Camp Urban Adamah 2012
CAMP URBAN ADAMAH’S MISSION
To increase awareness of the miracles that abound in life; To foster a greater sense of connection to others, to the food we eat, to Jewish tradition and to the natural world; To cultivate a sense of responsibility to the world around us and to all those who dwell in it.
WHAT HAPPENS AT CAMP URBAN ADAMAH?
Our week-long, full-day camps give campers a taste of organic farm life, from planting, weeding and harvesting to learning about the role of earthworms, the delicate relationship between natural and urban ecosystems and how to prepare delicious, healthy food. Campers also learn about Judaism’s deep connections to the natural world, and how our tradition’s core values inform and motivate action in today’s world.
At Camp Urban Adamah, we play and work together. We get our hands dirty in the field and enjoy the fruits of our labors—fresh, delicious organic produce! Through group-building exercises, games, art and hands-on science activities, we learn about the natural world (yes, in the city!), and explore the interconnectedness of all things, community and teamwork.
A Sample Day at Camp
9:00 am Welcome Games
9:15 am Opening Circle & Orientation
9:45 am Activity 1 – All about Chickens
10:30 am Snack
10:45 am Activity 2 – Farm Scavenger Hunt
11:30 am Sprinkler and Games
11:45 pm Lunch
12:15 pm Story time
12:30 pm Music
12:45 pm Activity 3 – Harvesting or Farm Puppet Theater
2:00 pm Free Play
2:30 pm Snack
2:45 pm Closing Circle
3:00 pm Departure
Our activities are inspired by the cutting-edge work of two Jewish environmental organizations, the Teva Learning Center and the Kayam Farm. The Teva Learning Center is the oldest Jewish environmental education program in the country. It currently runs experiential education programs for over 1,200 children annually in New York and New England. The Kayam Farm is a Jewish organic farm and education center near Baltimore, Maryland, that runs Jewish agricultural programs for thousands of local community members.
Casey Yurow, Urban Adamah’s Camp Director, has served in leadership positions at both organizations. Adam Berman, founder and Executive Director of Urban Adamah, served as the Director of the Teva Learning Center from 1996–1999.
JEWISH TRADITION AT URBAN ADAMAH
At Urban Adamah, Jewish tradition comes alive though activities that integrate Jewish values and ritual with hands-on farm exploration, environmental education and community building. The Jewish tradition’s core values of ahava (love), chessed (compassion) and tzedek (justice) guide the development of all of our programs and activities.
Jewish tradition is also rich with connections to the natural world and a call to social action. At Urban Adamah we put into practice ancient laws like Bal Taschit (wise resource use), Shmita (letting the land rest), Pe’ah (leaving the corners of the field for the poor), and Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim (preventing cruelty to animals) in the context of the environmental and social realities of the 21st century.
We also examine timeless practices like Shabbat and kashrut, which invite renewed connection in an era when the energy we use and the food we eat have consequences for people around the globe.
Brachot (blessings) and hitbodedut (reflection) are also essential components of Camp Urban Adamah programs. They allow us to pause, to notice the fleeting and the overlooked, and instill in us a sense of awe and gratitude.
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SUMMER 2012
After an amazing first summer in 2011, we are excited to offer 4 different week-long new and unique summer Farm Camp programs for children this year.
We will also be offering a spring break camp week (April 2-6) and an early-summer camp week (June 18-22) in partnership with Edah. To register for these two weeks, please contact Edah at edah (at) edahcommunity.org
Each week of summer camp includes a wide range of exciting farm activities including gardening, animal care (chickens and birds), music, stories, games, farm-to-table food preparation, science, and arts & crafts. In additon, each week of camp will have a special theme and unique projects. Campers are encouraged to register for multiple weeks.
For all programs campers will be divided into age-appropriate groups on their first day of camp. Space is limited to 32 campers in each program, and we expect camp to fill no later than May 1. Please register early to ensure a place for you!
All programs take place at Urban Adamah’s organic farm and outdoor education center in Berkeley, CA.
| Dates and Details | Age and Cost |
| April 2- 6 Edah Spring Camp | |
| For Information contact edah@edahcommunity.org or Michelle Tirella Green 510.318.6438 | For Rising K - 5th Graders Urban Adamah is not managing registration for this camp |
| June 18 - 22 Edah Early Summer Camp | |
| For Information contact edah@edahcommunity.org or Michelle Tirella Green 510.318.6438 *PLEASE NOTE: Early Care is available on the farm at 8am and After Care will go until 5pm. For this week only. | For Rising K - 5th Graders Urban Adamah is not managing registration for this camp |
| July 16 - 20 Earth Builders! | |
| • Constructing a top-secret cob play-fort out of mud! • Exploring the wonderful world of worm compost • Creating an ant farm • Making pottery | Ages 5-9 (Campers should be 5 by June 2012) $375/week. Sibling discount of $25 for 2nd or 3rd child. |
| July 23 - 27 Creepy Crawler Detectives! | |
| • Bug hunts • Predators and prey • Insect friends and foes in the garden • Animal habitats, terrarium making, and more | Ages 5-9 (Campers should be 5 by June 2012) $375/week. Sibling discount of $25 for 2nd or 3rd child. |
| July 30 - August 3 ADAMAH SPROUTS! | |
| • A special one-week summer camp program for preschool kids | Ages 3 to 4.9 Special hours are 9:30am – noon $250/child |
| • Hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz (making bread from scratch!) • Ice cream and chocolate making • Wild fermentation: making cheese & pickles • Salads, smoothies, and more | Ages 5-12 (Campers should be 5 by June 2012) $375/week. Sibling discount of $25 for 2nd or 3rd child. |
AN INTERFAITH CAMP WEEK at URBAN ADAMAH |
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| Experience how love, kindness and justice are present in so many religious traditions • Creating an earth-friendly, multi-faith, edible, vibrant village! • Weaving, basket-making, and natural tie-dye • Making a gratitude mural of food blessings from different religious traditions • Building our own solar ovens to bake cookies with sunlight & making pizza in our wood-fired earthen oven | Ages 5-12 (Campers should be 5 by June 2012) $375/week. Sibling discount of $25 for 2nd or 3rd child. |
Learn more about registering, or register now.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
“Camp Urban Adamah was the highlight of my daughter’s summer. We have experimented with many different camps over the past years and Urban Adamah has been the best. My daughter, who is usually shy in new groups, felt at home right away. The counselors were patient and loving, the curriculum was exciting and child-centered. The farm itself was amazing. I can’t wait to sign up again this year.”
