Future Families’ FAQ

SLC is such a magical place that it never rains. Well, okay. Maybe sometimes…

In light rain, we often continue with our normal program. In heavy rain, there is plenty of indoor space (unit lodges, our 10,000 square foot indoor gym, Alumni Hall, the Little Playhouse, Shmerler Building) for any type of indoor activity. Campers say that a rainy day at SLC is more fun than a sunny day anywhere else!

If they are in the same unit or on the same “side” of camp, siblings will see each other often. If they are in separate divisions (Mainside vs Teenside), they will see each other a couple of times a week. Siblings are always welcome to spend time together during Shabbat Walk on Saturdays immediately following services.

Yes. You can send in a group request form. We ensure that your camper will be grouped with at least one request. If necessary, you can also request that your child not be grouped with someone specific. Negative requests, such as this, take precedence over requests to be with friends. For more information about our approach to grouping, click here.

Please note that the requests shape a camper group, but not necessarily your child’s cabin assignment.

If your child is attending Get Your Feet Wet, they’ll be joining a group of all new campers. This is a great opportunity for them to make new friends and share the first-time experience together.

For our other sessions, we carefully balance the groups to include both new and returning campers. This ensures that everyone has a chance to meet new people. After Session One, we rearrange groups and counselors to create even more opportunities for friendships to form.

Surprise Lake Camp offers a variety of ways for parents to stay in touch with campers during the summer. Click here to learn all about Summer Communications.

Homesickness is natural and does occur in most new campers. We are experts at handling it. Staff is trained during orientation, and members of our camper care team — who function as camp guidance counselors — provide a friendly ear anytime and professional care if needed.

Parents are our partners in this effort. Each spring we present a seminar on “Sending A Child To Camp For The First Time” at the New Family Orientation at camp. This program will help you get your child — and you — ready for separation and includes helpful tips on preventing/dealing with homesickness.

Ticks are a fact of life in the Northeast. Staff and campers get a Lyme Disease Prevention Orientation upon arrival in camp. Staff members remind campers to check themselves for ticks daily. Upon returning to camp from an outing in the woods, everyone is required to shower. If anyone finds a tick, the Health Center removes it immediately and then monitors that person for Lyme Disease symptoms.

Want to discuss what session length is right for your child with one of the camp directors? We’re happy to advise; please be in touch. Often (but not always), Session One happy campers can add on Session Two if they get here and want to stay — and if space is available. Some units do fill up and take waiting lists, so please chat with us before you count on Session Two availability.

The most important things to pack for camp are energy, flexibility, and a readiness for adventure! Beyond that, your camper will need some stuff. Click here to learn all about Packing for Camp.

Surprise Lake Camp is conveniently located in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley — an easy drive from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Campers arrive by bus, car, and plane. Click here to learn more about SLC’s transportation options.

Following the recommendations of the American Camp Association, Surprise Lake Camp has a strict no-tipping policy. This reduces stress and costs for families while providing a fairer work environment for our staff, many of whom work behind the scenes to give each child a great experience. If you would like to recognize your child’s counselor(s), please consider a tax-deductible gift to the SLC Scholarship Fund in their honor. SLC will send a letter to the staff member(s) advising them of your thoughtfulness.

Please call 845 265 3616, or email Abbe, our Assistant Camp Director, and she will be happy to help you!