Weekly Pre-Camp Emails

May 14, 2026: Jewish Life, Values & Community at Camp Barney

Dear Camp Barney Medintz Families,

At Camp Barney Medintz, Jewish life is woven into the rhythm of each day in a way that feels joyful, welcoming, and accessible for campers from many different backgrounds. Whether your family is deeply connected to Jewish ritual, just beginning to explore, or somewhere in between, there is a place for you at Our Summer Place.

Jewish Moments Throughout the Day
Jewish life at camp shows up in big and small ways—from the songs we sing and the blessings we share to the way we treat one another. Campers might start a meal with a simple blessing, learn a new Hebrew word during a song session, or pause for a brief moment of reflection and gratitude after a great day with friends. These touchpoints help campers feel proud of who they are and connected to something larger than themselves.

Shabbat at Camp Barney
Shabbat is a highlight of every week at Camp Barney. As Friday approaches, the energy across camp shifts into something both peaceful and celebratory. Campers and staff dress up, gather together for song-filled services, and share a festive Shabbat dinner. The evening continues with singing, dancing, and that unique camp feeling of being surrounded by community. On Saturday, the pace of camp slows down a bit, giving campers extra time to rest, reflect, and enjoy being together.

We know families observe Shabbat and holidays in different ways. Our goal is to create shared experiences that feel meaningful and uplifting, while honoring the diversity of practice and belief within our community.

Jewish Values in Everyday Camp Life
More than anything, Jewish life at Camp Barney is about values in action. We talk about and practice ideas like kindness, respect for others, taking care of the world around us, and showing up for our friends. Campers see these values when they cheer each other on at an activity, welcome someone new into a game, or take responsibility for their bunk and shared spaces.

These experiences help campers strengthen their character, deepen their empathy, and understand that they have an important role to play in their communities—at camp and at home.

An Inclusive and Welcoming Community
Our camp community includes families with many different levels of observance, as well as interfaith families and campers who may be new to Jewish experiences. We are intentional about using language and practices that are warm and inclusive, explaining traditions in ways that help every camper feel comfortable, respected, and involved.

If you have questions about how Jewish life at camp will look for your family, or specific traditions that are important to you, we’d love to talk. Please reach out to us at summer@campbarney.org.

Warmly,
Danny & The Camp Barney Medintz Team

May 7, 2026: Health, Wellness & Advocacy at Camp Barney Medintz

Dear Camp Barney Medintz Families,

At Camp Barney Medintz, the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our campers is paramount to everything we do. Creating a safe, supportive,and caring environment doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of a strong, intentional support network working together all summer long.

A Team Built Around Your Camper
Our comprehensive care model includes the Marcus Health Center and its staff, our Community Care Team and The Den, and a First-Time Family Coordinator, ensuring campers are supported in every way.

Health & Medical Care — 24/7 Support
Our Marcus Health Center is staffed 24/7 by an experienced team which includes a doctor, registered nurses, and health center assistants who live onsite throughout the summer. Led by Head Nurse CJ Thomas, the teamprovides seamless, compassionate medical care, including:

• Daily medication administration
• Monitoring ongoing health conditions
• Emergency response and follow-up care
• Clear communication with families as needed

Camper Well-Being
Led by Director of Community Care Emily Shapiro LCSW, our Community Care Team — made up of licensed therapists and mental health professionals — works closely with families year-round to help campers arrive prepared and confident. Throughout the summer we provide mindfulness programs, stress management resources, and offer time at The Den, a sensory cabin designed for emotional regulation and quiet breaks. Our team provides ongoing support, helping campers navigate challenges,build resilience, and feel empowered to seek help when needed.

Helping Campers Advocate for Themselves
One of the most important skills campers learn at camp is how to speak up for themselves. We encourage campers to tell their counselors or trusted staff if they’re not feeling well—physically or emotionally. We ask you to partner with us and share with your children that they can ask for what they need and share their feelings. We are ready to meet them where they are.

Health Forms & Medication
To help us care for your child safely, there are just two important steps to complete before camp:

1.  Health History Form —  Please fill this out in your CampInTouch account.

2.  Medications — All medications must be prepared before arriving at camp. You have two options:

• Order through True Pharmacy — This is the easiest option for most families. True Pharmacy will package your child’s medications into clearly labeled daily doses and ship them directly to camp. Click here for detailed directions for sending prescriptions or OTC medications via True Pharmacy.
• Send medications yourself (blister-packed) — If you choose to send medications on your own, they must be pre-packaged in blister packs (grouped by dose and time of day). Click here for detailed directions for sending OTC medication to camp yourself.

Medications that arrive in a different format take extra time for our health team to prepare. Because of this, a $125 processing fee will apply.

Important Dates

June Session

• Submit by May 9 to avoid a $25 late fee
• Final deadline to get medication to camp: May 23

July Session

• Submit by June 7 to avoid a $25 late fee
• Final deadline to get medication to camp: June 21

April 30, 2026: Fueling Camp Days: Food, Care & Partnership at Camp Barney

Dear Camp Barney Medintz Families,

At Camp Barney Medintz, full days of adventure call for nourishment that’s intentional, consistent, nutritious, and delicious. From waterfront fun and creative expression to hikes and horseback riding, our campers are always on the move — and we ensure our campers are nurtured and fueled to have the energy to make the absolute most of each day.

