Sleepout Information
2025 Sleepout Dates!
- Sleepout One = Friday, July 11 (for campers enrolled in Session One)
- Sleepout Two = Friday, August 8 (for campers enrolled in Session Two)
Traditionally, the Great Kinneret Sleepout is the BIG EVENT of the summer for members of our Camp Kinneret family. Campers enjoy an exciting night sleeping at camp under the stars, creating and performing skits, and sharing a traditional camp fire of songs and stories. As always, our caring staff creates a family atmosphere which allows children to feel safe, secure, and happy. Campers of all ages are invited to participate in this special overnight opportunity!
For some campers, this will be their very first time sleeping away from home or their first time sleeping outdoors. Others may have more experience with sleeping out. The Great Kinneret Sleepout has been a super successful night for lots of children over the years!
You may have some questions about the Sleepout such as: What will it be like? What should I bring? What’s for dinner? We’re glad that you asked! This special Sleepout page was designed to help answer some of the more commonly asked questions about the Sleepout. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call us!
Equipment Needed
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- To fully enjoy all that the Sleepout has to offer, it is important that campers bring the right gear. The following is a list of supplies to send along with your camper(s).
Clearly label all of the articles that your child(ren) bring to camp so that we can help campers bring their own things home.
Please pack all of the following in a duffel bag (or large, heavy duty garbage bag), clearly marked with your child’s name and his/her counselor’s name. If your child rides on a camp bus, your bus counselor will instruct you which day to bring your equipment. If you drive your child to camp, bring their Sleepout bag on Thursday or Friday of Sleepout week. We strongly suggest leaving favorite stuffed animals and/or blankets at home – we would be very sad if they were to be lost or left behind (sending a 4th or 5th favorite is best).
Sleeping Bag
All of our campers and staff sleep outside on the grass. Even during warm summer days, the nights here at camp can be quite cool. It is important to send an outdoor type sleeping bag that will provide warmth for your child.
Jacket
A very warm sweatshirt may also do the trick; it can get chilly and it’s nice to have warm clothes to wear and even to sleep in. We usually sleep in our clothes too!
Flashlight
Be sure to write your name on it!
Long Pants
All campers put on their long pants in the late afternoon before it gets dark.
PJs
If your camper would like to change into clothes for sleeping, have them pack cooler temp pjs, because if they are cold, they can always throw on their sweatshirt!
Clothes for Saturday Morning
A fresh set of regular camp day clothes are a great option for Saturday morning!
Water Bottle
Their regular camp day bottle, which they can refill with filtered water throughout the evening and morning.
Extra Towel and Bathing Suit
All campers entering 1st grade and above swim again in the late afternoon. Please note the following:
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- If your camper attends camp on Fridays: Please put the long pants, an extra towel and an extra bathing suit in their regular Friday backpack
- If you will be bringing your camper to camp Friday Afternoon: Please pack long pants, a towel and a bathing suit in a separate bag for easy access. (A plastic grocery bag clearly labeled will work!
What Will My Camper Be Doing?
Actual schedules will be different for each group; this gives you some idea of basic structure.
| 3:30-3:55 | Afternoon Snack |
| 3:55-4:35 | Set up your group's sleeping area |
| 4:35-5:15 | Grass Games |
| 5:15-6:00 | Afternoon Swim (Except entering Pre-K and Kindergarten age groups) |
| 6:00-6:40 | Eat Dinner (chicken, pasta, carrot sticks, olives, salad, corn and rolls...yummy!) |
| 6:40-7:15 | Practice group skit for the evening show |
| 7:15-8:45 | Skit Performances |
| 8:45-9:10 | Dessert (some younger children will go to sleep at this point) |
| 9:10-9:45 | Campfire |
| 10:00ish | Goodnight! |
Actual schedules will be different for each group; this gives you some idea of basic structure.
| 6:15-6:40 | Wake up and pack up (with help from your counselors) |
| 6:40-7:30 | Breakfast (scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese, Rice Krispies, orange juice and melon) |
| 7:30-8:45 | Finish packing and play quiet games |
| 8:45-9:30 | Saturday Morning Friendship Hill |
| 9:45 | Buses Depart |
| 10:00-10:15 | Campers not taking a bus get picked up |
FAQ
Who can attend the Sleepout?
Every camper who is enrolled in the session can attend the Great Kinneret Sleepout! Campers of all ages enjoy spending the night under the stars – as long as they (and you!) feel that they are ready for it!
What does the sleepout cost and what is included?
