Frequently Asked Questions

Below are questions that have been frequently asked. If your question is not answered on this page or anywhere else on our site, please feel free to contact the CBT office. You may click on a category below to go directly to any desired section.

Construction | Food | Living Accommodations | Learning | Sports, Night Activities, Trips, etc...

What exactly does it mean that Camp Binyan Torah focuses on practical construction?

At CBT we want our campers to learn to use their minds and hands in a way that will be useful to them in the future. This means that they are involved in hands on projects in the fields of carpentry, electric, framing, automotive, plumbing, and more. Through asking many questions, receiving guidance and tips from professional subcontractors, and working in a warm and friendly environment, campers are able to truly see just how much they are able to do.

Who is in charge of the construction and what type of supervision is there?

The construction segment of the camp day is headed by our construction coordinator, who sees to it that each activity is lead by a professional subcontractor. In addition, several counselors work individually and collectively with the boys to ensure that each camper is involved in the camp projects.

What kind of construction projects have campers worked on in the past?

Previous projects have included storage sheds and a consession stand (framing and roofing), boat-building, constructing table-top and stand-up shtenders and esrog boxes (carpentry), wiring an interior wall (electric), and changing the oil and tires of a car (automotive). Campers also have the opportunity to work on self-guided projects, where they design and build projects of their choice. Examples of self-guided projects have included soap-box cars, synagogue furniture (aron kodesh, bimah, partitions, book shelves), a computer desk, a lawn chair, and more.

What type of safety precautions are taken during construction activities?

A session on safety precautions and procedures is conducted at the start of camp before campers begin any construction endeavor. In addition, protective measures are taken during each activity. The construction coordinator, subcontractors, and counselors closely supervise each project. Safety goggles and/or workman’s gloves are worn when necessary.

Will my son be receiving any sort of certification at the end of camp?

No. Our objective is not to train campers professionally in the field of construction, but rather to learn and practice useful skills in an enjoyable atmosphere among friends.

Where are the construction activities held?

Many construction projects take place in a fully equipped woodworking shop, whereas others are held outside, depending on the weather.

What hechsherim does CBT accept?

We accept all OU, Star-K, and Chuf-K products. Any questions regarding hechsherim are directed to Rabbi Daniel Yalkut, the Rav of Kneseth Beth Israel in Richmond, or Rabbi Gedalya Anemer, Rav of Shomrei Emunah in Silver Spring, MD, and Rosh Yeshiva of The Yeshiva of Greater Washington.

Is there an option to receive Cholov Yisroel products?

Yes. Cholov Yisrael milk and cheese are provided to those individuals who request it in the Camper’s Personal Form.

No. Breakfast and lunch are either pareve or dairy. All meat meals are accompanied by a non-meat option as well.

No. A pareve food option is available at all meals.

Snacks are provided at two different times during the camp day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Campers may also bring their own snack food with them to camp, which they are allowed to keep with them in their rooms. In addition, the camp canteen is open at specific times every day, and is stocked with plenty of snacks and drinks for campers to purchase. It is recommended that campers bring spending money for this purpose.

*For questions regarding laundry, air conditioning, mail, e-mail, personal telephones or other camp services, please refer to the Services and Policies Form.

There are 4 boys per room. Each boy is provided with a bed as well as closet and dresser space.

Campers must prepare for regular clean-up inspections, during which counselors will check that beds are made, floors are clean, and personal belonging are stored in their appropriate places. Additionally, a cleaning crew comes daily to clean the bathrooms and any other areas in which it is necessary.

Who arranges and guides the learning groups?

Rabbis Dovid Lessin and Avi Kilimnick supervise the entire learning section of the day. Each counselor is responsible for either giving a shiur, leading a discussion group with a group of campers, or learning with an individual camper.

What kind of topics are generally discussed?

The learning portion of the daily schedule is divided into two halves. During the first session, campers are divided by age group into shiurim that focus on a variety of topics. Among them are matters pertaining to contemporary Jewish thought and related issues that arise in the life of a Jewish high school boy. During the second learning session, campers can choose which group to attend. These groups tend to be smaller in size than during the first session, and focus on gemara, halacha (Jewish law), parsha (weekly Torah portion), hashkafa, mussar (morals and ethics), and more.

My son has learning disabilities. Will that be a problem?

Each individual case must be discussed with Rabbi Lessin.

Is there any time for breaks in the learning schedule?

Yes. Please refer to the Daily Schedule.

What sports do the boys play during the day?

Campers have the chance to play softball, football, basketball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee.

Are sports mandatory?

All campers must be present at each camp activity. A camper may choose to sit on the side and not participate if he wishes not to.

What are some examples of the night activities?

In the past CBT has gone to laser tag, minor league baseball games, batting cages/driving range, bowling, mini-golf, and more.

What are some examples of the trips?

Each year, CBT takes a trip to one of the amusement parks in the area, either Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens. We also have an overnight hiking trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains each year.