Welcome to Camp Lohikan, a premier summer camp located in the picturesque Pocono Mountains of Lake Como, Pennsylvania. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Camp Lohikan offers a serene and inspiring setting for campers to explore, learn, and grow.

Camp Lohikan is situated in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, lush forests, and clear lakes. The camp is located on the shores of Lake Como, providing campers with a beautiful and tranquil environment to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

Established in 1957, Camp Lohikan has a rich history of over six decades of providing exceptional summer experiences for children. Founded by the Buynak family, the camp has remained family-owned and operated, maintaining a commitment to creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive community for all campers. Over the years, Camp Lohikan has grown and evolved, continually enhancing its programs and facilities to meet the needs and interests of modern campers.

At Camp Lohikan, their mission is to provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment where campers can develop lifelong skills, build lasting friendships, and create cherished memories. They believe in fostering a sense of community, encouraging personal growth, and promoting a spirit of adventure and discovery. Their goal is to help each camper become more confident, independent, and capable while having the time of their lives.

Camp Lohikan is a camp, welcoming both boys and girls from ages 6 to 15. Their diverse and inclusive community is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and abilities, offering something for everyone. Whether your child is an aspiring artist, an avid athlete, or an enthusiastic adventurer, they will find a home at Camp Lohikan.

Join us at Camp Lohikan for an unforgettable summer experience filled with fun, friendship, and fantastic opportunities for growth and exploration!

Programs Offered by Camp Lohikan

Camp Lohikan offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of campers of all ages. Here’s an overview of the programs available, the session lengths, specialty programs, and a glimpse into a typical day at Camp Lohikan.

Description of the Programs: Camp Lohikan’s programs are structured to provide a balanced mix of educational, recreational, and personal development activities. The programs are geared towards encouraging campers to try new things, hone existing skills, and enjoy their summer in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Length of Sessions:

One-Week Introductions: These short sessions are perfect for first-time campers or those who are new to the summer camp experience.
Two-Week Sessions: A popular choice that allows campers to delve deeper into camp life and participate in more activities.
Full Summer Option: Lasting 8 weeks, this immersive experience offers campers the full breadth of what Camp Lohikan has to offer, fostering deep connections and significant personal growth.

Specialty Programs:

Arts: Camp Lohikan has a strong arts program that includes music, dance, theater, and fine arts. Campers can participate in performances, showcases, and exhibitions.
Sports: With facilities for basketball, soccer, tennis, archery, and more, sports enthusiasts can either play recreationally or receive coaching to improve their skills.
Adventure Activities: These include high ropes courses, hiking, and wilderness survival skills, ideal for those who love the outdoors.
Science and Technology: Offering hands-on experiments and projects in areas such as robotics, astronomy, and environmental science to spark curiosity and learning.

Typical Daily Schedule:

7:30 AM – Wake Up: Start the day with a refreshing wake-up call.
8:00 AM – Breakfast: Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast.
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Morning Activities: Campers participate in pre-selected activities in arts, sports, or adventure.
12:00 PM – Lunch: Time for a well-deserved break and a hearty meal.
1:00 PM – Rest Hour: Campers relax and recharge for the afternoon.
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Afternoon Activities: A continuation of specialty programs or a chance to try new activities.
5:30 PM – Dinner: Gather for a communal dinner and social time.
7:00 PM – Evening Activities: These may include campfires, talent shows, or themed nights.
9:00 PM – Cabin Time: Wind down the day with cabin mates.
10:00 PM – Lights Out: Time for rest to recharge for another fun-filled day.

Each day at Camp Lohikan is structured to provide a balance of activities, personal time, and group interactions, ensuring that every camper has an enriching and enjoyable experience.

Accommodations in Camp Lohikan

Camp Lohikan is dedicated to providing comfortable and functional accommodations that enhance the camp experience while meeting the needs of all campers. Here’s a detailed look at the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom and shower facilities at Camp Lohikan.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers stay in well-constructed cabins that are designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses between 8 to 12 campers and 2 counselors, fostering a close-knit community feel. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. They are also strategically placed to ensure easy access to main camp facilities and activity areas.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Lohikan provides three well-balanced meals a day, served in a communal dining hall. Meals are prepared by experienced kitchen staff and are designed to be nutritious and kid-friendly. The camp ensures there are always multiple options at each meal to cater to varying tastes and preferences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all dietary needs, Camp Lohikan offers options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions due to allergies or religious beliefs. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are also readily available. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary needs before the camp session starts to ensure all needs are met seamlessly.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility. These facilities are gender-segregated and provide private areas for showering and changing. Camp Lohikan prides itself on maintaining high cleanliness standards, with facilities cleaned and sanitized multiple times throughout the day.
Accessibility: All facilities at Camp Lohikan are designed to be accessible to ensure that campers with physical disabilities can move freely and safely.

