A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop

Page created by Jorge Yates
 
CONTINUE READING
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
A Heap of Friends . . . A MountainEstaoblif Fun!
                                         shed 19
                                                 24
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
At Camp Hilltop,
                                                              every member of our
                                                              family has grown up
                                                               here and actively
                                                                participates in
                                                                   camp life.
From Our Family To Yours
Camp should be filled with friends, fun, challenge . . .
and familiarity, too. Every summer at Camp Hilltop we
create a child-centered, non-competitive community
that becomes one big family. It happens so naturally
because it starts with great campers. Then we add all
the love, caring and structure that has always been part
of our own family.

At Camp Hilltop, every member of our family has grown up
here and actively participates in camp life. We have found
that our own family spirit is important to the children who
come here every summer to learn, play and grow.

Our family atmosphere, convenient
session options and affordable fees are
just the beginning. Read on to learn
why Camp Hilltop is a Heap of Friends
and a Mountain of Fun. The Young
family lives at Camp Hilltop 365
days a year. We invite you to
come and see the fun
for yourself!

Sincerely,
The Youngs
Owners and Directors
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
Overview
                                                            Camp Hilltop, established
                                                              in 1924, is a private,
Camp Hilltop is a place
                                                               independent co-ed summer
to be who you want to                                           camp offering two through

be, feel good about                                              eight week sessions to
                                                                 campers ages six to
yourself and create                                              sixteen. Camp Hilltop is
summers you’ll treasure                                          located in Hancock, New
                                                                York near the picturesque
 year after year.
                                                               Catskill Mountains, just two
                                                              and a half hours from New
                                                           York City on 600 acres of
                                                        beautiful woodlands and fields
                                                     with a private lake.

                                                Camp Hilltop offers more than sixty
                                            indoor and outdoor activities to meet the
                                        interests and skill levels of campers in a safe,
                                         nurturing, non-competitive and structured
                                           environment. Our mature, skilled and caring
                                            staff provides superior supervision and
                                            instruction with a four to one camper to
                                            counselor ratio. Camp Hilltop's friendly,
                                           fun, positive and diverse community
                                          opens children up to the wondrous
                                        possibilities in their lives.

                                Camp Hilltop's smaller size, with just 220
                           campers, fosters a sense of community that
     sets us apart and creates an atmosphere where children:

   THRIVE - gaining self-confidence,
  ENGAGE - having their voice heard,
  DISCOVER - more about themselves and the world,
  LEARN - developing skills for life,
  CONNECT - forming deep friendships and
   BECOME - more independent
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
Philosophy
Camp Hilltop believes in the power of
community and the understanding
that children thrive when they feel
safe and comfortable. It does not
matter what the family make-up is;
it is the guidance, support,
expectations, sense of responsibility,
positive re-enforcement and
nurturing that are the foundation
of our diverse population.

The Hilltop Way sets us apart from others.
It teaches campers respect and responsibility
for themselves, those around them and
the place in which they live and play.
It isn’t a set of rules but a guiding
principle in how to be positive
members of our community.

Hilltop is a non-competitive
camp with a focus on building
individual skills, teamwork
and fun.

Feel part of
something
that is more
than you or
me, it is US!
Come join
the FUN!
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
First Time Campers, Enriching Your Experience
Our nurturing environment and family oriented philosophy is ideal for first time
campers. Whether it is your first time at sleep-away camp, or simply your first time
at Hilltop, you will find the directors, staff and even other campers are here to make
the transition smooth and the experience positive.
There are many emotions that children and parents have when it comes time
to leave for camp. We understand this and provide answers to all your questions;
give references so you can talk with current campers and conduct tours of our
grounds. Most important, though, is the knowledge that OUR family is always
available to guide and support YOUR family.
First time campers at Hilltop receive personal attention and guidance from
qualified staff. Our counselors take the time to get to know each child’s
interests and fears so they will be able to gain self-confidence and added
independence in a safe, secure, fun-filled atmosphere. Each child is able to
be themselves here. It is this unconditional acceptance of each child’s
individuality that makes Camp Hilltop a special place that keeps campers
coming back year after year.

