Camp FAQs
Overnight Camp FAQs
What ages can attend BB Camp overnight camp?
BB Camp starts as early as rising 1st graders (just finished kindergarten) and offers age-based programs through middle and high school, with sessions designed for each stage. 1st graders are offered at taste of camp at our shabbaton weekend. Grade 2 and up can apply for regular sessions.
What makes BB Camp different from other summer camps?
BB Camp combines a classic overnight camp experience with Jewish values, strong community, and a stunning Oregon Coast setting.
Is BB Camp only for Jewish families?
BB Camp is rooted in Jewish values and welcomes campers of all backgrounds who are excited to be part of a supportive, inclusive community.
What is a typical day like at BB Camp?
Campers rotate through activities like waterfront, arts, sports, and outdoor adventure, plus evening programs, cabin time, and community events.
What support is available if my child has social, emotional, or learning needs?
BB Camp has a dedicated Community Care team that partners with families before and during camp to support each child’s social, emotional, and overall camp experience.
Dates & Rates
How long are BB Camp sessions and when do they run?
BB Camp offers sessions ranging from a short weekend stay to a full 7-week summer, with most sessions taking place between late June and mid-August.
How much does BB Camp cost?
Tuition varies by session length, with BB Camp positioned as one of the more affordable Jewish overnight camps in the U.S and offer a variety of grants and financial aid options.
Do I have to pay in full upfront?
BB Camp offers payment plans to spread tuition over time after registration.
Activities
What activities are offered at BB Camp?
Campers choose from a wide range of activities including waterfront, creative arts, athletics, outdoor adventure, and team-based programs.
Can campers choose their own activities?
Campers can choose their skill builders and individuals but not chugs (cabin activities.)
Location & Facilities
Where is BB Camp located?
BB Camp is located on Devil’s Lake near Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast, giving campers a unique experience with daily lake activities and access to nearby beaches.
Will my child get to go to the beach during camp?
Yes, campers who stay for longer sessions have opportunities to take supervised trips to the Oregon Coast, in addition to daily activities on Devil’s Lake.
What are the cabins and facilities like?
Camp features updated cabins, shared living spaces, dining facilities, and access to waterfront and outdoor recreation areas.
Grants & Finanical Aid
Do I have to demonstrate financial need to receive a grant?
No. Many of BB Camp’s grants are available to all eligible Jewish campers regardless of financial need. Need-based financial assistance is also available separately for families who qualify.
Can my camper receive more than one grant?
Only one grant is available per session. However, you may be able to combine a grant with need-based financial assistance.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete your online camp registration through CampMinder and submit your deposit. Once enrollment is confirmed, the Financial Aid application will appear in your CampInTouch account. Here is a tutorial to help you through the steps.
Is my deposit refundable if we can’t afford camp?
Yes! If your camper is unable to attend due to financial reasons, your deposit is refundable. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to the Camp Office within 14 days of receiving your financial aid notification.
Are grants available for first-time campers?
Yes! Several grants specifically target first-time campers, including the Maccabee Dor L’Dor Grant and the One Happy Camper Grant.
Who do I contact with questions about financial aid?
Reach out to Sylvia Smith at ssmith@bbcamp.org — she’s happy to help
How do families typically pay for BB Camp?
Families use a mix of payment plans, grants, and financial aid, with 46% of campers receiving some form of support in 2025. BB Camp is 13% less expensive than the average weekly tuition at Jewish overnight camps nationwide and 19% less than camps across the West.
I’m not sure we’d qualify—should we still apply for financial aid?
Yes, many families are surprised to learn they qualify, and BB Camp encourages anyone with questions about cost to apply.
Is financial aid common at BB Camp?
Yes, nearly half of all families receive financial aid or grants, and the process is confidential and designed to be supportive and judgment-free.
Parent Manual / Logistics
What should my child pack for overnight camp?
BB Camp provides a detailed packing list in the Parent Manual covering clothing, bedding, and required items.
How does communication work during camp?
Parents receive updates from camp and can send messages or letters while campers stay focused on their experience.
What happens if my child gets sick, injured, or has a tough time at camp?
BB Camp has trained staff and on-site health support to handle illness, injuries, and emotional needs, and we communicate with parents and partner with you if any issues arise.
Can BB Camp support campers who take medication or have allergies?
