Nestled in the picturesque heart of Nassau, New York, Camp Schodack offers a serene and inviting atmosphere for campers to explore, learn, and grow. With its rich history that spans several decades, its camp is located in a beautiful, natural setting, marked by sprawling fields and shaded woodland areas, creating an ideal backdrop for adventure and discovery.

Camp Schodack first opened its doors with a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where children can develop skills and form lasting friendships. The camp’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of personal growth, respect for others, and a love for nature. They believe in providing a safe and supportive space where every camper feels valued and inspired.

Their camp is designed for boys and girls across various age groups, ensuring a well-rounded experience for campers between the ages of 7 and 16. At Camp Schodack, they offer a broad array of activities tailored to the interests and abilities of their campers, ranging from sports and arts to adventure and team-building exercises.

Join us at Camp Schodack, where the magic of childhood comes alive through joy, learning, and the timeless charm of summer camp traditions.

Programs Offered by Camp Schodack

Camp Schodack is committed to offering a diverse range of programs that cater to the varied interests and developmental needs of their campers. Their programs are designed to promote personal growth, teamwork, and the development of lifelong skills.

Session Lengths

Their camp sessions are flexible, allowing families to choose the best fit for their schedule and their camper’s needs:

One-Week Sessions: Perfect for first-time campers or those looking for a brief summer adventure.
Two-Week Sessions: Ideal for campers who wish to delve deeper into the Camp Schodack experience with more time to enjoy activities and form friendships.
Full Summer: Their most immersive option, allowing campers to experience all that Camp Schodack has to offer, fostering significant personal growth and lasting memories.

Specialty Programs

Camp Schodack is proud to offer a variety of specialty programs tailored to cater to specific interests:

Arts: Their arts program includes activities like painting, sculpture, drama, and music, providing campers with a creative outlet and opportunities to showcase their talents.
Sports: They offer a comprehensive sports program featuring soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and more, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Science: For the curious and inquisitive, their science program explores the natural world with experiments, nature walks, and STEM activities, designed to stimulate the minds of their young scientists.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Schodack is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, free time, and community gatherings:

Morning:
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Morning assembly
- First activity session (e.g., arts, sports)
Afternoon:
- Lunch and rest period
- Second activity session (specialty program)
- Free time or elective activities
Evening:
- Dinner
- Evening program (campfire, talent show, etc.)
- Bedtime routine

Each day is carefully planned to ensure that campers enjoy a fulfilling and enriching experience, with enough variety to keep every day exciting and new. At Camp Schodack, they strive to create a welcoming environment where every camper can thrive and build memories that last a lifetime.

Accommodations in Camp Schodack

At Camp Schodack, they take great pride in providing comfortable and safe accommodations that enhance the camp experience while respecting the privacy and needs of each camper.

Sleeping Arrangements

Their campers stay in cozy, well-maintained cabins that are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Each cabin is equipped with:

Bunk beds that ensure every camper has their own sleeping space.
Storage areas for personal belongings to keep the living space organized.
Electricity and lighting for comfort and convenience.
Screened windows to keep the cabins cool and bug-free.

Cabins are grouped by age and gender, with each group overseen by experienced counselors who stay in the cabins with the campers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Dining Options

Camp Schodack is committed to providing a variety of healthy and delicious meal options that cater to all tastes and dietary requirements:

Meal Plans: They serve three well-balanced meals each day, along with healthy snacks. Meals are served in their communal dining hall, which is a central spot for campers to socialize and bond over food.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle food allergies and special dietary requirements with the utmost care.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Their camp facilities include modern bathroom and shower facilities that are conveniently located near each cabin cluster. Features include:

Separate shower stalls with private changing areas to ensure privacy and comfort.
Regularly cleaned and maintained toilets and sinks.
Hot and cold running water is available at all times.

The health and safety of their campers are paramount, and they ensure that all living spaces and facilities are kept clean and sanitary. Camp Schodack’s accommodations are designed to ensure that every camper feels comfortable, secure, and happy throughout their stay.

Activities in Camp Schodack

Camp Schodack offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels, fostering a dynamic and enriching summer experience. Here’s a look at the various activities and special events that make their camp so special:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Their aquatic activities include instructional swimming, free swimming, and water games in their outdoor pools, supervised by certified lifeguards.
Hiking: With access to beautiful trails, campers enjoy guided hikes that explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
Crafts: A range of craft activities such as pottery, beadwork, woodworking, and more allow campers to express their creativity.
Sports: They offer a variety of sports including soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball, and archery, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Performing Arts: Summer camps can participate in drama, dance, and music sessions, culminating in performances for the camp community.
Adventure Activities: Their adventure program includes rope courses, rock climbing, and zip-lining, designed to build confidence and leadership skills.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Schodack is rich in traditions and special events that foster community spirit and create lasting memories:

Color War: This multi-day event divides the camp into teams that compete in various sports, arts, and spirit events.
Campfires: Regular campfire nights feature storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting, enhancing the classic camp experience.
Theme Days: Special theme days, like Superhero Day or Backwards Day, add a fun and creative twist to the routine.

