Welcome to Camp Dark Waters, nestled in the serene woodlands of Medford, New Jersey. This idyllic retreat, situated in a region renowned for its lush forests and proximity to the historic Rancocas Creek, offers a picturesque backdrop for campers to explore and grow.

Since its founding, Camp Dark Waters has been dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment where young people can learn, play, and develop life skills. The camp’s mission is rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences foster self-discovery, respect for nature, and community building. This philosophy is infused into every activity, ensuring that each camper leaves with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers.

Camp Dark Waters is a camp, that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. Here, campers from ages 6 to 16 can enjoy a wide range of activities tailored to each age group, promoting both personal growth and teamwork. Whether through sports, arts, or outdoor adventures, each day at Camp Dark Waters is filled with excitement and learning, all under the guidance of their dedicated staff. Join us for a summer of adventure and discovery in the heart of New Jersey’s beautiful landscape!

Programs Offered by Camp Dark Waters

Camp Dark Waters offers a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of children aged 6 to 16. Their programs are crafted to provide enriching experiences that nurture growth, creativity, and teamwork.

Programs Description:

Explorer Programs: For younger campers, these one-week sessions introduce the basics of camp life, from swimming and hiking to arts and crafts.
Adventure Programs: Spanning two weeks, these sessions are designed for middle-aged campers, offering more challenging activities including advanced arts, sports, and outdoor survival skills.
Leadership Programs: Tailored for their oldest campers, these four-week sessions focus on developing leadership skills through specialized workshops, team-building activities, and community service projects.

Length of Sessions:

One-Week Sessions: Brief and engaging, perfect for first-time campers or those looking for a quick summer adventure.
Two-Week Sessions: These offer a more immersive experience, allowing for deeper exploration of activities and personal interests.
Full Summer Options: For the ultimate Camp Dark Waters experience, campers can combine sessions for a full summer of fun, learning, and growth.

Specialty Programs:

Arts: Includes drama, dance, music, and visual arts, allowing campers to express themselves and explore their creativity.
Sports: Features a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, and archery, focusing on skill development and teamwork.
Science and Nature: Campers can engage in environmental education, wildlife studies, and scientific experiments that take advantage of their natural surroundings.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Wake-up
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Morning assembly
- 9:30 AM: Activity Session 1 (e.g., arts and crafts or sports)
Midday:
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Rest period
- 2:00 PM: Activity Session 2 (e.g., nature hike or science workshop)
Afternoon:
- 4:00 PM: Free time/swimming
- 5:30 PM: Dinner
Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Evening program (campfire, games, talent show)
- 9:00 PM: Return to cabins
- 9:30 PM: Lights out

Camp Dark Waters is dedicated to offering a balanced schedule that mixes learning, recreation, and relaxation, ensuring that every camper has an unforgettable summer experience.

Accommodations in Camp Dark Waters

Camp Dark Waters provides a cozy and rustic setting for campers to stay and dine during their summer adventures, ensuring that all needs are met with comfort and care.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers stay in traditional wooden cabins that are nestled among the trees, offering a classic camp experience. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and can accommodate 8-10 campers, along with 2 counselors. Cabins are grouped by age and gender to create a safe and supportive environment for all campers.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: All meals are provided in the communal dining hall, where campers gather to enjoy a variety of healthy and delicious foods. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style, with multiple options to cater to everyone’s tastes.
Dietary Accommodations: Camp Dark Waters is committed to inclusive dining experiences. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available, and the kitchen staff is trained to handle allergies and other specific dietary needs. Parents are encouraged to discuss any special dietary requirements with the camp staff prior to arrival to ensure that all needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Separate bathroom and shower facilities are conveniently located near each cabin cluster. The facilities are divided by gender and are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort.
Privacy and Safety: Privacy is a priority in the design of their bathroom and shower facilities. Individual stalls and shower cubicles ensure that campers feel safe and comfortable while attending to their personal needs.

At Camp Dark Waters, their accommodations are designed to enhance the camping experience, providing a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment where campers can relax and recharge after a day full of activities.

