FAQs
What does the daily schedule look like?
Teen Camp will have a schedule which includes 4 daily electives, an athletic/rec period, and a free swim period. Electives include individual and team sports, a variety of waterfront activities (jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and lake elements), visual, dramatic, creative and culinary arts, adventure activities, high ropes, and a comprehensive STEM program to name a few. Check out the daily schedule for more information.
There are many add-ons to any day of Teen Camp which can include leadership workshops, internships, courses and certifications, camper led projects, service learning trips, and many others.
How does my child choose activities/electives?
There are over 50 camp electives. Every three days, campers will choose four electives. We encourage campers to try new activities all the time, but also allow them to repeat activities they enjoy.
How are campers supervised throughout the day?
Our activity sign up system allows us to check attendance at all activities that campers participate in. In addition, Teen Camp staff are assigned at every period to be checking attendance around camp and being on duty in certain areas of camp. Our goal is to provide a structured and supervised environment while also creating a program that allows campers to take responsibility for their time and have a sense of ownership over their camp experience.
How are campers bunked for the summer?
Campers are grouped in bunks by grade and gender. We take a lot of time to bunk our campers with others that we feel they will connect with and make lasting friendships. We ask all families to fill out a camper questionnaire and you are able to make bunking requests so that your child can be with one or two children from your town, or bunked separately, if you prefer. Top or bottom bunks can be requested.
How many campers and staff are in each bunk?
Each bunk has up to 20 campers and 2 staff. The bunks are equipped with full bathroom facilities, including at least 2 showers, sinks and toilets, electrical outlets, and cubbies for clothing. All campers and staff sleep in solid wooden bunk beds and our counselors sleep amongst the campers in the cabin, with one of them next to the entrance to the bunk. Our housekeeping staff sanitizes the bathrooms daily while the campers and counselors keep the main area of the cabin in order, which is maintained through daily cabin inspections.
Where do campers come from?
Our campers come from all over the United States. We have large groups of children from New Jersey, the New York metropolitan area, Long Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Florida. We also have international campers from Israel, France, Spain, Latin America, and other locales.
Are there a lot of choices at mealtimes?
Yes. Besides the kosher hot meal, there is a full salad bar, pasta, and fruit at lunch and dinner. If a camper still can’t find something they like, they can also work with our specialty food liaison to help them find something in our fully stocked kitchen. Check out the Health and Nutrition page for more information.
Can you accommodate my child’s allergies?
We also have a dedicated Certified Gluten Free kitchen for campers with a gluten free diet. In addition, we can accommodate most special dietary needs. The specialty food liaison will work closely with your family to ensure all dietary needs can be met. For further information, check out the Health and Nutrition page page or contact the camp director for specific questions.
Do you have a doctor in camp?
We typically have two to three doctors and six to eight nurses in Milford at all times. In addition we have medical administrators in each camp, who will be your point of contact if anything medical happens during your camper’s stay. Our overnight health center is staffed 24 hours per day.
Are there any other expenses? Do campers need extra money?
There are a few extra expenses that families may incur if you choose: horseback riding, Total Specialty Camps (TSC), and luggage shipping (if you choose not to drive it to camp). If you have a full summer or 6-week camper, we suggest that each parent send in spending money for their campers for our field trip. This money is kept in the office safe and will be given to the campers by their division head when needed. In addition, campers may want to bring some spending money for our TAC trips. This amount is completely up to our families and you should consider any souvenirs and snacks the campers may wish to pay for.
Do you offer horseback riding?
Yes, we offer Horseback Riding lessons for an additional fee. Horseback Riding can be selected before camp starts or added during the summer. Our campers typically receive Western style instruction. Trail riding is offered once the staff feel a child is ready.
How does the laundry work?
Bunk laundry is done once per week. Bunk counselors help the campers move laundry from their own bags into larger bunk laundry bags. The laundry is brought to our on-premise facility, washed, dried, and then returned. Counselors assist campers with sorting, folding, and putting away clean laundry. Please clearly label EVERY item of clothing with your child’s name.
Are there any out of camp trips?
TAC travels away from camp on extended overnight stays every session. Trips in the past have included Costa Rica, Los Angeles, and Toronto to name a few. Trips alternate every year so campers will not participate in the same trip twice while in TAC. Please contact the Teen Programs Director for the specific trip being offered for the upcoming summer.
There are also multiple community service trips offered every year for campers interested in earning hours for school and/or would like to use the opportunity to give back to local communities.