Yes, BB Camp’s health team manages medications and supports allergies, including serious needs like EpiPens or inhalers, following clear safety protocols.
Day Camp FAQs
What ages can attend BB Camp Day Camp?
BB Camp Day Camp serves rising kindergartners through 8th grade, with traditional Day Camp for younger campers and a separate Dugma Leadership Program for middle schoolers.
Is BB Camp Day Camp a good fit if my child is new to camp?
Yes, Day Camp is a great entry point, helping kids build confidence, friendships, and independence before trying overnight camp. In addition we offer a Shabbaton – a weekend at camp geared towards day campers.
Is BB Camp Day Camp only for Jewish families?
BB Camp is rooted in Jewish values and welcomes families of all backgrounds who are excited to be part of a warm, inclusive community.
How much of the Day Camp experience is focused on Jewish programming?
Jewish values and traditions are woven into the experience in an accessible, fun way, alongside a full schedule of classic summer camp activities.
Grants & Finanical Aid
What is the Day Camp Scholarship Grant?
Co-sponsored by BB Camp and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, this grant is available to campers enrolled for two or more weeks. Apply through CampMinder after completing registration. Questions? Contact ssmith@bbcamp.org.
Are there other financial resources available beyond BB Camp grants?
Yes. Additional resources include the Jewish Free Loan of Greater Portland, Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle Scholarships, and Oregon Jewish Community Foundation Scholarships. Your local synagogue or Jewish Federation may offer additional opportunities as well.
Dates, Scheduling & Coverage
What weeks does BB Camp Day Camp run?
Day Camp runs in weekly sessions throughout the summer, typically starting after the school year ends and continuing through most of the summer.
What if I need care at the very beginning or end of summer?
Like most camps, Day Camp may not fully cover the gap right when school ends or just before school starts, so families often combine multiple programs to cover those weeks.
Do most campers attend all summer or just a few weeks?
Families choose what works best for their schedule—many attend multiple weeks, while others sign up for just one or two or combine it with overnight camp.
Can I sign up week-by-week?
Yes, Day Camp is designed to be flexible, and families can register for individual weeks based on their needs.
Can Day Camp coordinate with Overnight Camp schedules?
Many families use Day Camp before or after Overnight Camp sessions, and the camp team can help guide scheduling options.
Daily Schedule, Hours & Food
What are the daily hours for BB Camp Day Camp?
Portland and Vancouver Day Camps run from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM, with extended care available from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. BB Day Camp at BB Camp near Lincoln City runs from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, with extended care from 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Is extended care available?
Yes, extended care options are typically available to help working families cover a full day.
Do campers need to bring lunch?
Campers in Portland and Vancouver typically bring their own lunch and snacks. Campers in Lincoln City (BB Camp grounds) are provided with brekfast, lunch and snacks.
Activities & Experience
What do kids actually do all day at Day Camp?
Campers rotate through activities like arts and crafts, sports, outdoor exploration, jewish enrichment, water activities, and group games. Each week also brings a weekly themed specialty days, and field trips and special guests depending on your campers unit.
How much time do campers spend outdoors and being active?
A large portion of the day is spent outside, with active play, movement, and hands-on activities built into the daily schedule.
Do campers go on field trips?
Yes, In Portland and Vancouver each week typically includes a field trip, often to places like local lakes or fun destinations such as OMSI. In Lincoln City, Day Campers join our campers at the beach and other local attractions.
Are there different themes each week?
In Portland and Vancouver each week as a different theme based on one of our core Jewish values: Kehila (Community), Simcha (Joy), Shalom (Peace), Dor L’Dor (From generation to generation), Chaverut (Friendship), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and Ometz Lev (Courage). Each week also has at least one special dress-up day!
Logistics & Flexibility
Can my child attend Day Camp right before or after Overnight Camp?
Yes, many families use Day Camp to bridge into or out of Overnight Camp sessions, and the team can help coordinate timing.
Do you offer transportation to Day Camp?
We offer transportation for our Day Camp in SW Portland at an affordable cost.
What happens if my child has a tough day or needs extra support?
Staff are trained to support campers socially and emotionally and will communicate with families if additional support is needed.
Can Day Camp support kids with different needs or personalities?
Yes, BB Camp focuses on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all kids can participate and feel successful.
