2026 Session Change

Dear Camp Kinneret Families,

As the leaves change and we begin planning for another summer, we’ve been reflecting on how campers grow each season, and how we can best support families in shaping those experiences. Each year brings new opportunities to learn, listen, and improve. This fall, we’re excited to share some updates to our summer session structure that we believe will make camp even more accessible and flexible for families while maintaining the focus on each child’s development.

Over the past few years, we’ve heard from many families who love the depth of our camp experience but have found it harder to fit our longer sessions into their summer plans. At the same time, we’ve watched as more programs have shifted toward shorter schedules. After a lot of reflection, we realized we can change our enrollment in a way that will give our families more flexibility, while still providing the consistency and connection that make Camp Kinneret special.

Starting this summer, we’ll be moving from two longer sessions to four shorter sessions, each lasting two weeks. All sessions will run Monday through Friday, giving campers a minimum of ten days of connection, play, and growth. We’ll also be offering a special add-on program during the final week of the summer for campers who attend ANY of our other sessions. That last week will have a slightly different feel, a chance to wrap up the summer with some unique experiences.

The data shows us that campers benefit most from at least ten days to truly settle in, feel safe, and build confidence — and these new two-week sessions will provide that foundation. This change keeps the heart of our program intact while giving families more ways to fit camp into their busy summers.

While our session structure is shifting, what makes Camp Kinneret special will stay exactly the same. Your child will still be greeted by name each morning, guided by caring college-aged counselors, and supported by a leadership team who knows them well. Our focus on building friendships, developing social-emotional skills, and creating a true sense of belonging remains at the heart of everything we do.

Families will continue to have the option to register for multiple sessions, allowing campers to build on their experiences and strengthen friendships throughout the summer. This year, we’ll be introducing a multi-session discount (in addition to our sibling discount) to make that choice a little easier. And yes, our beloved sleepouts are still part of the plan! We’ll be holding one during the second session and another during the fourth session, but campers attending any of our sessions will be able to attend a Sleepout, giving ALL OF OUR campers the chance to experience those special campfire nights under the stars (see the FAQ below for more details).

We are so grateful to have a community of families who continue to grow and learn alongside us. We know that change can take a little getting used to, but we are confident this new format will make it easier for families to join us while keeping the same quality of connection and growth that you have come to expect. Whether your camper joins us for one session or more, they’ll still experience the same warmth, energy, and community that have defined a Camp Kinneret summer since 1954.

We’ve posted an FAQ (below) that answers many common questions and offers more details about this change. And of course, you’re always welcome to call me directly if you’d like to talk about how these updates might impact your family. I’m happy to help you think through options or just chat about what next summer could look like for your camper.

Registration will open in January, and we can’t wait to start another wonderful season together.

Kinneretly,
Ryan
Owner/Director

2026 Session Dates

Session One: June 15 -June 26
Session Two: June 29 – July 10
Session Three: July 13 – July 24
Session Four: July 27 – August 7
Weird, Wild & Wacky Week (Add-On): August 10 – August 14*

*The add-on week is available only to campers who attend at least one of the four regular sessions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Session Details

Why is Camp Kinneret changing from two long sessions to four shorter sessions?

This change allows us to better serve families while staying true to our mission. Four two-week sessions give more campers the chance to experience Kinneret, provide families with greater flexibility, and still offer time for friendships and growth to blossom. Each session is a complete, meaningful Kinneret experience — full of connection, play, and discovery.

What are the dates for each of the new sessions?

Session One: June 15 – June 26
Session Two: June 29 – July 10
Session Three: July 13 – July 24
Session Four: July 27 – August 7
Weird, Wild & Wacky Week (Add-On): August 10 – August 14*

*The add-on week is available only to campers who attend at least one of the four regular sessions.

Can my camper attend more than one session?

Absolutely! Many campers will choose two, three, or even all four sessions. Each session includes familiar traditions along with new adventures, fun activities and special days, so campers who stay longer enjoy fresh experiences while deepening friendships.

What is Weird Wild and Wacky Week? Why is it an Add-On?

Our Weird, Wild & Wacky Week (August 10–14) is a special add-on week offered only to campers who attend at least one of the four regular sessions. During this week, camp will be a little different, allowing us to change up the activities, with each day being unique while still keeping true to the Camp Kinneret experience.

Is there still an option to attend part-time (Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs)?

Beginning Summer 2026, all campers will attend Monday through Friday for our two week sessions. This consistency helps campers form stronger group connections and allows counselors to create more cohesive experiences.

Does my camper need to be enrolled in consecutive sessions?

No. Campers can take time off between sessions for family trips or other plans — and return ready for more Kinneret fun during a later session.

Can I switch sessions after registering?

If space is available, we’ll gladly help adjust your camper’s schedule. Just reach out to our office.

Will there still be a waiting list if a session fills?

Yes. If a session is full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you if a space opens.

Are there still going to be sleepouts?

Yes! We will continue to offer two Sleepouts each summer.

Sleepout One: Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11. (For campers attending Session One or Session Two)
Sleepout Two*: Friday, August 7 – Saturday, August 8 (For campers attending Session Three or Session Four)

*If space allows, campers attending Session One or Session Two may attend Sleepout Two, but priority will be given to those campers in Sessions Three and Four.

What if we’re out of town for part of a session — can we still enroll?

We encourage full attendance for each session so campers can experience our complete program. By having four sessions, families can choose a session without conflicts, allowing their camper(s) to enjoy the full experience without interruptions.

Discounts or refunds for partial sessions will not be available.

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Tuition, Discounts, and Payment Details

How will tuition work under the new structure?

