Villages (Age Groups)

At Camp Wise, we understand that children of diverse age groups are at varying developmental stages and have different needs while at camp. With this in mind, we bunk our campers in age-specific villages. Each village consists of several cabins of 8-12 campers and 2-4 staff members. A village also has its own bathhouse with showers and moadon (a large indoor programming space). These miniature communities help to nurture growth and independence in our campers and provide the perfect setting for special time with friends and around-the-clock activities. While the villages are located only minutes apart, we house our Head Staff spread out among the villages to provide an even higher camper-to-staff ratio, and an older supervisory presence.

Kfar Chalutzim (Pioneer Village)
For campers entering 2rd through 5th grades

Chalutzim is geared toward the needs of the younger camper, including those who may be away from home for the first time. The camp session is either 3 or 4 weeks. In addition to an overnight in the woods with their cabin group, Chalutzim campers experience sports, arts & crafts, archery, swimming, boating, music, nature, drama, and more fun throughout the day, with creative and engaging evening activities every night. Chalutzim campers also get to partake in special all-camp programs such as Maccabiah (Camp Olympics) and Yom Yisrael (Israel Day).

Housed within the Chalutzim Village are our two mini-camps, our one-week Camp Wise Echad, and two-week Rishonim:

Echad
For first-time campers entering 2nd through 4th grades

During the first week of 2nd session, children can come to Camp Wise for one-week! In Echad we squeeze an entire summer of fun into eight days. This session is a wonderful introduction for our young, first-time campers. The smaller, intimate program offers an opportunity to sample the wide variety of daily activities we offer in our longer sessions, with the very special experience of spending a Shabbat at camp.

Rishonim (First-Timers)
For first-time campers entering 3rd through 5th grades

We offer 3 two-week program options throughout the summer. Rishonim allows our first-time campers another shorter-program option to help prepare them for a full-length session. While still a “sampler” program with its shorter length, Rishonim campers are able to get into the swing of camp life before having to say goodbye. Rishonim includes special treats like an overnight in the woods!

Kfar Ohalim (Tent Village)
For campers entering 6th & 7th grades

Ohalim campers come for 3, 4 or 7 weeks, and love living in our unique village of tents, which are actually soft-sided cabins! Programming for this age group includes several periods of individual choice, and is geared specifically toward middle schoolers in a small group environment. Ohalim campers are able to choose from our incredible list of activities and can focus on one area such as sports or arts, or can choose to vary their activities throughout the day. Fun and exciting evening programs end each day, and Ohalim campers have a special out-of-camp day trip.

Kfar Noar (Teen Village)
For campers entering 8th & 9th grades

In Noar, the program is built to reflect the changing needs of an emerging adolescent. With greater input into how they spend their time at camp, these campers have the opportunity to make their camp experience truly exciting. Noar village programming is designed to foster increasing independence and maturity. Noar campers have the opportunity to experience all that Camp Wise has to offer, with more individual choice and less cabin programming time. Noar campers have a special village out-of-camp trip.

Solel (Trailblazers)
For campers entering 10th grade

This 4-week, first session-only program is about adventure, teamwork and growth. The Solel program is built around several special trips, such as an overnight to Niagara Falls and a 4-day West Virginia expedition – complete with rock climbing, caving and white-water rafting. in their final camper year, Solel campers are offered more specialized camp activities to challenge them and enable them to gain skills and self-confidence, a community service project emphasizing tikkun olam (repairing the world), and programming experience with our youngest campers. Solel is the most anticipated camp session, and the most difficult to leave behind!

SIT Program (Staff-in-Training)
For teens entering 11th grade

This 7-week program requires an application and interview process.

As SITs, these selected teens are given the tools to become future leaders, role models, and Camp Wise staff. The program offers a balance of “counselor” time and “camper” time, as the participants are guided through this challenging transition. In an environment that also explores personal issues such as self-esteem, goal-setting, and self-discovery, SITs learn counseling and teaching styles, child development, group processes, risk management, listening and communication skills, and conflict mediation. The SIT program is truly a hands-on learning experience as participants go through several “placements,” or rotations, giving them a taste of life as both a counselor with a cabin and as a specialist at a program area. The program also includes in-depth programming experience, Jewish identity exploration, and team-building exercises. Upon completion, SITs receive a certificate of community service hours.