CAMP LIFE
Ages 7-15
BUNKS
EMEK - עמק / Junior Side
Shoresh (grade1-2), Geza (grade 3-4), Anaf (grade 5-6)
Shoresh, Geza and Anaf are perfect for new and returning campers alike. In these units, campers experience everything Massad has to offer!
Shoresh (grade1-2), Geza (grade 3-4), Anaf (grade 5-6)
Shoresh, Geza and Anaf are perfect for new and returning campers alike. In these units, campers experience everything Massad has to offer! Campers’ days are filled with sports, arts & crafts, swimming, boating, music and more. In addition to a wide variety of daily activities, campers also enjoy an overnight camping adventure and thrilling evening activities. Skill-building activities as well as interactive and creative Jewish programming are key elements of the experience. Bar and Bat Mitzvah tutoring is available during this session, at no extra charge, upon request.
GALIL - גליל / Senior Side
Tzameret (grade 7-9)
The Tzameret program brings the Camp experience to a whole new level!
Tzameret (grade 7-9)
The Tzameret program brings the Camp experience to a whole new level! With more input into how they spend their time, Tzameret campers have the opportunity to make their Camp experience truly unique and exciting. The interactive, creative program allows them to ask questions and explore their own identity, while building their commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (justice). All Tzameret campers enjoy an overnight campout.
Ages 16-17
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Hadracha - הדרכה
This two year, value-based, experiential curriculum is designed to ensure that all graduates are trained to be confident, dedicated, and thoughtful leaders both within the Camp Massad community, and within their respective communities at home.
MACHON
מכון
Junior CITs (grade 10)
The Machon program is rooted in concrete and abstract experiences that allow participants to explore values related to leadership through hands-on activities and workshops.
Junior CITs (grade 10)
The Machon program is rooted in concrete and abstract experiences that allow participants to explore values related to leadership through hands-on activities and workshops. Each week is identified by a theme, and participants will move through both regular daily camp activities and special activities and workshops designed specifically for them all while learning about and experiencing values such as: respect, tolerance, gratitude, pride, and confidence.
MALAM
מלם
Senior CITs (grade 11)
In their Malam year, participants will have the opportunity to put their knowledge and experiences surrounding values into action through time spent on placement and through their summer-long Malam project, in which they work together as a team to identify and execute a project that gives back to the Camp Massad community.
Senior CITs (grade 11)
In their Malam year, participants will have the opportunity to put their knowledge and experiences surrounding values into action through time spent on placement and through their summer-long Malam project, in which they work together as a team to identify and execute a project that gives back to the Camp Massad community. Each week, they will review the values that they explored during their Machon year, and put them into action while participating in day-to-day camp life as both campers and counselors in training.
START SMALL
Starter Camp
Exclusively offered to campers in grades 1-6, our 2-week starter sessions allows first-time campers to seemlessly experience the magic of Massad and will surely leave them wanting more!
Activites
Waterfront
אגם
Swim instruction, free swim, boating, water-skiing
Sports
ספורט
Baseball, basketball, football, tennis, soccer, volleyball
Creative Arts
אמנות כללי
Arts & crafts, dance, music, drama, Camp play
Teva/ Nature
טבע
Outdoor cooking, hiking, overnights, canoe trips
DAILY SCHEDULE
תכנית היום
Jewish values and practices are woven into our everyday programming with deliberation and purpose. Jewish and secular programming is merged in order to foster campers’ personal growth by immersing them in everyday Jewish learning opportunities with campers of every age group. This model encourages friendships among all campers and, thereby, broadens their access to diversity, varying perspectives.
As campers attend various activities throughout the day, Jewish values such as a sense of Kehilah (commmunity), Derech Eretz (common decency) and Achrayut (responsibility) are woven into our camp culture.
At Massad, campers will choose their activities for the day. Follow your interests, hone your skills and/or try something new!
