Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to be Jewish to attend Camp Hadar?

Similar to a YMCA camp, we are a program of the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation.  We have campers and staff that are Jewish and campers and staff that are not Jewish.  Camp Hadar is classic summer camp with a Red Cross certified swim program, watercraft, arts and crafts, athletics, archery, playground, Gaga Ball, tether ball, 4-square, and more.  Each camp week is themed with special days.  We offer campers choice during their camp day during our Workshop/Elective program and a daily afternoon choice where campers can choose to return to arts and crafts, athletics, playground, or watercraft.

Can I register for only one week of camp?

Yes.  Camp Hadar encourages campers to enroll for 2 or more weeks, but we do allow a 1 week registration for campers in Negev, Sharon, GaliLEADERS, or Teen Leaders.  However, Camp Hadar does require both junior and senior CITs to register for a minimum of 2 consecutive weeks.

Does Camp Hadar offer an extended day option for campers?

No.  We will revisit extended day options for 2024.

What clothes & equipment does my child need for camp?

Campers should wear casual, comfortable clothes to camp.  Sneakers or athletic shoes are required.  Sandals are inappropriate.  If rain is predicted, send a raincoat or poncho.  If it is cool, send a sweatshirt or a jacket. ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE LABELED CLEARLY WITH CAMPER’S NAME. 

Campers should bring the following items in a labeled carrying bag each day:

  1. Two bathing suits
  2. Two towels
  3. Water shoes
  4. Sweat shirt
  5. Sunscreen
  6. Hat
  7. Insect Repellent
  8. Water bottle

We suggest these items be brought home each day.  The camp is not responsible for personal items left in the bunks overnight.  Facilities are available for changing in and out of bathing suits.  If campers prefer, they may come to camp wearing a bathing suit and shirt and bring a change of clothes.

What should my child bring for lunch?

For 2023, campers and staff may bring a meat lunch to camp.  We ask that no pork or shellfish be brought to camp.  If a camper or staff brings pork (including ham) or shellfish, we will place the lunch in the camp fridge and prepare an alternative lunch for the day.

We believe that it is the parent’s decision as to what should be brought to camp for lunch.  Camp Hadar will continue to purchase kosher food and snacks to serve campers and staff when we are allowed to provide food/snacks in accordance with the NH Guidelines for Day Camps .  Staff will continue to monitor camper lunches and enforce our no sharing policy.

If a camper or staff keeps kosher, we will follow the same policy that is in place for campers and staff that have dietary restrictions, either due to choice or due to an allergy.  Camp will provide afternoon snacks that are pareve for any camper or staff that keeps kosher and has a meat lunch.  We will also begin the process of listing all snacks sold at the camp Canteen and place symbols to identify snacks that contain dairy, nuts, soy, gluten, etc. and symbols to show if the item is Kosher and/or pareve.

What if my child has a birthday during the camp day?

If you wish to celebrate your child’s birthday at camp, please call the camp office several days in advance to make arrangements. You are welcome to bring in a birthday treat and join your child for a bunk party. Only commercially prepared foods labeled “kosher” may be brought into camp.

How do I contact a staff member during the camp day?  Can I visit camp?

The camp office is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day. If the staff person you wish to speak to is unavailable when you call, we will make every effort to return your call as soon as possible.  Please feel free to call with any concerns, comments or suggestions. We want to work together with you to make your child’s camp experience a positive one.

When is the ALL camp Family Night?  What grades can stay for the overnight?

Family Nights and Overnights will return for 2024.  Please check back for more info soon.

When is the Parent/Camper Lunch?

The Parent/Camper Lunch will return for 2024.  Please check back for more info soon.

Can we tip our child’s camp counselors?

We do not permit tipping of camp staff.

Where parents feel that they want to show their appreciation for the experience their children have had, a tax-deductible gift to the Scholarship Fund in honor of the staff member may be mad