Untitled - Camp Shoresh

Camp
Dear Parents,
Camp is one of the most exciting times in a child’s life. In fact, I started my career at Camp
Shoresh 34 years ago as a counselor, and I have been the Director for the past 30 years. During
that time, I have seen over 2,500 children attend day camp and build memories that last a
lifetime. Former campers still relay to me the positive lessons learned at Camp Shoresh — they
feel they are better Jews who are prouder and more aware of their Jewish heritage because of
their experiences at Shoresh. They have lifelong friends and believe that the staff and Rabbis
were there for them “from baby to bubby!”
For seven weeks we will give your children the time of their lives! We will give them a family that
will care about them year-round. Our 107 acre campsite is one of the finest in the country, and I
am pleased that your camper(s) will be joining us this summer at our Harry & Jeanette Weinberg
campus in Adamstown. These beautiful facilities have enabled us to expand our programming
and be an even better camp. The campus is a continual work in progress and includes an
aquatic center (with a graded entry pool, wading pool, and pool house,) sports fields, an amazing
challenge course, bunkhouses and the centerpiece of our campsite, the Cohen-DavisonWeinberg Community Center — a building with a dining hall, kitchen, and a special wing for our
Junior Shoresh program. Our zapline and dance studio were wonderful additions to our
campus. I am proud to announce that some of this year’s additions include upgraded lighting
around the campus and some amazing high and low elements to our challenge course.
To ensure that your child’s experience is a positive one involves preparation. Both you and your
camper will have a much better experience with some planning. This handbook is designed as a
guide to help prepare for a most enjoyable and rewarding camp experience. I hope you will read
it carefully and call the Shoresh office if you have any questions before camp begins.
Along with all of the Camp Shoresh staff, I am looking forward to an outstanding and fun-filled
summer with your children. Welcome to the Shoresh Family!
Sincerely,
Rabbi David Finkelstein, Director
Baltimore Office : 3723 Old Court Road, ste 206 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410) 358-8571
Adamstown Office: 2428 Pleasant View Road Adamstown, MD 21710 (301) 874-8150
E-mail : [email protected] Website: www.shoresh.com
Camp Philosophy & Goals………………………………………..3
Camp Shoresh Mission Statement
Camp Information..………………………………………………..4
Camp Location
Camp Hours
Drop off & Pick up
Visitors
Tuition
TABLE OF CO NTE NTS
Table of Contents
Health & Safety…………………………………………………….5
Medication
Illness or Injury at Camp
Policy on Communicable Disease
Ticks
Absences
Emergency Information
Fire Drills
What To and Not To Bring to Camp………………….………….6
Clothing & Supplies
Meals & Kashrut
Lost & Found
Transportation……………………………………………………...7
Events……………………………………………………………….8
Swimming
Field Trips
Picture Day and Special Friends’ Day
Staff………………………………………………………………….9
Your Camper’s Counselor
Gratuities
Tutoring
Camper Behavior………………….……………………………...10
Expectations
Smoking & Drug Policy
Discipline Procedure
Calendar …………………………………………………………..11
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CAMP PHI LOSOPHY & GOA LS
Camp Philosophy & Goals
Camp Shoresh strives to provide a positive atmosphere of safety, support, and care for each individual
camper, while allowing for personal growth and development in his/her Judaism utilizing the mind, body,
and soul. The goals of Camp Shoresh include the following:

Develop self-confidence and appreciation for his/her self-worth as an individual and as a Jew.

Grow as a responsible member of his/her group, family, and community.

Appreciate that a healthy mind and body are a gift and that physical fitness and mental well being are
conditions to be achieved and maintained.

Develop a respect and appreciation for nature and all of G-d’s creations.

Develop new skills and areas of interest that form foundations for healthy lifestyle choices.

Challenge each camper to demonstrate values of respect, fairness, caring, and friendship.
The Shoresh Mission Statement
Shoresh builds positive Jewish identity among children and their families, primarily in Frederick and in
surrounding communities, regardless of prior Jewish knowledge, affiliation or observance, through a variety of educational, recreational, and experiential opportunities. Utilizing its campus and facilities in Adamstown and fostering close personal relationships among participants and staff, Shoresh emphasizes
appreciation of our Jewish roots and love for Israel and the Jewish people.