By focusing on comfortable living arrangements, nutritious and accommodating meal options, and clean and accessible bathroom facilities, Camp Lohikan ensures a home away from home where campers can thrive both physically and emotionally throughout their stay.

Activities in Camp Lohikan

Camp Lohikan offers a vast array of activities designed to cater to every interest and skill level, ensuring that every camper finds something they love. Additionally, the camp hosts special events and provides numerous opportunities for skill development, making each camper’s experience both enriching and unforgettable.

List of Activities Offered:

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing on Lake Como.
Land Sports: Soccer, basketball, tennis, archery, and golf.
Adventure Activities: Rock climbing, zip-lining, high ropes courses, and mountain biking.
Creative Arts: Painting, pottery, jewelry making, and woodworking.
Performing Arts: Drama, dance, music, and participation in camp-wide productions.
Equestrian Program: Horseback riding lessons and trail rides.
Nature and Science: Gardening, environmental education, astronomy, and robotics.

Special Events or Traditions:

Color War: A multi-day event that divides the camp into teams competing in various sports, arts, and problem-solving challenges.
Campfire Nights: Regular campfires with storytelling, marshmallow roasting, and sing-alongs.
International Day: A celebration of the diverse cultural backgrounds of campers and staff with performances, food, and educational activities.
End-of-Summer Banquet and Awards: A formal dinner followed by an awards ceremony to recognize campers’ achievements and contributions throughout the summer.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Personalized Instruction: Campers receive individualized coaching in sports, arts, and other activities to help them improve their skills.
Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to develop skills in mentoring, team management, and problem-solving.
Certificates and Awards: Achievements in specific areas are recognized with certificates and awards, motivating campers to strive for excellence.
Progress Tracking: Skill progress in areas like swimming, riding, and art is tracked, providing campers and parents with feedback on development.

Camp Lohikan’s comprehensive activity roster, combined with its special events and focus on skill development, ensures that every camper enjoys a summer filled with fun, learning, and personal growth.

The staff of Camp Lohikan

The staff at Camp Lohikan are carefully selected and trained to ensure a safe, supportive, and fun environment for all campers. Here’s an overview of the staff-to-camper ratio, hiring process, qualifications, and the training and certifications required for staff members.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Lohikan maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and high-quality supervision. Typically, the ratio is 1 staff member for every 4 campers, which allows staff to effectively address the needs of each camper and provide a nurturing and responsive environment.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Staff are recruited from across the United States and internationally, with many returning year after year. Recruitment focuses on finding individuals who are passionate about working with children and who have skills in specific camp activities.
Qualifications: All staff members must have previous experience in childcare or a related field. Instructors for specialized activities like horseback riding, swimming, or rock climbing are required to have additional qualifications or experience relevant to their area of instruction.
Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks, including criminal records and reference checks, are conducted for all potential staff to ensure the safety and security of campers.

Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: Before campers arrive, all staff undergo an extensive training program that covers camp policies, child psychology, emergency procedures, and specific training for their assigned roles.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Lifeguards and other activity leaders often have additional certifications such as lifeguard training, wilderness first aid, or specific sports coaching certifications.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the summer, staff participate in ongoing training sessions to refine their skills and adapt to any evolving needs of the campers or the camp program.

Camp Lohikan’s dedication to maintaining a highly qualified and well-trained staff ensures that the camp environment is not only fun and engaging but also safe and conducive to learning and personal growth for all campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Lohikan

Camp Lohikan is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and health to ensure a secure environment for all campers and staff. Here’s an outline of the camp’s safety protocols, on-site health facilities, and policies for handling emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Routine Drills: Regular safety drills, including fire and emergency evacuation drills, are conducted to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to respond in various scenarios.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity offered at Camp Lohikan has specific safety guidelines and equipment requirements. For instance, sports activities have proper gear and safety instructions, while water activities are supervised by certified lifeguards.
Secure Campus: The camp is equipped with secure entry points and maintains a strict policy on who can enter and exit the premises to ensure camper safety.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Lohikan has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians. The health center is prepared to handle routine healthcare needs and minor emergencies.
Medication Management: The health center staff manages and administers all medications for campers according to physician directions, ensuring that each camper’s health needs are met throughout their stay.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, all campers undergo health screenings to identify any immediate health concerns and to inform staff of any existing conditions that require monitoring.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Action Plans: The camp has detailed action plans for various emergencies, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other urgent situations. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new safety standards and scenarios.
Training in Emergency Response: All staff members receive training in emergency response, including how to use the communication systems effectively to quickly manage and resolve emergency situations.
Parental Communication: In the event of an emergency, Camp Lohikan has a protocol for promptly informing parents and guardians, ensuring they are kept updated about the situation and any measures being taken.