Tuition is charged per two-week session. Multi-session and sibling discounts will apply. Payment plans are available.

Are there multi-session or sibling discounts available?

Yes! We are now offering a multi-session discount for campers that enroll in more than one 2 week session. Families with more than one camper will continue to receive a sibling discount. Details will be included in our enrollment packet.

Is there a deposit required for each session?

Yes. A deposit is required with your application for each session.

What happens if we need to cancel or change our session?

We understand plans can shift. Our updated cancellation and refund policy will be shared in our enrollment packet.

Will financial assistance still be available?

Yes. Our Campership Fund continues to help make the Kinneret experience accessible to families who need support.

We are also introducing our Ambassador program this year. For details about the Ambassador program, please visit here.

When will registration open?

Registration for the upcoming summer will open January 5th for returning Camp Kinneret families. Families who are new to Camp Kinneret will be able to apply starting January 19th. Families will receive our enrollment packet towards the end of December.

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Program and Experience

How will this change affect the daily experience for campers?

The heart of Kinneret hasn’t changed — campers will still enjoy a full schedule of swimming, gaga, arts & crafts, nature, performing arts, and more. The two-week format strengthens group connection, fosters friendships, and helps each camper feel part of our community from day one. The structure also allows for some new activity opportunities that we are excited to introduce this summer.

My child is young and I think 5 days/week might be too much for them.

We get it! A full day camp program can be a lot for some children while perfect for others. This summer, we will modify our programming for our Sparrow campers to allow for a little more flexibility to meet the needs of each camper. There will be options for campers that need a slower afternoon as well as options for those campers that have the energy for a full day program!

Will campers still have time to build meaningful friendships in a shorter session?

Definitely. At Camp Kinneret, we know that it takes time, consistency, and caring counselors for friendships to grow and groups to bond. Ten days of an outdoor group community building experience gives us the time we need to create the kind of meaningful connections and group belonging that are at the heart of the Kinneret experience.

Will the camp program or activities change from previous summers?

Nope! You’ll still find all your favorite Kinneret traditions, plus special days unique to each session. Plus, we will be able to build on experiences and activities throughout each session even better with all campers attending 5 days/week.

Will my camper still have the same counselor or group across sessions?

Campers are assigned to groups by grade. Many groups will have consistent counselors throughout the summer, but some may need to change based on enrollment numbers.

Will there still be special days like Olympics or Sleepout?

Yes! Each session will feature special days unique to that session. Classics like the Independence Relay, Carnival, and Olympics will all still happen but will move around in this new session structure. Look for more specific details about what will be offered in each session before enrollment begins.

Sleepouts will still happen in the 4th and 8th week of camp and campers from all sessions will be eligible to attend one or both Sleepouts as follows:

Sleepout One: Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11. (For campers attending Session One or Session Two)
Sleepout Two*: Friday, August 7 – Saturday, August 8 (For campers attending Session Three or Session Four)

*If space allows, campers attending Session One or Session Two may attend Sleepout Two, but priority will be given to those campers in Sessions Three and Four.

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A woman holds onto the edge of a pool while a child in a pink cap climbs on her back. Other children are partially visible in the water nearby.

Transportation

Will transportation still be offered to and from camp?

Yes. Bus transportation will continue to be provided and will be included in tuition. Though most routes will operate for the entire summer, some routes may only be available during certain sessions as school schedules impact camper enrollment numbers in different sessions. Bus stops and timing information will be available before the start of enrollment.

Will bus stops or schedules change from previous summers?

We don’t expect major changes, though some routes may adjust slightly to match the new session layout. Initial schedules will be shared before enrollment begins, though final stop times and locations will be determined by enrollment and adjusted before the start of the summer.

How will the Rider Cup Spirit competition work?

Each session, campers will add new songs and cheers to show their spirit and pride for their bus. The summer will culminate with a friendly competition that will showcase all the spirit the buses have brought throughout the summer.

Will Extended Care continue to be offered?

Yes! Extended Care will continue to be offered from 8am to 9am, and from 4pm-5pm for an additional charge. However, drop off between 8:45-9:00am and pick up between 4-4:15pm are included in tuition at no additional charge.

What makes your bus experience so special (even if we live close to camp)?

We offer bus transportation because we believe the ride itself is a huge part of the camp experience. It’s more than just a means to get to and from camp as it offers meaningful developmental benefits for your camper.

Here’s what the bus ride helps foster:

Independence & self-reliance. Research shows that camp helps children become more self-reliant and gives them opportunities to make small decisions on their own.
Social connection and belonging. The bus is a micro-community. While each camper’s group is their community at camp, the bus provides an opportunity to meet peers outside of their age group, connect with other counselors, and feel part of something bigger even before arriving at camp. These interactions help them build friendships faster before they arrive at camp.
A smooth transition into the camp mindset. While you could bring your camper yourself, the bus ride allows them to fully “arrive” in camp mode—shifting from home to camp in a way that supports their focus, belonging, and readiness to participate.
Practicing life skills. In camp research, children benefit when routines are consistent and they have opportunities to practice “life” skills (being on time, engaging with peers, managing transitions). The bus is one of those daily transitions that supports growth.
A full, immersive experience.The Kinneret experience starts when campers step on the bus and doesn’t end until they arrive home. We see the bus as an extension of our camp community — one more place where friendships form, laughter grows, and confidence takes root.

In short: yes, the bus experience is worth it. Taking the bus gives your camper an extra layer of support and growth that aligns with the overall camp experience we cultivate at Kinneret.

Have More Questions?

Please call our office! We are always happy to talk about what these changes mean for your camper.