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Camp Location
Camp Shoresh will be held at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg campus, located at 2428 Pleasant View Road in
Adamstown, Maryland. The camp phone number is (301) 874-8150.
Directions to the campsite are:
From East (Baltimore/Howard County): 70 West toward Frederick. Take Exit 52 (15S/340W) toward Leesburg. Merge
left on 15 South/Catoctin Mountain Hwy. Turn left at the light at Mountville Road. Make a right on Ballenger Creek Pike.
Stay left at fork in the road onto Doubs Rd. Make a right on Pleasant View Road. The Shoresh campsite is on the right
past the historic mill.
From South (Potomac/Silver Spring): Capital Beltway/495 W toward Northern Virginia. Merge onto 270 North (exit 35)
toward Frederick. Take MD 80 exit (exit 26) toward Urbana/Buckeystown. Turn right onto 80 West/Fingerboard Rd.
Turn left onto 85/Buckeystown Pike. Make a right onto Adamstown Road. Make a left onto New Design Road. Make a
right onto Doubs Road. Continue straight for 1.2 miles it will turn into Pleasant View Road. Camp Shoresh is on the right
immediately past the historic Carroll Mill.
CAM P I N F O R MAT I O N
Camp Information
From North (Frederick): 15 South toward Rte 340. Stay on 15 South. Make a left on Mountville Rd. Make a right at the
first stop sign at Ballenger Creek Pike. Bear left at fork in the road onto Doubs Road. Go over railroad tracks. Make a
right onto Pleasant View Road. Camp Shoresh is on the right immediately past the historic Carroll Mill.
Camp Hours
Regular camp hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30-3:30 P.M. and Friday, 9:30–1:30 P.M. On certain trip
days, camp hours may be modified. Please refer to the schedule for these days. If you need to contact the
camp office you can reach us during those times. We do not check phone messages on the camp line every
evening. If you need to leave a message please leave a message with the Baltimore office in the evenings
and weekends at (410) 358-8571.
REMINDER: There will be no camp on Friday, July 3rd for Independence Day. There is no day of camp for
3rd graders-CITs on Friday, July 17th in preparation for the Adamstown Shabbaton (there will be camp for
Little/Jr. Shoresh and 2nd graders - see p. 8 for Shabbaton policy.)
Drop Off & Pick Up
For those parents who will not be taking advantage of Shoresh arranged transportation, and will be bringing
their camper(s) to the campsite directly, we ask that campers be dropped off between 9:15-9:30 A.M. and be
picked up promptly at 3:30 P.M. (1:30 P.M. on Fridays.)
Parents who wish to pick up their camper early should call the camp office ahead of time and sign them out in
the office prior to leaving.
Visitors
We are happy to give camp parents or prospective camp parents a tour of our campsite as long as it is prearranged with the camp office. Camper’s friends or siblings whom are not registered may not visit unless they
have permission in advance from Rabbi Dave.
Tuition
All tuition must be paid in full by May 15, 2015. Unfortunately, your camper’s space may be given
to someone on the waiting list if you have not paid in full. Payments can be made by going to the Shoresh
website and clicking on the link to “Pay Camp Tuition” or by sending a check to the Shoresh Baltimore office
3723 Old Court Road, Ste 206 Baltimore, MD 21208.
We will not prorate for sick days or days your child decides not to come to camp. There will be no refunds or
reimbursements if your child is expelled from camp for any reason.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Health & Safety
Camp Shoresh will have a fully licensed nurse on duty whenever camp is in session, with a fully equipped
centrally located health suite. During swim times there will be a minimum ratio of 1:25 lifeguards trained in
CPR and First Aid to campers. Additionally, there is an AED (automated external defibrillator) machine on
the premises.
Medication
If it is mandatory that a camper receive medication during the camp day, it must be submitted to the nurse.
