Top 10 Reasons to Choose Surprise Lake Camp

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Here are some things that set Surprise Lake Camp apart, as you try to determine which outstanding camp is the best fit for you and your family:

1. Professional Staff: SLC employs an outstanding set of camp professionals, recruiting only the most enthusiastic and caring individuals. SLC then invests significant resources to support and coach staff members all summer long. Between our pre-camp, weeklong training and weekly staff meetings throughout the summer, staff education is a continuous process at SLC.
2. Personal Touch: As you begin your journey with SLC, we’ll be in touch every step of the way. One of our Directors or a member of our Camper Care team is always just a phone call away. We are available to answer questions or provide guidance, all year long!
3. History & Reputation: Surprise Lake Camp is legendary! Founded in 1902, each year we build upon our history of nourishing our incredible camp community. We are experienced in forging amazing and memorable summers, whether you are new to Surprise Lake Camp or a fourth-generation camper.
4. Our Values: We believe that the magic of camp is rooted in things like caring, spirit, friendships, community, and creativity. We enrich the hearts and souls of every member of our community in a way that is profound and long-lasting. We develop character and facilitate personal growth, and take pride in enhancing children’s lives.
5. Our Site: We own 460 acres of breathtaking property surrounding our private spring-fed lake. We are adjacent to mountains and state parkland, and can literally step onto miles of the finest hiking trails in New York. SLC has its own organic garden that the campers can tend. We even have a fruit orchard!
6. Proximity to New York: Traveling to and from camp could not be easier! Whether you’re driving from Long Island or taking the train from Grand Central, it’s hard to believe this natural oasis exists only 60 miles from Manhattan. When you choose a camp, you’ll visit many times over the coming years. Add up all those commuting miles and compare!
7. Safety: SLC’s safety protocols and supervision standards are among the best in the field. The health center is staffed by outstanding professionals 24/7. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our campers and staff. None of the special things that happen at SLC are possible unless our camp community is thriving physically and emotionally.
8. Jewish Programming: SLC provides Jewish programming that is fun, relevant, and engaging to campers, regardless of religious background. We emphasize the joy of Judaism and ideals that are relatable to modern kids’ lives. We also have an optional Bar and Bat Mitzvah study program that culminates in celebrating this simcha with family and friends at camp!
9. Camp Food … Elevated: We serve a wide variety of yummy, healthy, kosher food. We’ve got breakfast bars, salad bars, and themed dinners –- and all of it is kid-friendly! We’re also adept at handling a wide variety of dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and more!
10. Alumni Connection: We have an active, nationally-recognized Alumni Association. SLC alumni gather throughout the year and throughout their lives. Alumni Day attracts multi-generational attendance in the hundreds. Our alumni is like no other, providing camaraderie and a continuing camp experience for former campers and staff, well into their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, and beyond!