Skill Development Opportunities

At Camp Schodack, they believe in nurturing not only fun but also growth and skill development:

Leadership Programs: Older campers can participate in leadership training sessions, preparing them for roles as counselors or in other leadership positions.
Environmental Education: Through nature walks and sustainability projects, campers learn about environmental stewardship.
Arts and Crafts Mastery: Specialized workshops allow campers to delve deeper into specific arts and crafts, honing their skills and potentially discovering new passions.

Through these activities and special events, Camp Schodack aims to provide a summer filled with fun, learning, and personal growth, ensuring that each camper has a memorable and impactful experience.

The staff of Camp Schodack

At Camp Schodack, they understand that the quality of their staff is crucial to delivering a safe and enriching camp experience. They are committed to maintaining high standards in hiring, training, and staff-to-camper ratios to ensure that every camper receives personalized attention and care.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

To provide effective supervision and a personal touch, they maintain a favorable staff-to-camper ratio:

Younger Campers: For their younger age groups, they ensure a ratio of approximately one staff member for every three to four campers.
Older Campers: As campers grow older and more independent, the ratio adjusts to approximately one staff member for every five to six campers.

This ratio helps ensure that each camper receives adequate attention and guidance and that safety is always a priority.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Their staff are selected through a rigorous hiring process that includes:

Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks to ensure the safety and security of their camp community.
In-depth Interviews: Potential staff members undergo multiple rounds of interviews to assess their skills, experience, and suitability for working with children.
References: They require and thoroughly check professional references to confirm candidates’ past performance and reliability.

They prioritize hiring individuals who are not only qualified but also demonstrate a passion for working with children, a strong work ethic, and the ability to contribute positively to their camp environment.

Training and Certifications

All their staff members are required to have up-to-date training and certifications relevant to their roles:

CPR and First Aid: Every staff member is certified in CPR and First Aid to ensure they can respond effectively in case of an emergency.
Lifeguard Certification: Staff involved in aquatic activities hold current lifeguard certifications from recognized organizations.
Specialized Training: Depending on their roles, staff may also receive training in areas such as child psychology, conflict resolution, activity-specific skills (e.g., archery, rock climbing), and leadership development.

Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo a comprehensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, behavior management techniques, and the specific responsibilities of their assigned roles.

At Camp Schodack, they pride themselves on creating a supportive and dynamic environment led by a team of dedicated, skilled, and compassionate staff members. Their goal is to ensure that every camper enjoys a safe, fun, and memorable summer.

Safety and Health in Camp Schodack

Ensuring the safety and health of their campers and staff is paramount at Camp Schodack. They implement rigorous safety protocols, maintain excellent on-site health facilities, and have comprehensive policies for handling emergencies, all aimed at creating a secure and caring environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Camp Schodack is dedicated to maintaining a safe camp environment through the following measures:

Routine Safety Drills: Regularly scheduled drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown procedures, ensure that both campers and staff are prepared for any emergency.
Safety Training for Staff: All staff members receive training on safety protocols specific to their responsibilities, along with general emergency response training.
Activity-Specific Safety Measures: Each activity offered at camp has its own set of safety protocols, which are rigorously enforced. This includes the use of appropriate safety gear and equipment and ensuring that activities are supervised by qualified staff.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Camp Schodack’s on-site health facilities are designed to handle health needs promptly and efficiently:

Health Center: Their health center is staffed around the clock by licensed nurses and a camp physician available on call. The center is equipped to handle routine healthcare needs and minor medical emergencies.
Medication Management: The health center staff oversees the storage and distribution of medications according to the doctor’s instructions and parent specifications.
Isolation Areas: For illnesses that require separation from the camp population, such as contagious diseases, isolation areas are available to prevent spread and provide care in a controlled environment.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Their emergency policies are comprehensive and designed to handle situations effectively:

Immediate Response: Camp staff are trained to respond immediately to any signs of distress or emergency, with protocols in place to quickly escalate the situation to medical professionals when necessary.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, their policy is to communicate promptly and transparently with all affected parties, including parents, staff, and local authorities, if involved.
Evacuation Plans: They have well-defined evacuation plans tailored to various scenarios, including natural disasters or other threats. These plans are practiced and refined regularly to ensure efficiency and safety.

