Camp Yonnie Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Camp Yonnie FAQ page! Whether you are a returning family or joining our community for the first time, we want to ensure you have all the information you need for an unforgettable summer. If you don’t find your answer below, feel free to reach out to us at info@campyonnie.org or call (941) 263-8920.

General & Mission

What is Camp Yonnie?

Camp Yonnie is a premier summer day camp located in Sarasota, Florida. Operated by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, we provide a warm, safe, energetic, and nurturing environment where campers can discover new passions, build lifelong friendships, and grow their self-esteem.

Do you have to be Jewish to attend Camp Yonnie?
No, we proudly welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds!

What are Camp Yonnie’s core values?
Our camp is rooted in Jewish traditions, culture, and values. Everything we do is centered around helping our campers S.H.I.N.E.:

S – Simcha (Joy / Happiness)
H – Hesed (Kindness)
I – Ishiyut Tov (Integrity)
N – Nedivut (Generosity)
E – Emet (Honesty)

Where is the camp located?

Our summer headquarters is the beautiful, secure campus of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, located at 562 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232. Campers love spending time at the brand-new Stone Lodge, our expansive greenspaces, imaginative playground, and professional-grade athletic courts.

Dates, Ages, & Logistics

What ages can attend Camp Yonnie?
We welcome happy campers entering rising Kindergarten through rising 6th grade. We also welcome rising 7th – 10th graders into our CIT (Counselor in Training) program.

What are the camp hours?

Regular Camp Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Extended Care: We offer convenient extended care options starting as early as 8:00 AM and running until 5:30 PM to accommodate working parents.

How are the summer sessions structured? Can we register for partial weeks?
We offer two 4 week sessions in the months of June and July. Because our activities, team building, and friendships build throughout the session, we highly encourage enrolling for full sessions. However, we do also offer flexible scheduling and the option to sign your child up for 1 week at a time. Each week is designed for the FULL camp Yonnie experience!

Activities & Programming

What does a typical day look like at Camp Yonnie?
No two days are the same, and every day is packed with smiles! Our varied programming includes:

• Sports & Games: Basketball, tennis, pickleball, and field games on our professional-grade courts. We also offer Zumba and Mah Jongg to our campers.
• Creativity & STEAM: Arts & crafts masterpieces, science experiments, and cooking.
• Performing Arts: Music jam sessions, Hebrew songs, and Israeli dance.
• Cooling Off: Splash-filled pool time and water activities.
• Special Highlights: Exciting field trips, special guest visitors (like snapology, stealth mobile laser tag, and big waters land trust), and themed days.

How does Camp Yonnie incorporate Jewish traditions?
Jewish life and values are woven naturally into camp life. Every Friday, our whole camp comes together to celebrate Shabbat through music, shared rituals, and joyful community connection. We also offer Israeli Schlichim, as a way for our campers to learn more about Israeli and Jewish heritage through music, arts, outdoor recreation, and community celebrations.

Do you offer camp during the school year?
Yes! Beyond our summer camp, we offer a Winter Camp held right here at the Stone Lodge.

Safety, Staff, & Inclusivity

Who will be looking after my child?
Our camp is led by experienced directors, unit heads, and dedicated specialists in arts, sports, and Israeli culture. Our counselors are thoroughly vetted, highly trained, and passionate about childcare. We maintain safe, age-appropriate staff-to-camper ratios to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and included.

What is your approach to inclusion?
At Camp Yonnie, every child is celebrated exactly as they are. Our counselors are trained to ensure activities are supportive and positive. If a child is hesitant to participate in a specific sport or activity, they are guided gently without feeling isolated or punished. We strive to create an environment where every camper feels a deep sense of belonging.

Registration & Tuition

How much does Camp Yonnie cost?
Tuition rates vary depending on the session and whether you take advantage of our Early Bird enrollment periods. Please visit our Registration Page or contact us at info@campyonnie.org for the current pricing schedule.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes. In partnership with local philanthropists and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, need-based assistance is available to ensure that camp is accessible to families in our community. Priority is given to local families. Please contact our administrative office to request a confidential scholarship application.

Preparing for Camp

What should my child bring to camp every day?
To ensure your camper has the best day possible, please pack a backpack with:

• A refillable water bottle (labeled with their name)
• Sunscreen (please apply before arrival; counselors will help reapply)
• A swimsuit and towel (on designated pool/water days)
• Closed-toe shoes (required for safety during sports and playground play)

How do you handle severe weather or heat?
The Florida summer sun is no joke! We closely monitor the heat index and weather patterns. Our campers take frequent shade and hydration breaks, and when the weather gets too hot or rainy, we transition our activities inside the fully air-conditioned, state-of-the-art Stone Lodge.

Still Have Questions?

We are here to help!

Email us: info@campyonnie.org
Call us: (941) 263-8920
Visit us: 562 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232