Advice to New Families from Long-Time Camp Yofi Parents
Give Yourself Grace and Time
My advice for new families at Camp Yofi is to give the whole family a little grace and a lot of time to explore the area and talk to people. My husband and I have gone with our AuDHD twin boys twice so far, in 2024 and 2025, and we are happily looking forward to 2026.
You Belong Here
While my husband is not Jewish, we have raised our boys mainly in the Conservative Egalitarian movement, with the occasional service, inflatable bouncy house, and face painting activity at the Reform temple in our city. One of the many things that drew me to Camp Yofi is that while the services are Conservative Egalitarian and the kitchen is kosher, the camp welcomes families like ours that are interfaith and from any Jewish background, whether affiliated or not.
During our first summer, I was nervous to socialize with the other parents, especially since some of the social events for parents were programmed for after the kids went to bed, with counselors on night watch to ensure their safety and no sneaking-out shenanigans. But even when my husband and I felt too tired to be social, we went. Often, it was at those 9:00pm events where we connected the most with other parents.
It kind of felt like being on a date night every night, thanks to the careful planning by the staff, who set up fun activities, delicious food, and the occasional cocktail! It was during those evening programs, whether swapping parenting stories or just talking about our other interests, that I came to see that these parents we had just met could become new friends. I’ve stayed in touch with some of them for years now.
The Staff Are There for the Whole Family
No matter where children are on the autism spectrum, what “neurospicy-ness” any parent or other relative has going on, and that’s a fun word I first heard from a parent at Camp Yofi, or where in the U.S., Israel, or beyond any of us come from, the staff are there because they love what they do.
Their main goal is to welcome all of us into a Jewish summer camp experience that is attuned to the needs of every family member, not just the children. They are experts at working with neurotypical and neurodiverse campers, and they are also wonderful at sharing advice, providing fun activities, and lending a compassionate ear to parents and siblings. There is art, music, movement, climbing walls, and so much more.
Use Mealtimes to Connect
I encourage new families to use breakfast, lunch, and dinner not only as opportunities to share a table with other parents and their children, and to send your children to the playroom so you can finish your meal in relative peace 😉, but also to interact with the staff.
They can help you brainstorm all kinds of things, from how to best word an email to a school administrator about making changes to your child’s IEP, to how to try another calming technique or crafting activity for your child.
I loved discovering that I could sit down at lunch and hear ideas from a counselor, or receive photos and videos from another counselor showing all the exciting activities my children were participating in every morning. Meanwhile, my husband and I could check out all kinds of programs just for us, whether attending a workshop about how to navigate the future for our children, doing arts and crafts, or even just exploring the campus on our own.
Pace Yourself
I also recommend pacing yourself with some of the activities. Personally, my level of General Physical Preparedness was not at a place where I could complete the ropes course without being sore for days! But the staffers were patient, and the other parents who went helped me get through it.
Celebrate the Talent Show
One of the highlights of the week is the talent show. While participation is not required, it’s a great way to celebrate campers and help them rise to the challenge of standing up in front of extremely loving and supportive people to share a bit about something they love.
Bring Tissues for the B’nai Mitzvah
Also, bring tissues for watching the B’nai Mitzvah! It is one of my most treasured moments at Camp Yofi to see the kids up there, with their chaverim at their side, reading from the Torah.
Even though my boys are only 10 years old, we already have last summer’s chaver, who is planning to go to rabbinical school one day, on board to help them prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah at Camp Yofi through virtual sessions next year. The other parents of children who will have their B’nai Mitzvah that Shabbat and I are excited to share that milestone together, along with our boxes of tissues.
Take the Camp Ramah Darom Tour
I also recommend that parents go on the tour of Camp Ramah Darom at least once before their children age out of Camp Yofi at 13. It’s a beautiful campus, with everything from waterfall hikes to the pool, the lake, and other play areas.
It’s Worth the Drive
The only thing I wish I could change about Camp Yofi is how far it is from the city where we live! But it’s worth the drive, and at eight hours, we aren’t even the furthest travelers.