All medications must be clearly marked with the child’s name with specific instructions from a physician. All
medications must be in original bottles/containers. NEW: In order for prescription meds to be dispensed
during camp, a medical administration authorization form must be filled out. It can be found on the Shoresh
website.
Illness or Injury at Camp
We are only able to accommodate and treat minor first aid injuries or illnesses in the day camp setting. If a
camper is unable to resume participation in his/her activities, parents will be notified to pick up the camper.
If a parent or relative is unable to pick up the camper, the child will remain in the health suite until the camp
day has ended.
If the injury is of a serious nature, the emergency contact will receive a phone call from the nurse or camp
office if one of the parents can’t be reached at the time of the accident.
In the event of an extreme emergency, the camper will be transported via ambulance to Frederick
Memorial Hospital, the nearest hospital and emergency room facility. For injuries that cannot be treated by
our nurse, the camper will be driven to the nearest urgent care facility.
Policy on Communicable Disease
The camp nurse should be consulted prior to a camper returning to camp after an illness.
Ticks
Since Camp Shoresh is located in a rural area, we suggest that campers be checked for ticks each evening
when they come home.
Absences
If a child is absent for more than two consecutive days, we ask that you contact the camp office.
Fire Drills
We will have at least one fire drill during each session. The entire staff will be familiar and trained in an
evacuation plan of the facility.
Emergency Phone Numbers and Updates
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A list of cell phone numbers for the head staff will be given out on the first day of camp and prior to trips if
you need to contact us in case of an emergency. Important information with be sent by e-mail
(please make sure we have your e-mail) and posted to our “Shoresh” Facebook page (please “like”
Shoresh not Camp Shoresh to see these postings.) Occasionally, information will be left on your
phone through our “tele-mail” system. Informational flyers will be posted to www.shoresh.com, as well.
Camp Shoresh does not allow tobacco products of any kind, alcohol, or drugs; lighters, matches, fireworks,
explosives of any kind; knives, guns, other weapons; inappropriate reading materials; animals or pets. Items
brought to camp deemed inappropriate will be held by the directing staff for the parents to pick up.
We discourage the bringing of any valuables to camp (i.e. ipods, Nintendos, cell phones, expensive cameras.) If
a camper wishes to bring such items, they may be used during travel times only. ipods, cell phones or electronic
games used during camp hours will be confiscated (please see more about this policy on p.10). Camp Shoresh
cannot be responsible for loss or damage to these items.
Clothing & Supplies
We recommend that campers wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable play clothes. There will be no shortshorts allowed in the older camp (ages 10 – 16). Girls should not wear cut-off shirts that expose the midriff area
or tank tops.
Campers should bring a swimming suit and towel every day. Campers are to take home their swimming suits
and towels everyday. They should bring sunscreen daily. Please instruct your child on how to apply his/her
sunscreen.
Boys must wear either a yarmulka or hat throughout the day.
Campers may not cut or decorate their camp t-shirts.
Meals & Kashrut
Although we are unable to refrigerate lunches, they will be kept in our air conditioned community center until
lunchtime. Daily lunches should be brought in a bag, with non-perishable foods and a beverage or in a cooler
bag with an ice pack. All lunches must be labeled with your camper’s first and last name and bunk. Drinking
water is available all day long in our pavilions, and there are water fountains at the pool, the barn, and in the
community center.
W HAT TO AND NOT TO BR IN G TO CAM P
What To Bring and Not To Bring to Camp
There will be a daily hot lunch program available for advance purchase. On certain days it will be dairy and other
days it will be meat. A menu will be emailed to all parents and you will be able to enroll your child(ren) in this
program if you desire. We will continue to serve lunch on the first day of each session (Monday, June 22nd and
Monday, July 20th) for no additional fee.
IMPORTANT! Camp Shoresh is peanut and nut free. Please take every precaution to not send lunches or
snacks that contain peanut and nut products. It is also imperative that you inform us of any food allergies.
We require that only Kosher food be brought onto our property. All foods must be dairy or pareve — no meat
products, please. All food must bear one of the following Kashrut symbols:
If you have any questions concerning specific products or other symbols please call Rabbi Tzvi Tuchman at
(410) 358-8571 or e-mail [email protected]. We are happy to help in any way we can.
