FAQ : Susquehannock Camps
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does The Susquehannock Camps only offer 2 week, 3 week, 4 week and 7 weeks registration options?
A: Yes, the program has been designed to give campers an all inclusive experience. This enables campers to try all the activities that Camp has to offer. At least 3 weeks is needed to really do this well. A two week option is now offered for new campers who want to try Camp out first before committing to a full session. Please note that every year the two week campers ask to stay longer. Parents might want to plan accordingly.
Q: Why does Susquehannock not offer a 1 week option?
A: The real Susquehannock experience takes longer than a week to enjoy. In addition, campers who might experience homesickness, have only just gotten over it when they have to leave. A longer stay at camp really does increase each child's enjoyment of all the numerous things Camp has to offer.
Q: Why can't I talk to my child on a phone?
A: Experience has shown that it is better to not allow campers to receive calls, or be able to have cell phones to make calls, for a variety of reasons:
1. Campers are taught about the value of writing and receiving a physical letter. The enjoyment seen in campers’ faces when they receive mail is priceless. In addition, each camper is required to take the time to write at least once a letter a week, an activity that some campers have learned to cherish and they opt to write many more letters. Correspondence via physical mail is thus encouraged.
2. Susquehannock strives to "unplug" campers from the computer, cell phones, and various forms of electronic games and devices. Campers are thus not enabled to e-mail or text anyone. Parents may sign up to send their child an e-mail, but this e-mail will be printed and put in their child's mailbox, just like regular mail. By "unplugging" campers, they are encouraged to engage with each other in verbal communication and forming their life long friendships by getting to know each other in the "actual world" not the "virtual world".
3. Campers learn to become more independent when they are at Camp. Calls from home can hinder this development, as well as cause set backs for campers who are getting over homesickness. The Susquehannock staff are trained to guide and nurture each child so that they can learn to do many more things for themselves, be that making their bed, cleaning their cabin, or making their own decisions for free choice activities.
There are exceptions to this rule:
Birthdays or an unfortunate family event - Even then, parents will be required to talk with a Site-Director first to arrange a call time. Campers are engaged in many activities all over camp property, getting them to a phone requires some planning.
International families - Regular mail takes too long for international families to receive. International families are thus allowed to call once a week on a Sunday from 11am to 1pm or from 1:45pm to 3pm ET. We ask that parents be respectful of other families' need to talk to their child. There should be only ONE call/week and calls should be kept to 5 minutes and to only parents calling. These calls can be directed to the camp office and they will be sure to have your child come and receive their call.
Q: Do you offer financial assistance?
A: Yes, please see our Scholarship page for more information.
Q: Are you a co-ed camp?
A: No. The Susquehannock Camps are a brother-sister camp. Susquehannock for Boys and Susquehannock for Girls are both located at the same address, but the Camp property is large and the Boys' facilities and the Girls' facilities are separate. There are some areas that are used by both camps. The lake (at different times), the Dining Hall (different sections used by each camp) and the Climbing Tower (at different times). There are some special occasions when coed events are organized, for example, 4th of July Field Days, Olympic Games day and weekly mixers for older campers. Brothers and sisters will get an opportunity to see each other, but they will not be spending a large part of their day together.
Q: Can my child be in a cabin with their friend?
A: Campers are placed in cabins according to their age, so if your child and their friend are the same age and gender – there's a very good chance. Site-directors try to honor cabin placement requests.
Q: Will we hear from my child’s cabin counselor during their stay at camp?
A: Yes, parents will receive a letter from their child’s counselor once their child has been at Camp for at least a week.
Q: What are the hours for the infirmary? Will we be contacted if my child is seriously ill or injured?
A: Certified nurses and doctors reside at Camp, so medical attention is available 24 hours a day. The medical staff also have "Office Hours" after meals, when campers who feel ill can get checked out. There are also a number of hospitals within 20 to 30 minutes from Camp. If your child is very ill or seriously injured, you will be contacted immediately. This is why parents/guardians are required to give us all your contact information, especially if you are traveling while your child is at Camp.
Q: What is your policy on Head Lice?
A: Each camper is given a Head Lice exam (as part of their check-in process) upon arrival at Camp. This is a standard required by the American Camping Association and Pennsylvania State Law. If a child has Head Lice we do require their parent take them home and they may return to Camp once they have been treated for Head Lice.
Q: My child has a food allergy, can your kitchen accommodate their dietary restrictions?
A: The Camp kitchen staff do their best to take note of food allergies campers have and meals always offer an alternative option. If your child has a serious food allergy, however, please contact the Camp prior to registering your child to find out if their specific condition can be accommodated.
Q: My child is not a very good swimmer, how can I be sure they will be safe at the Lake?
A: All campers are assessed on their swimming abilities on the first day of Camp. Susquehannock trained lifeguards and swim instructors take care to make note of each child’s abilities. Campers are then given swim instruction each day, determined by their ability. No camper or staff member is allowed at the Waterfront without a certified Lifeguard and campers use the Buddy system when on Camp property. The Susquehannock Camps abide by ACA regulations, which stipulate comprehensive safety regulations.
Q: Will my child be forced to do an activity they are not comfortable with?
A: All Susquehannock campers are encouraged to try new things. Susquehannock staff are trained to gauge each child’s comfort level, but to also encourage them to keep trying.
Q: Can I send care packages for my child?
A: Yes, this is encouraged! However, please do not send any food items. Campers love getting packages and correspondence from family and friends.
Q: Does my child need extra spending money?
A: Parents are asked to deposit money in their child’s Camp account. Plan for about $10 to $15 per week that your child is at Camp. We do have a Camp store, so your child may want to buy clothing, toiletries, snacks, stamps or other such items. All unspent money will be refunded at the end of the session.
Q: Will there be any times my child leaves the Camp property? If so, how can I be sure my child will be safe/won't get lost?
A: Yes, campers might be sent on small trips outside of camp. This might include a trip to the local chocolate factory, a canoe trip (for older campers) or a camping trip to a nearby State Park. All these trips are very well staffed. Susquehannock enforces a high staff to camper ratio and constant camper checks are done in conjunction with using the buddy system. First Aid/CPR trained staff are on each trip, as well as lifeguards. Campers are supervised and always accounted for. The Susquehannock Camps take great care in keeping campers safe and adhere strictly to American Camping Association safety regulations.
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