Rent Camp
What is the camp rental season? (*can replace question above)
You can book events in fall, winter, spring, or summer. However, during the peak summer season of mid-June to August, BB360 sleepaway camp is in session. As a result, event availability is very limited or restricted to small windows during the summer between camp sessions.
What kind of events can we rent BB Camp for?
Anything! Family gatherings, weddings, B’nai Mitzvah, coroprate getaways, non-profit workshops, team building, youth camps, parties – contact us and we can help you figure out if BB Camp is right for your event.
Are the cabins gender specific or are they co-ed?
For private events, cabins are flexible and assigned by your group. You can typically choose: co-ed cabins, gender-separated cabins, family-based, or couple-based cabins.
What is the general cost to rent the camp for an event?
Prices vary based on the specifics of your event. For guidance here are a few example costs that include lodging, meals and facilities: Full camp buyout (weekend): $15,000 – $40,000+. Per-person overnight events: $100 – $300 per person. Day-use / smaller events: $2,000 – $10,000+
Is the camp staffed for an event by local team or do we need to bring in our own staff to hold an event?
Yes, BB Camp provides on-site staff support—you typically do not need to bring a full team yourself, but you may still bring certain vendors or supplemental staff depending on your event.
Work at BB Camp
What is the primary goal for staff at BB Camp?
Our team works to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where staff act as mentors and role models for every camper.
What are the basic requirements to work at BB Camp?
You must have a strong desire to work with children, show good character and integrity, and possess the stamina to succeed in an immersive camp setting.
If I can’t commit for the entire summer or have a prior engagment (vacation, family event) at some point during the summer, can I still apply?
Yes, please apply and talk to a our staff, we might have a position that can work for your time constraints.
Is staff training provided?
Yes, all staff are required to attend in-camp training sessions and regular meetings to ensure everyone is prepared for the summer. We will work with those who have prior commitments such as school.
How do I apply for a position?
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the Apply Now button found on the Work for BB Camp page.
Volunteer
Do I need prior experience to volunteer?
No, BB360 welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and will help match you with opportunities based on your interests and skills.
Do you need volunteers in the summer at camp?
Yes, we are always seeking medical professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and social workers—to support our health center, as well as educators who can lead workshops on topics like Judaism and philanthropy. We also welcome photographers and videographers to help capture the camp experience. If you’re interested, please contact our Camp Director to share your ideas and availability.
Can I volunteer for just a single event?
Yes, many opportunities are flexible and allow you to participate on a one-time or occasional basis.
What kinds of volunteer roles are available?
Opportunities include event support, fundraising, community outreach, marketing, and specialized roles like systems, operations, or program support.
Can I use my professional skills to help BB360?
Yes, BB360 actively seeks volunteers with expertise in areas like marketing, technology, fundraising, and operations.
Do I have to be a parent or alum to volunteer?
No, BB360 welcomes parents, alumni, and community members who want to support its mission.
Programs
B’nai Mitzvah
My family isn’t currently a member of a synagogue. Is this program still a good fit for us?
It definitely is! We specifically designed this program to be a welcoming and accessible pathway for families who aren’t affiliated with a synagogue or are simply looking for a more personalized, non-traditional approach. You don’t even need to have attended BB Camp before to join our cohort.
We already have a B’nai Mitzvah date set through our own congregation, but my child needs some extra one-on-one help. Can you help with just the tutoring?
We sure can. We offer a tutor-only track specifically for students who just need that extra layer of support. Whether it’s mastering Hebrew decoding, chanting Torah and Haftarah, or writing a meaningful D’var Torah, our mentors can provide individualized guidance that fits right alongside your existing plans.
What exactly does a typical year in the cohort look like for my child?
It’s a mix of learning and real community building. In the first year, students focus on Jewish values and Hebrew basics in a group setting. By the second year, they transition into leadership prep with one-on-one tutoring, a fun weekend retreat at camp, and even opportunities to lead services for residents at Cedar Sinai Park. It’s about much more than just a ceremony; it’s about finding their place in the Jewish world.
My child has a very busy schedule with sports and school. How flexible is the timing and location of the classes?
We know how hectic life gets, so we try to be as flexible as possible. We offer a variety of formats, including online learning, to make sure the program fits into your family’s routine. While some community events and service projects happen at specific locations like BB Camp or local centers, much of the foundational learning can be adapted to your needs.
