A Day in the Life

Our kids love Surprise Lake Camp! It is a second home for them.

– SLC Parent

A Day In The Life

Surprise Lake Camp has two “sides” of camp:

Mainside
(for current 1st – 6th graders​)

Teenside
(for current 7th-10th graders).

Two Sides. Two Experiences.

Each side of camp has many of its own facilities and its own, age-tailored approach. Separate cabins, waterfront, dining hall, and sports fields make each side feel like a distinctive experience. Everyone is in frequent contact, though, especially because some facilities, like the pool, gymnasium, ropes courses, climbing wall, zip line, and organic farm are shared. The whole community gathers together midway, in our Eddie Cantor Lakefront Theater, for Shabbat and performances.

Daily Schedule At-a-Glance

Mainside (current 1st – 6th graders)Teenside (current 7th-10th graders)
7:30amWake up, campers!
Wake up, campers!
8amRound-Up (songs & cheers)

8:15amBreakfast
Breakfast
9amClean Up
Clean Up
9:30amFirst Activity
First Activity
10:40amSecond Activity
Second Activity
11:50amThird Activity
Third Activity
1pmLunch
Lunch
1:45pmHafsakah/Rest TimeHafsakah/Rest & Free Time
2:50pmFirst Afternoon Activity
First Afternoon Activity
4:00pmSnack
Snack
4:10pmSecond Afternoon ActivitySecond Afternoon Activity
5:10pmThird Afternoon Activity
Third Afternoon Activity
6:15pmDinner
Dinner
7:15pmEvening Activity
Evening Activity
8:15pmBack Up to Cabins
Supervised Games & Free Time
8:45pmLights Out (varies by age)Back Up to Cabins
10:30pmLights Out

Journey through Mainside

Mainside (current 1st – 6th graders) starts off with more structure, some choice, and lots of close supervision. Campers gain more choice and independence as they grow into being the Mainside Seniors.

Journey through teenside

Teenside (current 7th – 10th graders​) has an atmosphere all its own, more relaxed and independent. The teenagers have more choice and more self-directed free time, with supervision that encourages autonomy and leadership.