Parents’ Comments

When parents were asked why they sent their children to The Susquehannock Camps, the following were the common answers received:

• The first year it was a recommendation – since then it is the joy my child has being a part of the Susquehannock family!
• The camp philosophy, location and curriculum
• The traditional camp atmosphere
• The kids and counselors
• I am an alum and I had fun
• To give my child an opportunity to improve their English – International parent
• Overnight camp experience-independence
• Learning to adapt to a new/different environment
• The professionalism of all in the camp’s program. The high quality of compassion and understanding to both campers and parents without any compromise to the outstanding learning and character building provided.
• Friends
• Horses
• A strong recommendation from a former camper
• Knowing family members already there, so there was a high comfort level.
• Wanting them to have the away from home experience.
• Different experience and to meet new friends
• Leadership skills and independence
• To be independent and live rustically outdoors
• Great reputation
• My other children went to Susquehannock
• To have fun and make friends
• To develop sports skills
• The social, emotional, mental and physical development
• Family member an alum
• Repeat camper-he just plain loves it
• The counselors and the sports
• Active summer experience
• We believe the camp experience is very valuable in the development of the child
• The traditions

When we asked our Parents what they liked best about The Susquehannock Camps, here are some of the things they’ve said:

• It’s a healthy, non-pretentious philosophy
• Traditional camp feel, no cell phones, computers etc., nice kids, kids come from different states and countries, location, fullness of program
• That it’s small and rustic, not so commercialized like many have become
• My child came back a different person – loved all the activities and made tons of friends
• Sporting experiences, the programs that are offered
• The variety of activities and the staff
• Camaraderie
• It is out in the country, yet accessible. Not fancy, but rustic and solid
• The counselors and attention to detail
• I think it teaches kids to respect each other’s differences
• My child has been coming for years, and loves it! Comes back every year with having experienced something new, and seems to flourish there, and has met long life friends
• The lake
• Everything
• My child has always been treated fairly and with a tremendous amount of respect – that says it all! Thank You!
• Opportunity to learn new activities and sports; friendships that are developed. Chance to live away from home and make decisions for oneself.
• Everyone seems to know and care about each other
• Caring and dedicated staff
• As a S4B alum, I am so impressed how well the two camps have maintained their own identities while existing at the same site
• Like the values and philosophy of the camp–emphasis on friendship, personal best, respect for others, simplicity, etc.
• Really like the people. Like the counselors who are good role models for younger children. Like the leaders and administrators. They set a good example, and I feel like there is enough, but not too much, structure.
• The campers are expected to eat properly at meals and help out, love the beauty and natural environment of the camp.
• The cultural experience with children from around the world.
• All round camp
• The philosophy
• I trust these counselors. I appreciate that I see the same faces every year in the counselors, and the administration. These people love their “work”, their camp, these kids.
• Based upon what I see and my child’s reports, the environment seems to be supportive and has the feeling of a “camp family.” I like the way the kids are mixed on teams, in the bunks, and in the dining hall, so everyone seems to know everyone

Based on your child’s comments, what did they seem to enjoy most about their experience?

• Playing
• Activities were great and meeting new people – he knew not one person and came away with relationships. He cant wait to see a bunch of kids that he did not know in June
• New sports he practiced
• My child enjoyed the camaraderie, the leaders, and the many different experiences and activities
• I think my child enjoyed getting away with a bunch of “men”. I cannot believe what a great time he had. He’ll definitely be coming next year and hopes to become a counselor when he’s older.
• The horseback riding
• Loved the last week the best, the regatta and all of the games surrounding it
• The counselors, the friends they met and all the activities that were offered
• All the friendships
• My child spoke highly of the caring and inspiring staff. He loved making friends and being able to play with them every day for 7 weeks. My child seemed filled up by all the daily activity and experiences involved with healthy life in the country.
• Sailing
• Riding
• Swimming in the lake
• Good Food
• The mixers
• Woodshop
• My child commented that she felt she knew everyone by the time she left.
• The people in the cabin, the activities, especially tennis, field games, and the overall atmosphere of the camp.
• My child enjoyed becoming acquainted with sports that were new, e.g., canoeing.
• Different outdoor games played from the usual organized games.
• Spending time with friends at camp
• My child loves all aspects of camp. I could not say anything that my child did not like. The stories are still coming

Based on you child’s behavior since they have been home, in what ways, if any, have you seen personal growth?

• My 9 year old is less fearful at night and more confident about his sports and swimming skills.
• My 13 year old is less dependant on electronics and is now a Rubik’s cube master.
• Always been very independent, continues to be so and has an even more mature outlook on relationships and friendships.
• More self-sufficient and independent
• Will try new foods
• Incremental degree of physical and social confidence.
• Calmer
• More sure of their abilities. More comfortable in their skin.
• My child misses camp! We dropped our child off the deep end for 3 weeks and he made friends, developed some discipline and bought in to a very hospitable communal community. My child talks about it all the time and cant wait to go back
• My child has gained confidence and independence. My child’s sports skills have improved and my child came home happy and satisfied.
• Seems to be in a routine, and more outgoing.
• I haven’t seen any major changes but we do know that camp was a positive influence on our child
• Self sufficiency, maturity
• More respectful of adults
• Our child seems to understand the concept of sharing the household responsibilities and is a bit better organized with personal things.
• Settled
• My child’s more mature and willing to do things with the family that might have been protested before

Other comments:

• Thank you for giving our kids a wonderful summer!
• We adore the camp and hope to have our children attend for many years to come. What a worthwhile investment for the summer that will impact who they are for a lifetime!
• I love the new newsletter and the ability to view pictures online and find out the activities that have taken place
• We’re already signed up for next year
• It is truly the highlight of my child’s year!
• Just a great experience!
• My faith in Susquehannock has never been stronger after my child’s wonderful experience. Susquehannock provides an experience that prepares young children to be successful, confident, caring and active adults. – Alum now sending their child to camp
• Thank you. Thank you.
• My child has had three great summers at camp, and I thank you all for the great job you do in making that possible!
• My kids returned from an amazing four weeks and cannot seem to keep quiet about the AMAZING time they had there at camp. Many thanks again and hope to see you all next year! Honestly, they can’t stop talking, singing, laughing, and wearing official gear. We are so happy!