08:30 Tefillah,Mifkad Boker, Aruchat Boker, Pegishat Eidah
11:00 Peulah Alef
12:00 Peulah Bet
13:00 Aruchat Tzohorayim, Menucha
14:30 Pegishat Eidah
15:00 Peulah Gimel
16:00 Shekem
16:15 Peulah Daled
17:15 Peulah Hay
18:15 Mifkad Erev, Aruchat Erev
20:00 Peulat Erev
21:15 Emek curfew
22:15 Galil curfew
Special Programs
Overnight camping trips
טיולי קמפינג
Our tripping program offers campers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to experience an outdoor camping experience in the beautiful setting of the Laurentian mountains.
Our tripping program offers campers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to experience an outdoor camping experience in the beautiful setting of the Laurentian mountains. Our youngest campers will explore the outdoors on an overnight hiking trip at Lake Maxime, one of three lakes on our property reserved solely for this purpose. Our older campers will take the adventure to the next level and embark on a 1-3 night canoe trip. Pitching tents, outdoor cooking, navigation and wilderness skills - the opportunities for exploration are endless!
Grey Cup
גראי קפ
Grey Cup is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Every camper and staff member looks forward to the exciting breakout, followed by two days of football madness!
Grey Cup is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Every camper and staff member looks forward to the exciting breakout, followed by two days of football madness! Each age group is divided into two teams; the RED Hebrew U Dragons and the BLUE Bar Ilan Bombers, and spend two days in tryouts, practices and skill competitions - all leading up to the big game! Grey Cup is an opportunity for campers and staff alike to learn about sportsmanship and to bond with teammates. After campers’ respective games are over, they are encouraged to stay on the sidelines and tap into the famous Massad ruach by cheering on the other campers. To top off these adrenaline-full days, our staff have an opportunity to play in the “staff game” at the end of the competition for some extra points.
Maccabia
מכביה
The grand finale! The colour war of all colour wars! This three-day competition divides the camp into two teams who compete with astounding passion for the glory of the win that goes down in the history books!
The grand finale! The colour war of all colour wars! This three-day competition divides the camp into two teams who compete with astounding passion for the glory of the win that goes down in the history books! The competitions include such things as sports tournaments, waterfront games, a silent meal, the creation of a team flag and plaque, and our famous Meyrutz HaGadol - with extra points awarded to those participating in Hebrew! In fact score-keeping places an equal amount of emphasis on skill, Ivrit (Hebrew), Yachas (sportsmanship), Manhigut (leadership), Yetziratiyut (creativity) and Seder (organization), all of which are at the core of our Jewish values. The competition ends with Zimriah where teams are asked to compose and perform original Hebrew camp songs that are sung at camp for years to come. Emotions are high and ruach is rampant as campers and staff engage in memory-making experiences of a lifetime!
Ma'apilim
מעפילים
One of our most exhilarating Jewish, Zionist programs of the summer is Ma’apilim where our campers and staff get the opportunity to take a glimpse into the past. Taking place in the middle of the night, Ma'apilim reinacts the journey to Palestine from Europe in the 1940s
One of our most exhilarating Jewish, Zionist programs of the summer is Ma’apilim where our campers and staff get the opportunity to take a glimpse into the past. Taking place in the middle of the night, Ma'apilim reinacts the journey to Palestine from Europe in the 1940s by dividing our junior campers and staff into families of Jewish illegal immigrants who are faced with designing their own unique paths to the holy land without getting caught by the British (our senior campers) who were in control of Palestine at the time. After sneaking through the forest with their fake passports and trying not to get caught by the British roaming around the camp, this unforgettable program culminates with a celebration for all the Jewish families who have finally arrived in the land of milk and honey just in time to enjoy some hot chocolate by the bon-fire and a sleep-in the next morning!
Jewish life
חוואי ישראלי
Hebrew
עברית
A vital aspect of our organization’s mission since its inception has been the transmission and continuance of the Hebrew language.
A vital aspect of our organization’s mission since its inception has been the transmission and continuance of the Hebrew language. Today, Camp Massad remains the only Hebrew speaking camp in the Laurentians. The use of Hebrew as a daily language is an integral aspect of the camp’s character yet proficiency in Hebrew is not a pre-requisite. All camp-wide announcements are made in Hebrew, mifkad is led in Hebrew, key terms at all peulot (activities) are in Hebrew , the campers are required to order shekem (tuck) in Hebrew, shira is entirely in Hebrew with a focus on both traditional Jewish songs and modern Israeli music, and the list goes on and on. This undertaking, along with our strong Zionist emphasis, is further enhanced by the intentional mix of North American and Israeli campers and staff.
