Parent’s FAQ

 

Q. What is Long Lake Camp for the Arts all about?
We are a non-competitive performing and fine arts summer camp for boys and girls ages 8 to 16, beginners to advanced from all around the world. Each camper gets the freedom of choice to create their own ideal schedule with our help.  We provide a program of the very best Theater, 20 Fine Arts studios, Music, Circus, Dance and Rock Bands.  You can combine any of our activities in an almost unlimited number of ways. Some example schedule are here. Our campers are surrounded by a spectacular Adirondack environment, with tremendous waterfront fun, sports, meaningful friendships and nurturing staff.

Q. Where is Long Lake Camp for the Arts and how do I get my children there?
We are located in upstate New York State in the middle of the gorgeous Adirondack Park (Long Lake, NY 12847). We have coaches coming from New York City, New Jersey, Westchester and Albany. We have campers fly into Albany international airport from all over the world and our most dedicated, long-time staff are there to receive them.  Our bus and airport options require campers to be Covid Vaccinated and these options are subject to change depending on the Covid environment we are in next summer.  You are also welcome to drive your camper to Long Lake where we will meet you at our welcome center on our top fields.  Our friendly staff will then meet you, collect your luggage and welcome your camper to Long Lake. We will then help your camper meet their bunk mates, unpack, make their bed and settle into camp, making new friends right away!

Q. How many campers and staff do you have each session?
Better than a 1:2 ratio, with 160 staff and 250 campers. Average age of our staff is 21-27. Ask yourself if you feel more comfortable with an 18-year old (like most other camps) or a 24-year old guiding your camper. They have degrees, experience working with children and are from all over the world. About 60% of our campers are from the East Coast; the rest come from all over America and the world.

Q. Why should we trust you – we just found you on the internet?
We have over 50  years of fun, safe summers and 1000’s of delighted families all around the world. The New York Health Department is the strictest in the country and they visit us unannounced three times a summer with inspections lasting 4 to 6 hours. All our staff undergo extensive background checks and references before being hired by us personally. We uphold the best camping practices and pride ourselves on running the safest camp possible. We have many references for you to call to hear from other parents and children, not just us. Long Lake is all we do and we spend all year making sure we are the best, most caring and responsive to our campers needs. All our department heads have been with us over 15 years and many of our staff are with us 3 or more years.

Q. Who looks after my child?
The owners live on camp as do the camp’s directors; between the 4 of us we have over 100 years’ experience at Long Lake. Every bunk has counselors living with the campers. We have 3 registered NY State nurses on call 24 hours a day and our camp doctor is only 5 minutes away. Our Unit Leaders (unique to Long Lake) are an extra layer of supervision and caring and they make sure our campers are happy. Unit Leaders ensure parents are kept well informed and that your child is safe, eating well, happy, making friends and getting everything they want from camp. Our department heads have 10 to 20 years of experience with us ensuring consistency and stability.

Q. Can my child call home?
Yes, your child will call you once a week as will our Unit Leaders. You are able to call to chat to your child or Unit Leader as well.

Q. Explain your price please?
We have a very unique combination of a spectacular lakefront setting with a 1:2 staff ratio; only 250 campers, 3 theaters with full technical support, a 3-ring circus, 2-story fine arts complex, many music rehearsal studios, recording studios, 10 department heads (all multi-year returners), horse riding, 3 tennis courts, sports department and a beautiful, fun waterfront plus exceptional accommodations, an unlimited food budget and much more. All private lessons are included in the price.

Q. I have more than one child, one is into sports and adventure, can you help?
Yes, we have a sister camp called Long Lake Camp Adventures next door to our Arts camp. So your travel plans are easy with a camp for all your children’s interests. Please find out more at Long Lake Camp Adventures.
If you have any question please call us at 914-693-7111 and also watch all our videos here. You can request our Brochure and DVD Pack here.

Q. Will my child be the only new camper?
Absolutely not. We have new campers attending each session and in all age groups (very few 1st time 16 year old’s). Because of our unique choices we attract campers who may have never thought of going to camp before but are very excited about coming to Long Lake. We also have campers who may have been going to a more traditional camp for a couple of years but are now looking for a more specific range of activities.

Long Lake Camp Adventures
If you also have campers who love outdoor Adventures, we have a spectacular camp next door, Long Lake Camp Adventures!