CBT Service & Policies
Please take the time to read through the policies and guidelines outlined below. It is important to us that both parents and campers are fully aware of what Camp Binyan Torah expects from its campers. In addition, listed below are some of the services that can be taken advantage of during camp. It is advisable that parents and campers discuss the rules mentioned below before camp starts.
Our camp facility is equipped with washing machines and dryers located in the canteen building. There will be a sign-up sheet for use of the machines. Campers are expected to follow the order of names written on the list, and to not skip another camper’s turn or manipulate the list in any way.
It is advisable to bring laundry detergent and fabric softener to camp. Parents may want to consider making sure their sons understand how to properly use a washing machine and dryer before coming to camp.
All campers are expected to make use of the washing machines and dryers while they are in camp. It is important to us that bnei Torah present themselves in a manner that is in line with proper cleanliness and personal hygiene.
Campers are allowed to bring snack food and drinks to camp to keep in their rooms. All food items brought to camp must have a hechsher from a certified Orthodox organization, such as the OU, Star-K, Chuf-K, etc. Concerning any questionable hechsherim, please contact Rabbi Dovid Lessin, Camp Director.
Routine checks for cleanliness will be done throughout the month of camp, and any food or drink that is not being stored in a secure place, or that is causing a mess and/or smell that is bothering other campers and counselors, may be confiscated.
There are opportunities during the camp day for campers to purchase snacks at an on campus canteen store. It is recommended to bring spending money for this purpose. In addition, during the mornings and evenings there will be snacks provided for all campers that wish to partake.
Any money or valuable item that a camper feels he would like to leave in a safe place while in camp can be given to a counselor in order to be placed in the camp safe. Camp Binyan Torah assumes no responsibility for items that are lost or damaged while in the safe.
Please address camper mail to:
Camp Binyan Torah c/o camper’s name
1000 Samuel Miller Loop
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Outgoing mail should be handed to Rabbi Dovid Lessin, Adam Lessin, or Rabbi Avi Kilimnick. The mail will be sent out the next morning, bli neder. It is advisable for this purpose that campers bring with them stamps, envelopes, paper, pens/pencils, postcards, etc.
Parents should feel free to e-mail their sons during the month of camp at the following address: campers@campbinyantorah.com. Please write the camper’s name in the subject line. E-mails will be printed out and delivered to campers each morning.
Campers will not have access to e-mail while they are in camp. However, they will be able to call home via phone on occasion, as outlined in the following section.
Camp Binyan Torah feels that while in camp, it is in the campers' best interest that there be limited phone access. Excessive calls home can disrupt the cohesive camp atmosphere that we are all trying to create. Therefore, campers will only be permitted to call home using a Miller School campus phone on Friday afternoon, Erev Shabbat. For this purpose, campers are advised to bring a calling card with them to camp. In case of an emergency during the week, campers are requested to approach a counselor in order to use the camp phone.
Campers may not have cell phones while in camp. Use of cell phones greatly distracts boys from camp activities. Any cell phone found in a camper’s possession will be confiscated and returned at the end of camp.
We advise having a haircut shortly before coming to camp as haircuts will not be available in camp.
In order to create and maintain the environment necessary for a wonderful summer together, we need both camper and parent cooperation. Please review the following rules:
- Campers are expected to participate in all camp activities. During these times, campers may not remain in their dorm rooms.
- Camp Binyan Torah does not tolerate vulgar speech and disrespectful behavior at any time during the summer. Such inappropriate conduct is not befitting a ben Torah and may result in dismissal from camp without monetary refund.
- Respect must be shown for counselors and fellow campers. Proper treatment of other’s property is required.
- Campers will only be permitted to travel off campus during organized trips, when the entire camp will be traveling together in a supervised manner.
- Regarding our safety policy, campers are not to bring the following
items to camp:
- knives, hatchets, or sharp-edged tools or objects
- martial arts or other weaponry
- air guns or projectile devices
- appliances (e.g. sandwich makers)
- matches or lighters
- fireworks, flammable materials, or related items
- heaters or heating devices
- Given the unique nature of our construction activities, campers must take extra care to follow the particular safety guidelines that will be discussed before each activity. The protection of each camper is very important to us. Therefore, it is imperative that campers strictly adhere to all prescribed precautions. Of course, common sense and general awareness will be expected throughout the summer.
- Graffiti and Damage: Campers will be held responsible for any damage to property, belonging to Camp Binyan Torah, The Miller School, or otherwise. Compensation will be expected from the camper or his legal guardian for any monetary loss that may incur.
There is no visiting day in the Camp Binyan Torah Calendar. However, if a camper must be taken out of camp for a short time by his parents under extenuating circumstances, please contact the Camp Director.
Thank you for taking the time to review our services, policies, and guidelines. For any further questions or comments please contact us at the CBT office. We appreciate your cooperation as we prepare for an unforgettable summer in camp!