Prepare for Camp

“Shwayder gave me so much confidence to be who I am, and it really helped me find my passions. Camp truly changed my life.”
— Dani, Alumni

Packing for Camp

We receive many questions regarding packing for camp and we get it…there are so many things to remember. So here are a few tips to ease your packing pain (don’t forget to consult the Packing List, too!).

  • Please make sure to label EVERY item with your camper's first and last names. You can accomplish this with a sharpie, or there are many places online to order custom labels.

  • Make sure you pack with your child. This is really important so your camper knows where to find their favorite things.

  • Remember to include one fitted bed sheet per week even if your child plans on sleeping in a sleeping bag. It is a requirement of Colorado Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations for all camps.

  • Proper outdoor clothes are essential. The weather in the mountains is variable and the temperature changes often. We recommend campers wear layers that wick away moisture.

  • Include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes so you get letters sent home!

  • Certain activities call for some special clothing, please consider:

    • On Shabbat we dress up and wear white.

    • While riding horses, campers are required to wear long pants and closed toe shoes with a heel, such as a hiking boot or cowboy boot.

    • On the ropes course and climbing wall, it’s best for campers to wear long shorts or pants to accommodate the harness.

    • For campers attending all sessions except 1B, we also go swimming at the Idaho Springs Recreation Center! Please make sure to pack a bathing suit, a towel for the pool, and googles if your camper uses them!

  • Shwayder has a screen free policy and no electronics are permitted.

An emerald green hiking pack with mustard-yellow straps rests agains a drab rock with water and evergreens in the background.

Still have questions? We also host online packing FAQ sessions closer to the summer.

Laundry Service

Laundry is provided for all Shwayder Camp campers and staff except for campers attending Session 1B.

  • Our laundry company gives each individual the option to choose scented or unscented laundry detergent.

  • Each camper’s laundry is washed individually.

  • Please make sure to send your camper with a labeled laundry bag to use when their camp-provided laundry bag is offsite.

  • Laundry is done once a week, typically on Mondays.

  • No one is forced to send their clothing out to be washed. There is no additional charge for laundry this season!

Getting To and From Camp

There are two options for getting to and from camp:

  1. Drop-off and Pick-up at Temple Emanuel: Campers will be bussed to Shwayder on Opening Day and back to Temple at the end of the session.

  2. Denver International Airport: We will pick your child up at the Denver International Airport at a predetermined time on Opening Day and take them back on Closing Day. Before booking flights, please contact us.

Transportation details are finalized as part of the registration process.

All drop-off and pick-up information for the coming year is provided directly to enrolled families before the summer.

 

While at Camp

  • During check-in, our medical staff will collect your child’s medication. It will be administered to each camper personally by our medical staff at the appropriate time of day.

  • Yes you may! We receive and send incoming and outgoing mail every day of the week. In addition, CampMinder offers a CampStamp service that allows you to send emails to your child that we then print and deliver. Campers are not allowed access to the phone or computers.

  • We understand that seeing photos of your child during their time at camp is important, and we want to share the Shwayder experience through our photographs taken daily. You can view photos through CampMinder. We do our best to upload photos every day, but we are sometimes limited by bandwidth in the mountains. Please be patient with us, as we know this is a priority for you.

  • If your camper is ill or injured, the Camp Nurse will assess the situation. Families will get a phone call if your child leaves camp for a medical reason or if they are staying overnight in the Health Center. Other health-related communication will be done via email or phone.

  • We want every camper to have a positive experience. Our staff will help with the adjustment process and talk with each camper individually when necessary. Each child reacts differently to being away from home, but we are prepared to help campers enjoy their summer. If there are tips or tricks specific to your camper, please reach out to let us know!

  • To ensure that camp is as successful of an experience as possible for each camper, we do not currently allow campers to have visitors during the summer season.