A broad coalition of roshei yeshiva and roshei mosdos in the tri-state area has issued a unified set of standards for bochurim‘s summer learning camps, calling for strengthened chinuch, heightened ruchniyus, stricter technology safeguards, and a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol.
A statement by these roshei mosdos – mostly from the Lakewood, NJ region – states that the yeshivos expect camps to implement the guidelines and warns that institutions failing to do so risk losing enrollment from their bochurim.
The letter, addressed to “Roshei Hamachanos,” explains that it follows a series of meetings between yeshiva and camp leadership and outlines specific areas requiring chizuk, together with practical guidelines that participating camps have agreed to implement.
“As per discussed by the previously held meetings,” the letter opens, “the following letter is a list of areas of chizuk to be done in camp. Each area has a general hashkafah point, along with practical guidelines that the camps have agreed to.”
The first section focuses on preserving an atmosphere befitting bnei Torah throughout every aspect of camp life.
“Forms of programming should be on the highest of levels befitting chashuve bnei Torah,” the roshei yeshiva write. “Every aspect of the itinerary should be ruach chachamim nocheh heimenu.”
The letter instructs camps to exercise exceptional care when selecting trips, stressing that outings “should be chosen with extreme scrutiny to ensure they are in fact appropriate destinations,” while urging camp administrators to pay special attention to “tzniyus on the trips, including unexpected mistakes that may come up on trip day.”
Entertainment is also addressed directly.
“Concerts and kumzitzen should include an extra emphasis to be on a high standard of ruchniyus, in regards to the performers, choice of songs, and type of music,” the letter states, before issuing an unmistakable directive: “Absolutely no disco or colored lights.”
A second section, titled “Shemirah from Technology,” warns that technology presents significant spiritual dangers and calls upon camps to shield bochurim from unnecessary exposure.
“Technology can be harmful on many levels,” the letter states. “Special attention must be given to protect our bochurim from being exposed. Exposure may come even from an unlikely source e.g. an unattached staff member or vendor.”
The guidelines then establish one of their most far-reaching policies.
“Absolutely no cell phones for bochurim coming out of 9th, 10th & 11th grades,” the letter declares, “even if they bear a hechsher stating they are 100% filtered, even if the boy has one during the year.”
The final section addresses alcohol, instructing camps to adopt what the letter describes as an uncompromising approach.
“Camp must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol,” the roshei yeshiva write. “This includes all forms of alcohol such as wine, whiskey, beer, and alcoholic ices. This is applicable both to campers and to madrichim.”
Regarding campers, the letter states unequivocally: “Any form of alcohol consumption is prohibited.”
The prohibition extends throughout the entire summer and includes “Motzoei Shabbos programs, concerts, plays, and any other time one may be moreh heter.”
The consequences for violations are equally explicit.
“In the event a boy is found to have drank or simply in possession of alcohol, he must be sent home.”
The letter devotes a separate section to counselors, emphasizing their responsibility as role models.
“Madrichim are role models for their campers,” it states. “Under no circumstance may they drink alcohol throughout the summer.”
Camp staff are instructed that they are expected to perform every aspect of their responsibilities—including leading concerts, participating in KaBbolas Shabbos, and appearing on stage—without consuming alcohol.
“There is also no such thing as drinking in private,” the letter cautions. “The campers always realize.”
In its concluding remarks, the letter explains that the initiative is intended to ensure that the spiritual growth fostered during the school year continues uninterrupted throughout the summer months.
“The chinuch that take place in the yeshivas needs the shutfus of the camps to ensure that ‘Lo Yamushu Mipicha‘ and that bein hazemanim is a time of aliyah,” the roshei yeshiva write.
The letter adds that yeshivos will continue emphasizing these values during the school year and expects camps to faithfully implement the standards.
It concludes with a clear warning: “The yeshivos are looking for the camps to implement these guidelines. In the event the guidelines aren’t met, the yeshivos will not allow their bochurim to enroll in those camps.”
The document lists the camps that have formally committed to implementing the standards. Those camps include Camp Achim, Camp Aliyah, Camp Braisa, Camp Chazak, Degel Hatorah, Kibbutz Hamesivtos, Komemius, Meshivas Nefesh, Mesivta D’Masmidim, Ohr Shraga, Ruach Hakayitz, Snowlake/Vermont, Teumim Mesivta, Shaarei Menucha, YBH, and Uhr Kasdim.
{Matzav.com}