Keeping You Informed:
We communicate with our camp families before, during and even after
your Camp Hilltop experience!
Counselor Calls: The first week your child is at camp, a counselor will call
mid-week to let you know how they are settling in and answer any questions.
Open Communication: If your child is experiencing homesickness, we contact
you so that, as a team, we can provide your child with the support and tools to
overcome it. In the process, your child gains the knowledge and confidence in
themselves to face other challenges and uncertainties in their life. It is a
tremendous accomplishment for children and one they will value and
share into adulthood.
Camper Cards: Each week you receive a postcard from your child’s
counselors updating you on their activities, eating and sleeping
habits and a general summary of how they are doing.
References: We gladly provide references for families in
your area or with children in your child’s bunk because a
great way to learn the ins and outs of a camp is to speak
with those who have experienced it and were once in
your position of trying Hilltop for the first time.
Tours: This is a great way to help with some of the
anxiety that can come with going to camp for the first
time. Your child has the opportunity to see where
everything is, go inside their bunk and get to know the
owner and directors so they gain a sense of familiarity.
Reunion: We hold a reunion in the fall to provide
our campers the chance to catch up face to face.
Newsletters: We email newsletters to update you on
camper news, events and happenings at Camp Hilltop.

We value each child and their family and know that Camp Hilltop
will provide your child with a positive and rewarding first year that
will continue to grow and flourish into many more.
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
Camp Hilltop is
   a wonderful
  way to enjoy
  the summer!
  Here you are
      part of a
 larger family.
A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun! - Established 1924 - Camp Hilltop
The Hilltop Program
Hilltop’s program is designed to let your child do their favorite
things while giving them the opportunity to try new activities
and challenges surrounded by respect and support.

Hilltop’s program offers a mixture of both free choice and
assigned activities. There are five activity periods each day. Two
one-hour cabin activities are assigned by our creative program
staff. Three remaining one and a half-hour periods, including
two intensives and a free activity, are chosen by the camper.

Each evening is filled with activity—Dutch auctions, campfires, talent
shows, dances, casino nights, international events, scavenger hunts,
and much more. Hilltop also hosts fun-filled special
events—Western day, Gold Rush, Medieval Day, theme weeks,
barbecues, concerts and carnivals are just a few. Our program
of day and overnight trips is extended to every camper.
Some go on hiking, biking and horse-back riding
overnights or canoeing trips on the Cannonsville
Reservoir. For sports fans, we have optional trips to
the Binghamton Mets. Campers entering seventh
grade and above can opt for a trip to
amusement and water parks.

Our campers’ and staff’s health and safety
is our top priority. Every activity starts
with safe equipment, sensible rules and
excellent supervision. But we also have
a licensed nurse on-site at all
times and there are
medical clinics, if need
be, near camp. In the
event of illness or
injury, you hear
from us promptly.
Facilities
      Hilltop’s extensive and modern facility
     includes: cabins with indoor bathroom
   facilities, Dining Hall, 30-acre Private Lake,
   Swimming Pool, Lighted Tennis Courts, Miles
  of Horse, Hiking and Biking Trails, Music Studio,
 Athletic Fields, Gymnasium, Dance Studio, Camper
Lounge, Computer Studio, High Ropes Course,
Low Ropes Course, Zip-Line, Climbing Tower,
Vertical Playpen, Giant Swing, Horse Stables and
Two Riding Rings, Archery Range, Batting Cage,
Go-Kart Track, Volleyball Court, Nature Cabin,
Basketball Court, Roller Hockey Pavilion, Arts &
Crafts, Pottery, Photography & Stained Glass
Studios and our well-stocked Camp Store.

 Location: Hilltop is located in Hancock, New York
 just off New York Route 17/86. Approximately two
  and a half hours from New York City, one and a half
  hours from Albany and three hours from
   Philadelphia. Hancock is nestled between the
   Pocono and Catskill Mountain ranges at the
    mouth of the Delaware River.

                       Hilltop offers so
                            many choices for
                              activities, it’s
                                difficult to do
                                them all in
                               one summer!
Bunks & Cabin Life
The core of the camp family is the cabin. Cabins
are made up of campers who are entering
the same grade in the fall. Each cabin is
lead by a team of fantastic counselors
who live in the cabin to guide, nurture
and provide consistent boundaries and
structure. They create a welcoming
environment where kids can be who
they want to be while forging strong
connections with each other.