Snacks & Canteen
Camp Shoresh will provide a snack during the day for your child. Additionally, the camp canteen will be open
twice a day (at lunch and prior to dismissal) with varying options of hot pretzels, potato knishes, popcorn,
snocones, chips, candy, sodas, etc. Please send cash with your child if they would like to purchase canteen
items.
Birthdays
New! Due to many camper allergies, we cannot allow any outside food (home baked or store brought) shared
with other campers. If your child will be having a birthday during camp and you would like to order a cake for the
bunk, you can pay $30 and we will order a special cake from our bakery. We must have at least two weeks
notice.
Lost & Found
Care is taken to ensure that campers remember to retrieve their clothing, towels, art projects, etc., but it always
seems that there is something left behind. At the end of each day, unclaimed items are laid out in our lost &
found area. In order to reduce this area, please label everything you send to camp. Items not claimed by
the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 9th will be either donated, sold, or disposed of.
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T R A NS P O R T A T I O N
Transportation
Campers must always be seat belted when traveling via van, and must be seated at all times when on
buses.
Campers will board and depart any bus on the side of the vehicle adjacent to a curb. Children will be safely
crossed across any major street.
Each vehicle head will have a cell phone that should be used in emergency situations only. The phone
number of your child’s vehicle head will be distributed on the first day of camp.
The buses and vans run on a tight schedule. If a child is not at his/her designated stop when the bus/van
arrives, it cannot wait. If a child is sick or not coming to camp, please be courteous and call his/her van/bus
head so he/she is aware ahead of time.
Please be aware that bus and van routes may vary for each session and is not guaranteed from one session
to the next. Camp Shoresh reserves the right to choose your mode of transportation (bus, van, or car) and
the routes.
A modified transportation schedule will take place on those days that the main camp has trips (Guppy Gulch,
Hershey Park, Adamstown and Baltimore Shabbatons.) Jr. Shoresh parents will be notified prior to those
events with the information.
Frederick
Frederick campers who paid for transportation should meet at Beth Sholom Community Center (1011 N.
Market Street) at 8:45 A.M. each morning. These children will be driven by designated parents/counselors.
They will return to Beth Sholom Mon-Thurs afternoons around 4:00 P.M. and on Fridays around 2:00 P.M.
Sharon Nicholas, our Frederick Transportation Coordinator, will contact you prior to camp.
Baltimore/Columbia
Approximately one week before camp, you will receive an e-mail or phone call concerning pickup and drop
off points and times. PLEASE BE AWARE: On late stay days, Baltimore Jr. campers may be brought back
in counselor cars/vans. You will receive a call a day or two before to inform you of the specific transportation
arrangements for that day.
Silver Spring/Potomac/Gaithersburg/Olney/Ashburn/Leesburg
Approximately one week prior to camp you will receive an e-mail regarding pick-up/drop-off times and
locations.
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The first hour and 15 minutes of each camp day will be spent davening (praying) and learning about our Judaism in a
fun and spirited way. Our goal is that each child will leave Shoresh a more educated Jew. An educated Jewish child
will make educated Jewish choices, both as a child and as an adult. The remaining portion of the day will usually be
broken into four activities that will include swimming most every day (weather permitting), sports, arts & crafts, nature,
challenge course, archery, and other fun activities.
EVENTS
Events
Swimming
There will be separate boy/girl free swimming each day for approximately 50 minutes. There will always be at least
three certified lifeguards whenever swim is in session. We will maintain a 1:25 ratio of lifeguards to swimmers
according to Maryland state regulations and Red Cross guidelines.
Jr. Shoresh campers (4-6 yr olds) will swim in the main pool and/or the wading pool while the older camp is at lunch.
For safety reasons, Jr. campers will not be able to use the pool slide.
Basic swim lessons will be offered to our Junior campers at no extra charge. Basic swim lessons will be available to
campers in 2nd-5th grades (at no charge) who desire lessons (both child and parent must desire these lessons.) If
the camper is judged to have decent swim skills, the lessons will not be given. Basic swim lessons are for campers
whom are uncomfortable in the water.
