After "Get Your Feet Wet," I saw my child in a completely different way: much more capable, adventurous and open to new things.
– SLC Parent
First-Time Campers
SLC offers different ways for first-time campers to join in and feel at home! Families, we’re always glad to chat with you by video, phone, or in-person about camp, your child, your priorities, and any questions you have about our approach, tuition assistance, and more. Options include:
Tours, Zoom & Home Visits
We are happy to schedule tours of camp, a phone call, or zoom with one of our directors. We will also meet with your child to answer any questions they may have.
We suggest you watch our camp video with your child before me meet.
Choose Your Ideal Session
Dive in! Give your child all that Surprise Lake Camp offers. In 2, 4, or 8 weeks, your child can fully settle into camp life—and make deep friendships that enrich your child’s sense of community all year.
Staff are fully trained in how to support both first-time and long-time campers, integrating everyone fully into the unit, group and bunk from the first moments of camp.
| Full Summer | Wednesday, June 28 – Sunday, August 20 |
| Session One | Wednesday, June 28 – Tuesday, July 25 |
| Session Two | Thursday, July 27 – Sunday August 20 |
| Mini Camp • 1st graders - 4th graders | Thursday, July 27 – Wednesday, August 9 |
| Get Your Feet Wet • K-4th graders | Wednesday, August 23 - Sunday, August 27 |
| Rookie Day • K-5th graders | Sunday, July 16th (Select one date per camper) |
| Rookie Day • K-5th graders | Sunday, August 13th (Select one date per camper) |
All grades are completed as of June 2023
Tuition for Current 1st Grade through 4th Grade
| New Family Rate | Regular Tuition | |
| Full Summer | ||
| Session One | ||
| Session Two |
Tuition for Current 5th Grade through 6th Grade
| New Family Rate | Regular Tuition | |
| Full Summer | ||
| Session One | ||
| Session Two |
Tuition for Current 7th Grade through 10th Grade
| New Family Rate | Regular Tuition | |
| Full Summer | ||
| Session One | ||
| Session Two |
Tuition for Mini Camp and Get Your Feet Wet
| Regular Tuition | |
| Mini Camp • 1st graders - 4th graders | |
| Get Your Feet Wet • K - 4th graders |
*Campers who participate in Get Your Feet Wet will receive a tuition credit of their GYFW tuition towards their following summer registration as follows; 25% for Mini Camp, 50% for one session and 100% for a full summer registration
Mini Camp
For current 1st-4th graders • Thursday, July 27 – Wednesday, August 9
In this shorter session, counselors specially trained to support younger first-timers help campers have a fantastic introduction to sleepaway camp. Because the entire unit is Mini-Campers, everyone goes through this new adventure together while making friendships they can continue in future years. Mini-Campers get to try activities throughout camp, and share in two Shabbat experiences.
Get Your Feet Wet: 5 Days
For current K-4th graders • August 23 – 27, 2023
Wrap up your current K-4th grader’s summer with Get Your Feet Wet. This mini-adventure helps your child dip their toe into the magic of sleepaway camp. Campers will experience a hike, a Shabbat program, a campfire and s’mores, daily swims in our lake or pool, an ice cream sundae party, singing, ballfield activities, boating, arts & crafts, drama, and much more!
Get Your Feet Wet is staffed by dedicated volunteer alumni and hand-picked summer staff members who bring with them electric energy! Aquatics are supervised by certified lifeguards and a nurse is present at all times. Spirit, caring, and outstanding supervision are guaranteed.
Questions about Get Your Feet Wet? Email us or call 845-265-3616.
Families who take part in Get Your Feet Wet and then register their camper(s) for the following summer, will receive a portion of their Get Your Feet Wet tuition as a credit toward the following summer.
Rookie Day
Try camp for a day! Our Rookies will get to experience the magic of Surprise Lake Camp as they participate in a typical day of activities, while traveling with their own camp group (lunch will be provided).
After checking in your child and waving a quick goodbye, we invite all parents to take a tour of camp with plenty of time included for Q&A with our Directors. We will then send you on your way into Cold Spring to enjoy a beautiful afternoon.
This camper experience runs Sunday, July 16, 10:00am – 4:00pm; check in begins at 9:30am
This camper experience runs Sunday, August 13, 10:00am – 4:00pm; check in begins at 9:30am
To register please login or create an account through CampInTouch.
Please reach out to Dena Stevenson with any questions at [email protected] or 845-265-3616.
Additional First Time Camper Discounts
First-time campers may qualify for an additional grant through the Foundation for Jewish Camp One Happy Camper program. Eligibility and grant amounts are determined by your local sponsoring organization in coordination with FJC. For more information and to find out your eligibility, visit www.onehappycamper.org.
PJ Goes to Camp offers limited grants for a first-time overnight Jewish camp experience. You may also wish to contact your synagogue and/or local Jewish Federation to inquire about scholarship. opportunities for Jewish summer camp
The American Camp Association (ACA) also offers resources for families interested in pursuing tuition assistance. Click here to learn more about their resources.
