclusion and welcome everyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. We believe every member of our community has a right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to their stated gender identity. Campers will be housed with the gender that most closely aligns with their gender identification. Discrimination, bullying and harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or family composition is prohibited.
Under the leadership of our chief medical officer, we have a robust team of medical experts consisting of physical and mental health and special needs professionals. We collect and manage all health information through CampBrain. To submit your camper’s health information, you will receive an email invitation and detailed instructions. Please use the same username and password as used when you registered for camp and note that each camper needs a CampBrain medical profile completed by April 1.
Immunizations
Our immunization policy requires everyone to be immunized according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the state of Michigan.
COVID-19
Following an intensive review process and with the full support of our Medical Advisory Council (MAC), we recommend all participants enrolled in any Tamarack Camps program be up to date with COVID-19 vaccination recommendations as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the state of Michigan. We will communicate any change in protocols closer to camp, to ensure we are making decisions based on current conditions.
Lice
At lice check, if your child(ren)’s exam reveals live lice and/or nits (eggs), they will be sent home, along with their belongings and guidelines for treatment. Parents will be responsible for administering the treatment. Or, if preferred, the Lice Sisters are available to treat your child(ren) for a fee. The camper’s head must be nit-free to return to camp.
Out-of-state campers will need to bring a signed note with letterhead or on a prescription stating that the camper has been cleared of lice within three days prior to camp arrival. Many Great Clips salons, lice boutiques and doctor offices will do this service.
Food Allergies
Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for every camper. Increasing numbers of children have food allergies, and we will gladly work with families to provide alternatives. However, if your camper has an airborne food allergy, regrettably, Tamarack Camps is not the right place for them.
Tamarack Camps are not nut free, but we are nut sensitive. We do not cook with any nut products, including oils, or offer snacks containing nuts. We do provide peanut butter sandwiches, available at every meal, from one specific location.
Additionally, all staff members are trained in how to recognize allergic reactions and taught when and how to use EpiPens. The counselors will review the specific allergy plan for your camper with the clinic, and the counselor or camper will carry an EpiPen, according to the allergy plan. Plus, EpiPens are strategically placed throughout camp, including the dining hall, specialty areas and villages.
Please note: We cannot guarantee that everyone will follow the above guidelines, that there will not be “food fights” at your camper’s meal, or that campers eating peanut butter will not touch objects or each other.
Parent/Guardian Notifications
You will be contacted by a clinic staff member if:
- Your camper has a fever
- Your camper has a positive test (e.g., strep, COVID-19, urinalysis)
- Your camper needs to be placed on antibiotics
- We need to take your camper out of camp for medical reasons, such as X-rays or an ER visit
- Your camper received an immobilizer, such as a sling, brace, etc.
- Your camper needs to spend the night in the clinic
Parents will NOT be notified if their camper receives treatment by the staff for cuts, colds, insect bites, stomach bugs, headaches, rashes, sore throat, etc.
Medications
We partner with AMAC Pharmacy Services, which provides safe, pre-packaged prescription and over-the-counter medications to camp. All Tamarack Camps participants are required to use AMAC to obtain any medications that will be administered during a summer program. This includes over-the-counter medications that are taken routinely or as needed, excluding medications that we stock for occasional use, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Medication forms are required in CampBrain by the deadline and prescriptions are due at AMAC no later than June 1. Any past-due prescriptions will be charged a late fee.
Your camper’s doctor should send electronic prescriptions (E-scribe) to:
AMAC Pharmacy Services
32320 Five Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48154
E-scribe is the preferred method, but faxed prescriptions can be sent to (866) 798-4070.
If your prescription is not able to be ordered through AMAC due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the medical team to discuss. Those CHOOSING not to use the pre-packaged medication option for any medications that CAN be filled by AMAC will be assessed a $200 processing fee.
If your child takes ADHD medications, ANY controlled substances, devices, or other medications that are only given in a 30-day supply, you will need to call your insurance company and ask for a “VACATION OVERRIDE” for 30 days (if attending one session) or 60 days (if attending two sessions or travel trips). Your doctor must then send an extra (2nd) prescription to AMAC for the 30- or 60-day vacation override and write in the instructions, “Please do not dispense until June 1” for first session/travel trips or “Please do not dispense until July 1” for second session.
