Dear Temple Isaiah Families,
 
When we announced in April the closure of the first four weeks of camp, we were genuinely hoping that we may be able to hold an in-person experience in July or August.  It will come as no surprise that due to safer-at-home regulations and guidelines for summer camps, as well as everything else that is going on in our city, Camp Isaiah will not be holding any in-person camp this summer.  However, this doesn’t mean that summer fun is entirely lost!  Through our survey and Town Halls, we have listened to the requests of our community and we want to offer an engaging and social opportunity for friends to gather and engage in a Jewish and fun context. Thank you to everyone who participated in our listening sessions and helped us craft an experience based on your needs and interests.
 
Drum roll please, introducing K-12 Summer Shabbat! K-12 Summer Shabbat consists of two components - Camp-In-A-Box and Friday Gatherings. We are excited to offer both opportunities; you can choose to participate in either component on their own or participate in both. Both options are for Temple Isaiah members only.  Dates are June 25 - July 31.
 
Option 1: Camp-In-A-Box - Every Thursday a Temple Isaiah staff member will DELIVER a package filled with camp-inspired and Shabbat themed goodies. Possible contents may include; challah dough, candles, arts and crafts materials, science project materials, Judaic project materials, lanyard and bracelet string, and other camp-inspired content.  Directions for any project will also be included and the materials will be age-appropriate. The items in the Camp-In-A-Box can be completed on your own or with Friday Gatherings.  Cost is $25/box, please reserve at least a week in advance, and fees are non-refundable.  Please email lisa@templeisaiah.com to obtain the reservation link.
 
Option 2: Friday Gatherings - Every Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, we will hold a virtual space with camp-inspired activities including a song session, followed by chuggim (electives) for K-5th grade, or weekly group challenges for our 6-8th grade JCITs (Jr. Counselor-In-Training).  All chuggim will be led by teens in Isaiah Temple Youth, who double as Rishonim and Camp Isaiah summer counselors - Ella, Hallie, Hannah, Lindsay, Mateen, Sarah, Sasha.  The chuggim will include art, science, dance, and acting.  The primary interest is for K-12 students to have a place to gather socially, not on mute, while having a camp-inspired activity to keep hands, feet, and brains engaged.  The items in the Camp-In-A-Box will correlate with the activities in Friday Gatherings, but are not required to purchase. Friday Gatherings are free and do not require advance registration.  Please email lisa@templeisaiah.com to obtain the participation link.
 
We do hope to see you soon, in-person, and miss you and your children so incredibly much.  Until then, we look forward to seeing your doorstep and/or your K-12 students on Fridays!

All the best,
Lisa Rostaing - Director Youth & Camp, K-12
Tamara Deverell - Assistant Camp Director
Zack Robinson - JCIT Director