Kindergarten Common Concerns
We know that transitioning from preschool to kindergarten can be daunting – for both the children and the adults who care for them ! At Camp Hilbert , we understand this and have developed ways to help make this transition easier and more successful for all .
Our youngest group of campers ( aka Rishonim ), operate as a “ camp within a camp ” and alongside caring and nurturing counselors , experience new and exciting adventures that will prepare them for kindergarten .
My child is scared to ride the school bus to Camp Hilbert . How do you calm their fears and keep them safe ?
Our camp staff work diligently to ensure a positive association with the bus ride and the fun things that await them at camp . Bus counselors enthusiastically greet campers upon arrival and engage campers in fun songs and games . Campers ride on the bus with their camp group and are therefore riding on the same bus with kids closest to their age . Having the experience of riding the school bus to camp in the summer gets kids ready for when they need to ride the bus in elementary school .
My child won ’ t know anyone going into camp and is especially nervous about who to sit with at lunch .
Lunch time can be a source of stress and anxiety for kids . Rising Kindergartners will deal with this at elementary school in the Fall , so Camp Hilbert can help ease them into that experience . With trusted staff members eating lunch alongside campers , they help facilitate conversations and encourage the building of friendships with fellow campers .
The Camp Hilbert day may be too long for my child .
A day at Camp Hilbert is full of activity and can , at first glance , seem to be long . To account for the fact that our youngest campers may get tired , Rishonim campers are the only unit at camp with a period for ‘ Nofesh ’ which means ‘ Rest ’ in Hebrew . During this period , all Rishonim campers are encouraged to sit under the shade , slow down , and take a break . During this period , Rishonim staff will read stories to the groups , plan non-physical activities , and help recharge your camper for the rest of the day .
What happens when the temperatures soar during the summer ?
During the summer , temperatures are a large concern for many families . However , all camper groups swim twice a day , helping to cool their body temperatures down . Each day , there will be an instructional swim period and a free swim period . On especially hot days , we do extra water activities such as our Hilbert Slip n Slide and extra cool-down periods .
What if my child can ’ t keep up with all the camp activity ?
Whether it ’ s Athletics , Arts , Nature , Lake or Swimming , our specialists work diligently to plan developmentally appropriate activities for your Rishonim camper . Our staff are equipped with the tools and understand that our youngest campers may need some time to get to their destination and get the hang of activities , we just make it as fun as we can along the way .
Weinstein JCC Summer 2025 Camps 14