Welcome to Camp Netimus, a renowned girls’ camp located in the picturesque surroundings of Milford, Pennsylvania. Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains and near the historic Delaware River, Camp Netimus offers an idyllic setting for girls to explore the great outdoors while building lifelong friendships and skills.
Founded in 1930, Camp Netimus has a long-standing tradition of fostering independence and personal growth in young women through its diverse and dynamic program offerings. The camp prides itself on creating an environment where girls can thrive in harmony with nature, guided by a philosophy of encouraging self-discovery and community spirit.
As a girls-only camp, Netimus caters to campers aged 7 to 16, offering them a safe and supportive space to partake in various activities that range from arts and crafts to adventurous outdoor excursions. The mission of Camp Netimus is to empower each camper to become the best version of herself, promoting values of leadership, teamwork, and respect.
Join us at Camp Netimus, where every summer is an adventure filled with growth, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime.
Programs Offered by Camp Netimus
Camp Netimus offers a vibrant array of programs designed to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups, ensuring every camper finds something they love. The camp provides sessions of varying lengths to accommodate different needs and preferences, including one-week introductory sessions for new campers, two-week sessions, and full summer options for those who wish to enjoy the camp experience all season long.
Programs and Specialties:
- Arts and Crafts: Emphasizes creativity and expression through painting, pottery, jewelry making, and more.
- Adventure and Outdoors: Includes hiking, canoeing, archery, and ropes courses, promoting teamwork and resilience.
- Water Sports: Features swimming, sailing, and water skiing on the camp’s private lake, focusing on skill development and safety.
- Equestrian Program: Offers lessons in riding and horse care, tailored for beginners to advanced riders.
- Performing Arts: Provides opportunities in drama, dance, and music, culminating in performances at the camp’s own theater.
- Science and Nature: Engages campers with the environment through exploratory science experiments and nature walks.
Typical Daily Schedule:
- 7:30 AM: Wake Up
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Morning Activities (Choice of any specialty program)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Rest Hour/Free Time
- 2:00 PM: Afternoon Activities (Second round of chosen specialty programs)
- 5:00 PM: Free Time/Swimming
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM: Evening Activities (Campfires, skits, group games)
- 9:00 PM: Lights Out for younger campers
- 10:00 PM: Lights Out for older campers
This structured daily schedule allows campers to immerse themselves fully in their interests, while also providing ample opportunity for relaxation and social interaction. At Camp Netimus, each day is a new adventure, filled with learning, fun, and the chance to forge lasting friendships.
Accommodations in Camp Netimus
At Camp Netimus, the accommodations are thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with the rustic charm of outdoor living, ensuring that every camper feels at home while immersed in nature.
Sleeping Arrangements:
Camp Netimus offers traditional cabin living, with cabins nestled throughout the wooded campus, providing a cozy and secure environment for campers. Each cabin houses between 8 to 12 campers and 2 counselors, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings, allowing campers to maintain a tidy and personal space.
Dining Options:
Camp Netimus is proud of its dining hall, where campers enjoy three nutritious meals daily, prepared by a team of experienced kitchen staff. The camp offers a variety of meal options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary accommodations upon request. Meals are served family-style, promoting camaraderie and conversation among campers and staff. Snacks are also provided throughout the day to keep campers energized for their activities.
Bathroom and Shower Facilities:
Each cabin cluster at Camp Netimus has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities, which are centrally located for convenient access. The facilities are well-maintained and cleaned regularly, ensuring hygiene and comfort for all campers. Separate shower areas provide privacy, with individual stalls and changing areas.
Overall, Camp Netimus prioritizes the comfort and safety of its campers through its accommodation offerings, making sure that each camper can fully enjoy their summer camp experience in a secure and welcoming environment.
Activities in Camp Netimus
Camp Netimus offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to a variety of interests and skill levels, ensuring that every camper finds something they love and opportunities to develop new skills. Here’s a detailed look at the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:
List of Activities Offered:
- Swimming and Water Sports: Including lessons, free swim, canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing.
- Land Sports: Such as soccer, tennis, basketball, archery, and volleyball.
- Outdoor Adventures: Featuring hiking, camping trips, and ropes courses.
- Arts and Crafts: Offering activities like painting, pottery, weaving, and jewelry making.
- Performing Arts: Summer camps can engage in drama, dance, and music, participating in camp-wide performances.
- Equestrian: Horseback riding lessons and care, suited for all skill levels.
- Nature Exploration: Includes gardening, environmental education, and wildlife studies.
