How will I know if my child is ready to go to camp?
Each child is different when it comes to being “ready” for camp.  Our youngest campers are entering second grade in the fall after their first summer at camp.  Questions to consider include: Is s/he looking forward to camp?  Are they successful at sleepovers with their friends?  The Camp Director, Ronni Guttin, will be happy to speak with you about these and other issues to make the best decision for your child and you.

How are campers assigned to cabins? Campers are placed in their cabins based on the grade they are entering in the upcoming school year.  Each cabin has 3 counselors and 10-13 campers.

Do campers travel out of camp for trips?
Leader-in-Training (LIT) campers are the only JORI campers who regularly leave camp for field trips. LIT’s have weekly field trips as part of their program.  Younger campers may leave camp on an occasional basis for a special cabin treat or in the case of multiple rainy days in a row.

Is there a different schedule on Shabbat?
Our campers look forward to the weekly celebration of Shabbat.  On Friday afternoon, campers have two periods rather than the normal three.  Showers, music preparations, blue and white clothing and specially set tables take a bit of extra time.  The entire camp participates in a traditional Friday evening meal followed by services.  After dinner, the entire camp community dances together and enjoys a special treat prepared by our chef.  On Saturday morning, JORI campers sleep late, eat breakfast with their cabins and are served by their counselors.  Saturday afternoons are devoted to camp-wide special events.  Shabbat ends with Havdalah followed by evening activity.

Breakfast always includes cold cereal and an entrée such as pancakes, eggs, or French toast. There is also a breakfast bar that includes yogurt, fruit and granola.  Lunch and dinner entrees include various chicken and beef dishes, and dairy meals like grilled cheese and pizza.  At breakfast and dairy meals, fat free, lactaid and soymilk, are available.

At lunch and dinner we have a salad bar that provides a choice for campers who are looking for an alternative to the meal’s main course.  We also have peanut butter and jelly available.  If there is a meat meal, there will be a vegetarian option.  Special dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated and should be should be communicated to the Director prior to camp.

Campers are served 2 snacks daily.

What facilities do you have for health care?
Camp JORI employs a full-time nurse who lives at camp and handles all health care issues for campers and staff throughout the summer.  The nurse is assisted by a health assistant who is a certified medical assistant.  Health care includes a daily Health Call and dispensing of daily medications.  We have physicians on call only a short drive away.  In case of emergency, we use South County Hospital in Wakefield, RI.  Should your child spend time in the Health Center overnight or require medical attention from a physician, you will be notified.

What do campers wear at camp?
Campers wear comfortable, casual clothes to participate in daily activities.  Our footwear policy requires that campers and staff wear sneakers and socks daily.  Water shoes or water sandals with back straps are required for waterfront activities.  As part of our Shabbat environment, on Friday evening campers wear blue and white clothing.  A nice, but not elaborate, outfit should be packed for each end of session banquet.

I am excited about your camp. Do you offer tours?
We look forward to having your family visit camp this summer with your son or daughter.  Please schedule a tour while camp is in session. Call the off-season office (401-463-3170) until June 21 to make a tour reservation or after that date call the camp office directly (401-783-7000).

Can I email the Camp Director directly?
Yes, please email campjori@gmail.com.

View the 2012 Handbook (PDF)

I am going to camp with my sister or brother. Can I see them during the day?
Yes, that’s what is terrific about our camp. We are set up to encourage community and interaction among all age groups. We also eat all meals as an entire camp community, so it is likely you will see each other at meals, too. JORI campers are generally together at evening activities and all snack times

Where will I live at camp?
You will live in one of our cabins with other campers in your grade. Your cabin has electricity, showers, toilets, and sinks. You also have cubbies and a single bed (not a bunk bed). There is space for you to bring a set of plastic drawers if you want to.

What will I do throughout the day?
Your day starts with flag raising and breakfast. You have three activity periods before lunch, then a rest period and three activity periods in the afternoon. After flag lowering and dinner, you enjoy a free play time and then an evening activity.

Do I go to my activities with my cabin-mates?
Campers will walk together to each activity accompanied by a counselor. Some activities are scheduled for your cabin and 1 or 2 daily are interest periods which are activities that you may choose. Interest periods may be with some of your cabin mates, but also include other campers.  You will walk to interest activities with the other campers in the group and with the counselors leading the activity.

Do I sit with my cabin for meals?
The first day of each session you will sit with your cabin. However, for the rest of the summer we arrange the tables with similarly aged children and counselors at both ends of the table and in the middle. Meals are served family-style by the table counselors.

Will there be food I like to eat at camp?
In addition to a breakfast that includes cereal and could include everything from pancakes to eggs, there are popular entrees at lunch and dinner such as pizza, grilled cheese, tacos, chicken dishes, and a great salad bar twice daily.

Do we swim every day?
JORI campers swim every day. Campers have 2-3 lessons each week, but do have a general swim each day. Swimming activities include water aerobics, water polo, water volleyball, and the opportunity to join the Camp JORI swim team which competes with other camps throughout the summer.

From one of our campers (this sums it all up)… Camp JORI is better than Disneyland because you're there longer and have more fun!"

◊ 10-12 t-shirts
◊ 6-8 pairs of shorts
◊ 4 long sleeved shirts
◊ 4 pairs of pants
◊ 2-3 sweatshirts
◊ 2 white t-shirts that can be painted
◊ 1 warm jacket
◊ 14 underpants
◊ bras
◊ 14 pairs socks
◊ 3 pairs of pajamas (1 should be warm)
◊ 2 White t-shirts that may be painted or dyed
◊ blue and white clothing which is required for Shabbat
◊ 3 bathing suits
◊ bathrobe if desired
◊ raincoat or poncho
◊ hat
◊ Banquet outfit

◊ 2 pairs of sneakers
◊ 1 pair of waterproof rain shoes
◊ 1 pair of flip-flops
◊ 1 pair of water shoes or sandals with backs

◊ brush/comb
◊ toothbrush/toothpaste
◊ deodorant
◊ shampoo/conditioner
◊ soap
◊ other personal care products
◊ sunscreen
◊ insect repellent
◊ shower caddy

◊ flash light/extra batteries
◊ stationery/stamps (pre-addressed is very helpful)
◊ books/quiet time activities
◊ camera
◊ small tote or backpack

◊ pillow
◊ 2 sets of twin size sheets sleeping bags cannot be substituted
◊ 2 blankets (many children prefer a comforter)
◊ 6-8 shower and pool towels
◊ 4 hand towels
◊ face cloths if desired
◊ 2 laundry bags

Printable Packing List

Some campers enjoy using a set of plastic drawers for storage.

Campers are permitted to bring portable chairs to camp.  They may be used around the cabin areas only.  No chairs will be allowed in the program areas of camp during the program day.  Please leave roller blades at home.  Campers are welcome to bring personal sports equipment to camp, but it is not required.  Please be sure that a camper is able to be responsible for his/her own equipment and leave valuable belongings at home.  Any fans, flashlights or other powered devices must be battery operated.  Campers have very limited access to electrical connections.