Over-the-counter medications do NOT need a doctor’s prescription and will be automatically packaged for camp based on what YOU entered on the Parent Provided Medical Information. Reminder: Please select tablets or chewables. We discourage liquids unless no alternative is available and will NOT accept or administer gummy medications of any kind; they melt and stick together in the heat and humidity of camp.
If there are changes to medications, please notify us by June 1 for first session and July 1 for second session.
If you have questions for AMAC Pharmacy Services, please email camp@amacrxs.com. You will receive a response with 48–72 hours.
The safety of our camp community is our highest priority, and we take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness. In partnership with JCSI, Tamarack Camps is protected 24/7 by a professional security team with backgrounds in criminal justice and law enforcement.
Our security measures were developed and are maintained in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Detroit to meet the highest standards of community safety, with comprehensive security protocols in place year-round — during the summer season, throughout the off-season, on camp property and at off-site, camp-sponsored events.
We maintain a proactive approach to safety by constantly assessing and adjusting our protocols in response to current events and best practices. Our staff are trained in emergency preparedness, and we partner with local law enforcement to ensure a swift and coordinated response, if ever needed. We remain deeply committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where campers, staff and families feel protected and supported as part of our camp community.
Camp is led by best-in-class professionals, including teachers, artists, clergy and more.
- Chief Executive Officer – Lee Trepeck
- Chief Medical Officer – Stefanie Aronow, M.D.
- Camp Director – Carly Weinstock
- Associate Director – Becca Fishman
- Director of Health – Jen Feinberg
- Program Coordinator – Lauren Vidak
- Head of TLV – Zack Goldman
- New Camper Liaison – Helayne Shaw
- Head of Brighton Side – Hallie Steckler
- Head of Mid Side – Laura Charnas
- Head of Senior Side – Craig Charnas
- Director of Mental Health and Special Needs – Danielle Tagai
- Senior Social Worker – Rick Barinbaum
- Brighton Side Social Worker – Lexie Kay
- Mid Side Social Worker – Marni Alekman
- Senior Side Social Worker – Jodie Heicklen
- Property Manager – Scott Bahr
- Registrar – Jeannette Levene
- Marketing and Communications – Amy Skimin
- Administrative Coordinator – Rachel Pitt
- Farm Manager – Alex Rosenberg
Supervisors
Every village has a supervisor who coordinates village activities and provides direction and guidance to the counselors. The supervisors are older, more experienced staff members, who have proven themselves as camp leaders. Supervisors arrive at camp two weeks early for highly focused training, facilitated by a variety of professionals. Our training, combined with each supervisor’s camper expertise, creates a perfect balance of youthful excitement and skilled caregiving.
Counselors
Your child(ren)’s counselors are high school graduates/college students, often with specific experience related to children. Our staff report to camp one to two weeks early for intensive training facilitated by our senior staff members, supervisors and other professionals, including parents from our community. The ratio of village staff to campers is approximately 1:5. However, when taking into account that specialists also live in the villages, the staff-to-camper ratio is often less than 1:5.
On the last day of camp, campers return by bus to Adat Shalom (29901 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334). Unless prior arrangements have been coordinated, campers may not be picked up at camp.
- Session one mini ends June 24.
- Session one ends July 10.
- Session two mini and six-week session ends July 24.
- Session two and super-session ends August 7.
| Village | Arrival at Adat Shalom |
| Avodah (mini full session) | 11 a.m. |
| Shiffman, Fishman (mini, full and six-week session) | 10:30 a.m. |
| Applebaum (full session) | 10:30 a.m. |
| Applebaum (mini and six-week session) | 11 a.m. |
| DeRoy (full session) | 10:30 a.m. |
| DeRoy (mini and six-week session) | 11 a.m. |
| Charach Sheruth (mini and six-week session) | 10:30 a.m. |
| Charach Sheruth (full session), Wolfe (mini and full session), Berman, Hermelin | 11 a.m. |
| Robinson Pioneer, Kahn Ruach, Kaufman Speciality | 11:30 a.m. |
| TLV | 11:30 a.m. |
At Camp
During camp, our staff members make every effort to identify and return any labeled lost and found items to your child(ren). Also, prior to returning home, items are displayed at degel (flagpole), which provides your child(ren) an opportunity to find items that may have been lost throughout the session.
