Retreat 2025 FAQs

Will it be fun?

Yes! Ooodles of fun. Imagine the most fun you have had since the pandemic lockdown and double it! The retreat is a wonderful opportunity to form deeper connections with your fellow congregants in a fun-filled relaxed camp atmosphere.

What about the sleeping arrangements?

With very limited exceptions, the accommodations are camp bunkhouses and tent camping for those who have a tent and prefer a tent to cabins. There are seven bunkhouses and each is divided into two bunks with a shared central area and shared bathroom between the two bunks. Two of the buildings have double-size "extended" bunks. Depending on how you count, there are 14-16 bunks.
 
The final sleeping arrangements will depend on how many people attend. Right now, we envision providing a bunk to two or three families that wish to bunk together. Those without a preference will be placed into bunks by the bunking subcommittee. One interesting possibility is for four-six families to take a two-bunk bunkhouse and put the adults in one bunk and the kids in the other bunk in the same bunkhouse. We have also heard a request for an adult women's bunk, and we will be accommodating that. Families or individuals who choose tent camping will have access to an inside, plumbed bathroom and all meals. There is a special field set aside for camping onsite.

There are several hotels and motels within a 5-10 minute drive from the camp for those who want to be close by, but need more privacy than a camp can provide.

When does the retreat start and end?

The retreat is a full weekend retreat that starts Friday early evening (or possibly late afternoon) and ends after Sunday brunch and closing ceremony. (Specific times to follow)
For those (we hope only a few!) who cannot come for the entire weekend, there is a Saturday only option which will begin with Shabbat services and end with Saturday evening campfire.

What does the schedule look like?

The schedule will generally look like past weekend retreats. The retreat begins on Friday with arrival schmoozing and Friday evening dinner followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and then various evening activities for kids and adults. On Saturday, the Shabbat program begins after breakfast with various options for services. Then following lunch there will be a lot of options, from study, schmoozing, sports and games, swimming and boating, and a supervised climbing wall. Then dinner, Havdalah, and the famous CDT campfire with smores and singing. On Sunday, a few more activities, brunch, and closing ceremony.

How far away is the camp?

The retreat is being held at Camp Avoda, 23 Gibbs Rd, Middleborough, MA, which is off 495 toward the Cape. Without traffic, it takes approximately 45 minutes to get there from CDT. With rush hour traffic, it is best to budget one hour and 20 minutes (which is Google Maps estimate for Friday, June 6).

How can I help?

We were hoping you would ask that! For the retreat to be a success, we will need lots of people to volunteer to help out in some capacity, from greeting people, running your favorite activity, supporting someone else's activity, to helping clean up on Sunday. You can tell us what you are interested in on the registration form and we will be reaching out as we get closer to the date.

Will the site and the activities be wheelchair-accessible?

The terrain is uneven and the camp is large, so depending on what type of wheelchair you have, it may be unsuited to the grounds. More information about the accessibility of activities will be made available once the activities and their locations are confirmed. If you have any specific questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact the retreat coordinator at retreat2025@dorsheitzedek.org. 

Can I bring my pet?

Unfortunately no pets are allowed. If you have a service animal, please contact the retreat coordinators to discuss accommodations.

What should I bring?

A complete list of what we recommend to bring to the retreat will be available in the coming weeks.

My family has special food restrictions, do I have to pay for food at the retreat?

You are welcome to bring your own food (no alcohol) to replace or complement what is provided.

What if it rains?

Camp Avodah has a number of inside spaces, and we will move activities inside. Unless there is a tornado, nor'easter or other cataclysmic weather event predicted, it's on!

What are the COVID protocols?

As a congregation, we will be cautious in order to enable as many congregants as possible to participate. Happily, many of our members are fully vaccinated. We may have attendees who are not eligible for vaccination as well as other immunocompromised/high risk attendees who still depend on the community to take precautions to protect them. Our hope is that the weather is excellent, and a majority of the activities will be outside. This, in addition to our protocols, will provide a layer of protection to all participants. Our policies will be detailed below as they are confirmed.