Joining a new summer camp brings a mix of excitement, curiosity and a little apprehension. Below are the most often asked questions from new children, just like you, (parents will also find them very useful). Parents, please call 914-693-7111 so we can go into more details specific to your families needs.
- Will I be the only new camper? NO!
New campers attend all ages 8 to 16 from all over America and the world.
- Will I make friends and have fun? YES
You will find your people at Long Lake. Our campers are fun, friendly, warm and creative. Your arrival day and 1st camp days are all about making friends (as is every day at Long Lake). Because you choose your activities and friends you will have tremendous fun! We will work tirelessly to make sure Long Lake is the most fun place on earth.
- Is the camp beautiful and surrounded by nature? YES
Our private lakeside campus is in the heart of the world famous Adirondack park of upstate New York. We own 700 acres of lush green forests, a stunning waterfront with glistening blue lake and soaring mountains greeting us daily.
- Will I fit in? YES
We are a very open and inclusive camp who welcomes everyone. Our campers are like minded, kindred spirits from around the world. They all enjoy the arts, are friendly and wish to make long lasting new friends.
- Will I be ok? YES
We will make sure you are doing great. Your bunk staff and Unit Leaders are warm, kind and caring people, who will be with you on your journey.
- Do campers all know each other already? NO
Many come not knowing anyone but have many friends by the first night. Our campers come from different countries and many different US states and towns. All our campers are eager to make friends.
- I can be shy at first, will I make friends? YES
Being shy is not unusual, artists can sometime be a little quiet at first. But our fun camp philosophy brings like minded campers together who then flourish.
- Will other campers like what I like? YES
We make sure everyone joining us enjoys the performing and/or fine arts in some way. Nobody attends Long Lake by mistake. New campers are always delighted to find others who love the same things they love.
- Will I get to do what I love? YES
You create your schedule with us at camp. You tell us what you would love to do and our Unit Leaders make it happen. Your schedule is flexible, changeable and adaptable to you. We have 7 one hour activity periods per day. You can enjoy 7 different activities or combine periods to spend longer on those you love the most.
- How do I choose my schedule? Easily at camp
Our Unit Leaders will help you craft your dream schedule at camp. The day after you arrive we have a fabulous Orientation day where you learn about everything we offer, how to choose and what commitment level is expected. For any rehearsal based shows we need to know right away, but many activities you can add at any time during your session. We will make sure you are doing what you love.
- Do I choose my schedule before camp? NO
You choose at camp in real time.
- Can I call home? YES
We have call nights using camp phones so you will chat with your parents 2 or 3 times per session. Your parents can also call in for your Unit Leader. or set up a call with you.
- Is there always someone to help me? YES 100%
Unit Leaders, bunk staff, camp directors, owners and camp friends, all are happy to help at any time for as long as you need. You will never feel alone at Long Lake.
- I went to a traditional camp last summer, will I Love Long Lake? YES
We have many campers who enjoyed a traditional camp but now wish to explore a more creative summer. In addition to the arts you still get to roast marshmallows, jump in the lake, go camping, ride horses and ATV’s if you wish, its up to you.
- Do I have to be an accomplished artist or performer? NO
Beginners to advanced love us because we create a custom schedule with you, your level does not matter. You can try new activities for the first time at Long Lake and develop your skills and passions.
- I am an accomplished artist or performer, will Long Lake challenge me? YES
We can accommodate all levels at Long Lake. Here are a few examples: your music lessons are one on one so we meet you at your level. If you are an experience dancer then you would have more demanding choreography in our show. In the fine arts you are creating the artwork you love rather than making the same art as everyone else, in circus you could become a circus A.C.E.
- Will I be safe? YES
We will take the greatest care of you. We have many safe and highly trained staff, a 100% private location and we always know where you are and what you are doing. We supervise our campers 24/7. We have 3 New York state Registered Nurses on camp and over 50 red cross trained first aid and cpr responders. All staff are background checked and we are inspected by the New York State Department Of Health 3 times per summer.
- I also enjoy water and land sports, can I do those? YES
Daily if you wish, the choice is yours. We have fabulous non-competitive sports and watersports activities for you to enjoy.
- I don’t like sports or waterfront, do I have to do them? NO
It is your choice, some of our campers prefer not to do these, some enjoy these daily.
- Who do I eat with? Your bunk friends
So you can catch up on their day. We eat outdoors on lovely picnic tables much as we can. If not we have a great dining room to enjoy. We can accommodate many food allergies and preferences. We serve buffet style so you get to choose rather than family style where you are giving your food buy table.
- What if I am homesick? We will help you
Our Unit Leaders are amazing at helping, you will be ok. we work very hard at making sure were are the right camp before you attend. This means we know we have the activities you will love, this is the key along with great friends. This means you will be busy and occupied which makes being away from home easier. We have an amazing track record of helping homesick campers not just survive camp but truly thrive and then choose to come back for many more years. Parents have told us we were the only camp their child loved and did not leave due to homesickness.
- Is there time to relax? YES
After lunch and dinner we have hour long rest periods. Our evening activities are also super fun and relaxing. If you need to take a period off no problem.
- How long are your sessions? 3 and 6 weeks (2 weeks by request)
Most do 3 or 6 weeks. Please call about 2 weeks as there are some activity differences (mostly to do with performing in shows at the end of the session). 914-693-7111
- Do you offer 1 week sessions? No
Not enough time to explore all we offer.
- Will I be cast in a show? YES 100%
We produce many many productions. You let us know you wish to be in a production/s, we make sure you are. All parts get hand fitted costumes, lights, sets, sound and a cast of new friends.
- Do I have to be in a show? NO
It is your choice, many of our artists and film makers do not wish to perform, no problem.
- I love to perform in theater, music, dance and circus. Can I do all of these? YES
You have plenty of time in your daily schedule (7 one hour periods per day) to accommodate multiple type of shows.
- Can I create the artwork or films I want? YES
We support your unique creativity. Our fine arts and film follows your creative dreams rather than making you create the same as everyone else. Our art teachers will guide and inspire you and teach the techniques you wish to learn.
- How many activity periods per day? 7 one hour periods
Plus fun relaxing evening activities like campfires, rock concerts, performing art nights, bunk activities, music concerts, evening lake cruises, movie nights and more.
- Are you a sleepaway camp? YES
Since 1969 we have been a sleepaway camp for children ages 8 to 16 who enjoy some or all of the following, Theater, Fine Arts, Music, Circus, Dance, Rock Bands, Film, Improv, Sports and Watersports.
- How many campers and staff per session? Usually 220 campers with 145 staff per session.
To learn more please call us on 914-693-7111,
