Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
Registration, Membership, Discounts, Aid
Carpool, Pick-up & Drop-off, Extended
What to Bring Daily, Hot Lunch/Meals
Camp Wise Staff & Groupings
Camp Wise Field Trips

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Where are you located?
Camp Wise is located off of the 405 Freeway and Mulholland Highway on the Stephen S. Wise Temple Campus. Our address is 15500 Stephen S. Wise Temple, Los Angeles, CA 90077.

What are the camp dates and times?
Camp Wise 2025 will run June 16th - August 1st (closed 6/19, 7/3, 7/4) for K-8th Grade. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Monday-Friday. Camp Wise runs as 3 sessions. Session 1: June 16-July 2 (closed 6/19, 7/3, 7/4). Session 2: July 7-25. Session 3: July 28-Aug 1.

The camper hours are 9 AM-3:15 PM. Counselors are up at morning carpool helping campers get out of cars from 8:50-9:05 AM and at afternoon carpool from 3:15-3:30 PM. We have early morning drop off and afternoon extended available daily for an additional charge.

I'd like to see the camp. Do you offer tours?
At this time, we are unable to accommodate tours. You can get a taste of our campus through our pictures and videos on our Instagram @CampWiseLA, or when visiting the temple for programs such as our annual Purim Carnival in March!

Do you provide transportation to and from camp?
We encourage carpooling, but do not offer transportation to and from camp. Transportation is only provided to and from field trips. Please expect delays with pick-up and drop-off times during peak hours.

Does my camper get to choose their own activities each day?
Each grade has a set schedule of activities when they are on campus, where campers get a chance to try out a variety of activities each day and week at Camp Wise. However, some activities allow for campers to choose a specific program within their groups for an extended period of time led by some of their favorite counselors and specialists, such as Grouptime, Rec Sports, and Legos Beads & Board Games!

My child has lost an item, where can I find it?
At the end of each day, any found items are returned to the Camp Wise Office's lost and found. In some cases, staff may recognize an item as belonging to a specific camper and keep it in their room. Additionally, school or temple staff may find items and bring them to the larger lost and found located in the parking garage. At the end of each week, unclaimed items will be showcased at our "Lost and Found Fashion Show" during morning circle in the gym, where campers can retrieve their belongings, or staff can assist with identifying items. As we share the campus with two other large programs, we strongly recommend labeling all items with your child’s name to prevent mix-ups. Any unclaimed items may be donated or discarded at the end of the summer.

How is community achieved at Camp Wise LA?
At Camp Wise, we take pride in the traditions we uphold. Each week begins with group introductions and ends with a communal Shabbat celebration. While our themes may vary, the structure of our schedule remains consistent. Field trip days are always held on the same day each week, alongside the routine activities. Many of our staff are returning counselors, campers, and SWT members who are eager to give back and build meaningful connections with campers at Camp Wise.

How do you staff groups? What are the requirements for positions?
Each group at Camp Wise is staffed as follows:

1 Head Counselor (college-aged)
2 Co-Counselors (rising 11th/12th grade)
1 Counselor-in-Training (rising 10th grade volunteer)

Additionally, each age group is supported by:

Kindergarten - 2nd grade & 3rd - 8th grade: 2 Unit Heads (post-grads with expertise in childhood education, psychology, youth programming, etc.)

Camper-to-staff ratios by age group are:

Kindergarten: 1 counselor for every 5 campers
1st/2nd grade: 1 counselor for every 6 campers
3rd/4th grade: 1 counselor for every 7 campers
5th/6th grade: 1 counselor for every 8 campers
7th/8th grade: 1 counselor for every 9 campers

What is the mission of Camp Wise LA?
The mission of Camp Wise is to provide a fun, safe, and loving environment for campers and staff. "Safe" encompasses both physical and emotional well-being. Camp Wise is dedicated to fostering growth, and this summer, we are excited to further this mission through the Yedid Nefesh Grant, awarded by the Foundation for Jewish Camp. This grant supports funds for our Community Care Director (Orlee Raymond, 2023), professional development opportunities for our staff during training and throughout the year, and activities like Yoga that promote MESSH (mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health) at camp for the next three years. Click here to learn more about this incredible grant and its impact on Camp Wise!

2. REGISTRATION, DISCOUNTS, AID

Do you have a minimum registration for K-8th Grade?
Yes. Families must register per session. Visit our Dates and Rates page for more information.