The Sleepout will cost $175. All of our group counselors, specialists, and Leadership Team members will be here to help our campers have a great fun night! Included in the cost of the sleepout are snack, dinner, dessert, breakfast, skits, second swim*, additional camp activities, a campfire and all the fun of a night out under the stars! Plus transportation in the morning to one of our eight bus stop locations.
*Campers in “A” groups (entering PK, TK, and kindergarten) do not participate in a second swim.
*Campers in “A” groups (entering PK, TK, and kindergarten) do not participate in a second swim.
What will my child eat?
On Friday your camper will have a traditional Camp Kinneret dinner of chicken (or a vegan chick’n option by request), pasta, salad, corn, carrots, olives, rolls, and a lemon-lime soda option, along with some afternoon and evening snacks. Morning will bring a hearty Kinneret breakfast featuring hot scrambled eggs, cereal, bagels, and melon!
What gear does my child need?
Outdoor sleeping bag, jacket or warm sweatshirt, long pants, toiletries, flashlight, a smile, extra towel & swimsuit (for campers entering 1st grade and above!), a water bottle, pjs and a fresh set of clothes to wear on Saturday morning. Please make sure everything is labeled with your camper’s name!
When should we bring our Sleepout gear?
Please have all of your camper’s Sleepout gear packed and ready for delivery to camp before Sleepout day. Because there is limited space on some buses, we may ask you to send your gear earlier in the week. On some buses we may ask you to send it as early as Tuesday of Sleepout week. If your Bus Captain doesn’t tell you otherwise, you can send it with your camper on Friday! If you are bringing your camper on Friday afternoon, and they won’t be here for the regular camp day, please bring the gear at that time. If you don’t hear otherwise, send everything on Friday!
What if my child is not attending the Sleepout but attends camp that Friday?
Children not attending the Sleepout will be returned to their regular afternoon bus stops on the regular afternoon schedule on Sleepout Friday. The Bus Captain and Counselor may not be the usual staff person, so please be sure to bring your ID.
If you pick up your child at camp, please do not come early on Sleepout Friday to pick up your camper. Please come during regular pick up time, 4:00-4:15 pm for Camp Only or 4:00-5:00pm for Extended Care
What if my child is not attending camp that day but would like to attend the Sleepout?
Children who are not regularly scheduled for camp on Fridays CAN attend the Sleepout! Plan to drive your child to camp Friday afternoon (bring your sleeping bag and other supplies with you) and join us between 3:00 – 4:00. Your child’s counselor and group will be waiting for them at Friendship Hill. Please be prepared to “drop & go” as we need parents to head out quickly to make space for others arriving to drop off their campers.
Will my child's regular camp counselor be there?
YES – we wouldn’t do it any other way! Having our usual staff at the Sleepout is a key part of helping campers feel comfortable enough to enjoy their evening.
Where does everyone sleep?
All of the campers and staff sleep on the field at the top of camp (except for CITs, who get their own special sleeping spot). Campers sleep with their group and their counselors. Members of our Leadership Team are awake all night tucking in campers who wiggle out of their sleeping bags, escorting campers on nighttime bathroom trips, and generally just being there for any camper that may need or want reassurance or help.
Should / can we come visit?
No visitors are permitted at camp, including during Sleepout nights. If your child is attending the Sleepout, please rest assured that we will provide comfort and care to any camper who may be having second thoughts and, if necessary, we will call you (regardless of the hour) to let you know. If you have concerns about separation anxiety (whether yours or your child’s) please call us so that we can discuss them.
Is my child ready for this?
Only you and your child can really determine if they are ready for the Sleepout. We make every effort to create a warm family feeling at camp, and this is especially true on the night of the Sleepout. Your child knows the other campers in their group and knows their counselor like a big brother or sister. If you have questions about whether or not your child is ready, please feel free to call us for feedback on how your child is doing in the group. Every child is different, and while we are happy to share our observations with you, you know your child (and yourself) best.
What will my child be like on Saturday morning?
Campers will come home excited to tell you about their big night away from home! Campers may also be tired out from their adventure. A good strategy (depending on your family’s weekend schedule) is to leave Saturday unscheduled. Plan on a shower or bath when they arrive home, and maybe an afternoon nap!
Why did my child say that they woke up all wet on Saturday morning?
One of the tricks of nature is condensation! When we wake up on Saturday morning there is some dampness that has settled upon us during the night. Some nights are damper than others but even the clearest and warmest nights bring fresh morning dew.
*Note:
If you cancel your Sleepout registration prior to the end of the
regular camp day (4:00 pm), your payment will be refunded in full.
If you cancel your Sleepout registration prior to the end of the
regular camp day (4:00 pm), your payment will be refunded in full.
Sleepout sign ups are not yet available. Check back here after the start of the session for more information!