A free service by the Association of Kashurs Organizations (AKO) assesses the camps’ Kashurs infrastructure and guides the camps in maintaining proper Kashurs standards throughout the summer.
Summer camps play an important role for children’s Chinu, and the meal service provided at the camp is a major part of the summer experience. While the camp strives to ensure that the level of Kasyrth provided is consistent with the camp’s standards, maintaining adequate Kasyrth in such a large-scale operation can be a real challenge.
To this end, the Kashrath Organizing Association (AKO) has created a free initiative to help camps implement appropriate standards free of charge. Bringing together a team of top-notch experts from the most respected institutions, they analyze and assess the camp’s Kasylthian infrastructure and provide guidance to ensure that Kasyrth levels are maintained throughout the summer.
Frequently asked questions include:
- Is there a designated individual responsible for overseeing and insuring Kashuras?
- Do you have a system in place to ensure that all hirchos shabots are properly stored?
- Do you have clear standards for what products are acceptable at your camp?
- Are food and kitchens properly locked/sealed when not in use?
- Are meat/dairy kitchens, utensils and preparation areas properly segregated?
- Is Bishul Isroel’s Jaracho Properly Observed?
The process is easy. The camp completes a short questionnaire, schedules a virtual consultation with an AKO Kashrath expert, undergoes an initial assessment, schedules a site visit by a Kashrath expert, and undergoes a follow-up assessment. If applicable, you will also receive training sessions for camp kitchen personnel.
The AKO organization itself does not do any kosher certification or endorsement. However, the Camp Kashrath Initiative provides invaluable assistance in maintaining proper Kashraths at summer camps. There is no charge for this service. Camps have the option to receive follow-up visits by AKO Kasulus experts during the camp season and Kasulus workshops for staff and/or campers for a fee.
For more information, or to start the process, interested camps should email AKO. [email protected] Or call/text us at (617) 651-1584.
