Nestled in the heart of Bruceville, Texas, URJ Greene Family Camp is a vibrant haven for young adventurers and seekers of a meaningful communal experience. Established in the scenic central region of Texas, near iconic landmarks such as the Waco Mammoth National Monument, this camp offers a unique blend of natural beauty and enriching activities.

The camp’s roots trace back to its founding with a mission to provide a nurturing environment that fosters Jewish values, community, and personal growth. This commitment is embodied in its philosophy of building a close-knit community where campers can explore their identities, form lifelong friendships, and enhance their connection to their cultural heritage.

URJ Greene Family Camp is designed to cater to boys and girls across various age groups, offering a range of programs that accommodate different interests and developmental stages. Whether it’s through sports, arts, or outdoor adventures, the camp provides a diverse array of activities that promise a fun-filled and educational experience for every camper.

This camp not only promises an escape into the great outdoors but also a journey into self-discovery and communal living, aligned with its enduring mission to enrich the lives of its campers through immersive, joyful, and meaningful experiences.

Programs Offered by URJ Greene Family Camp

URJ Greene Family Camp offers an array of programs tailored to nurture creativity, athleticism, and intellectual curiosity among its campers. The camp’s sessions vary in length, catering to the needs and commitments of different families, with options ranging from one-week sessions to full-summer immersions. Here’s a closer look at the programs and typical daily activities at the camp:

**1. General Camp Programs:

Length: Available in one-week, two-week, and full-summer durations.
Activities: These programs encompass a broad range of activities, including swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, team sports, and evening campfires. They are designed to give all campers a well-rounded experience, fostering personal growth and community engagement.

**2. Specialty Programs:

Arts: For those inclined towards creativity, the arts program includes workshops in painting, sculpture, performance arts, and music, encouraging campers to explore and express their artistic talents.
Sports: Sports enthusiasts can engage in soccer, basketball, baseball, and more. These programs focus on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Science and Nature: These sessions are geared toward exploration and learning, with activities ranging from environmental science projects to astronomy nights, providing hands-on experiences that connect campers with the natural world.

**3. Leadership Development Programs:

Length: Typically spanning two weeks or more, these programs are designed for older campers who are interested in developing leadership skills, preparing them for roles as future camp counselors or leaders in their communities.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning:
- Wake-up and morning exercises
- Breakfast
- Morning activities (rotating through selected program tracks)
Afternoon:
- Lunch
- Rest period
- Afternoon activities (specialty program sessions or free choice activities)
- Snack break
Evening:
- Dinner
- Evening program (camp-wide games, talent shows, etc.)
- Bedtime routine

This structured yet flexible schedule ensures that each day at URJ Greene Family Camp is filled with fun, learning, and opportunities to build meaningful connections, all within a supportive community setting. Whether campers are painting a landscape, scoring a goal, or gazing at the stars, they are sure to find a program that sparks their passion and enhances their summer experience.

Accommodations in URJ Greene Family Camp

At URJ Greene Family Camp, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while maintaining the authentic camp experience. Here’s a breakdown of the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom facilities available to campers:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers typically stay in well-constructed cabins that blend rustic charm with modern necessities. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. The cabins are grouped by age and program to foster a sense of community and ensure age-appropriate supervision and activities.
Dorms: For older campers or special programs, dormitory-style accommodations are available, providing a more mature living environment that prepares them for similar experiences in college or university settings.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: The camp offers comprehensive meal plans that include three well-balanced meals per day, served in a communal dining hall where campers gather to eat and socialize. The dining experience is central to the camp’s community-building philosophy, with meals prepared to energize campers throughout their active days.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of inclusive dining, URJ Greene Family Camp provides various dietary accommodations. Whether campers have dietary restrictions due to allergies, religious observances, or personal choice, options like vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free meals are available to ensure that all campers have nutritious and satisfying dining experiences.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located near the sleeping quarters and are divided by gender. The camp ensures cleanliness and accessibility, with facilities being maintained multiple times a day. Each bathroom area is equipped with multiple stalls and shower units to accommodate the number of campers in nearby cabins or dorms, ensuring minimal wait times and privacy.
Amenities: Basic amenities such as soap, toilet paper, and hand sanitizers are provided, although campers are encouraged to bring their personal toiletries for comfort.

With these accommodations, URJ Greene Family Camp ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stay for all campers, allowing them to focus fully on their camp experiences and the growth opportunities that come with them.

