CAMP BOB WALDORF

We have a registered nurse on our campsite at all times to administer medication and provide care for our campers and staff, as well as a local physician on call who serves as our medical advisor. It is camp policy for the nurse to contact the parents/guardians of a camper in the event of physical injury, fever over 100 degrees, or if the camper needs to spend the night in the nurse’s office. The nurse will also contact the parents/guardians if a camper needs to be transported to urgent care or the emergency room. The nurse may also call to check in about medications or medical information in their files.

All medication must be controlled and administered by the camp nurse. Campers may only keep EpiPens, inhalers, and certain topical creams, but only after they have checked them in with the nurse.

Sleeping away from home is one of the most important growth experiences provided by a residential summer camp. But we recognize that most children miss home at some point. That’s why we train our staff members to help children through this challenge by creating a personalized plan for each camper who needs our support.

We do not tolerate bullying at Camp Bob Waldorf. Our core values of community, inclusion, and respect require that members of the Camp Bob Waldorf family treat each other with kindness and compassion and honor each other’s differences. We train staff members to be proactive in creating a bully-free environment and responsive to campers who exhibit any signs of bullying or being bullied. Additionally, campers are encouraged to be “upstanders,” serving as advocates for each other. Campers who bully others – verbally, emotionally, or physically – will be asked to leave.

Our Executive Chef and dining staff prepare three healthful meals and three snacks each day. Food is plentiful and well-balanced, and menus are designed to appeal to the palettes of our campers. Examples of what we serve include:

• Breakfast: Cereal, Scrambled Eggs & Hash Browns, Bagels, Pancakes, French Toast, Fruit, Juice, Milk
• Lunch: Tuna/Egg Salad/Sunbutter & Jelly Sandwiches, Turkey/Chicken/Veggie Wraps, Pizza, Grilled Cheese, Taco Bar, Spaghetti, Salad Bar
• Dinner: Grilled Chicken, Meatloaf, BBQ Turkey Burgers & Hot Dogs, Stir Fried Chicken & Veggies, Tortellini, Grilled Veggies, Salad Bar, Rice, Fruit

We regularly offer alternatives for vegetarians and vegans, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free options. Our chef can also accommodate a range of other food allergies when given proper notice.  Our staff communicates about food allergens so that campers know what they can and cannot eat. Camp Bob Waldorf is a nut-free environment.

Campers are dropped off and picked up at our facility in Glendale by a parent or guardian. We do not offer bus transportation.

Below you will find the suggested packing list for summer camp. If you have any questions about what to pack, call us at 818-957-4900

CBW Summer Camp Packing List (En español)

Camp provides the opportunity to unplug and take a “screen vacation.” Campers may bring a digital camera or non-internet iPod. All other technology, including phones, tablets, AirPods, gaming devices, and Apple Watches, is prohibited. In cases of an emergency, parents/guardians can always reach a camp director on an emergency line.

CAMP MISSION STATEMENT 

Camp Bob Waldorf enriches the lives of youth throughout Greater Los Angeles with the tools and support systems they need to thrive from elementary school to college and beyond, driven by the values of community, identity, inclusion and respect. 

JBBBSLA MISSION STATEMENT  

The mission of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA) is to assist youth in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs.

To provide an affordable, high quality, enriching summer camp experience to families who would not otherwise consider overnight summer camp a possibility for their child/children. 

A/ Keep expense to families as low as possible 

B/ Provide robust financial assistance to families that apply 

C/ Collaborate with variety of Community partners to reach families in communities that would not otherwise have access to overnight summer camp 

 To provide opportunities that stimulate the development of each camper’s interests and values by offering intentional, challenging, and rewarding programming 

A/ Challenge by choice philosophy at camp – everyone is encouraged 

B/ Create opportunities every other day for campers to choose a new activity or to participate in an activity that they really enjoyed again 

C/ Create innovative, intentional programming that encourages campers to try something new, challenge themselves and ignite passions 

To provide daily opportunities that help all campers appreciate their natural surroundings and to participate, in their own way, in the outdoors 

A/ According to our challenge by choice philosophy, provide safe, progressive programming that encourages campers to create a relationship with nature that feels right for them 

B/ After each activity, campers and staff debrief what they felt, how it went, what could have been better, what they want to try next time 

C/ Provide programs that give campers the chance to develop a passion that they can continue when not at camp ie: hiking, birdwatching, gardening, animal care, Witherbee backpacking etc 

To create a safe and inclusive community where campers and staff feel safe and encouraged to practice being the best version of themselves 

A/ Every cabin group creates a cabin manifesto/goals and upholds them throughout their time at camp 

B/ Campers participate, daily, in community circles with their cabin group 

C/ Staff are trained in behavior management techniques based in Trauma informed care and Restorative Justice 

D/ All campers know which Camper Care Coordinators and Directors are available anytime campers feel that their cabin mates or camp counselors are not able to provide them with a safe and inclusive environment 

To provide support and encouragement to all campers and staff when they make mistakes on the way to discovering the best version of themselves 

To provide opportunities for campers and staff to set goals and challenge themselves while discovering their individual skills and abilities. 

To create space for all campers and staff to feel that they belong in the camp community so that they can return year after year and remain involved in the future 

To provide campers and staff opportunities to strive for and reach their fullest potential in the camp community and their home communities  

To provide all campers with opportunities for college access through the JBBBSLA College Access and Success program, including access to college scholarships