Tefilah
תפלה
As a traditional Jewish camp, our days begin in camp-wide morning prayer with a full Shacharit.
As a traditional Jewish camp, our days begin in camp-wide morning prayer with a full Shacharit. Twice a week our younger campers participate in modified morning services in which they explore different prayers in order to deepen their understanding. On Rosh Chodesh we hold two minyanim, one for each gender, thus, allowing young women to lead prayers and read from the Torah. Every afternoon we offer optional Mincha and Maariv services for campers and staff. Our Torah is kept in our hand-made Aron Hakodesh which is decorated with original artwork made by our campers and staff.
Shabbat
שבת
Shabbat is perhaps the most memorable experience that a Massadnik carries with them for life.
Shabbat is perhaps the most memorable experience that a Massadnik carries with them for life. It is a spiritual and relaxing time at camp. We intentionally make Shabbat feel different than any other day and give each eda an opportunity to lead it. The campers and staff collaborate on creating a rikkud (dance) to present to the entire camp during mifkad (flagpole), to decorate the chadar ochel (dining hall), to teach the others a new niggun (tune) and to deliver a d’var torah. Shabbat begins with Friday evening mifkad (flagpole), where everyone comes to flagpole dressed in their Friday best, ready to welcome in Shabbat. A lively Kabbalat Shabbat and a delicious Friday night meal follows where our spirits are uplifted by z'mirot, dancing and Shabbat-o-Grams (personalized messages written by members of our camp kehillah to others). The real excitement begins after dinner when our Oneg Shabbat overtakes the chadar. This Massad tradition, present since our opening in 1947, engages all campers and staff in hours of cheering, singing and dancing the night away to a series of Massad’s greatest hits. During Saturday morning tefilot, which are mandatory for all, our staff and campers share the responsibility of reading the weekly parashah, with stories and skits being performed around the weekly theme. Shabbat afternoon activities include a wide range of Jewish programs run on a weekly rotation by our staff, Malamniks (CITs) and guest educators who come to camp as our Shabbat guests. Whether the programs are sichot (age-appropriate philosophical discussions) geared to broadening one’s own Jewish perspective, board games, etc., they are all related to the underlying values found within the weekly parasha and are focused on helping both campers and staff connect to their Jewish identities. In the late afternoon, the whole camp reunites for shira (singing) in the kikar where we sing both traditional and modern Hebrew music led by the eda campers. Shabbat culminates with Havdallah, one of the most beautiful and memorable moments at Camp Massad, when we usher in a new week by candlelight under the stars.
Tisha B'av
תשעה באב
Tisha B’Av at Camp Massad is an unforgettable experience. We invite our alumni to join us for a special evening including dinner, a presentation, and Eicha service.
Tisha B’Av at Camp Massad is an unforgettable experience. We invite our alumni to join us for a special evening including dinner, a presentation, and Eicha service. The Tisha B’Av programming at camp is led by our Malamniks (CITs) and begins with a tableau presentation is a series of skits performed by our campers re-enacting tragic moments of Jewish history in a candle-lit setting which allows campers, staff and alumni to feel the somberness and heaviness of the day. The whole camp then meets on the Agam for an emotionally driven ceremony, followed by Eicha and Kinnot by candlelight on the floor of the Ulam. During the day of Tisha B’av, our programming focuses on Sinat Chinam (baseless hatred). Tisha B’Av at Camp Massad is the leading Jewish program that is prominently relayed by our alumni as the most powerful and spiritually impactful memory of their time at camp.
Israeli Life
יום ישראל
At Massad, we don't just teach our campers about Israel - we afford them endless opportunities to experience Israel with all of their senses. Camp Massad instills in all campers a respect and love for Eretz Yisrael and its diverse peoples, cultures and history. Campers are educated about Israel through ongoing use of the Hebrew language (עברית), song, dance, and unique programs and activities.