I’m a non-member, can I still register my child for Camp Wise LA? I hear that camp fills up very quickly, will my child have a chance at getting in to camp?
Yes! Registration opens to the public on February 15th. The registration link is available on our website at campwisela.org/registration. Last year, our first round of spots filled up in under 3 minutes, but we were able to accept non-members as cancellations came through, payments weren't procured in time, or we found enough adult (18+) head counselors to open more groups and accept additional campers. Unfortunately, we cannot predict if/when additional spots will be available.

What if I know I can only do 1 or 2 weeks? Can we register for less than the minimum?
Due to the size of our program, Camp Wise registration is solely done on a per-session basis. If you are unable to commit to one of our 3-week sessions, we suggest registering for Session 3 (one week).

How much do I have to pay when I register?
The full balance is due at the time of registration. You can add and pay for additional sessions later if spots are still available. Sessions must be paid in full to hold your spot.

What happens if I have to miss a day? Do you offer a missing day discount?
We do not offer discounts nor pro-rate for missing any days of camp wise.

Do you have other discounts or scholarships?
Yes. We offer an early bird registration price for registrations completed by the early bird deadline for Temple Members. Campers registered for the full summer will receive an additional “7-week discount.” Temple members of Stephen Wise Temple and Leo Baeck Temple will receive an additional “member-rate” for this summer. The member rate is applied after the application during the temple-member registration window. An additional fee

Financial aid is available for temple members currently receiving aid with Kindergarten-8th graders up to $50 per camper per week with a maximum $350 for 7 weeks. To receive this aid, the application must be completely filled out and returned before the deadline. Aid will be issued based on need and availability of funds.

What is your cancellation policy?
The camp requires full payment to reserve your child’s spot. Camp Fees are not transferable. ALL CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING. Full refunds available until April 15. Click here to see more information on rates, discounts, and the full cancellation policy.

3. Carpool, Pick-up & Drop-off, Extended

Where should campers go at the beginning of the camp day?

Every day, campers meet in their group rooms on campus. Carpool begins promptly at 8:50am and camp begins at 9am. On the first Monday of every session, campers meet in their group rooms to get to know their session counselors and campers!

Where do campers get picked up from at the end of the day?

Campers sit in the arbors or grassy commons, in the shade, while they wait for their name to be called over the loud speaker. Cars will be directed through the circle by security and camp staff - please make sure to follow the directions given to ensure everyone’s safety. Counselors are present to help campers into cars. Carpool begins at 3:15pm and ends at 3:30pm. Campers whose ride has not arrived by the end of carpool will go to the camp office to be picked up. Late pick-up campers will be sent to extended care and families will be charged the extended fee.

Do you offer extended care?
Yes. Extended care is available for Kindergarten to Grade 8 campers. You can purchase extended care by week. Morning care runs daily from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and afternoon care is Monday-Thursday from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM, and Fridays until 4:00 PM. There is an additional charge of $1 per minute for campers picked up after 4:35 PM. Extended care in the afternoon is a pre-paid service and is not for campers who are picked up late, and camp staff are dismissed when aftercare ends.

4. WHAT TO BRING DAILY, HOT LUNCH/MEALS

Do you offer a lunch service?
Camp Wise offers daily hot lunch options through Vicki’s Lunchbox to any camper in Kindergarten-Grade 8. Vicki’s Lunchbox options are certified Kosher. Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free options may be available. You can purchase hot lunch through your child’s camp application by the Thursday before the intended week. Campers may register for hot lunch on days they remain on site, but must pack lunch for field trips unless otherwise specified (review the calendar of events to see when your child is eligible for hot lunch at camp). Hot lunch available for Camp Wise Staff through the camp office (must be ordered online, on time). There are NO credits or refunds for lunches missed due to absences for any reason. We cannot cancel orders after they are placed between Thursday and the following week.

Do you provide snacks?
Camp Wise offers afternoon snacks such as chips, pretzels, popcorn, crackers, plus gluten free options. Please send your child with a morning snack. While our campers are super active at camp, they tend to work up an appetite!

I forgot to pack my child a lunch, can I use a delivery service to get their lunch to camp? We are unable to accommodate delivery services to camp, and they will be turned away at the security booth. If you would like to drop off food for your child, you may contact the camp office to let them know what time you will arrive to campus and they will give your name to security. You will need to check-in with the camp office for a slip to take your child’s lunch to their group room (if they are in 3rd-8th grade, they will be called up to collect their lunch from the office). Only authorized persons will be permitted onto campus.

