First-Time Experiences for Young Campers

For current 1st-4th graders • Tuesday, July 15 – Sunday, July 27, 2025

In this shorter session, counselors specially trained to support younger campers help kids have a fantastic time at 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.

For current K-4th graders • August 20 – 24, 2025

Wrap up your current K-4th grader’s summer with Get Your Feet Wet. This mini-adventure for new campers 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.

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

Try camp for a day, free of charge! Our Rookies will get to experience the magic of Surprise Lake Camp as they participate in a typical day of activities. Lunch will be provided.

After checking in your child and waving a quick goodbye, we invite all parents to take a tour of the 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 on the following dates, (select only one):

• Sunday, July 6, 2025:  10 am – 4 pm; check-in begins at 9:30 am
• Sunday, August 3, 2025:  10 am – 4 pm; check-in begins at 9:30 am

To register please login or create an account through  CampInTouch.

If you have any questions about Rookie Day, please email [email protected].

Surprise Lake Camp has a sliding fee scale based on family income and maintains a deep commitment to ensuring that camp is affordable to all families. If, at any time, you have questions about tuition, payment, or deadlines, please contact Abbe Wittenberg to arrange a confidential conversation.

Tuition Deposit

• A completed application requires a $500 deposit (applied to the total charge) per camper per session.
• 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 pay in full or make equal monthly payments, from October 1, 2024, through May 1, 2025.
• Camper tuition must be paid in full by May 1, 2025, and is not refundable after that date.

Sibling Discount

• $200 off per session, for every additional camper attending.

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 they 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.
• 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.

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 we meet.