FAQ’s
Q: What are you able to run this summer?
A: We have put together a schedule of Day Trips (outings to attractions) and Day Activities (a recreation of Summer Machane with tochniot, kvutsot, chugim and more). These are for all children in Years 6-11. For Year 3-5 we have our Machane Ari day camp at the Batim, with an additional week added for Key Workers. The full programme will run from 27th July – 15th August. You can see the full schedule at www.bauk.org/camps.
Q: Is there limited space, or a booking deadline for these activities?
A: We have tried to plan for as many participants as possible and hope everyone who wants to come will be able to. However certain activities will have limitations due to space and social distancing, in particular those run at our Batim. We recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Should we reach maximum capacity for any activity, we will do all we can to open up additional days or events for those that still want to attend.
Q: What about Residential Camps?
A: We are still hopeful we might be able to run something residential, and are looking into the options within the current guidelines. Whilst we will be able to arrange something at short notice, we imagine a rough deadline of mid to late July for a decision on this.
Q: What transport options are there for the day activities?
A: At the moment coach companies are able to run at 50% capacity. We are happy to book coaches for you if parents are interested, although as a result of the capacity reduction the cost will be significantly higher than normal (we estimate £20-£30 per child, per journey). Please let us know if you would like us to look into this further.
Q: What are you doing to make your activities are ‘Covid-Secure’?
A: Whilst we all want our children to have a great summer, the health of our participants, their families and our Madrichim is the most important consideration. All activities will be socially distanced, incorporate small ‘bubbles’, use PPE where required, and there will be a strict hygiene protocol for toilets, shared facilities and equipment. Any child not following the guidelines will be removed from the group immediately. Any child who feels ill will be removed from the group immediately and will have to be collected. Please do not send any child who has been ill. All our procedures and practices will be in line with government guidelines and we are keeping a close eye on any updates. If we feel we can not ensure the safety of our activities, they may be cancelled at any point. We need to all be sensible and look out for each other. Stay alert. Stay safe.
Q: What are the financial implications of these Day Activities compared to Residential Machane?
A: Any family who has signed up for residential Summer Machane can request a refund should you wish. Alternatively, you can use that credit to pay for day activities, sign up for Winter Machane, or keep it in the system for future events. Should we be able to run a residential at short notice, families will again have the option to refund their day trips, or re-sign up to residentials. Residential refunds will be available with the conditions set out in previous emails until the end of the summer, so their is no risk in waiting and seeing what happens. We want to be as flexible as possible to help each family as they need, and request in turn your support and patience through this difficult time.
Q: How will this affect the normal BA calendar, in particular for those in Year 10 & 11?
A: We want the calendar to get back to normal as soon as possible. For Year 10 children who have missed out on a residential to South Africa, we are looking into running a special Winter Machane. If you would be interested in this, please let us know. Year 11 children who have been unable to go on Israel Machane will be able to attend our re-scheduled Israel programmes either this Winter (H-Course) or next Summer, as well as any of the day trips this summer. If the Israel programme is next summer, it will not clash with regular Machanot and they will still be able to be Madrichim.