Collecting Lost and Found After Camp
Once camp ends, lost and found items are delivered to our city office (Max M. Fisher Federation Building, 6735 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI) and will be available on the following dates:
Session 1 Mini and Session 1 Campers
- July 15 and 16
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Conference Room A
Session 2 Mini, Session 2 and Six-Week Campers
- August 12 and 13
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Conference Room A
Please allow yourself ample time to look through the items. After the second day, unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Teen Programs Guide
The packing list for each teen program is tailored to that programs’ length, environment, activities, and available ammenities. The packing list is the best resource to ensure your camper is prepared and comfortable, so please make sure to review each section thoroughly.
Packing lists can be found here: https://tamarackcamps.com/prepare/packing-lists/
You will receive information in the Spring about an opportunity to attend a packing meeting where a staff member will go over the packing list, provide recommendations, and answer questions.
Luggage for Outpost Experience will follow the Camp Maas format of luggage drop-off on the Sunday before the session begins, but luggage for Agree, Western, and Alaska trips should be brought to the bus on departure day. Lice checks, as well as collection of certain medications and required paperwork/documents will happen at the same time as luggage drop-off.
OUT OF AREA CAMPERS
If bringing luggage to the bus on departure day isn’t feasible, families coming from outside the metro Detroit area may opt to ship their camper’s luggage to camp (via UPS, FedEx, etc.). When shipping luggage, please ensure it arrives at least 5 days prior to the start of the program. For more details, please contact Rachel Pitt at rpitt@tamarackcamps.com or 248-952-9111.
PASSPORTS
All Agree, Kennedy, and Alaska campers must have a valid Passport and the Border Crossing Form, which must be signed before a notary. If you would like to do this with our in-office notary, please contact Rachel Pitt at rpitt@tamarackcamps.com or 248-952-9111.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Teen Programs provide a rare respite from electronic devices and other distractions. No electronic devices or time-keeping divides are permitted, with the exception of headlamps/flashlights and digital cameras. Other items that may not be brought to camp include food and gum, makeup, perfume or cologne, mirrors, weapons (including pocket knives), graphic material, and controlled substances.
SPENDING MONEY
The amount of spending money each camper requires depends on their program, as well as what your family has decided is appropriate. Travel trip campers will have many opportunities to purchase souvenirs and snacks when visiting towns, stopping at rest stops, or checking out visitor centers at national parks. Outpost campers will have just one designated town day, and 1 or 2 “pop stops”. Cash, cards, or a combination can be sent with campers, and we encourage you to discuss expectations around spending with your camper before the trip begins.
Suggested amounts:
Outpost Experience campers: $50-$100
Agree Campers: $50-$100
Western Trip campers: $250-300
Alaska Trip campers: $350-400
| Program: | Location: | Date and Time: |
| Outpost Experience at Agree | Main camp (Pioneer Skills) 4361 Perryville Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462 | Tuesday, June 16 Meet at 8:30AM* |
| Outpost Experience at Kennedy | Butzel Retreat Center 3599 Perryville Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462 | Tuesday, June 16 Meet at 9:00AM* |
| Charles N. Agree Outpost Camp | Adat Shalom Synagogue 29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 | Monday, July 6 Meet at 7:00AM* |
| Alaska Trip | Adat Shalom Synagogue 29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 | Sunday, June 14 Meet at 7:00AM* |
| Western 1 Trip | Adat Shalom Synagogue 29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 | Monday, June 15 Meet at 7:00AM* |
| Western 2 Trip | Adat Shalom Synagogue 29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 | Monday, June 22 Meet at 7:00AM* |
*Please note that all trips will leave 45-60 minutes after the listed meeting time.
Please be sure to come to the bus on departure day with:
1. A daypack loaded with rain gear, a sweatshirt, long layers, hiking socks, bug dope, and any other desired bus items (sunglasses, books, cards, games, etc.)
2. A bag lunch and water bottle filled with water
3. Duffle bag, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow
4. Passport – staff will collect and hold passports throughout the summer
5. Spending money (staff are happy to hold for campers)
6. Any emergency medications or other medications not filled through AMAC
The summer, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Not every moment of camp will be filled with wonder and excitement. Encourage your teen to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp, and discuss both the ups and downs your teen may experience.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Travel Trip campers should expect to hike nearly every day, sometimes for as many as 10 miles. Outpost campers will go on several day hikes and multiple strenuous backcountry trips.