Food at Camp: Nourishment, Comfort & Care

Did you know our incredible Food Service Director, Chef Kate Stansfield, is part of the Camp Barney team year-round? She spends the summer at camp working closely with leadership and Community Care to support everycamper. Each meal offers a hearty and nutritious entree with sides served at the table, and if a camper wants something a little different, the choices are plentiful:

• An extensive sandwich bar
• A pasta station
• A fresh and plentiful salad and fruit bar

True Partners in Food Allergies & Special Diets
Supporting campers with food allergies and dietary needs is something we take very seriously — and we see it as a true partnership with families. Camp Barney Medintz is a kosher-style, nut-free camp. Our kitchen team carefully prepares for and seamlessly accommodates special diets and food allergies, with clear systems in place to ensure safety and consistency throughout the summer. For campers who love peanut butter, Wow Butter is available at every meal!

Daily Snacks & Camp Traditions
Each afternoon, campers receive canteen, a once-a-day highlight where they get to choose a snack of their own. And no camp day would be complete without our beloved tradition — Milkline, where we end the camp day with chocolate chip cookies and milk.

As always, we’re here for questions and conversations atsummer@campbarney.org.

Warmly,
Danny & The Camp Barney Medintz Team

April 23, 2026: Activities, Growth & Camp Barney Medintz Magic

Dear Camp Barney Medintz Families,

At CBM, summer is designed to be full of movement, creativity, and moments that campers talk about long after they head home. Whether this is your camper’s very first summer or one of many, each year brings fresh opportunities to explore, grow, and try something new.

Daily Adventures & Camp Favorites
Every day at camp is packed with exciting activities and opportunities to try new things. Along with their cabinmates, campers enjoy a wide range of activities, including:

• Swimming and waterfront activities (like tubing, the famous blob, and more!)
• Campouts, cookouts, nature exploration, and high adventure
• Music, dance, theater, and creative arts
• Field and court sports
• And so much more!

Camper Choice & Growing Independence
Campers in rising 6th–8th grade enjoy Chugim, choice-based activities that meet multiple times per session, allowing them to dive deeper into areas they love like arts, sports, and more. Our Teen Village campers enjoy dedicated, supervised free time, giving them space to connect with friends across camp.

Special Events That Make Camp… Camp
Camp-wide traditions are a highlight of every summer and create core memories for our campers that last forever — whether it’s the surprise early-morning break of our Color War competition, the energy of Barneyroo, our signature summer festival, the pride and celebration of Israel Day, or the excitement of the Camp Musical. Jewish activities and celebrations are also an central part of life at CBM, and we’ll be sharing more about how Jewish values and traditions are woven into camp in an upcoming email.

This summer campers will also get to be part of our NEW puppy program, helping care for and socialize foster pups while at camp — learning responsibility, kindness, and enjoying plenty of tail-wagging moments.

We can’t wait to welcome your campers back for another incredible summer filled with fun, friendship, and adventure.

Warmly,
Danny & The Camp Barney Medintz Team

April 16, 2026: Counting Down to Summer at Camp Barney Medintz

Dear Camp Barney Medintz Families,

The countdown to Summer 2026 is officially on, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome new and returning campers back to Our Summer Place! Beginning this week, you’ll receive a weekly email every Thursday to share helpful details about a summer at Camp Barney. “Our Summer Place” is a true community where every camper is known, supported, and celebrated. That starts with the people who bring camp to life.

Our Staff: The Heart of Camp Barney
Our year-round team lays the foundation, and our intentionally selected summer staff turn it into magic. Cabin Counselors live with campers and act as caring role models — building confidence, independence, and self-reliance that last well beyond the summer. Because cabins move through the day together, counselors develop a deeper understanding of each camper — noticing how they’re feeling, how friendships are forming, and where support or encouragement may be needed. Unit Heads support counselors and campers alike, while Activity Specialists and Head Specialists bring expertise, creativity, and energy to everything from waterfront and sports to arts and nature, inspiring campers to try new things and discover what they love.

Camper Well-Being
Camper care is central to everything we do at Camp Barney Medintz. Our medical team is comprised of doctors, nurses, and health assistants staffed 24/7 at the Marcus Health Center. We are also fortunate to have licensed mental health professionals, our Community Care Team, and a Camper Experience Assistant Director, all working together to ensure every camper feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive. We’ll share more details about health and wellness at camp in an upcoming email.

Safety & Security at Camp
At Camp Barney Medintz, safety and security are taken seriously every day. We work in close collaboration with local, state, and federal authorities to plan and prepare responsibly. Our campus is supported by professionalsecurity staff 24/7, and we carefully monitor who is at camp at all times. Together with our trained staff and clear protocols, this partnership allows us to provide a safe and secure environment for every camper.

And One Very Special Addition…
You may hear campers talking about Gator, our beloved camp puppy-in-training, who will bring extra smiles, comfort, and joy to Camp Barney. Gator is part of our commitment to creating a warm, nurturing environment — and he’s already a camp favorite.

As always, we’re here for you at summer@campbarney.org.

Warmly,
Danny & The Camp Barney Medintz Team