All campers will be tested for swim ability. Only swimmers passing the deep water test will be allowed in the deep area
of the pool and will be given a wristband identifying them as such. If their wristband breaks during the summer, it can
be replaced. Please notify your camper’s division head for a replacement.
There will be a week when our swim program is interrupted due to the Nine Days of the month of Av (July 20-24) We
will make sure that the children are kept hydrated by providing drinking water, playing water-type activities and utilizing
our fantastic water slide.
Field Trips
On the last page of this handbook you will find a calendar that lists the trips and special events for each session of “big
camp” (2nd grade-CITs). Prior to each trip, a detailed flyer will be e-mailed, as well as posted on our website.
We have found that campers going into 2nd grade are not quite ready for our Shabbaton sleepover experiences.
Therefore, 2nd graders (bunk Alef) will have special fun-filled activities at camp on Friday, July 17 instead of the
Adamstown Shabbaton and on Friday, August 7 instead of the Baltimore Shabbtaon. They will be allowed to attend
their one night overnight at camp (girls July 1 and boys July 7.)
A calendar of Junior trips and activities will be sent home at the beginning of camp. They will have camp at the
Shoresh campus on Friday, July 17th and on Friday, August 7th even though the main camp will not be on site. A
modified transportation schedule will take place on those days that the main camp is away and parents will be notified
in advance.
Campers will receive a camp t-shirt either at the pre-camp picnic or the first day of their session. Camp shirts must be
worn on all trip days and picture day. Additional shirts may be purchased for $15.
Picture Day and Special Friends’ Day
There will be a professional photographer taking bunk pictures on Wednesday, July 15th. We will post them on our
website afterwards that can be saved to your own computer.
Grandparents and Special Friends will be invited to a special day at the Shoresh campus on Tuesday, July 14th.
More details to follow.
PLEASE NOTE: All daily scheduled activities are subject to favorable weather conditions. We always have
contingency plans for extremely rainy or heat advisory days and reserve the right to take campers off site for
activities if deemed appropriate.
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STAF F
Staff
Camp Shoresh strives to hire enthusiastic, loving, child-focused staff to be positive role models in the lives
of children. There will be at least two counselors in each bunk. We take pride in our staff and provide a
lengthy staff orientation prior to camp which includes: health and safety, age appropriate practices, risk
management, supervision, child abuse awareness, and other camp related topics. Additionally, all staff are
fingerprinted and have a complete criminal background check done on them.
Your Camper’s Counselor
While camp is in session, staff will be occupied for the duration of the day with campers. If you would like
to speak to your child’s counselor we ask that you leave a message with the camp office and the counselor
will be notified. The counselor will return the call at his/her availability, possibly that evening if it is a nonurgent matter. We suggest you also speak to your child’s division head counselor if you have any major
concerns.
We encourage first time campers to come to the campsite on Sunday, June 7th from 3:00-4:30 PM for our
pre-camp Meet, Greet, and Eat. All families are invited to take a tour of the grounds and find out what
bunk your camper(s) will be in. Additionally, all counselors will attempt to call their campers to introduce
themselves before camp starts.
Gratuities
Camp Shoresh does not have a mandatory gratuity structure for our counselors as other camps do. Since
many of our parents do show their appreciation in this manner (and our staff is very thankful,) we ask that
any gratuity be placed in an envelope that is sealed with the counselor’s name.
Tutoring
For campers that need enrichment with their Hebrew reading, there will be tutoring by designated staff
members available during camp. Also, If your child is having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah during or right after camp
and it will be helpful to have a trained Torah reader listen and practice with your child, please inform us
and we’ll be happy to assist. Please call Rabbi T at (410) 358-8571 by June 8th if you feel your child can
benefit from either of these programs. There is no additional fee.
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A major factor in the success of a camp program is the behavior, interest, and aptitude of the campers.
These ingredients set the mood for the entire summer. Courtesy and respect are always expected. The
purpose of camp is to develop new friendships, knowledge and skills, and most importantly, to have fun!