At Massad, we don't just teach our campers about Israel - we afford them endless opportunities to experience Israel with all of their senses. Camp Massad instills in all campers a respect and love for Eretz Yisrael and its diverse peoples, cultures and history. Campers are educated about Israel through ongoing use of the Hebrew language (עברית), song, dance, and unique programs and activities. In order to increase our camper and staff knowledge and connection of Israel we focus on the following five areas based on our partnership with the iCenter:
1. Environment - Our physical environment is a constant reminder of Israel. Various locations at camp are named after places in Israel such as Emek, Galil, Kinneret, Ein Gedi, Yam HaMelach. In addition, we create our own cereal box covers with fun facts about Israel. In our Misrad (office), you will find a place dedicated to Israeli riddles and Israeli news.
2. Culture - We integrate Israeli culture on a daily basis by playing modern Israeli music, having Milat Hayom (Hebrew slang word of the day), adding Israeli flavours to our Teva (nature) program with pita/shakshuka making and other Israeli cooking. In Omanut (art) campers learn about Israeli artists such as Hanoch Piven and Anna Ticho and create artistic pieces using the artist’s method. We have activities in which campers learn and play Israeli childhood games. Campers are also given opportunities during Shabbat afternoon to play Shesh-b'esh (backgammon) and Taki (Israeli Uno).
3. Programming – Our summer is filled with programming that touches on Israel, all culminating in Israel day (Yom Israel) – a full day of camp-wide programs that celebrate the marvels that Israeli society and culture have to offer. In addition to the informal experiential programming mentioned above, we also create Shabbat and evening programs for older campers centrered around thought-provoking discussion. We do not shy away from talking about ‘the conflict’, politics and issues in Israeli society such as LGBTQ+ rights, racism and equality. These age-appropriate discussions allow campers to reflect upon their own beliefs and understanding in an open and non-judgmental space.
4. Israelis - One entry point to Israel is making a connection with Israelis. At camp we currently have 3 programs that help infuse the number of Israelis at camp: Leadership2gether, IVOW and Shinshinim. Our philosophy is to integrate the members of these programs into our bunks as regular staff and campers, thus allowing lots of opportunities for all campers and staff to have ample opportunities to spend time together, learn and embrace each other’s commonalities and differences and build genuine friendships.
5. Hebrew - We incorporate Hebrew by having all our Ramkol (PA system) announcements, our camp cheers, shira and terms used during daily activities in Hebrew. During Shekem (tuck) campers and staff must only speak Hebrew. During mealtimes we encourage Shulchan Ivrit (Hebrew table).
General Information
Camper Care and Wellness
The health and safety of our campers and staff remain our highest priority. All camp health professionals are fully informed about health issues prior to camp and they communicate with campers’ families during the summer should there be a need.
The health and safety of our campers and staff remain our highest priority. All camp health professionals are fully informed about health issues prior to camp and they communicate with campers’ families during the summer should there be a need.
Our camp staff are trained to watch for any potential mental health issues, from homesickness to social dynamics and to signal them to the appropriate member of our medical / leadership team. Campers and staff alike can utilize these resources who will be there to listen and help them think through challenges.
Our Marpeah (Health Centre) handles any physical ailments arising throughout the summer. There is a licensed physician available 24/7 as well as a Nurse Practitioner. Whenever needed, we take campers out of camp for x-rays or other procedures. The nearest hospital is located 15 minutes off campus.
Your camper enrollment application will prompt you to complete medical forms for your child and indicate how to arrange for your child’s medical needs to be handled at camp.
Food
Through our in-house run kitchen, we aim to ensure that our food is delicious, healthy, and kid-friendly, with lots of choice. In addition to the hot meal served, our campers will also always have the option of a breakfast / salad bar available to them.
Through our in-house run kitchen, we aim to ensure that our food is delicious, healthy, and kid-friendly, with lots of choice. In addition to the hot meal served, our campers will also always have the option of a breakfast / salad bar available to them.
Our Kosher, nut-free kitchen is certified under Vaad Ha'Ir Montreal and is supervised by a mashgiach.
We can accommodate most allergies and many special diets with advance notice. Please contact the camp office if your child’s diet requires extra care.
