Daily & Special Programs

The Daily Schedule

The Camp Shalom day runs from 9:15 am - 3:45 pm. Early care is offered from 7:30 am - 9:15 am and after care from 3:45 pm - 5:30 pm. For campers using bus service, pick-up and drop-off times vary depending on the stop selected at registration. Pick-up time is approximately between 8:25 am - 9:00 am and drop-off time is approximately between 4:10 pm - 5:00 pm.

Camp Shalom is divided into three units allowing us to provide small camper-to-counselor ratios for all ages. The 3 units are Aleph (grades K-1), Bet (grades 2-3), and Gimel (grades 4-5). Each unit is then divided into smaller groups by grade and each group has 12-16 campers and 3-4 counselors. The campers stay with their group for most of the day.

Three times each day the entire unit comes together to participate in a distanced and ruach (spirit) filled rally complete with skits, songs, and other fun camp traditions.

Each group will have a designated swim time multiple times per week. Activities will be offered, but free swim will be prioritized.

 
During the week, the campers will have scheduled time to work with our incredible specialists.

• In Omanut (art) the campers put their creative juices to work through jewelry making, designing birdhouses, painting, sculpting with clay, drawing comic strips, and more.
   
• With 154 acres to explore, the campers are given an opportunity to get to know more about the environment and their surroundings through activities like fishing, scavenger hunts, and nature walks with our Teva (nature) specialist.
   
• Teamwork and community are big themes at Camp Shalom. Campers will participate in organized sports, team building, trust activities, and other programs with our energetic Sports Specialist who will get their feet moving and their hearts pumping.

Camp Shalom is known for its Chugim (choice of activities) program. This is a favorite part of the day for many campers and what many adults remember about their Camp Shalom experience. Chugim time begins with an all-camp rally. After a lively singing session, the counselors put on silly skits that describe the activity they are leading to the campers. Our talented staff offers a variety of activities like art projects, cooking, dancing, swimming, sports, water games, and scavenger hunts to name a few. Group counselors will plan multiple options for chugim, and campers within the group will have a choice of activities.

The end of the day is a time for the campers to come back together as a unit to reflect on the day and eat a nutritious snack (provided by Camp Shalom). A final rally is a great way to help campers relax from a long day of activities before they head home.

Shabbat and Special Programs

Fridays are always special at Camp Shalom. There is a special schedule that culminates with groups gathering as a Unit to celebrate Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath). This is a peaceful time when the campers sing in a calm, serene environment and listen to a special story before they enjoy a snack of grape juice and challah.

Each session offers a special all-camp program such as carnival, Maccabiah (camp Olympics), and spirit week. The final day of each session offers a chance for the campers to create memory books, collect their group photo, and enjoy an unforgettable Shabbat with the rest of the Camp.

Note About Summer 2023: At this time, it is our plan to continue programming that is as close to our pre-Covid program as possible. This includes a return to overnight programming and a late-night program with families.

If you have any questions about Camp Shalom, please contact Sam Toso at shalomdirector@jewishmadison.org.