Expectations
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






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Campers are expected to attend all parts of the planned program. If for some reason a camper is not
feeling well, he/she will be sent to the nurse.
Campers are expected to clean up after themselves. Campers will be asked to put away supplies,
throw away their trash, leave their bunk area clean, etc.
Bullying, fighting and abuse will not be tolerated.
Language must be appropriate and respectful of others. Swearing, name-calling and insults of any type
will not be tolerated.
Campers must always be with their bunks. Campers must never leave the campgrounds unless on a
field trip or unless approved for early dismissal with a parent or guardian.
Campers will respect all Camp Shoresh buildings and property. Parents will be billed for repairs if their
child causes any damage.
Vandalism, shoplifting, or theft from other campers, the campsite, or while on field trips will not be
tolerated.
Songs with offensive lyrics should not be brought to camp.
No video games, game systems, or cell phones will be allowed during the camp day. Your child may
use them during transportation but please tell them to be courteous and turn off the volume as to not
disrupt others. Electronic items and cell phones may not be used during the camp day. If he/she does,
the device will be confiscated. Parents will be notified when this occurs. If your child is a repeat
offender, he/she risks losing their electronic device until the end of camp.
CAMPER B EHAVIOR
Camper Behavior
Smoking & Drug Policy
Smoking is prohibited at Camp Shoresh by campers, staff, and visitors at any time on the Shoresh
property. We have a “no tolerance” drug policy. Anyone using drugs will be immediately removed from
camp and reported to the proper authorities.
Discipline Procedure
When limits are broken, it is essential to provide some form of consequence and understanding to prevent
future problems. Senior counselors will address minor behavioral issues. If the counselor is not successful
in correcting improper behavior, he/she will consult his/her division Head Counselor for intervention. If the
Director or Assistant Director is brought in to handle a behavioral matter, most likely it is a matter that the
parents should be notified about. Discipline may range from a simple chat with parents and the camper, to
temporary suspension from camp, to expulsion.
Major violations that result in the dismissal of the camper from camp will not receive a tuition refund.
There is never any use of corporal punishment at camp.
We look forward to a wonderful summer with your child. Shoresh is a unique Jewish summer
program—a day camp with an overnight feel—and we are excited your child(ren) will be joining us.
Welcome to the Shoresh Family!
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CA LENDAR
Sun
Mon
Tue
Mon
21
22 1st
SESSION
BEGINS
23
28
29
30 Jr. Shoresh
Tue
Fri
Sat
24
25
26
Upper Boys’ Shlock Rock
(6th-CIT)
Concert
Boating
Lower Boys’
(2nd-5th)
Boating
Thu
Fri
2
13
7
Boys’
Overnight
8
Sat
3
Boating
Girls’ Overnight
6 Upper
Girls’
(6th-CIT)
Boating
27
Trip
CIT
Trip
Wed
1 Lower Girls’
12
Thu
June 7th
PRE-CAMP MEET,
GREET, & EAT
Sun
5
Wed
4
Independence
Day
9
Guppy Gulch
(Late Stay)
10
= No Camp
11
= Lunch will be
14
Grandparents’
& Special
Friends’
Day
15
16
Picture Day
20 2nd
21
SESSION
BEGINS
22
26
27
29
Jr. Shoresh
Trip
Tisha B’Av
There is camp for
Junior Shoresh
and Bunk Alef
served to the whole
camp. (There will be
18
a separate schedule
for the optional daily
lunch program)
Shabbaton Ends
After Shabbos
19
28
17
CIT Trip
23
30
Ice Skating
HERSHEY
PARK
24
25
= Swim Day
31
(Late Stay)
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
PLEASE NOTE:
Trips are for “Big Camp” (2nd-CITs)
unless otherwise noted.
Junior Shoresh will also swim when the
“big” camp goes to Hershey Park and
the Shabbatons. They will also have
swim lessons during the week of July
20th.
2
3
4
5
6 Jr. 6
graduation
7
There is camp for
Junior Shoresh
and Bunk Alef
8
Shabbaton Ends
After Shabbos
9
CLOSING
CEREMONY
12