Do you have to be Jewish to go to BB camp?

Short answer, not at all! We welcome many campers and staff each summer from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. While we are a Jewish community camp, we focus on the cultural and community aspect of Judaism.

Judaism is a diverse religion with many different sects and traditions. We approach all religious and cultural programming through an inclusive lens ensuring no camper ever feels uncomfortable or out of place. Any religious programming at camp is designed to instil universal values such as protecting the earth (shomrei adama), caring for each other (chesed), and social justice for all people (tikkun olam).

My child will be at Camp for their birthday. What does BB Camp do to make it special?

Birthday celebrations at Camp are AWESOME! Counsellors go all out to make sure the day is special for your child, and Camp honours each birthday with a special cake and celebration. We recommend that you celebrate your child’s birthday with them before or after Camp, but if you would like to send them something special you are welcome to send any non-food gifts to our Camp office for your child’s special day. Birthday packages should be addressed to "Your Child's Name -- Birthday Package."

Parents may also arrange to speak to their child over the phone on their birthday at Camp. Please contact the Camp office prior to the camp session to schedule a time to speak to your child. We typically encourage after lunch and after dinner time.

Can my child request bunkmates?

Once registered for Camp, you will receive a Parent Handbook and several forms, including a camper interest form. Your child will be allowed to request up to three friends to bunk with. While we do our best to grant one request for each camper, we cannot guarantee this, and mutual requests always get priority. Please remember that one of our goals at BB Camp is for every camper to make new friends and break down social cliques – therefore, we try to avoid cabins consisting entirely of children from one school. We do not grant requests to be with campers in other sections. Cabin lists for First and Second Session are released 3-5 days prior to the start of session.

What is canteen?

Canteen is when we replace our usual healthy snacks with a treat like a chocolate bar or bag of chips. Every third day or so, campers can choose one snack from the canteen. This is included in the camp fees and has no additional cost.

Does BB Camp have a dress code?

We believe all campers should feel confident and comfortable at all times, and we don’t feel it’s necessary for us to police what campers wear. We employ a ‘ready to play’ dress code. Campers can wear whatever they like so long as they can participate in activities safely and comfortably, and their clothing does not violate our inclusivity or harassment policy

Can I send my child packages to Camp?

After input from many of our camp families, we no longer accept packages at BB Camp. All packages will be returned to the sender. We only allow flat, non-padded envelopes (maximum size is 8.5" x 11"). If your child forgets a necessary camp item, you can address the package to "Camp Office-- Forgotten Item" and clearly mark inside the package your camper's name. Our office staff will open the package and make sure your child receives the item. As mentioned above, non-food birthday packages are still permitted and should be addressed to "Your Child's Name -- Birthday Package." Care packages for your camper’s entire cabin can be purchased on our online store during the session.

What’s the best way to keep in touch with my child?

Write letters! We strongly recommend this form of communication, because opening an envelope is still exciting! Write as often as you want. In fact, we even recommend mailing a letter or two before your child leaves home so that it is there when he or she arrives at BB Camp.

Although you may want to keep your child informed on what’s going on back home, don’t go into great detail as your child may feel like they are missing out. Also, letters are not an appropriate means of letting your child know bad news, such as a sick relative or pet.

Out of town campers (those residing outside of Winnipeg) may also receive faxes or e-mails that will be distributed with the mail each day. Campers are encouraged to write letters often, and at least once a week, campers must turn in a letter home. Campers are not allowed to send e-mails or faxes, or make telephone calls from camp.

Emails can be sent to mail@bbcamp.ca. Letters can be sent to this address:

Box 559

Kenora, Ontario, Canada

P9N 3X5

What if I am unable to afford BB Camp this summer?

We believe all children should have the chance to experience BB Camp regardless of financial ability. We offer several payment plans for families that would like to spread their payments out over the course of the year. Additionally, we have a campership program that distributes bursaries based on financial need. All Manitoba campers are also eligible to apply to the Manitoba Camping Association’s Sunshine Fund (based upon family income) for funding assistance. Families are encouraged to contact the MCA first at 204.784.1130 for further information regarding the Sunshine Fund.

What if my child has special dietary needs or food allergies?

We do our best at BB Camp to accommodate campers with special dietary needs or food allergies. Please contact the BB Camp Executive Director prior to Camp if your child has serious food restrictions or allergies so that we can prepare for their needs. We provide lactaid, soy milk, and vegetarian meal options at every meal. BB Camp is nut-free and fish-free on its premises. See our allergy policy here

What happens if my child gets sick at Camp?

Our infirmary is staffed 24-hours-a-day with medics or registered nurses. We are within six minutes of a complete network of health care providers at The Lake of the Woods Kenora Hospital. If your child is not feeling well at Camp you can be confident that he or she will be receiving comforting, excellent, professional care and attention. More info on healthcare at camp here

We will contact parents if:

• your child has been in the Infirmary for more than 24 hours.

• your child is placed on prescription medication.

• your child has been taken to an out-of-camp physician or emergency room.

You will NOT be notified if:

• your child spends less than 24 hours in the infirmary,

• your child receives a routine diagnosis and treatment, which could include cuts, colds, bug bites, stomach aches, sore throats or headaches.

  
  

What kind of supervision will my child have at BB Camp?

Every camper lives in cabin with eight to twelve campers and two staff members. Our younger age campers (Habonim and Taste of BB Campers) typically reside in smaller cabin composition. (six – ten campers and two staff members). All counsellors and specialists are all certified in Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR, and all go through extensive childcare training. Our counsellors are supported by a network of senior staff to ensure every child is being cared for.

How does my child get to and from BB Camp?

Transportation is provided for all campers to and from the Asper Jewish Community Campus in Winnipeg. We believe Camp begins on the bus, and our bus counsellors immediately engage campers in games, songs, and cheers, so when the campers step off the bus they’re already feeling comfortable and safe. Transportation for campers from out of town is arranged on an individual basis. Families must contact the Camp Office prior to arranging flight bookings to coordinate in city travel arrangements. Campers are assigned to a specific bus (both ways) typically by age group. 

Parents do have the option of driving to and picking up from Kenora Main Street boat docks. Parents must advise the Camp at least one week prior to bus departures if their child will be meeting the buses or not returning by bus to Winnipeg. A scheduled time is sent to all parents who are dropping off or meeting the boats in Kenora prior to the Camp session. Click here for more information on transportation

We’re going to be in Lake of the Woods next week. Can we just stop by to give our camper a hug?

BB Camp has a strict no visiting policy. As much as we love our BB Camp friends and family, visitors are disruptive to the camp program. In addition, visitors coming and going decreases our ability to provide a secure and safe environment for your children. If you would like to see our facilities, please go to the events page to learn about our spring BB Camp Open House, where you will be able to meet some of our staff and have a tour of Camp.