Activities in Camp Dark Waters

Camp Dark Waters offers an extensive range of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels, fostering both fun and personal growth throughout their stay. Here’s a glimpse into the vibrant activity lineup and special traditions that make Camp Dark Waters a unique place to be.

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Includes swimming in the natural lake, hiking through scenic trails, canoeing, and archery.
Creative Arts: Summer camps can indulge in various arts and crafts, pottery, and performative arts like drama and dance.
Sports: Features a variety of team sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more to promote fitness and teamwork.
Nature and Science: Offers environmental education, wildlife exploration, and science experiments to foster curiosity and a love for learning.
Survival Skills: Teaches campers essential outdoor survival skills, including orienteering, fire-building, and shelter-making.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening Bonfire: A welcome event where campers gather around a large bonfire for introductions, camp songs, and bonding activities, setting the tone for the session.
Color Wars: A camp-wide, multi-day event filled with various physical and creative competitions, promoting spirit and camaraderie among campers.
Talent Show: An evening where campers showcase their talents, whether it’s playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, or performing skits.
Closing Ceremony: A heartfelt tradition where campers reflect on their experiences, share memories, and participate in a candlelit ceremony, often leading to lifelong friendships.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers can engage in leadership programs, which include mentoring younger campers, leading activities, and organizing events.
Personal Growth Workshops: Workshops on topics like communication, problem-solving, and self-confidence are designed to help campers develop valuable life skills.
Specialty Clinics: For those interested in deepening specific skills, specialty clinics in areas such as advanced sports techniques, artistic expressions, or scientific inquiry are available.

Camp Dark Waters is dedicated to providing a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests and development of every camper. Through fun, educational experiences, and cherished traditions, campers leave with not only new skills but also memories that last a lifetime.

The staff of Camp Dark Waters

Camp Dark Waters is committed to ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers, largely facilitated by a dedicated and highly qualified staff. Here’s an overview of their staff structure, qualifications, and the rigorous training they undergo to maintain the highest standards of care and supervision.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Dark Waters maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and care. The ratio is approximately 1 staff member for every 5 campers. This allows their staff to effectively monitor and engage with campers, ensuring safety and a fulfilling camp experience.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Hiring Process: The selection of staff is rigorous and thorough, involving multiple interviews, reference checks, and background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
Qualifications: Staff members are typically college students, educators, or professionals in child-related fields. Many return year after year, bringing continuity and experience to the camp environment. They prioritize candidates who have prior experience in camping, youth programs, or specific activity expertise relevant to the programs offered at the camp.

Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season starts, all staff undergo extensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child behavior management, and specific training related to their assigned activities.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. This ensures that they are prepared to handle any health emergencies that might occur.
Specialized Certifications: Depending on their roles, some staff members also hold additional certifications. For example, those leading swimming or boating activities are certified lifeguards, and those involved in adventure activities might have certifications in wilderness first aid or similar qualifications.

Camp Dark Waters invests significantly in its staff to ensure they are equipped not only to supervise and instruct campers but also to handle emergencies and provide the best possible camp experience. Their staff’s dedication and expertise are fundamental to creating a safe and engaging environment where campers can thrive.

Safety and Health in Camp Dark Waters

Camp Dark Waters takes the safety and health of its campers and staff very seriously, implementing robust protocols and maintaining comprehensive facilities to ensure a secure and healthy camp environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: Campers and staff participate in regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure everyone knows how to respond in different scenarios.
Activity Safety: Each activity is supervised by staff members who are trained in both general safety and specific protocols relevant to their activity. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards.
Nighttime Security: The camp maintains strict rules about nighttime activities and cabin checks, with counselors ensuring that all campers are accounted for and safe each night.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Dark Waters is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates 24 hours a day. The center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, typically including nurses and occasionally a visiting doctor.
Facilities and Equipment: The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with necessary medical supplies. Arrangements are in place for handling more serious medical situations requiring hospital care, with transportation readily available.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Immediate Response: In the case of an emergency, camp staff are trained to respond immediately and efficiently, providing necessary first aid and stabilizing the situation while the camp’s emergency response plan is activated.
Communication: Parents are informed of any emergencies or health issues as quickly as possible. The camp maintains updated contact information for all families to ensure timely communication.
Partnerships with Local Services: Camp Dark Waters has established relationships with local emergency services, including hospitals, fire departments, and police, to ensure a rapid response when external assistance is needed. The nearest hospital is briefed before the summer season about the camp’s operations and potential needs.