Activities in URJ Greene Family Camp

URJ Greene Family Camp provides a rich array of activities designed to cater to a wide range of interests and skills, ensuring an engaging and fulfilling experience for every camper. Here’s an overview of the typical activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Activities like swimming, hiking, and canoeing allow campers to explore and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the camp.
Sports: The camp offers a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
Arts and Crafts: Creative outlets such as painting, pottery, and woodworking are available, providing campers the chance to express themselves artistically.
Performing Arts: Summer camps can engage in drama, dance, and music programs, culminating in performances that showcase their talents.
Science and Ecology: Programs focusing on environmental education and science experiments encourage curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.

Special Events or Traditions:

Color War: A camp-wide event that divides campers into teams to compete in various activities, fostering spirit and camaraderie.
Shabbat Celebrations: Weekly celebrations that allow campers to explore and connect with Jewish traditions and values in a communal setting.
Talent Shows and Campfires: Evenings at camp are often highlighted by talent shows and campfire gatherings, where stories are shared, songs are sung, and friendships are deepened.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to participate in leadership training programs, preparing them for roles as counselors or leaders in their communities.
Workshops and Clinics: Specialized workshops in areas like advanced sports techniques, arts, and science offer campers the chance to deepen their skills in specific areas.
Social Skills Building: Through group activities and communal living, campers naturally enhance their communication, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.

URJ Greene Family Camp not only provides a fun and adventurous environment but also focuses on the personal growth and development of each camper. These activities and events are thoughtfully designed to ensure that everyone leaves with cherished memories, new skills, and lasting friendships.

The staff of URJ Greene Family Camp

At URJ Greene Family Camp, the quality and dedication of the staff are paramount to providing a safe, enriching, and enjoyable camp experience for all campers. The camp prides itself on a selective hiring process, comprehensive training, and maintaining a favorable staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and care.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

The camp maintains a staff-to-camper ratio of approximately 1:5, allowing for close supervision, ample support, and personalized guidance for each camper. This ratio ensures that all camp activities are conducted safely and that each camper’s needs are attentively met.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Staff members are typically recruited from a pool of former campers, experienced educators, and professionals passionate about youth development and camping. This helps ensure that the staff not only has the necessary skills but also a deep understanding of the camp’s culture and values.
Selection: Candidates go through a rigorous selection process that includes background checks, interviews, and references to ensure their suitability for the role and their ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for campers.
Qualifications: Staff members are often required to have prior experience in child care or education, and those applying for specialty areas (such as sports or arts instructors) must demonstrate expertise in their respective fields.

Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo extensive training that covers child psychology, emergency response procedures, conflict resolution, and activity-specific safety protocols.
Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, those involved in aquatic activities hold lifeguard certifications, and those in adventure programs might have additional certifications such as wilderness first aid.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and support to refine their skills and adapt to evolving best practices in camp management and child care.

The camp’s commitment to maintaining a well-trained, qualified, and caring staff ensures that URJ Greene Family Camp remains a safe and delightful environment for campers, where they can explore new activities, form lasting friendships and grow both personally and socially.

Safety and Health in URJ Greene Family Camp

URJ Greene Family Camp places the highest priority on the safety and health of all campers and staff. The camp has established comprehensive safety protocols, robust health facilities, and detailed emergency response policies to ensure a secure and supportive environment. Here’s an overview of the key measures in place:

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Training: All staff undergo regular safety training, including emergency drills and scenario-based practice sessions, to ensure they are well-prepared to handle various situations.
Activity Safety: Each activity offered at the camp is guided by specific safety protocols, including equipment checks, safety briefings for campers, and supervision by trained staff. For high-risk activities, such as swimming or climbing, additional safeguards are in place.
Security Measures: The camp is equipped with security measures that include controlled access to the campgrounds, 24-hour supervision, and regular communication with local law enforcement to ensure overall safety.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: The camp maintains a well-equipped health center that is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and, during peak sessions, a visiting doctor.
Medical Staff Availability: Medical staff are available 24/7 to address any health issues that may arise, ensuring prompt and effective medical care for both minor ailments and more serious conditions.
Health Protocols: Upon arrival, each camper undergoes a health check to identify any pre-existing conditions or required medications. The health staff also manage and distribute all camper medications according to prescribed schedules.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that covers a range of potential scenarios, including natural disasters, health emergencies, and accidents. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to align with best practices and local guidelines.
Communication Protocol: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear communication protocol to inform parents, guardians, and relevant authorities. This ensures that all parties are promptly informed and can respond appropriately.
Evacuation Procedures: Detailed evacuation procedures are in place, with designated safe areas and routes clearly marked and communicated to both campers and staff. Regular evacuation drills ensure that everyone knows how to respond to an emergency.

