FAQs

What will I learn from the Seminar in May? What am I expected to do?

At the May Seminar, you’ll learn how to enhance the Jewish experience for your campers by attending innovative Jewish programs and exchanging ideas with Fellows from other Jewish camps. Then, you will be expected to design and implement programs for campers and staff over the summer. For more details, speak with your Supervisor or your camp’s Lead.

What Are Cornerstone's COVID-19 Protocols?

The Cornerstone team is committed to your health and safety. All attendees of Cornerstone 2024 will be required to be vaccinated. You can see our protocols here. Download and read the Cornerstone COVID Protocol (PDF).

When does registration close?

Registration for all participants closes on Thursday April 18, 2024, at 11:59pm PST. Remember, sessions fill-up beforehand and are open on a first-come first-served basis.

See our Cornerstone Fellowship Information Guide for details about late registration penalties.

I'm having trouble registering for sessions - help!

The form works best when accessed from a desktop. If you’re having trouble with the session selection buttons not responding, try accessing the form from a desktop (not a laptop nor mobile device).

Don’t see the session you wanted to take listed? Once a session is full to capacity, you will no longer see it listed as an option. Please make sure to be prepared with your second-choices.

Once I have registered and selected sessions, can I switch?

Unfortunately, we do not allow Fellows to change sessions. Please be sure to review all your session choices with your Supervisor BEFORE registering!

What should I pack?

For details, see our Packing List. Capital Camps and Retreat Center will provide all bedding and linens, as well as towels, mini shampoo & mini bar soap. However, it does get very cold at night in the cabins (which do not have heat). You may wish to bring an extra warm blanket, a sleeping bag and/or sweatshirt to sleep in (we will not have extra blankets)!

Note: There is an optional Overnight Experience that Fellows may choose to opt into during the Registration process. An additional packing list will be provided at the time of sign-up.

What emergency number I can give my guardians?

During the seminar, Cornerstone’s office number at Capital Camps will be: 717-794-1449

Prior to the seminar, you may contact the Cornerstone Associate Program Manager, Henry Weltman, at 646-278-4529 during typical weekday business hours (9am-5pm eastern time) or email Cornerstone@jewishcamp.org.

Is there internet and cell phone reception?

There is wireless connection in the main program spaces, and some other areas of camp. There is some cell phone service (Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T tend to get better reception). Fellows are welcome to use these services during free time, but should refrain from doing so during programming.

Are there vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options?

Yes, and we ask that you indicate your dietary restrictions and food allergies fully and completely in your online registration form. Capital Camps is a kosher and nut-free campus!

What will living space be like and who will I be sharing with?

Fellows will be in gender-specific cabins (based on gender self-identification*) with Fellows from their camp when possible, along with Fellows from 3-4 other camps. Fellow accommodations include top and bottom wooden bunk beds.

Senior Fellows will be in shared-housing with other Senior Fellows.

For those who choose to opt-in below, whether identifying within or outside a gender binary, there will be an All-Gender Housing option available.

Supervisors and Leads may be housed in shared accommodations.

Guests, please connect with your FJC contact to confirm your agreed-upon accommodations.

Bedding, linens, and towels will be provided by Capital Camps & Retreat Center (Fellows may wish to bring an extra blanket for cold night).

If you have any concerns about our housing policy, please let us know.

The Cornerstone Fellowship Program is inclusive and open to participants of all genders. Housing assignments are based on gender self-identification. All Fellows will be in gender-specified cabins with Fellows from both their camps and other camps.

Are there private showers?

Yes, each cabin has private showers.

How do I travel to and from the seminar?

FJC arranges travel for all participants. If you are a Fellow or Supervisor coming from within 60-miles of NYC, DC/Rockville, Baltimore, or Philadelphia, you should request a seat on one of our charter buses in your registration form. For flights we partner with a third-party agency, FCM Travel Solutions. All participants fly into BWI or IAD airport, so please indicate your preferred departure and arrival airports in your registration form. Shuttle buses are then provided from BWI or IAD to Capital Camps and back to BWI or IAD after the seminar.

Do I have to arrange my travel through FCM Travel Solutions?

Yes. This process ensures that FJC is able to cover all costs and provide support from a travel agent in any emergency situations.

Can I be picked up or dropped off?

Fellows may not drive themselves to and from the Seminar, but you may get a ride with your Supervisor, or be dropped off at camp by family/friends. However, you will need to inform FJC that you will be arriving by car (including the name of who will pick you up and drop you off). All driving arrangements must be confirmed in writing to cornerstone@jewishcamp.org.

Do I have to take flights both ways?

No. You may book a one-way ticket if needed. However, if you book a round trip flight and forego the first leg of that trip, the second half will be automatically cancelled by the airlines.

Additionally, you may book a two-leg flight that is not necessarily round-trip. For instance, if you are traveling from school to the Cornerstone seminar and then home, this can be arranged by FCM Travel Solutions. Similarly, if you are traveling from home to the Cornerstone seminar and then straight to camp, this too can be arranged by FCM Travel Solutions. If you plan to extend or alter your trip in anyway, FCM Travel Solutions will ask for your credit card information up front on the phone and you will be responsible for that expense. Please be prepared to pay for any additional costs associated with changing or altering your flight as soon as you confirm your itinerary.

Can I arrive late or leave early?

No. The Cornerstone Seminar is crafted so that each piece intentionally builds upon the next, we cannot allow for participants to miss any portions of the program. This helps ensure you are set up for success and have the opportunity to maximize your camp cohort’s experiences.

How far is Capital Camps from BWI or IAD Ariports?

It’s approximately an hour-and-a-half drive. FJC will provide bus service between the airport and the Seminar for those who are flying.

How do I get to/from the Cornerstone seminar from New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, or Baltimore areas?

There will be buses from NYC, Philadelphia, and the Metro Washington, DC area. If you are traveling from the Baltimore area, you will meet at BWI airport and take the FJC shuttle to Capital Camps with those arriving by plane. FJC will provide you with information closer to the start of the Cornerstone Seminar if you note on your registration that you will be coming from or going to one of these locations.

Is there any cost to the Fellows?

Generally there is no cost to participants. However, if you plan to alter your travel arrangements after booking, FCM Travel Solutions will ask for your credit card information upfront on the phone. Please be prepared to pay for any additional costs associated with changing or altering your flight as soon as you confirm your itinerary.

FJC will also not cover any travel booked after April 18, 2024 (online registration close date). See our Cornerstone Fellowship Information Guide for more information.

What happens if I don’t register for travel on time, make changes late, or cancel?

If participants fail to register for transportation by the registration close date (April 18), or if any changes are made after the registration close date – and therefore the travel cost increases or change fees are applied – the participant is responsible for the difference in cost.

Participants are responsible for reimbursing the full cost of travel if cancellation occurs after travel arrangements are confirmed or registration deadline passes, including processing fees. If in any situation FJC is unable to recuperate costs from the participant in these situations, the participant’s camp will ultimately be held responsible. See our Travel Policy for more information about late registration penalties.

 

If you do not see answers to your questions here, please reach out to Henry at cornerstone@jewishcamp.org.