While these hikes can be difficult, and your camper might feel tired or frustrated at times, pushing through these tough moments results in some of the most rewarding experiences of the summer for many campers.
If your teen doesn’t already play sports or engage in other regular physical activity, encouraging them to start now will make their summer expereince more enjoyable. The most important kind of training is aerobic fitness (running/jogging, bicycling, skating…), the kind which stimulates heart and lung activity for at least 30 minutes without stopping. They can also consider specific training techniques to prepare for the summer such as climbing stairs or walking with a weighted backpack.
Before a teen begins any exercise program, please consult with their physician.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL EXPECTATIONS
All teen programs campers will be living in close quarters for the summer, so being kind, cooperative, and communicative is non-negotiable. Along with their fellow campers and staff, they’ll need to
work to build a community that is safe, fun, inclusive, and
functional.Teen Program campers cook, clean, pack for trips, set up camp,
plan programs, and pitch in to do whatever needs doing to keep things running, so it’s
essential that every camper does their part and comes ready to try new things, meet new people, be flexible,
and embrace challenges with a positive attitude. Please review our code of conduct with your child so they are totally aware of our expectations.
SOCIAL WORKERS
Counselors and supervisors receive mental health training and are the first point of contact for campers experiencing emotional difficulties, but they are never expected to handle serious problems alone- we take mental health seriously at camp and have a wonderful team of social workers who are available to staff and campers 24/7. If you have any concerns about your child’s emotional well-being at camp, please contact us so we can put you in touch with one of these social workers. Knowing about your concerns prior to camp ensures we are best prepared to support your camper and their staff members.
INCLUSION
Tamarack Camps is committed to a culture of inclusion and welcomes everyone, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Every member of the Tamarack Camps community has a right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that corresponds to their stated gender identity. Campers will be housed with the gender that most closely aligns with their gender identification. Discrimination, bullying and harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or family composition is prohibited.
CAMPBRAIN
Tamarack Camps collects and manages all health information through CampBrain, a secure, web-based health management system. To submit your teen’s health information, you will receive an email invitation from CampBrain and should use the same user name and password you used for camp registration.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Tamarack Camps immunization policy requires everyone to be immunized according to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, State of Michigan, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
LICE
Campers on the Tamarack Camps Teen Programs are in very close contact with each other. Therefore, we recommend that parents check their teens for head lice in the weeks preceding camp and treat as necessary so that all teens coming to camp are lice and nit free. If your child’s exam reveals live lice and/or nits (eggs) the morning of departure, they will not be able to get on the bus. Parents will be responsible for administering treatment. The camper’s head must be nit-free in order to return to camp.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Increasing numbers of teens have food allergies and we will gladly work with families to provide alternative menu items or special foods for most allergies. If, however, your teen has a life-threatening or airborne food allergy, a Tamarack Camps Teen Program is not the right place for them.
Tamarack Camps’ Teen Programs are not nut-free programs. Nuts are served, including peanut butter, which is available to campers at most meals. Counselors are notified of campers with allergies, including when and how to use an Epi-Pen. The counselor and/or camper will carry an epi-pens at all times.
While we will do our best to avoid messiness and cross-contamination during meals, these things are always a potential risk on camping trips and during regular meals.
We cannot guarantee that:
1. Campers will not buy food items containing nuts or other allergens during pop/snack stops
2. Campers will not touch surrounding objects, or each other, during meals.
We expect our campers to understand their food allergies and to be able to advocate for themselves (read ingredients, ask questions, etc.). Our Director of Health for Teen Programs, Gail Chynoweth, is happy to answer any questions or concerns. You can reach her at gchynoweth@tamarackcamps.com
OUTSIDE FOOD
Campers are not permitted to bring any outside food to camp unless authorization has been obtained prior to the start of the summer. This is to ensure our observance of Kashrut, sensitivity to food allergies and to protect us from bears and other animals.
NOTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Parents will be contacted by a staff member or medical staff if a teen must see a doctor.
Parents will not be notified if their teen receives treatment by the staff for cuts, colds, insect bites, stomach virus, headaches, rashes, sore throat, etc.
It is the parents’ responsibility to pay for medical visits and medications necessary throughout the summer.
MEDICATIONS
Medication forms and prescriptions are due: May 1 for Teen Programs.
All Tamarack Camps participants are required to use AMAC Pharmacy services to obtain all medications that will be administered during a summer program. This includes over-the-counter medications that are taken routinely or as needed, excluding medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen.