TAC goes on out of camp adventure trips in our local area. These include day mountain biking trips in the Pocono State Forest, day canoe trips down the Delaware River, day sailing trips on Lake Wallenpaupack and day hiking trips in the Highpoint State Forest. Campers also leave camp to compete in inter-camp games and tournaments. We play in different leagues giving our campers opportunity to compete in sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, roller-hockey, tennis meets, swim meets and more. Finally, on our changeover day from 1st to 2nd session, our full summer campers go on a out of camp trip for the day.
How do the TAC trips work?
The entire Teen Camp of campers, staff, and supervisors leave camp for a middle portion of each session to participate in a trip. The camp travels together either by coach bus or flights and stay in a hotel together. The trip itineraries are packed with activities, volunteer work, touring, fun, and adventure. While campers get to choose who they room with, counselors are on a rotating On Duty schedule throughout the night.
How does food work on trips?
Food on the trips is either kosher or vegetarian. We will always provide a gluten free option and provide food for those with various other allergens, however, unlike camp we have no control over the kitchens in which food is prepared.
Are campers allowed phones on the TAC trips?
Yes. Phones are only permitted when Teen Camp travels on their multi-day trips. Campers must hand phones in on opening day and they will be kept in the camp safe until departing for the trip. Campers return the phones to the safe upon returning from the trip.
What is Total Specialty Camps (TSC)?
TSC is our unique specialty camp option providing an intensive experience in basketball, baseball, soccer, or tennis. By adding Specialty Camp to your summer experience, you can immerse yourself in one activity four hours per day, six days a week. You learn from the best about how to improve your skills, gain confidence, and most importantly, have fun! To see our TSC offerings and for more information, check out our Specialty Camps section.
Do you provide a suggested packing list for the summer?
Yes, and it can be found here. We suggest packing into soft duffle bags for easy storage. For our activities, most equipment is provided, campers are encouraged to bring equipment for their favorite sport, if they have equipment they prefer using. Please ensure you clearly label your camper’s clothing and equipment.
Please include a small carry-on for our extended trips off of camp. Any specific trip packing needs will be communicated through pre-camp emails.
How do campers get to camp?
There are three ways that campers get to and from camp. On the first and last days of the 1st, 2nd and Full Season sessions, parents can drive their camper to and from camp, campers can take free buses provided by the camp from various stops in the tri-state area or campers can fly into Newark Liberty International Airport and we will meet them there and bring them by bus to camp. Short stay campers may take camp buses to camp, but are picked up at the end of their session at camp.
How do I get my child’s luggage to and from camp?
Further information about Teen Camp luggage will be provided in the coming weeks.
How do I keep in touch with my child once they are at camp?
You, your family members, and friends can email campers as much as you like using the Campanion App. Campers also enjoy receiving snail mail through the US postal service. We post pictures, Sunday through Friday, usually by 11 pm EDT, by camp. On occasion, technology issues and/or camp programs intervene and posting of photos may be delayed. Pictures can be seen daily though the Campanion App. We try our very best to capture pictures of many campers every day. You should expect to see your camper once every 3 days. If not, please let us know. We also upload video clips from camp to highlight different activities and events. Campers have access to computers during various times each day to send (only) emails at their leisure, however they will receive responses once a day which is delivered with the regular snail mail. If you ever have any concerns during the summer, feel free to contact the Teen Programs Director at any time.
What happens on the first day of camp?
Campers will be welcomed to camp by our very enthusiastic staff! Before going to their bunks, all campers are “health checked,” which includes a lice check. Passports and cell phones will also be collected and stored in the camp safe. Bunk counselors escort the campers to their bunks for introductions and unpacking. Camper orientation includes a tour of the grounds, icebreakers, lunch, swim tests, athletics, and a camp meeting to kick off the summer of their lives!
Where is the Milford campus located?
Our address is 570 Sawkill Road, Milford, PA 18337. We have 3 camps located at this address: Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, Cedar Lake Camp, and Teen Camp. Including our Round Lake inclusion program.
International Campers – What airports can my camper fly into?
Once your child is registered, please contact us regarding flights and times before making any arrangements. If at all possible, flight arrangements should be made through Newark Liberty International Airport. Our staff meet and greet campers upon arrival and bring them to camp. For the return flight, we bring campers to the airport, and if permitted by security, accompany them to the gate. Our staff does not leave the airport until the plane has departed. We give parents an emergency contact number and procedures to follow in case of unexpected delays.
International Campers – Do you provide linens for international campers?
We provide our international campers with bed linens (sheets, blankets, pillow, pillow case) for use during the summer. Please be sure to label all clothing and items you send to camp with the camper’s first and last name.