Shemesh Information for Parents
Financial Assistance
RSY-Netzer strongly believes that everyone who wants to particpate in our events should be able to do so. We make every effort to offer some financial assitance to families who apply for it on the Shemesh Enrolment Form.
Staffing
RSY-Netzer is a youth movement run by young people for young people. Shemesh camps (including Garinim) are run for 4-15 year olds and staffed by 17-23 year old volunteers. Most of our madrichim (leaders) were participants on Shemesh and, after being involved in RSY-Netzer for a number of years, are excited to have the opportunity to create the wonderful camps they loved so much as chanichim (participants).
A lot of time and effort is put into training and supporting our volunteer madrichim. They are all fully DBS checked and graduates of our intensive year-long leadership programme. Our madrichim spend much of June and July preparing themselves and the incredible programmes for Shemesh, working tirelessly to provide an exciting and stimulating experience for our chanichim.
In addition, each camp has an experienced Welfare Officer and Medic, and all are
supported by the RSY-Netzer full time Movement Workers and the Youth Department staff.
Communication
In the run up to Shemesh we provide parents with all the details about camp by
email and further details are available on our website. In June there will be a Parents’ Information Evening in London that will also be available online. In early July, we will send an information email detailing travel arrangements, kit list, contact details plus additional information that may be required. Before camp, you will be given an emergency number, which will be available 24/7. During camp, we aim to add photos to facebook so that you can keep up to date. This is dependent on an adequate wifi signal on camp.
Welfare Supervision
At RSY-Netzer, we pride ourselves on our professional approach towards the health and safety of our participants. We employ a mental health and wellbeing team manager who is based at the Sternberg Centre all year round. In addition, we have an experienced Welfare Officer on each camp who is on call 24/7. These Welfare Officers are people with professional experience as teachers or working
with young people, and generally have a youth movement background themselves. Our aim is to always create a warm and safe atmosphere for our participants and we are the only youth movement to offer this level of professional support. To complement this, our madrichim (leaders) are trained in handling welfare issues as part of their leadership training course. RSY-Netzer operates an inclusive approach towards accommodating all young people where possible. We are able to support young people with a range of medical, physical, social and emotional needs. For your child’s benefit, it is essential that even sensitive information is recorded to us on the Enrolment Form. We take both confidentiality and compliance with national standards for child welfare very
seriously. After your form has been returned, if anything changes, or any new welfare and medical needs arise, it is your responsibility to advise us as soon as possible. This will enable us to best provide for your child.
Buddy System
RSY-Netzer welcomes new participants. We have set up a buddy system to help our participants to make new friends before Shemesh starts and to make their first experience on camp all the more enjoyable. If your child would like to be put in contact with someone from your area before camp please let us know by contacting Alyson on 020 8349 5666. We will endeavour to find someone in your area, however, we cannot guarantee this.
Mobile Phones
RSY-Netzer understands that mobile phones are commonplace and we recognise your need to be in contact with your child/ren. We also believe that part of what makes the camp experience so special is the opportunity for young people to bond with their peers away from home. In order to maintain this balance between contact with parents and ensuring we create a special camp atmosphere, RSY-Netzer has the following policy regarding mobile phones:
Participants will hand in mobile phones at the start of camp. They will then be given back their mobile phone at agreed days and times to phone home. If for some reason parents are not available to speak at the pre-allocated times, in special circumstances, alternative arrangements can be made.
If you need to contact your child urgently there is a dedicated emergency phone for you operating 24/7 during Shemesh.