Tamarack Camps will not accept or administer gummy medications/vitamins; please also avoid liquid medications when possible.
Complete the form and click that AMAC will be providing medications. If the medication is a prescription, you must have your doctor electronically prescribe the prescription to AMAC Pharmacy by June 1st to have it filled in time for camp. If the medication is an over-the-counter medication, AMAC Pharmacy will automatically package that medication based on what is entered by the parent on the form. There is a $10 fee for packaging in addition to a co-pay required by your insurance.
If your prescription is not able to be ordered through AMAC Pharmacy due to the rare instance of an insurance issue, please come to the Federation Building (6735 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills) to drop off your medication. If drop-off is needed, you must still enter the medication information online in the Medical Record form, and in addition, you must complete the AMAC form by choosing “AMAC will be providing no medications”.
There may be a packaging fee if medication cannot be ordered through AMAC.
For all TEEN PROGRAMS, permission must be given by Gail at
gchynoweth@tamarackcamps.com before choosing this option. She will then make further arrangements with you and outline your next steps. The only exclusions to this are epi-pens and inhalers, which do not need to be ordered. Please make sure these medications are not expired and send 2, if possible, on luggage drop-off day.
Those choosing not to use the pre-packaged medication option for any medications that CAN be filled by AMAC will be assessed a $200.00 processing fee. Please remember to get a prescription for the entire length of your teen’s trip.
MEDICAL STAFF AND SUPPLIES
Your child’s health and safety is our absolute, number one priority. Each staff member working on our teen programs is certified in Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder and CPR, and many staff members are also lifeguards. Doctors and nurses at the Camp Clinic are accessible by phone at all times. The programs are supplied with a listing of the nearest medical facilities and consult with the Camp Clinic throughout the summer.
In addition to the clinic staff, a licensed social worker is available for consultation.
Each program is supplied with multiple satellite phones that can be used to contact the proper authorities or medical personnel in the case of an emergency out of cell phone range. In addition, each program carries multiple fully-stocked first aid kits, including such items as dressings, splints, bandages, over-the-counter and other medications, antibiotic, antifungal, steroid ointments, and epi-pens. Our medical staff provide training to counselors on how and when to use the supplies provided by our clinic, medication administration, and on common illnesses and injuries that occur at camp. Camp Kennedy is approximately 40 minutes to the nearest hospital, located in Munising, Michigan. Agree Outpost Camp is approximately 40 minutes to the nearest hospital, located in Wawa, Ontario. Both Outpost Camps are accessible by first responders, who respond when we call 9-1-1.
COUNSELORS Your teen’s counselors are college students and graduates who have camp work experience or other informal education experience in settings working with children. Staff members report to camp before camp begins for weeks of highly-focused training facilitated by the Director and supervisors. Our staff training provides our counselors with the necessary tools to be able to handle camper issues, and, when necessary, to bring challenging situations to the
Supervisor or other support staff. Staff training includes sessions on leadership, Tamarack values, emergency protocols, first aid, camper security, how to motivate campers, and how to spot and handle incidents of abuse by and among their campers and other staff.
DIRECTOR/SUPERVISOR In addition to the counselors, there is a director or supervisor who is directly responsible for each program. These are older, more experienced staff members who have proven themselves as leaders at camp. They arrive at camp before the staff for a highly-focused training facilitated by the Director in areas including leadership, safety procedures, how to keep their staff and camper’s healthy, Jewish programing, and how to identify camper problems including suspected abuse, neglect, and psychological issues, among others.
If you need to contact camp during the summer, please call our summer office at (248) 627-2821
and a friendly office staff member will have the right person return your call.
CAMPER PHONE CALLS
Teen program campers will have the opportunity to call home once or twice during their session. Since campers will be sharing camp phones, they will have a limited amount of time for calls and should be
sent with important phone numbers if they don’t know them by heart. The current schedule for phone calls can be found below, but because there are so many moving parts with our teen programs, these days and times are subject to change. Parents will receive an email several days before phone calls confirming the window they should be available to receive a call.
| Agree | Alaska | Western 1 | Western 2 | Outpost Experience |
| Sunday, July 19th Afternoon | Sunday, July 5th and Sunday, July 19th Afternoon | Thursday, July 2nd Afternoon | Thursday, July 9th Afternoon | Sunday, June 28th Afternoon |
EMAIL AND FAX
It is not possible for emails or faxes to be sent to any of the teen programs – only traditional USPS mail is available.
