Shlichim Host Family
Host our Israeli Camp Shlichot This Summer!
Make a difference. Create a connection. Share your home.
Thank you for your interest in hosting our shlichot this summer. We will have two female Israeli emissaries staying in Richmond from May 15-August 7, 2026. Aside from their work with our camp programs, spending time with host families will be the most meaningful aspect of their time here. We are looking forward to a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
What You'll Provide:
- A private bedroom with separate beds and access to a bathroom
- Meals (including a dairy lunch for camp)
- Transportation to and from the Weinstein JCC or bus stop
- A place to feel at home—and hopefully a few fun family memories along the way!
FAQs
What Are the Important Dates?
- Staff Training Weeks: May 15-June 1
- Weeks 1 and 2: June 1-15
- Weeks 3 and 4: June 15-29
- Weeks 5 and 6: June 29- July 13 *No Camp Friday, July 3
- Weeks 7 and 8: July 13-27
- Weeks 9 and 10: July 27- August 7
- Host Session Dates: Two-week sessions beginning Friday, May 15
“Switch Days”: Shlichot will switch host families on Mondays. They will bring their belongings to the JCC in the AM and they will be locked in the Director’s office until they are picked up that evening at 7:30 pm and will go home with their new host family.
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 shlichah 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). 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.
Transportation and Timing Details
| Location | Drop off by | Pick up between |
|---|---|---|
| Weinstein JCC: 5403 Monument Ave | 8:00 am | 4:30 – 6:00 pm |
| Gaskins Parking Lot | 8:10 am | 4:15 – 4:30 pm |
| Camp Hilbert | 8:45 am | 3:30 – 3:45 pm |
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 to Sign Up:
- 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 Pinina Morgan [email protected] no later than May 10th.
- 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.
- Submit the Host Family form to Pinina Morgan at [email protected] by 05/10/2026. Please indicate which session you’re available to host.
Who do I contact with questions or issues that may arise?
Questions?
Reach out to Pinina Morgan
[email protected]
(804) 545-8604