Through these measures, Camp Dark Waters aims to provide a secure and caring environment where campers can enjoy their activities without undue risk, and where parents can feel confident in the safety and well-being of their children.

Cost and Registration in Camp Dark Waters

At Camp Dark Waters, they strive to provide an accessible and affordable camp experience, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from their programs. Below is detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, registration process, and financial aid options.

Cost of Attendance:

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Dark Waters varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program selected. Generally, fees cover all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, and equipment.
What’s Included: The fees include accommodation in cabins, three meals per day, all scheduled activities, 24-hour supervision by trained staff, and basic health services at the camp’s health center.

Prices typically range from $550 per week.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Parents can register their children online through the Camp Dark Waters website. The process includes filling out camper information, selecting sessions and activities, and completing necessary health and consent forms.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months before the summer season and remains open until all spots are filled. Early registration is encouraged as some sessions fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: To accommodate family budgets, Camp Dark Waters offers structured payment plans that allow families to pay for camp over a period of months leading up to the summer.
Refunds and Cancellation: A deposit is required at the time of registration, which is typically non-refundable. The camp offers partial refunds up to a certain date, beyond which refunds are not available except under exceptional circumstances, such as medical issues (with a doctor’s note).
Cancellation Policy: Specific details of the cancellation policy are provided during the registration process, ensuring families are informed about their options in case of unforeseen changes.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Dark Waters provides scholarships based on need and merit. Families are encouraged to apply early for scholarship consideration, as funds are limited.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available based on family income, number of children attending, and other factors. The camp works diligently to ensure that no child is turned away due to financial constraints.

Camp Dark Waters is committed to making camp an unforgettable experience for all children, providing various financial options to assist families in managing the cost of camp.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Dark Waters

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both campers and their parents, Camp Dark Waters provides detailed guidelines on preparation, including what to pack, camp rules, and tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough clothing for the camp duration, including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, and layers for cooler evenings. Include swimwear, a hat, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, along with a pillow, for use in the cabins.
Toiletries: Essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sunscreen should be included. Insect repellent is also recommended.
Other Essentials: Water bottles, flashlights, and any necessary medications (with clear instructions for administration).

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp Dark Waters has a no-electronics policy for campers. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. Emergency contact with parents is facilitated through camp phones.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruptions and help campers adjust to camp life. Specific dates and times for these visits will be provided at the start of each session.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, kindness, and cooperation. Bullying, aggressive behavior, and disregard for camp rules are not tolerated and may result in dismissal from camp.

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 by reassuring your child of the safe, supportive environment at camp.
Communication: Explain the communication policy, including how and when campers can contact their parents. Letters and occasional calls are typical.
Homesickness: It’s normal for first-time campers to experience homesickness. Parents can help by expressing confidence in their child’s ability to handle being away from home.
Pack Together: Involve your child in the packing process to give them a sense of control and anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

By preparing both practically and emotionally, parents and campers can set the stage for a successful and memorable experience at Camp Dark Waters. Whether it’s a child’s first time at camp or they’re returning for another year, these guidelines help ensure they are ready to dive into the fun and learning that await.

Camp Dark Waters in Medford, New Jersey, offers an enriching and dynamic summer experience for children aged 6 to 16. With a focus on safety, personal growth, and community, the camp provides a diverse array of activities, from arts and sports to environmental education, all designed to foster discovery and lasting friendships. Campers enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, engage in creative and challenging activities, and develop valuable life skills under the guidance of caring and skilled staff.

The camp’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its structured payment options, scholarships, and financial aid, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in its programs. From the first-time camper to the seasoned veteran, each child leaves with a collection of joyful memories and a reinforced sense of self-confidence and independence.