Blue Star Camps

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Blue Star Camps

Founded in 1948, Blue Star Camps has been owned and operated by the Popkin family for three generations. The camp blends traditional summer camp activities with contemporary Jewish American values to give each camper a mix of community and culture.

Blue Star Camps features one of the most impressive Jewish camping experiences in the United States. With more than 500 acres of private facilities, campers are treated to almost any activity they can imagine – from field sports to hiking to waterfront activities. With spectacular facilities, staff, and culture, Blue Star campers are encouraged to explore their roots and spread their wings.

Program Description

Blue Star Camps is comprised of six smaller camps divided by age. Each camp provides an intimate small-camp feeling within the larger Blue Star community. While campers socialize primarily in their age group, all six camps join together for BBQs, carnivals, and concerts. Campers are given two elective activities each day in addition to swim and athletics. As campers get older, more adventurous activity choices are added.

Jewish cultural activities and services are prevalent throughout each camper’s experience at Blue Star. Blue Star’s “Living Judaism” program integrates Jewish values, culture, and traditions into powerful programs that teach and uplift. Weekly Friday night and Saturday morning services are held at the camp’s chapel and are led by campers who share poems, prayers, and songs. Havdalah services mark the end of Shabbat and the beginning of another week at camp.

Staff Overview

Blue Star Camps’ staff brings an eclectic variety of skills and certifications to the camp experience. Campers live with counselors who focus on cabin life and the social wellbeing of each camper.

Each activity is taught by a specialist whose sole responsibility is to provide quality professional instruction in their area of expertise. These instructors are experts in their field and help campers develop their skills throughout the summer.

Blue Star Camps’ owners and directors all have impressive summer camp resumes. The Popkin family has been a part of Blue Star for three generations, and director Tom Rosenberg has been leading Blue Starr since 1990. Second-generation owner Rodger Popkin is a past National President of the American Camp Association.

Setting & Accommodations

Blue Star Camps is located in the foothills of Mount Pinnacle on a private 500 acre estate just outside of Hendersonville, North Carolina. With the Blue Ridge Mountains and DuPont State Forest adjoining the camp, the area is known for world-class rock climbing, white water boating, and mountain biking. Blue Star’s campers get to take advantage of the inspiring surroundings both on camp and during trips.

Campers live in traditional camp cabins with 6-14 other campers and 2 full time counselors. Blue Star cabins are comfortable and have electricity, bathrooms, and showers built-in.

The Blue Star foods menu is designed with kids in mind – as a result, you can expect hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and other favorites. Jewish dietary laws are strictly observed at all meals.

Safety Standards

Blue Star Camps has one of the largest medical facilities found at any camp. With 10-12 full-time nurses, a full-time nursing administer, and doctor on staff, children are always cared for. The nursing facility has 25 beds and is air conditioned. In case of emergency, a hospital is less than 10 minutes from camp.

Every staff member is EpiPen and first aid certified. Lifeguards are all WSI trained and certified. The camp also employs ten certified Wilderness First Responders.

Staff members who drive vans to off-site activities are required to take a van certification course offered through the camp’s insurance agency.

Blue Star Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.

Blue Star Camps Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Four Week Session	6/13/10-7/9/10	6-16	$4,900
Four Week Session	7/11/10-8/6/10	6-16	$4,900
Six Week Session	6/13/10-7/25/10	6-16	$6,800
Eight Week Session	6/13/10-8/6/10	6-16	$8,000