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Nutrition, Health & Wellness

Health

We are fortunate to have modern diagnostic tools in our Mirpa’ah (health center), such as community physician-directed protocols, which often let us evaluate and treat the campers for minor ailments without having to leave camp. For emergencies or illnesses which call for additional medical attention, the camper will be taken to the local doctor or Urgent Care facility, which is 10 minutes from CYJ Midwest.

The health center is designed to provide care for campers who require isolation, a respite from camp routine or for those that need more frequent observation than can reasonably be provided by the cabin staff.

Covid-19 Policies

This year, vaccinations, including up to date boosters, is mandatory for staff who interact with campers. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for our campers, but campers will not need to be vaccinated to attend camp.

The protocols have been developed based on the current Covid-19 environment. As this is an ever-changing situation, the protocols may evolve. We will share any policy updates as soon as they are available.

We feel the best way to start with a healthy camp community is to have campers test for Covid-19 when they arrive at camp. At this time, a pre-camp PCR test will not be required, only a rapid test upon arrival, administered by our healthcare team. We highly recommend testing at home 48 hours before camp to reduce the likelihood of any surprises at drop off. In addition to testing, if a camper shows signs of being sick at all before arrival, please keep them home until they are well. We will not allow campers into camp who present symptoms of any illness.

While camp is in session, if a camper shows relevant symptoms, they will be tested for Covid-19 and their parents will be notified. This year, it is our intention to keep those testing positive for Covid-19 at camp.

Food & Nutrition

All campers eat together, by eidah (age group) with their counselors, in our chadar ochel (dining hall) or our ohel ochel (dining tent). Each meal at camp is prepared in our kosher kitchen by an incredibly talented kitchen staff.

We offer a variety of options so no Midwest camper goes hungry. Our kitchen managers work with each camper to make sure they have the energy they need daily at camp.

Breakfast

We offer the following at every breakfast:

  • Milk (including non dairy milk options)
  • Juice
  • Cereal
  • Cottage cheese
  • Tomatoes and cucumbers
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat
  • Fresh fruit

Main breakfast meals could include:

  • Scrambled eggs & hashbrowns
  • Pancakes
  • Egg & cheese biscuits
  • Frittatas
  • French toast
  • Bagels

Dairy free and gluten free options are always available.

Lunch

We offer the following at every lunch:

  • Full salad bar
  • Soup of the day (vegetarian)

Main lunch offerings could include:

  • Hamburgers & hot dogs
  • Meatball subs
  • Chicken stir fry
  • BBQ chicken
  • Chicken nuggets
  • Grilled cheese

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are always available.

Dinner

We offer the following at every dinner:

  • Salad Bar
  • Pasta
  • Dessert

Dinners are mainly dairy meals, which could include:

  • Homemade pizza
  • Baked potato bar
  • Build your own tacos
  • Lasagna

Dairy free and gluten free options are always available.

Camper putting out cereal for breakfast

Campers in dining hall eating dinner

Special Diets & Food Allergies

We provide gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy free meals for campers that need. We are a nut free facility. Please let us know in advance about your camper’s special diet or food allergies, so we can accommodate properly.