Shlichim Host Family

What are the important dates?

• • Sunday, May 25: Shlichot arrives in Richmond
  • Tuesday, May 27 – 30: Camp Staff Training at the Weinstein JCC
  • Thursday, May 29: Meet the Schlichot Happy Hour
    • 5-6 pm at the Weinstein JCC
  • Sunday, June 1: Open House at Camp Hilbert
  • Monday, June 2: First Day of Specialty Camps and Camp Hilbert
  • Monday, June 30 – July 4: No Camp Hilbert this week.
  • Thursday, August 15: Shlichot Farewell Happy Hour
    • • 5-6:30 pm at the Weinstein JCC
• Host Session Dates: Two-week sessions beginning Sunday, May 25
  
• “Switch Days”: Each host session ends on a Sunday. We will have a host family communication WhatsApp group to support each other throughout the summer.

What are the responsibilities of a host family?

• • Accommodations: The host family will host both of our Shlichot for the full two weeks of the session. Each shaliach must have a separate bed in a private room with a door and access to a bathroom/shower. The bathroom/shower space may be shared with the rest of the family if needed.
  • Meals: Host families are responsible for providing all meals (including daily dairy lunch for camp). Families will receive a Kroger gift card to be used to purchase grocery items for the shliichot. We will notify host families if there are any specific dietary needs or allergies.
  • Family Time: It is our hope and intention that the shlichot become a part of your family in the two weeks they are with you. Feel free to plan family outings, day trips and special dinners with the shlichot included. This may be their first time visiting the United States and/or Richmond, VA and a great opportunity to show them around!
  • Transportation: The host family must provide transportation to and from the Weinstein JCC (or Gaskins Bus Stop if space allows) for the shlichot each camp day according to the schedule. Shared rides with other counselors and/or  JCC staff members are permitted. Uber is also an option.

What rules are the shlichim expected to follow?

• • Socializing with Friends: As the summer goes on, the shlichot usually make friends with other camp counselors. At times, the camp staff will plan to go out in the evenings after camp or on the weekends. It is best if the host family have an open and honest conversation with the shlichot about the expectations of family time. For example, the host family may want to designate certain evenings for the shlichot to spend with their family (ie: Shabbat dinner on Friday, etc). We suggest involving the shlichot in the planning of such events to make things easier and more comfortable for all.
  • House Rules: As your guests, the shlichot are expected to follow the rules of your home. They all understand and expect this to be the case. Upon their arrival, plan to discuss any expectations or rules you may have (ie: curfew, use of the family vehicle, having friends over, keeping their space neat, etc.).
  • Absences from Camp: During their stay in Richmond, the shlichot are considered to be staff members of the Weinstein JCC. They need to arrive on time for their camp training and work and not miss any days or portions of days for travel or other activities. We ask for your cooperation in helping them adhere to that expectation.
  • Hosting Multiple Sessions: We appreciate everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm for hosting the shlichot. We know it is a wonderful experience and that some host families may want to host multiple sessions. Since we want to allow as many interested families as possible to have this experience, each host family will initially be limited to one two-week session. Should additional sessions become available, we will open them up to current host families. Additionally, host families are expected to accommodate both shlichot for the full 2-week session.

How do we sign up? Any other next steps?

• • Complete the Host Family Application Form and be sure to indicate all the sessions you can host in rated order. Return the completed form to Pinnia Morgan at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, May 20.
  • Once we have a final schedule put together, we will provide you with the names and bios of the shlichot along with any dietary requirements they may have. You will have an opportunity to meet the shlichot at a happy hour meet and greet on May 29th from 5-6 pm at the Weinstein JCC.

Who do I contact with questions or issues that may arise?

• • • Pinina Morgan:
      [email protected]
      (804) 545-8604