– Melita, Mom of Camper Leila
“Urban Adamah was a perfect combination of Jewish tradition, hands-on farm work and play, and community building. Casey and his staff are amazing. My son can’t wait to go back. Thank you!”
– Anna Fogelman, Mom of Camper Eli
“Urban Adamah was better than great for so many reasons, especially because the snack was super duper good every day–it was so cool to be able to help pick the vegetables and make the pizza!”
– Camper Eli, 6 years old
“Camp was a terrific experience for my daughter. She came home each day excited, dirty and full of stories about her day of adventure on the farm. To think that this is also an experience that connected her to positive and relevant aspects of Jewish tradition. Amazing! Thank you Camp Urban Adamah. We’ll be coming back for years!”
– Yael Galinson, Mom of Camper Gaby
“It was really fun! My favorite part was planting. And I also liked that you do a lot of nice stuff like write in a journal about a special plant that you really like. And they have really nice counselors.”
– Camper Gaby, 6 years old
“From summer camps co-sponsored with area synagogues to religious school programs that teach earth-based Judaism; from festivals that celebrate the harvest to partnerships with community organizations working for food justice: Urban Adamah is making an incredible impact on our East Bay Jewish community. Adam, his staff, and the UA fellows are spreading Torah through our community and teaching us about the wonders of a long over-looked sacred Jewish place…the farm.”
– Rabbi Jim Brandt, CEO Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How much does Camp Urban Adamah cost?
Each full week camp program costs $375 per child. There is a sibling discount of $25. There is also an Early Bird discount of $35 for anyone who registers before March 1, 2012.
- What is the refund policy?
To learn about our refund policy, visit our refund policy page.
- How do I get my child to and from camp?
Campers must be dropped off and picked up at the farm. We encourage carpooling! One of the Camp Urban Adamah staff will sign campers in and out each day.
- Are there options for early drop-off or late stay?
At this time, we are not offering early drop-off or late stay options. Camp hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pm.
- Who exactly runs the camp?
Casey Yurow is the Urban Adamah Camp Director. Casey has served in leadership positions at the Teva Learning Center, the Kayam Farm and Eden Village Camp. The amazing staff at Camp Urban Adamah are all experienced Jewish environmental educators. The Camp Urban Adamah staff is assisted by the Urban Adamah Fellows. The Fellows are young adults in their twenties who are participating in a three-month residential leadership training program that integrates organic farming, direct social justice work, and community service. As part of their training, they receive intensive instruction on how to assist programs at Camp Urban Adamah.
- What is the level of Jewish observance at camp?
Camp Urban Adamah is welcoming and accommodating for a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds (including folks who aren’t Jewish). All ingredients for snacks prepared and served at Camp are certified kosher. Jewish content at Camp is thoughtfully incorporated and no prior Jewish background or knowledge is assumed or required. Please feel free to be in touch with any further questions.
I’d like to speak to a parent of a camper from last summer? Can you put me in touch with one?
Absolutely, contact Adam at adam@urbanadamah.org for a parent contact.
- How do I register?
All registration is through Urban Adamah’s on-line Camp registration form. Register Here
- How does the Waitlist work?
If a camp week is full, then you can add yourself to the waitlist. To do this you must register properly using the website. If spots become available we will contact you via phone or email. At that point, you will need to pay immediately or your spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist. It is recommended that you send a check when you add yourself to the waitlist. If you remain on the waitlist, we will destroy your check. If you are added to a camp session, we will use your check. Questions: contact sarah@urbanadamah.org
- Are food/snacks provided for the campers?
Yes. We provide healthy kosher organic snacks. Campers should bring their own lunch. Campers should also bring their own water bottles, which they can refill on site.
- Is there a bathroom at the farm?
Yes. There is a clean bathroom on site and running water in our outdoor kitchen.
- What should campers bring with them each day?
A small backpack containing: • A bagged lunch • Water bottle • Journal (with blank paper) and pen • Sun hat • Sunscreen • Close-toed shoes (on their feet!)
