Camp Overview
Health and Safety
Health:
Parents will be asked to fill out a medical information form as part of their registration process. In addition, parents should communicate any medical conditions or issues directly to their delegation heads. Any documented information will be kept confidential and parents are encouraged to be honest on their forms so that the delegation head is prepared to deal with any situation that may arise. It is important for the JCC Maccabi medical staff to have the most up-to-date medical information on each athlete to ensure the child receives the best care in the event of an injury or emergency
Safety:
For many years, the Jewish Agency has operated a special center that is in contact with the IDF, the Ministry of Education, and the Society for Preservation of Nature (three agencies that operate trips, hikes and tours for youth in Israel). We keep in close contact with the staff team of this center who update us regularly and efficiently. Our security guidelines are based their recommendations.
In 2001, these agencies created a 24-hour control room that immediately channels all security information updates to the proper people on an immediate basis. All JCC Maccabi Israel programs are monitored by this control room and we receive constant security updates. Our itinerary is fully programmed; all sights are approved in advance. We use private transportation, we have security at all accommodations, and all of our Israel staff are graduates of the Israel Defense Force.
We make sure that all JCC Maccabi Israel participants stay with the group at all times. We remain committed to the idea that it is possible to develop engaging, memorable programs in a safe environment in Israel. In order to do that, we have created more structured programs, we supervise free time and occasionally we shift, venues of our programs.
At JCC Maccabi Israel we are known from communicating closely with the friends and family of our participants. Any family or friends visiting participants or hosting participants need prior permission and coordination. JCC Maccabi Israel reserves the right not to grant a participant permission to leave the group. Our Jerusalem office staff coordinates and monitors these visits in consultation with the group staff.
Our New York and Israel staff are available by phone 24 hours a day while groups are in Israel.
The safety and security of our participants is a high priority for us. We want to share with you some of the measures taken by the JCC Maccabi Israel in order to ensure the well-being of our participants and staff:
1. For many years, the Jewish Agency has operated a special center that is in contact with the IDF, the Ministry of Education and the Society for Preservation of Nature (three bodies that operate trips, hikes and tours for youth in Israel). The staff team of the center updates us regularly and very efficiently. All our hikes and travel routes are approved in advance and modified daily if needed. Our security guidelines are based on the recommendation of the staff of this center.
2. All JMI participants are required to stay with the group at all times except when given permission by the staff. Any family or friends visiting or hosting participants need prior permission and coordination. JMI reserves the right not to grant a participant permission to leave the group. When permission is granted, the host family must pick up the participant in person and bring him/her back to an agreed upon meeting point at a predetermined time. Our Jerusalem office staff coordinates and monitors these visits in consultation with group staff.
3. At JCC Maccabi Israel, we are known for communicating closely with the relatives and friends of our participants. After receiving your e-mail address, updates and messages are sent out every few days. Our New York and Israel staffs are available by phone 24 hours a day.
4. Structured free time is allowed at certain times during the program. Participants are briefed where they can go and need to report back to staff at designated times. Staff members stay on duty during that time. Emergency cards are given to participants on the first day of the program with relevant phone numbers of staff and administration. Participants are strongly advised to carry this card with them at all times.
5. It has been accepted practice in Israel to have an armed chaperone during certain segments of the trip based on IDF and Education Ministry regulations. When needed, we will employ additional first aid and guard personnel.