What should I bring to camp on a non-field trip day?
Campers should come to camp with the following items, preferably labeled with their name:
Wear socks and tennis shoes
Wear appropriate active wear
Hat
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for morning (we provide afternoon snack)
Lunch (or register for hot lunch)
Swimsuit and Towel
Optional: Goggles and water shoes/flip-flops for pool area or water-play
Extra change of clothes & undergarments for after swim
Backpack for all your items!

5. Camp Wise Staff & Groupings

Can I request that my child be grouped with a friend?
You may request a friend for your child in the same age group, and we try to honor at least one friend request, however they are not guaranteed nor prioritized. Camp Wise is about building community and making new friends, and we encourage all of our campers to learn these skills at camp!

What does the structure look like for each group? What are the ratios?

Camp Wise follows recommendations from the American Camp Association to properly and safely staff our camper groups. Our groups typically max at 18-22 campers led by 4-5 staff: 1 Head Counselor, 2 Co-Counselors, and 1 Counselor-in-Training. Younger age groups have additional support, and groups are accompanied by additional staff on large offsite field trips such as Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, and California Science Center.

How do groupings and friend requests work at Camp Wise? Can my child be placed with their sibling?
Campers are first grouped together by age: Kindergarten, rising 1st & 2nd graders, rising 3rd & 4th graders, rising 5th & 6th graders, and rising 7th & 8th together. It is best practice to separate siblings (similar to school), so they may form their own identities in their camper groups. We do not pair campers with their “sibling staff” as to not create difficult dynamics for the whole group. While we offer space to provide requests on camper applications, friend requests are not guaranteed nor prioritized.

6. Camp wise Field Trips

What should I bring to camp on a field trip day?
-Current years camp t-shirt, unaltered
-Hat/sunglasses & sunscreen
-Reusable water bottle
-Prepared snacks and sack lunch, including utensils (hot lunch not available on field trip days)
-Small bag for items
-If going to the beach: swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. (Please check the weekly e-mail updates for specific needs to each field trip.)

Will you be running field trips this summer?
Camp Wise offers field trips for 1st-8th grade for the summer! 1st-2nd graders go on 1 field trip a week, and 3rd-8th graders experience 1-2 field trips per week! Rising Kindergarteners will experience “on-site” field trips such as mini golf, magic shows, foam-parties, and more! Weekly e-mails will provide parents with information on what to bring on field trip days, what waivers to sign, etc. All campers must wear a 2024 Camp Wise shirt, unaltered, to camp to join a field trip. Campers may purchase additional shirts through the Camp Wise Office. All field trips are accompanied by adults on our leadership team. There are no onsite options for parents who wish to keep their kid at camp during field trip days. For additional information regarding field trips and special events, click here.

Is the field trip calendar accurate?
The Camp Wise Field Trip calendar is based on expected field trips. Due to unforeseen circumstances, field trips may change at any time.

Can I pick up my child from a field trip location? Due to the size of our camp, the logistics needed to ensure all campers are properly accompanied from space to space, and the liability of entering and leaving any field trips with differing numbers, we are unable to accommodate picking up or dropping off campers to/from any field trips.

I’m nervous about sending my child on a field trip! Can I come with you? Parents are not able to join campers on field trip days. All field trips are accompanied by multiple adults, including at least one staff member from our leadership team (Director, Field Trip Coordinator, etc.), a Unit Head, and additional adults from camper groups or specialties. Campers who require a 1:1 aide on campus must bring their aide to off-site trips as well.

Do the buses come equipped with air conditioning or seatbelts? Not all buses are equipped with air conditioning or seatbelts. On hot days, or to outdoor field trips, staff bring handheld fans and spray bottles to help cool your camper down, as well as water jugs for the bus rides in case campers finish their waters and need a refill! While we cannot guarantee seatbelts on our buses, staff are strategically spread out along the bus, as well as in emergency exits, to keep an eye on campers and ensure they stay seated for the duration of the bus ride. Most campers sit with a friend, or another counselor, in their row.

My child needs another Camp Wise T-Shirt. How do I get one?
Additional Camp Wise t-shirts are available for purchase from the Camp Office for $15. If your child has a camp shirt but received the wrong size, they can swap it in the camp office. Camp t-shirt sizes are ordered based on the size imputed in your child’s camper application. Campers receive their t-shirts on their first day of camp for the summer. K-2 receive 1 shirt, and 3-8 receive 2 shirts.