“Do Not Raise a Hand Against the Boy” (Bereishit 22:12)
Related: URGENT PROTEST!!!
Before this years camp session begone, the web-site jewishcommunitywatch.com added a camp section. The sites webmasters reached out to camps asking them what policies they put in place to prevent abuse in camp.
Some camps complied, other haven’t. What struck me must out of all responses was the camp Chayolei Hamelech response. Most camps that responded, did so with two three lines, but camp Chayolei Hamelech responded with nine lines.
Camp Chayolei Hamelech
Chayolei Hamelech has implemented a comprehensive sexual abuse policy which is read and signed by all personnel. Background checks are performed on all staff members. Each staff member is required to take a training program which includes in-person training with experienced therapists, informational videos, and online courses. All of which are monitored by the camp’s administration. Each bunk has at least two counselors assigned to it and never are staff members (aside from medical staff) allowed to be alone with a camper. In addition, campers are encouraged to notify the administration if they encounter any situation that makes them feel unsafe. Chayolei Hamelch’s sexual abuse policy is linked here.
Why such a long response? Why so much “prevention”*?
Becuase, so much sexual abuse has and still is taking place at this camp.
Who are the staff this year in camp Chayolei Hamelech?
Reviewing photos from camp Chayolei Hamelech you will notice that must of the staff are Israeli Bochrim (from 770). It would be interesting to know what “background checks” they did on their staff. It would also be interesting to know how these Israeli Bochrim did with “the training programs, informational videos, and on-line courses”?
Personally, as a father who has a son in day-camp, I ask my son almost every-single day if someone touched him in forbidden places, I then go over with him all the rules.
Imagine having your kids miles away with total and complete strangers 24/7.
Posted by machnemenachem 
Machane Menachem 