Special Events or Traditions:
Camp Netimus is rich in traditions and special events that enhance the camp experience:
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp season, helping to build a sense of community and continuity.
- Color Wars: A multi-day event filled with team competitions across various activities, fostering spirit and teamwork.
- Campfires and Storytelling Nights: Regular gatherings that involve singing, stories, and marshmallow roasting, creating lifelong memories.
- International Day: Celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of campers and staff with food, music, and educational activities.
- Regatta Day: A water-themed competition day celebrating all things aquatic on the camp’s lake.
Skill Development Opportunities:
Camp Netimus is dedicated to helping campers develop skills in various areas:
- Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to teach responsibility, conflict resolution, and group management.
- Skill Progression in Sports and Arts: Campers can advance their abilities in specific sports or arts, with expert instruction and increased complexity in activities.
- Environmental Stewardship: Through hands-on nature programs, campers learn about conservation and the importance of protecting the environment.
- Creative Expression: Opportunities in the arts allow campers to explore their creativity and perhaps discover new passions.
Overall, Camp Netimus not only provides a fun and engaging summer experience but also helps campers grow in confidence, skill, and character. Whether they are swimming across the lake, leading a cabin, or crafting a masterpiece, campers are encouraged to explore, excel, and expand their horizons.
The staff of Camp Netimus
Camp Netimus is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers, upheld by a highly qualified and well-trained staff. Here’s an overview of the staff structure, including the staff-to-camper ratio, hiring process, qualifications, and training programs:
Staff-to-Camper Ratio:
Camp Netimus maintains an excellent staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and guidance. The general ratio is approximately 1 staff member to every 4 campers, which enhances the ability to monitor and engage all campers effectively, ensuring safety and a high quality of supervision and interaction.
Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:
- Recruitment: Staff members are recruited from top universities, teacher education programs, and through referrals from within the camping community, both domestically and internationally.
- Interviews and Background Checks: Potential staff members undergo thorough interviews and are required to provide professional references. Background checks are conducted to ensure the safety and security of all campers.
- Experience and Expertise: Staff are selected based on their expertise in specific program areas, previous experience in youth camps or with child care, and their passion for working with children in a camp environment.
Training and Certifications:
- Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff participate in an extensive pre-camp training session that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity leadership, and camper safety.
- CPR and First Aid Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Many also have additional certifications appropriate to their specific roles, such as lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, or specific sports coaching certifications.
- Ongoing Professional Development: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and adapt to evolving best practices in child care and camp management.
Camp Netimus places a strong emphasis on the quality and preparedness of its staff to create a nurturing environment where campers can safely enjoy their activities and grow both personally and socially. The rigorous hiring process, combined with comprehensive training and a favorable staff-to-camper ratio, ensures that every camper has a memorable and transformative experience at Camp Netimus.
Safety and Health in Camp Netimus
Camp Netimus takes the safety and health of its campers very seriously, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining well-equipped facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment.
Safety Protocols and Procedures:
- Continuous Training: Staff are trained in emergency response procedures, including fire safety, weather emergencies, and lockdown drills, ensuring readiness to respond effectively to any situation.
- Activity Safety: Specific safety protocols are in place for each activity offered at camp, particularly for those involving higher risks such as water sports and adventure sports. Equipment is regularly inspected and updated to maintain high safety standards.
- Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times by qualified staff members, with strict rules in place to prevent unsupervised activities. The staff-to-camper ratio is designed to ensure adequate supervision in all activities and residential areas.
On-Site Health Facilities and Staff:
- Health Center: Camp Netimus has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and on-call physicians. The health center is prepared to handle routine illnesses and injuries and is stocked with the necessary medications and first aid equipment.
- 24/7 Availability: Health staff are available around the clock to assist with any medical needs or emergencies that may arise. They are also responsible for managing and distributing prescribed medications to campers as needed.
Policies on Handling Emergencies:
- Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that includes evacuation routes, designated safe areas, and procedures for communicating with parents and local authorities.
- Parental Communication: In the event of an emergency, camp management promptly informs parents or guardians, providing updates as necessary until the situation is resolved.
- Local Partnerships: Camp Netimus collaborates with local emergency services (fire, police, medical) to ensure a quick response to any emergency. Regular drills with these services help both staff and campers know what to expect and how to act during real incidents.
Camp Netimus’s commitment to safety and health is integral to its operation, ensuring that parents can feel confident about their children’s well-being while they enjoy their camp experience. The proactive measures and thorough preparation help foster a safe, fun, and healthy environment for all campers.