We’re an interfaith family and want to make sure everyone feels included in this process. How do you handle different backgrounds?
Inclusion is at the very heart of what we do at BB Camp. We welcome all families, including interfaith and multi-faith households, and we work closely with you to create a celebration that respects and reflects your unique family identity. Our goal is to make sure every student feels a deep sense of belonging as they step into Jewish adulthood.
BBYO
Does my teen have to join right away, or can they try a few meetings first?
We welcome a teen testing out our program. Please reach out to your local coordinator for details by calling BB360
School Break Camps
Which school breaks do you normally offer?
We normally offer week long sessions during Winter and Spring school breaks
What are the typical hours of programming?
Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
Staff In Training
Is the SIT program at BB360 only for returning campers, or can new teens apply?
Yes, any rising 11th grader can apply, even without prior connection to camp
Do teens receive community service hours or leadership experience through the SIT program?
Each SIT will recieve up to 30 hours of community service.
Summer Leadership Programs
What’s the difference between Teen Village, LIT, and SIT at BB360?
Teen Village offers older campers more choice and independence within a traditional camp experience. LIT (Leader in Training) focuses on leadership development and teamwork. SIT (Staff in Training) prepares teens for future staff roles through hands-on experience working with younger campers and building professional skills.
Events
I’ve never been to BB Camp before. Can I still come to one of your community events?
Absolutely! You don’t need to be a former camper or a “regular” to join the fun. Our community events like our annual gala BB Bash, Golf Tournament, Spaghetti Dinner, Community Seder, or Adult Camps, are open and a fun time for everyone.
Are these events just for kids, or is there stuff for adults too?
We believe you’re never too old for camp! While we have plenty of youth and family programming, we host several adult-only events throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway at REJEWVenation, a competitive day on the greens at our Golf Tournament or a chance to let loose at our “Last Day of Camp” young adult weekend, there is always a seat at the table for you.
We’re thinking about overnight camp for our child, but they’re a bit nervous. Is there an event where we can ‘test the waters’?
We hear this all the time! We highly recommend Family Camp Weekend or our Friends and Family Day. These events allow your child to explore the grounds, try out the activities (like canoeing or arts & crafts), and meet the staff with you right by their side. It’s a great way to build confidence before the big summer drop-off. Or sign up for our Shabbaton, which is a weakened designed for new campers to get a taste of camp.
Do I have to be Jewish to attend BB Camp events?
Not at all. While our events are rooted in Jewish values and culture, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive community. We warmly welcome families and individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and affiliations to join us for any of our events.
I’d love to see the facilities before I sign up for camp. Is that possible?
We’d love to show you around! Many of our events, like the Spaghetti Dinner, Community Seder, and Friends and Family Day, include scheduled camp tours. If you can’t make it to one of those, keep an eye out for our Pizza in the Park gatherings where you can chat with our team, or feel free to reach out to us to see when the best time would be to visit!
I’m a woman without children—is there a place for me to get involved and meet people in the local Jewish community?
Definitely! You don’t need to have a child at camp to be a part of the BB360 family. Many of our volunteers and event-goers are adults who simply value community, networking, and giving back. Our REJEWVenation women’s retreat is a perfect example—it’s a space for women of all ages and life stages to recharge and connect. Plus, we are always looking for passionate people to join our committees or help out at our annual Gala and Golf Tournament. We’d love to have your energy and perspective!
Make a Donation
What impact does my donation have?
Your gift helps fund financial aid, program expansion, and community initiatives that reach families across the Pacific Northwest.
Why do families and alumni choose to give back?
Many donors give because of the lasting impact camp had on their lives and their desire to make that experience possible for others.
Are there different ways to give?
Yes, you can make a one-time gift, set up recurring donations, sponsor events, join our legacy society, buy a paver at camp, give in-kind donations for events.
How do I know my donation is making a difference?
BB360 shares updates and impact stories that show how donations directly support campers and the community.
Can I donate in honor or memory of someone?
Yes, BB360 offers options to give in honor or memory of individuals. An acknowledgement card will be sent to recognize this tribute.
Supported By
The B’nai Brith Mens Camp Association, a 501(c)(3) Oregon non-profit, supports BB360.