Camper Experience
“I just think Shwayder is the best place on earth and it really does give kids a second home away from home. I wouldn’t change the experience I had for anything.”
Shwayder Camp is nestled in a beautiful valley alongside Mt. Blue Sky at 10,200 feet. It is ten miles south from Idaho Springs, and just over an hour drive away from Denver. Shwayder is a vibrant part of the Reform Jewish community and one of only four temple-owned camps in the country. Our program rests on the foundational idea that each camper should have their own Jewish experience by incorporating Judaism throughout each day.
The mission of Shwayder Camp is to provide an environment that enables members of the camp community to create for themselves a meaningful Jewish life. By exemplifying Jewish values and traditions, we endeavor to build relationships, cultivate self-esteem, develop Jewish identity, inspire an appreciation for the wonder and beauty of the natural environment, and promote the unique capabilities of each individual.
Session Options
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One Week Session
We know sleep away camp is a big deal and we want our youngest campers to feel as comfortable as possible. That’s why we offer a one week program, Session 1B, designed to help younger campers adjust to Shwayder and experience camp life. Campers will have the chance to participate in many of our activities and celebrate Shabbat with our community.
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Two Week Sessions
We offer two options for our two week sessions. The first session, 1A, is an opportunity for younger campers entering grades 2-4 to enjoy a longer Shwayder experience. It gives these campers a sense of independence while participating in all the camp activities. Session 3 is our traditional two-week session for all ages.
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Three Week Sessions
Our longer sessions allow campers to relax, unwind, and enjoy our mountain retreat. There are more opportunities for campers to spend time with their friends and our staff has the chance to plan more in-depth programming. Three weeks is the perfect balance between being away from home and spending time with friends.
Q:
Can my child go for more than one session?
We have several campers that sign up for multiple sessions each summer. Although campers experience the same activities between sessions, each session has a distinct personality. We prioritize registration for one session per camper, and enroll campers for a second session when we have availability.
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Bunk Life
At Shwayder, we take great pride in our intimate community and facilities. Life in a cabin is no exception. Each of our ten cabins houses 15-17 campers and 3-4 staff members, ensuring that each child receives personal attention. Complete with full bathrooms, heat and electricity, these cabins lend themselves perfectly to our counselors’ goals of creating a warm, comfortable space in which to teach the values of community living.
Shwayder Camp serves campers entering 2nd - 10th grades. Often, campers are in cabins with others who are one grade above and below them. Typically, the following are the age group units at camp: Chalutzim (Pioneers) are going into 2nd grade, Alephs are going into 3rd & 4th grades, Bets are starting 5th & 6th grades, Gimels are beginning 7th & 8th grades, and Daleds are going into 9th & 10th grades.
Q:
How many people are at camp during a given session?
We take pride in the size of our community. Shwayder is small enough to know everybody! Typically, each session has 150 campers, 60 staff, and numerous staff-in-training.
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Food & Nutrition
Food is a key part of the camp experience. We eat three meals together each day as a community. We also have snack once per day in between meal times.
We can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions including, but not limited to: vegetarian, gluten free, celiac diet, dairy free, and a wide variety of specific food allergies. Please contact our office in advance of the summer to discuss your camper’s food restrictions or dietary challenges. We will be happy to work with you to develop a plan that will have your camper eating healthy, balanced meals.
Check out some commonly served foods and meals at camp:
Breakfast:
Multiple types of cereals and milk
Oatmeal with a toppings bar
Fresh fruit
Pancakes, waffles, French toast
Lunch and Dinner:
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Create-your-own sandwich bar
Pasta and meat sauce
Orange chicken and rice
Beef and broccoli
Salad bar
And many more!
“Shwayder is a warm and friendly place. I have made some of my closest friends at Shwayder and it truly is a home away from home.”
— Katie, Camper
Health and Safety
Your child’s health and safety is a priority at Shwayder. Our staff is provided training in child development, communication, diversity, and emergency procedures. All staff members participate in an intensive, week-long training program prior to the summer.
Every employee is First Aid and CPR certified.
We have a medical professional on-site at all times.
Medication, except inhalers and epipens, are dispensed to campers by certified personnel only and are not permitted in cabins.
Emergency equipment is located throughout camp.
Our speciality areas also have their own appropriate training:
Archery instructors are USAArchery certified
The American Association of Horsemanship Safety certifies our wranglers.
Our ropes instructors receive professional training.