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:” Mainside (current 1st – 6th graders) and Teenside (current 7th-10th graders). Connected in many ways, each has its own side of camp, its own side of our lake, and its own, age-tailored approach.
See what a day might feel like on each side, through the eyes of typical campers.
Daily Schedule At-a-Glance
| Mainside (current 1st – 6th graders) | Teenside (current 7th-10th graders) | |
| 7:30am | Wake up, campers! | Wake up, campers! |
| 8am | Round-Up (songs & cheers) | |
| 8:15am | Breakfast (8:15 am Mainside) | Breakfast (8:45 am Teenside) |
| 9am | Clean Up | Clean Up |
| 9:45am | First Activity | First Activity |
| 10:50am | Second Activity | Second Activity |
| 11:55am | Third Activity | Third Activity |
| 1pm | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1:45pm | Hafsakah/Rest Time | Hafsakah/Rest & Free Time |
| 3pm | First Afternoon Activity | First Afternoon Activity |
| 4pm | Snack | Snack |
| 4:15pm | Second Afternoon Activity | Second Afternoon Activity |
| 5:15pm | Third Afternoon Activity | Third Afternoon Activity |
| 6:15pm | Dinner | Dinner |
| 7:15pm | Evening Activity | Evening Activity |
| 8:30pm | Back Up to Cabins | Open Curfew: Games & Free Time |
| 9:30pm | Lights Out | Back Up to Cabins |
| 10:30pm | Lights 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. Let a typical first-time camper we’ll call Nathan guide you through a typical day on Mainside.
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. Let a typical long-time camper we’ll call Rachel guide you into life on Teenside.
Two Sides. Two Experiences.
The 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 all on Mainside. The whole community gathers together for Shabbat and performances.
