Kehillas Yaakov provides a setting where boys can relax, enjoy themselves, and form lasting friendships, all within an atmosphere that reflects the values of Torah and derech eretz. To maintain a positive environment, campers will be expected to uphold standards of respectful behavior, sensitivity towards others, appropriate language, and personal appearance.
The way campers present themselves contributes to the overall atmosphere of camp. MKY aims to maintain a standard of dress that is both comfortable and appropriate for camp life, while also being reflective of proper halachic values.
One of the most valuable aspects of the MKY experience is the opportunity for campers to fully immerse themselves in camp life. Removing the distraction of screens allows for more genuine connection, and an overall richer camp experience. A strict device-free policy will not only be enforced for campers, but also for camp staff during working hours.
Campers are not allowed to have cell phones, and any phones brought to camp will be collected on arrival day – no exceptions. This includes smartphones without active service, as they are still capable of accessing the internet or hosting apps that will undoubtedly distract from the camp experience.
In addition, all electronic entertainment devices (including iPads, tablets, iPod Touches, gaming systems, and similar devices) are not allowed in camp.
Simple MP3 players that only play music and have no apps (such as the Six13 device) and basic e-readers are permitted. Phones may be returned to older campers on designated trips.
MKY is located in the picturesque northeastern Pocono Mountains. We are in the heart of Wayne County, about two-and-a half hours from New York City.
Each cabin houses an average of fifteen campers with three counselors. Campers are grouped based on the grade. Each camper is able to make four bunkmate requests in February and we do our best to accommodate these requests while providing the important opportunity for each camper to meet new friends at camp. Bunk assignments are sent home in June.
A strong and responsible staff is the foundation of a successful summer experience, and a priority at MKY. A robust senior staff presence, including Division Heads, multiple Camp Mothers, learning Rebbes, and others, ensures that each age group in camp receives the individual attention, guidance, and support it needs. This structure allows for consistent oversight and supervision, as well as a steady, caring presence throughout camp.
Equally important is a mature, responsible, and energized counseling staff who recognize the significance of their role. Counselors are expected to serve as religious role models, both in the way they interact with campers, and in the way they carry themselves. This expectation will also extend to our lifeguards and sports staff, and the rest of our frontline staff.
Carefully hiring an exceptional staff will ensure that campers feel inspired, supported and guided, by staff who are present, engaged, and genuinely invested in their experience. All staff are interviewed extensively, are required to attend an intensive staff orientation, and receive continued guidance throughout the summer from our experienced Senior Staff.
Children come to camp on air-conditioned, bathroom and video-equipped coach buses. Experienced staff members escort the campers on each bus. There are departures from Long Island, New Jersey, and select airports. Details on specific locations may vary from year to year and are sent to each registered camper in February.
Parents from around the US are able to sign up with “Campify” and have their luggage picked up from their homes and delivered directly to their children’s bunks. Campify has also contracted with FedEx to coordinate a pick up and delivery for campers who live outside the TriState area. Campers who live outside Campify pick up areas may send their luggage privately via UPS or FedEx.
Meals are served by our kitchen staff and campers sit by bunk. We serve three well-balanced, child friendly meals each day, with lunch and dinner offering a full salad bar. In addition to our chefs, we have a camp baker preparing homemade treats.. We also serve a snack during the day, which include fresh fruit, cookies and juice. Canteen orders are submitted every morning and delivered at rest period. Divisions often visit the canteen after night activity.
WE ARE A NUT-SENSITIVE AND SESAME-SENSITIVE CAMP. We have many campers who have severe allergies. The MKY kitchen and canteen do not prepare and serve any food products that contain peanuts, tree nuts or sesame, or offer products that are labeled “made in a facility that processes nuts.” Outside food brought on Opening Day or Visiting Day may not contain any such products, and no outside food, including challahs, are permitted in the Dining Room. Rest assured that your boys will receive plenty of wonderful, nourishing food, nosh, and desserts.
To minimize competition, pressure on parents, and mess in the bunks, we have instituted a no-package policy. After July 3, no package of any kind can be sent up to camp. If an ESSENTIAL item is needed after July 3, the camp will be in touch with a parent. Certain essentials will be available for purchase at camp or at the local store (basic toiletries, for example) while other items will receive permission to be shipped up (glasses, for example). Packages not adhering to these guidelines will not reach a camper so please relay the food and package policy to any family or friends who may want to send packages.
There is no day that is “typical” at MKY! Our daily schedule offers the perfect combination of sports, specialties, swimming, learning and special programs. We want to provide every camper with an enjoyable, well-rounded and wholesome total camp experience, while also allowing them to develop their own skills. Every camper has one or two periods of formal and informal education, taught by top educators from yeshiva day schools and by our Morasha Kollel participants. After every great day at camp, each division is treated to an amazing night activity, which can range from concerts to carnivals, crazy contests to color war. To see a sample schedule for our youngest boys division, click here.
MKY will become synonymous with special programming. We look forward to sharing our camp calendar, which will display the incredible quantity and quality of our special events. We work very hard to create an environment and brings out the best of our boys and staff – where their skills, creativity, and spirit shine throughout the summer.
There is a designated day called “Visiting Day” for all family members and friends to come visit camp. Visiting Day is always a great day for our campers and visitors, and runs from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm EST. We respectfully ask all parents to limit visitation to this day. Parents who cannot come on Visiting Day should call the office to arrange an alternate time as we have a one-visit per visitor policy at camp. Under no circumstances will unauthorized visitors be permitted on campgrounds on non-visiting days. This creates the ideal environment for our campers to overcome homesickness and thrive in camp. Please be assured that we will be in touch with you should there be any issue with your son. You may also check on your child’s activities and view daily photos and weekly videos. This is the best way to stay current with your son during the summer!
We encourage good, old-fashioned letter writing as the best way to communicate with your son. Campers love getting regular mail from their family and friends! Campers write home regularly. In addition, parents may e-mail their children. E-mails from parents are printed out and distributed to campers daily.
Weekly laundry service is provided at no additional charge. Each camper receives his own personalized laundry bag, which is sent out once a week and returned in that same personal bag a day and half later. Dry cleaning facilities are not available.
Every-day trips and activities are included in the tuition. As campers may want to buy souvenirs or extra snacks, we do recommend sending a small amount of spending money to be kept in the office.
To find out how you can learn more about Kehillas Yaakov, feel free to reach out to our camp office any time – we’re here to help!
Reach out and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.