Sibling Discount
Keep camp in the family and save! Your oldest, longest-staying camper attends at regular tuition. All your additional campers attending SLC at the same time receive a reduced rate of $200 off each session, or $400 for the full season. You may combine this discount with the Summer or Early Bird Discounts, for further savings!
Tuition Policies
Tuition Deposit
A completed application requires a $250 deposit (applied to the total charge) per camper per session.
The $250 deposit (per session, per camper) is refundable until December 31, 2022. We request that an application be submitted when families are ready to commit to taking a spot. This will help us reduce the number of campers being placed on a waiting list.
If you are unable to complete enrollment based on the level of assistance we can provide, a full refund of your deposit will be given.
Payment Schedule
You may choose to make equal monthly payments through April, or pay 50% by January 16, 2023 and the balance by April 3, 2023. All camper summer tuition must be paid in full by April 3, 2023 and is not refundable after that date.
Tuition Refunds
Full refunds will be given for campers on a Waiting List (those not able to be placed in their desired session at Camp) if at any time you choose to be removed from the list or are ultimately unable to be placed.
A refund, on a pro-rated basis, will be made for a camper who is withdrawn from Camp for a medical issue.
When No Refunds Will Be Issued
No refunds will be issued if a camper is withdrawn for any non-medical issues including, but not limited to: camper’s homesickness; camper’s refusal or inability to participate in normal activities at Camp; camper’s violation of any rules, regulations or policies at Camp for which the camper has been provided notice, and as described in our other written policies.
Tuition Assistance
Surprise Lake Camp is a non-profit organization committed to affordability for families. We believe that no child should miss out on the power of Jewish camp because of ability to pay. Thanks to many generous donors, SLC offers extensive tuition assistance to camp families who qualify.
SLC Stories
Oren
First Year Camper
Tell us a little about you. How old are you? Where are you from?
I am 11 years old, and I am from Manhattan
What number summer is this for you at SLC?
This is my first summer at Surprise Lake Camp.
What is your favorite Camp activity?
I like Arts & Crafts because I am very creative. I have been drawing since I was little.
What was it like to come to SLC for the first time?
It was a little bit nerve-racking but I made friends right away. Writing letters home made me feel better, too!
How do you show courage at Camp?
I try new foods. I am not one to try new things, but I have tried food here and liked it! My favorite meal is anything with onion rings.
What do you think of your SLC Community?
I have a lot of different friends and I am definitely going to keep in touch with my friends here.
Joyel
Four Year Camper
Tell us a little about you. How old are you? Where are you from?
I am 12 years old. I was born in China, but now I live in the Bronx.
What number summer is this for you at SLC?
This is my fourth summer at Camp.
What is your favorite Camp activity?
I like Arts & Crafts, Canteen and Swimming. It’s hard to choose just one.
How has SLC helped you grow?
I am more social here. I talk to people a lot more than I do at home. SLC helped me see that we are all from different lifestyles, and it helped me grow because even though we’re not the same, we get along.
When is a time that you showed courage at Camp?
On the climbing tower. Even though I didn’t make it to the top, my friends and Jared, the Head Counselor, cheered me on. They were proud of me for making it half way, so I was proud of me.
What do you think of your Camp community?
People at SLC treat me very good. I keep in touch with my friends all year round and I can’t wait for Bat Mizvah’s to see my friends during the year.
Maxine
Four Year Camper
Tell us a little about you. How old are you? Where are you from?
I am 12 years old. I am from Long Island
What number summer is this for you at SLC?
This is my fourth summer at Camp.
What is your favorite Camp activity?
I like swimming in the lake or playing nine-square.
How has SLC helped you grow?
SLC has taught me life skills. I’ve learned how to talk to all kinds of people. I am also learning how to be independent away from my family.
When is a time that you showed courage at Camp?
Before the summer begins, I get nervous about being homesick. But, when I am here I am happy. When I miss my family, I write them letters and think about fun things that we do together. I am distracted from getting homesick by helping other campers around me feel better.
If you could tell a first-time camper one thing, what would it be?
I would tell them they’re going to have so much fun. The staff here have always been supportive, and it’s okay to be sad in the beginning but they will definitely help you feel better.
Lara
Two Year Camper
Tell us a little about you. How old are you? Where are you from?
I am 10 years old. I am from New Jersey
What number summer is this for you at SLC?
This is my second summer at Camp.
What is your favorite Camp activity?
I like sports and swimming. I am very athletic at home, I like the competition so it’s fun to get better at Camp.
How has SLC helped you grow?
SLC has helped me grow by teaching me the five core values. We learn compassion, grit, empathy, gratitude and community. My friendships are growing. This is my home away from home so it’s very special to me.
When is a time that you showed courage at Camp?
I was nervous to celebrate my birthday away from my family, but Camp made my birthday so fun and I got to call my family! This year, Olympics was on my birthday so it was very fun.
Experienced, Caring Leadership
Enroll your camper with confidence. You can trust the leadership of Surprise Lake Camp to make sure your child is safe, well cared for, and having a successful first summer here. We’re always glad to talk with parents, too.