Please write to your camper early and often! Mail can sometimes take several weeks to arrive, and it means a great deal to campers to hear from home. Mailing addresses for each program can be found below.
Campers will also be able to send letters home, but are not required to do so. If you think your child would like to send letters, please make sure they have important addresses with them. Envelopes and stamps will be provided.
PACKAGES
We have a strict no-package policy. We accept letters and cards only – no large envelopes. Over the past years, despite rules limiting size and contents, we have seen an overwhelming increase in the amount of prohibited items like food (including nuts and non-kosher items and various electronics). If a package is sent, it will not be delivered to your camper. To avoid potential frustration, please share this policy with other family members and friends. When packing, please consider including extra allowable items, such as books, magazines, comics, stationery, and fun games. Of course, should you forget to send your child with a critical item necessary for the camp experience (specific shoes, for example), exceptions will be granted, but must be coordinated directly with the camp office.
Please allow 7-10 days for delivery for mail to Outpost Experience at CAMP KENNEDY
Camper’s Name
Camp Kennedy
E16699 H-58
Shingleton, MI 49884
Please allow 10-14 days for delivery for mail to AGREE OUTPOST CAMP and Outpost Experience at Agree
Camper’s Name
Agree Outpost Camp
PO Box 624
Wawa, Ontario P0S 1K0
CANADA
Please allow 7-10 days for delivery to WESTERN TRIPS
Mail pickup #1: June 24
Camper’s Name, c/o Tamarack Camps #1
General Delivery, Moab, UT 84532 – Hold For Pick Up
Mail pickup #2: July 10
Camper’s Name, c/o Tamarack Camps #1,
General Delivery, Jackson, WY 83002 – Hold For Pick Up
Western 2
Mail pickup #1: July 1
Camper’s Name, c/o Tamarack Camps #2
General Delivery, Moab, UT 84532 – Hold For Pick Up
Mail pickup #2: July 17
Camper’s Name, c/o Tamarack Camps #2,
General Delivery, Jackson, WY 83002 – Hold For Pick U
Please allow 10-14 days for delivery to the ALASKA TRIP
Mail pickup #1:July 1
Camper’s Name, c/o Tamarack Camps Alaska Trip
General Delivery, 1314.3 ALASKA HWY, TOK, AK 99780-9800
Mail pickup #2: July 20
Camper’s Name, c/o Tamarack Camps Alaska Trip
General Delivery, 55 HAINES HWY, HAINES, AK 99827-9800
PHOTOS
We will post pictures on smugmug at least once. While we do our best to include everyone, staff don’t spend a significant amount of time taking photos (we like it this way!) and posted photos are randomly selected. In the unlikely case your camper doesn’t appear in a posted picture, we want to assure you that this is unfortunate and unintentional, and not a sign that your teen is not having a positive experience.
NEWSLETTERS
Each teen program will send home at least one camper-written newsletter with updates about the session.
LAST DAY
All campers complete their summer at Adat Shalom Synagogue (29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334). Each family will receive a call or email before the end of the summer to confirm the approximate time to meet the campers and bus.
| Program | Date and Time |
| Charles N. Agree Outpost Camp | Friday, July 31 8:00AM |
| Alaska Trip | Friday, July 31 9:00AM |
| Western 1 Trip | Monday, July 20 8:00AM |
| Western 2 Trip | Monday, July 27 8:00AM |
| Outpost Experience at Agree | Friday, July 10 9:30AM |
| Outpost Experience at Kennedy | Friday, July 10 9:30AM |
At the conclusion of the summer, staff will work to return all lost items directly to the campers. Any items not reunited with campers before they leave the bus will be held at Tamarack’s winter office for a limited time before being donated. Due to the large number of lost and found items, staff are not able to answer questions about or look for specific items. Please remember to label your camper’s possessions!
Tamarack city offices, in the Federation Building
6735 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills
Wednesday August 12 and Thursday August 13
8am – 5pm
Download a Teen Programs Family Guide (PDF)
Questions about camp?
We can help you find a safe, adventurous and welcoming summer experience.
Contact UsQuestions about camp?
We can help you find a safe, adventurous and welcoming summer experience.
Contact Us