Cost and Registration in Camp Netimus
Camp Netimus offers a comprehensive camping experience with a clear structure for costs, registration, and financial policies, making it accessible and manageable for families to plan their summer activities.
Cost of Attendance:
The cost of attending Camp Netimus varies depending on the length of the session chosen by the camper. Generally, costs include all lodging, meals, activities, equipment, and program materials. Additional costs may include transportation to and from camp, spending money for the camp store, and optional extras such as special trips or horseback riding lessons.
Registration Process and Deadlines:
- Online Registration: Families can register their campers through the Camp Netimus website, where they will fill out necessary forms, select sessions, and submit medical information.
- Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in the fall for the following summer, with early bird discounts available. Deadlines for regular registration are usually set for the spring. It is advisable to register early as some sessions fill up quickly.
- Confirmation and Preparation: Once registration is complete, families receive a confirmation email along with a camper handbook that includes a packing list, program details, and additional information to prepare for camp.
Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:
- Payment Plans: Camp Netimus offers a variety of payment plans to help families manage the cost of camp. These can include monthly installments leading up to the start of the camp season.
- Refunds and Cancellations: The camp provides a structured refund policy. Deposits are typically non-refundable, and fees may be partially refundable up to a certain date. After this date, refunds are generally not available unless cancellation is due to medical reasons (documentation required).
- Cancellation Insurance: Families are often encouraged to purchase cancellation insurance to cover potential losses due to unexpected cancellations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
- Scholarships: Camp Netimus offers a limited number of scholarships each year based on financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of attendance.
- Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available based on family circumstances, and the camp encourages families to apply early for financial assessment.
By offering flexible payment options, a clear registration process, and opportunities for financial assistance, Camp Netimus strives to make its transformative summer experiences available to as many young girls as possible.
Camp Netimus offers a tiered pricing structure based on the length of your camper’s stay. Here’s a breakdown of their summer camp fees:
- 7 Week Session (Full Season): – $9,800
- 5 Week Session: – $8,100
- 4 Week Session: – $6,750
- 3 Week Session: – $5,450
- 2 Week Session (1st Half): – $4,000
- 2 Week Session (2nd Half): – $4,000
Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Netimus
Camp Netimus is dedicated to ensuring that both parents and campers are well-prepared for their summer camp experience. Here’s a guide to help with packing, understanding camp rules, and tips for first-time campers and their parents.
Packing List:
Camp Netimus provides a detailed packing list that includes:
- Clothing: Enough for 1-2 weeks, including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, swimwear, a raincoat, and comfortable footwear (sneakers, sandals, and boots for hiking).
- Bedding and Toiletries: Sheets, blankets, pillows, and personal hygiene products.
- Special Gear: Depending on the activities chosen, specific items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or art supplies.
- Health Items: Any necessary medications (to be handed to camp health staff upon arrival) and a small first aid kit.
- Miscellaneous: Flashlight, batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Rules and Policies:
- Technology Use: Camp Netimus has a no-technology policy for campers, which means no cell phones, tablets, or other electronic devices. This helps encourage campers to fully engage with their surroundings and peers.
- Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to help campers adjust to camp life and foster independence.
- Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, participation in scheduled activities, and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial. Bullying or disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:
- For Campers:
- Be Open to New Experiences: Try new activities, make new friends, and be open to learning new skills.
- Communicate: Speak up if you’re uncomfortable or need help. The staff is there to make your experience great.
- Pack Smart: Label all belongings and pack according to the weather and session activities.
- For Parents:
- Stay Positive: Your enthusiasm about the camp experience will help ease any nerves your child might have.
- Prepare for Homesickness: Discuss what camp will be like and how to cope with missing home. Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel homesick.
- Keep Goodbyes Brief and Cheerful: Long farewells can be hard on first-time campers.
By thoroughly preparing and understanding the camp’s policies and what to expect, both campers and parents can ensure a smooth, enjoyable entry into camp life. Camp Netimus is committed to providing a supportive environment where campers can thrive while away from home.
Camp Netimus offers a remarkable opportunity for girls to immerse themselves in a supportive, enriching environment where they can develop new skills, foster independence, and build lasting friendships. With its wide range of activities, dedicated staff, and beautiful setting in the Pocono Mountains, Camp Netimus is more than just a summer camp—it’s a community where young girls grow into confident, caring individuals. The camp’s commitment to safety, personal growth, and fun ensures that every camper’s experience is not only enjoyable but transformative.
Whether a first-timer or a returning camper, every girl at Camp Netimus is set to have a summer filled with adventures, learning, and the joy of making memories that will last a lifetime.