All cabins have bathrooms with toilets,
sinks and showers, hot and cold running
water and electricity. All of Hilltop’s
cabins are simple and well
maintained. Laundry is done once
a week by a professional
laundry service. Every cabin
has a curfew based upon
the cabin’s grade.
Hilltop Meals
At Hilltop, we believe in sitting down and eating together
as a camp family. So, three times a day, the entire camp meets
at the Dining Hall. Campers eat all meals in their cabin groups.
We do not want our campers standing in line so we serve our
food in a modified buffet style and offer alternate food choices
at all meals. Hilltop utilizes a well-known and proven
food service with top-of-the-line chefs to ensure our campers
receive tasty and well-balanced meals throughout their
stay. Our chefs are sensitive to food allergies and
most dietary restrictions.

SAMPLE MEALS
Breakfast - Pancakes, Waffles, Eggs, French
Toast, Bagels, Cold Cereals and Fresh Fruit
Lunch - Pizza, Grilled Cheese, Deli Bar,
Sloppy Joes, Tacos, Chicken Nuggets,
Soup, Salad Bar at every lunch
Dinner - Turkey, Lasagna, Spaghetti
and Meatballs, BBQ, Baked Chicken,
Pasta and Salad Bar at every dinner

Milk, Juice and Water are offered
at every meal.
Kids feel
safe at
Hilltop
because
everyone
accepts
you as
you are.

Hilltop
Staff
Hilltop’s staff are
fun-loving and caring
people who know how to
make our activities, our special
events, and every moment of
every day at camp comfortable . . .
and memorable. We take pride in the
people we hire. They are the most
important people to us, our families and
our campers. We recruit counselors who
are college age and above, as well as
graduate students and teachers for our
Senior Staff positions. The average age
of the Hilltop staff is twenty three.
Our mature and caring staff provides
superior supervision with a four to one
camper to counselor ratio. Hilltop’s staff
have a vested interest in the kids and
want them to succeed. They are willing to
put in the extra effort to give the kids the
time, caring and instruction they need.
7825 County Hwy. 67
                 Hancock, NY 13783

      Learn More
     About Camp Hilltop
   If you haven’t watched the DVD
 already, wait no longer – push PLAY!
Then learn more at CampHilltop.com,
come for a camp visit or invite us into
your home. We think it’s very impor-
tant that we get to know each other.
Whatever you do, be sure to call us –
we’ll answer all of your questions.
We want to add you to our own
Heap of Friends – right here on
our Mountain of Fun!
For more information visit
www.CampHilltop.com
or call 800-782-5319
If you want your kids to come home beaming at the end of the summer then you want
                                    to send your kids to Camp Hilltop ~ Neil, parent

My daughter’s first experience at sleep away camp could not have been better! She enjoyed every moment, loved her
counselors, made lots of friends, tried many different activities, felt supported and valued, and she can’t wait to come
    back next summer. You have created a very special environment at Hilltop and deliver on all your promises.
                                       We could not be happier ~ Cynthia, parent

 My girls are different and better people because of the experiences they have had at Hilltop and I am honored that
    everyone in the Young family has taken the time to help us raise our children. You have made such an impact
           on their lives and have been wonderful role models. The experiences you have shared with our
                                  daughters will stay with them forever ~ Iryna, parent

                 Camp has taught me so much over the years, including how to live away from home
                                 and nurture friendships ~ Christie, 6 year camper and CIT

                       Hilltop is a place to build on who you want to be as a person ~ Fiona, staff

              The environment that Hilltop has created is one that fosters relationships between people
                             of all different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds ~ Sara, staff

             A Heap of Friends . . . A Mountain of Fun!
                                                                                             Established 1924

                                    7825 County Highway 67 • Hancock, NY 13783
                              Tel: 607-637-5201 • Tel: 800-782-5319 • Fax: 607-637-2389
                                    www.CampHilltop.com
Activity List

Our activity list seems endless—and it grows every year! We feature Sports, Adventure, Horses, Waterfront and
Arts & Enrichment activities. Our Daily Program exposes campers to a multitude of opportunities —we
encourage choice and change. Campers can explore activities with gusto, develop impressive new skills, feel
group spirit and togetherness, keep the pace or just relax and deepen new friendships. All in all, it’s a “camper
friendly” way to keep busy. And we do all of this in a camp that is sized for success. We believe that a camp
should be just big enough to surround campers with great opportunity for building new friendships, but not
so big that any camper feels lost or overwhelmed.