Camp Lohikan’s comprehensive safety and health measures, along with its prepared and professional staff, ensure that all campers enjoy a safe and health-conscious environment, allowing them to focus on fun and learning during their summer experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Lohikan

Camp Lohikan is dedicated to providing a comprehensive camp experience with clear and accessible registration and payment processes. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of attendance, the registration process, payment options, and available financial support.

Cost of Attendance:

What It Includes: The cost of attending Camp Lohikan covers all lodging in the camp’s comfortable cabins, three meals per day plus snacks, all regular camp activities, equipment use, and laundry services. Transportation to and from the camp is typically not included unless specified.
Fees: While fees can vary depending on the length of the stay (one week, two weeks, or full summer), typical costs range from $850 for a one-week session to approximately $7,000 for a full summer session. These prices are subject to change, so prospective campers should refer to the camps.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

How to Register: Parents or guardians can register campers by filling out an online registration form available on the camp. This form will require personal details about the camper and any pertinent health information.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as some sessions fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for registration are typically set a few months before the start of the summer camp season. Early registration often provides the benefit of discounted rates.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Camp Lohikan offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months. These plans can be customized to fit different budget needs.
Refunds and Cancellation Policies: The camp has a structured refund policy where full or partial refunds are available until a specific cut-off date, which is usually a few months before the session begins. Cancellations after this date may not be eligible for a refund unless due to medical reasons, for which documentation will be required.
Cancellation Insurance: Families are often encouraged to purchase cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that prevent attendance.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Availability: Camp Lohikan offers a limited number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion of the camp fees.
Application for Financial Aid: Interested families must apply for financial aid by submitting an application that includes financial documentation. Decisions on aid are typically made well in advance of the camp season to allow families to plan accordingly.

Camp Lohikan’s approach to cost, registration, and financial aid is designed to be transparent and accommodating, ensuring that as many children as possible have the opportunity to experience the joy and learning that summer camp provides.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Lohikan

Ensuring that both parents and campers are well-prepared for the summer camp experience is crucial. Here’s a guide on what to pack, understanding camp rules and policies, and some tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List:

Clothing: Enough comfortable, casual clothing for a week (laundry is done weekly), including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, swimwear, a jacket, and a raincoat. Also, pack a nicer outfit for special events.
Footwear: Sneakers, sandals, water shoes, and at least one pair of sturdy hiking boots.
Bedding and Bath Items: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, bath towels, washcloths, and a beach towel.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, bug repellent, and any necessary personal care items.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, sunglasses, hat, and any needed sports equipment like a tennis racket.
Optional Items: Books, stationary, disposable cameras (if allowed).

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp Lohikan usually restricts the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. These may be collected upon arrival and returned at the end of the session.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit mainly on designated visiting days to prevent disruptions to the camp schedule and to maintain security protocols.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, participation in scheduled activities, and adherence to safety rules are expected of all campers. Bullying, aggressive behavior, or non-compliance with camp rules can lead to disciplinary action.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like, focusing on the exciting activities and opportunities. This can help ease any nervousness.
Communication: Take advantage of any pre-camp orientations. Prepare pre-written letters to send to your camper while they are away.
Packing: Involve your child in the packing process to ensure they feel prepared and included. Label all belongings with the camper’s name.
Homesickness: It’s normal. Encourage your child to stay engaged in activities and make new friends. Camp staff are trained to help children manage homesickness.
Health Concerns: Clearly communicate any medical needs or dietary restrictions to the camp staff before arrival. Ensure all medications are properly labeled and documented.

With these preparations in place, both first-time and returning campers can look forward to a memorable and enriching experience at Camp Lohikan, fostering independence and creating lifelong memories.

Camp Lohikan in Lake Como, PA, stands out as a beacon of adventure, learning, and personal growth in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. With its diverse array of activities ranging from arts and sports to science and adventure, the camp offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to the interests and talents of every camper. Its well-structured programs and a commitment to safety, guided by a dedicated and well-trained staff, ensure a nurturing environment where campers can thrive.

The comprehensive facilities, including comfortable cabins, a health center, and extensive recreational areas, provide a perfect backdrop for children to explore their potential and develop new skills. Furthermore, Camp Lohikan’s emphasis on community and character-building helps forge lasting friendships and instills values that campers carry with them long after the summer ends.