Continuous Review and Improvement

Their safety and health protocols are regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate new best practices and feedback from their community. This ongoing commitment to safety and health is central to their mission, ensuring that Camp Schodack remains a safe, joyful, and healthy environment for all campers and staff.

Cost and Registration in Camp Schodack

Understanding the financial aspects of camp attendance is crucial for families planning their summer. At Camp Schodack, they strive to provide transparent pricing, a straightforward registration process, and options to accommodate different financial situations, ensuring that as many children as possible can enjoy their camp experience.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending Camp Schodack varies depending on the length of the session chosen and the specific programs selected. Generally, costs include:

All Camp Activities: Sports, arts, crafts, adventure activities, and all other scheduled programs.
Accommodation and Meals: Comfortable living accommodations and three nutritious meals per day, along with snacks.
Health Services: Access to on-site health professionals and facilities.
Transportation: Round-trip transportation from designated pickup points in nearby cities.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Families can register their campers through their online portal, which provides a step-by-step guide through the registration process.
Deadlines: Early registration typically begins in the fall prior to the upcoming summer season. Registering early can often secure a spot and possibly a discount.
Documentation: During registration, families will need to provide medical information, dietary restrictions, and other necessary details to ensure the well-being of their camper.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: They offer flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of camp. These plans can be arranged on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Refunds and Cancellations: Their refund and cancellation policy allows for partial refunds up until a certain date, which is typically a few months before camp starts. After this date, refunds may not be available, unless cancellation is due to medical reasons (documentation required).
Insurance: They recommend considering camp insurance that covers cancellation for various unforeseen circumstances, including illness and family emergencies.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Schodack offers a limited number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are intended to cover a portion of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, they may offer additional financial aid options based on available resources and the number of applicants each year.
Application for Aid: Families seeking financial support can apply through a separate process, where they will be asked to provide financial documentation to verify their needs.

At Camp Schodack, they believe that financial considerations should not be a barrier to a wonderful summer experience. They are committed to working with families to explore all available options to ensure that their children can participate in their camp programs.

Camp Schodack in Nassau, NY offers a few different fee options for their summer camp program:

Full Session (7 weeks): $13,900
First Session (3.5 weeks): $8,650
Second Session (3.5 weeks): $8,650
Leadership Training Program (7 weeks): $12,900

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Schodack

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. At Camp Schodack, they aim to provide all the necessary information to ensure a smooth transition and a successful camp experience. Here’s a guide on what to pack, their camp rules and policies, and some tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough clothes for the session including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, swimwear, a jacket, and rain gear.
Footwear: Sneakers, sandals, and at least one pair of sturdy shoes for hiking.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Other Essentials: Flashlight, water bottle, hats for sun protection.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and any specific gear related to specialty activities (e.g., musical instruments).

Please label all items with the camper’s name to help keep track of personal belongings.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To encourage engagement and interaction, Camp Schodack has a no electronics policy for campers. This includes smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Emergency contact with parents is facilitated through the camp office.
Visitation: Parents are welcome to visit on designated visiting days, which are scheduled during longer sessions. These provide an opportunity to meet staff and see the camp in action.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow camp rules, show respect to peers and staff, and participate actively in scheduled activities.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and new friendships. Address any anxieties with positive reinforcement.
Communication: Explain how and when you will communicate with each other during camp. Knowing there are designated times for communication can help ease separation anxiety.
Practice Independence: Encourage your child to practice skills they will use at camp, such as making the bed, organizing their belongings, and choosing their clothes.
Set Goals: Help your camper set personal goals for their camp experience, whether it’s trying a new activity, making new friends, or developing a particular skill.

By following these guidelines and preparations, parents can help ensure that their child is ready and excited for their summer adventure at Camp Schodack. This preparation not only helps in smoothing the transition to camp life but also maximizes the enjoyment and growth that come from the camp experience.

As the gateway to unforgettable summers, Camp Schodack stands as a beacon of adventure, growth, and friendship in the heart of Nassau, New York. With its rich tradition of fostering independence and camaraderie among campers, Schodack offers a unique environment where children can safely explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence in a supportive community setting.

Their comprehensive array of programs, from arts and sports to science and adventure, ensures that every camper finds something they love, while their dedicated staff works tirelessly to maintain a safe, engaging, and fun atmosphere. The well-thought-out facilities and robust safety protocols further underscore their commitment to the well-being and development of all campers.