Through these meticulous health and safety measures, URJ Greene Family Camp strives to create a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind, knowing that their well-being is being actively protected and cared for.

Cost and Registration in URJ Greene Family Camp

Attending URJ Greene Family Camp is an investment in a child’s summer experience, filled with growth, adventure, and lasting memories. Below are details on the cost, registration process, and financial policies, including support options available to families:

Cost of Attendance:

The cost of attending URJ Greene Family Camp varies depending on the length of the session and the specific programs selected. Prices generally cover all aspects of the camp experience including lodging, meals, activities, and program materials.
Typical costs range from $500 for shorter sessions to upwards of $3,500 for the full summer experience.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Early Registration: Families are encouraged to register early as many sessions fill up quickly. Early registration often provides the benefit of discounted rates and guaranteed spots in popular programs.
Registration Steps: The registration process is completed online. Families must create an account, select their desired session, and complete the camper’s profile, which includes medical information, emergency contacts, and any special needs or dietary restrictions.
Deadlines: Specific registration deadlines are typically set a few months before the camp season begins, but late registrations may be accepted based on availability.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: The camp offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of attendance. These plans can be arranged on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Refunds and Cancellations: Full refunds are generally available until a certain cut-off date, which is usually a few months prior to the start of the session. After this date, partial refunds may be available depending on the timing of the cancellation. In the case of medical or family emergencies, special considerations can be made.
Insurance: Families are encouraged to consider purchasing camp insurance to cover potential cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Financial Aid: URJ Greene Family Camp offers financial aid to families who demonstrate need. The application for financial aid is part of the registration process and requires documentation of income and a written statement of need.
Scholarships: Various scholarships are available through community organizations, religious groups, and sometimes through partnerships with local businesses. These scholarships are often merit-based or need-based.
Special Grants: In some cases, special grants are available for families sending multiple children to camp or for children who are attending for the first time.

URJ Greene Family Camp is committed to making its transformative summer experiences accessible to as many children as possible. By providing comprehensive cost information, flexible payment options, and support through financial aid and scholarships, the camp ensures that financial barriers do not prevent interested families from benefiting from its programs.

Parent and Camper Preparation in URJ Greene Family Camp

Preparing for a summer at URJ Greene Family Camp involves understanding what to pack, the camp’s rules and policies, and having some tips for navigating the camp experience, especially for first-timers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help parents and campers get ready for an unforgettable summer:

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session, including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, and layers for cooler evenings. Include swimwear, a hat, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding and Toiletries: Bring bedding like sleeping bags or sheets and blankets, a pillow, and personal toiletry items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo).
Sun and Insect Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and insect repellent are essentials.
Reusable Water Bottle: A durable water bottle is crucial for staying hydrated throughout active days.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful for nighttime activities and moving around the cabin after dark.
Medications: Clearly labeled and accompanied by dosage instructions; these should also be declared during registration for proper storage and administration.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To encourage engagement and interaction, the use of personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or gaming systems is typically restricted or prohibited. Devices, if allowed, are usually only usable at certain times and places.
Visitation: Parents and family members are generally invited to visit on specific days to minimize disruption of the camp schedule and maintain security. All visitors must check in at the camp office.
Behavior Expectations: Respect for peers, staff, and the environment is expected at all times. Policies regarding bullying, harassment, and general conduct are strictly enforced to ensure a safe and positive camp atmosphere.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Embrace the experience: Try new activities, make new friends, and be open to learning new skills.
- Communicate: If you’re feeling homesick or have concerns, talk to your counselor—that’s what they’re there for!
For Parents:
- Stay positive: Your enthusiasm about the camp experience will help alleviate any anxieties your child might have.
- Write letters: Regular mail can be a great morale booster for campers.
- Trust the process: Remember that camp staff are experienced and trained to ensure your child has a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience.

By being well-prepared and understanding the camp’s expectations, both parents and campers can ensure a smooth transition to camp life and make the most of their time at URJ Greene Family Camp. This preparation helps foster independence, resilience, and a host of happy memories.

URJ Greene Family Camp stands as a beacon of adventure, learning, and personal growth, nestled in the picturesque setting of Bruceville, Texas. With its diverse array of programs, from outdoor explorations to artistic expressions and scientific inquiries, the camp offers something for every young adventurer. Through a blend of fun, education, and Jewish cultural enrichment, campers leave with not only new skills and knowledge but also cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

The dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and supportive environment ensure that each camper’s experience is not only enjoyable but also safe and nurturing. Parents can trust in the camp’s commitment to fostering independence and confidence in their children, while campers themselves can revel in a summer filled with excitement, learning, and joy.