     Outdoor Adventure                              Sports                                   Arts
      Bungee Trampoline                            Aerobics                                Basketry
        Climbing Tower                              Archery                                  Batik
        Crate Climbing                                ATV                             Candle Making
                                                  Basketball
          Giant Swing                                                                    Cartooning
                                                 Batting Cage
     High Ropes Challenge                                                            Ceramics/Pottery
                                                    Cricket
             Hiking                                Disc Golf                               Drawing
       Low Ropes Course                          Field Hockey                            Enameling
        Mountain Bikes                           Flag Football                         Face Painting
      Mountain Boarding                              Ga-Ga                            Jewelry Making
     Outdoor Living Skills                         Go Karts                            Knifty-knitting
         Pamper Pole                                  Golf                              Leather craft
        Vertical Playpen                       Gymnastics/Floor                           Macramé
            Zip Line                               Lacrosse                                 Magic
                                               Parachute games                         Mask Making
        Water Sports                                 Rugby                                 Painting
                                                  Skate Park                            Photography
            Blob
                                                    Soccer
       Bumper Boating                                                                   Printmaking
                                                    Softball
     Canoeing/Kayaking                                                                    Puppetry
                                                Street Hockey
           Fishing                                   Tennis                               Rocketry
        Knee Boarding                              Volleyball                              Sewing
         Pool Games                                   Yoga                             Silk Screening
           Sailing                                                                       Stain Glass
    Swimming (instruction)                                                                Tie-Dying
                                                 Enrichment
        Wakeboarding                                                                      Weaving
                                                Alpaca Training
      Water Trampoline                                                                 Woodcarving
                                                     Chess
         Waterskiing                              Computers                            Woodworking
                                                    Cooking
            Horses                                   Dance
                                                     Drama
           Dressage
                                                Life-size Chess
          Horse Care                                 Music
           Jumping                                   Nature
          Ring Riding                             Newspaper
          Trail Riding                            Rock Band
                                                   Tutoring
The Hilltop Program – In Detail

The Hilltop Program consists of six daily activities Monday through Saturday. The Sunday program has a different,
more relaxed schedule. There are four different types of activities: cabin activity, intensive, free activity, and evening
program.

Cabin Activity
Each day, campers experience two different hour-long cabin activities, one in the morning and one in the after-
noon. Cabin activities are assigned by our program director and campers participate with their cabin group. This
allows us to expose campers to the wide range of activities we offer at Hilltop. It also encourages kids to try an area
of interest they might not have tried on their own, while further developing pursuits they are already familiar with.
As they learn about new things and encourage each other, it also builds and strengthens friendships among the
campers in their cabins.

Intensive
The intensive is an activity that the campers choose themselves. Therefore, an intensive activity will typically be a
mix of ages and genders with a shared interest. It is an activity they would like to try to learn in more depth. Sign-
ups for certain intensives, for example horses, mountain bikes, and tennis, are based on ability levels. This way,
each child receives the appropriate level of instruction to foster confidence and skill development. An intensive is
one and a half hours in length and runs three consecutive days. There are two different intensives each day, morn-
ing and afternoon. Each week, campers have the opportunity to participate in four separate intensives.

Free Activity
Each given day, campers may choose what they would like to do during Free Activity. Options include relaxing with
friends, reading a book or participating in one of the other activities at Camp Hilltop. Free activity happens every
day from 4:15 to 5:30 and on Sunday afternoons. All of the main activities are open and the campers can float
between them or they can hang out with their friends in designated areas. The Camp Store is also open during free
activity.

Evening Program
After dinner each day, the evening programs begin. They are usually all-camp activities such as campfires, game
shows, talent shows, and crazy games or races. A summer schedule is available on our website so campers can get a
glimpse of the fun they can have!

Daily Schedule Monday - Saturday
Flagpole ............................................... 7:45 - 8:00        2nd Cabin Activity............................ 1:15 - 2:15
Breakfast .............................................. 8:00 - 8:30        Change for Intensive....................... 2:15 - 2:25
Cabin Clean Up.................................. 8:30 - 9:00                Meet ...................................................... 2:25 - 2:30
1st Cabin Activity.............................. 9:15 - 10:15               Intensive .............................................. 2:30 - 4:00
Change for Intensive....................... 10:15 - 10:25                   Prep for Free Activity....................... 4:00 - 4:15
Meet ...................................................... 10:25 - 10:30   Free Activity........................................ 4:15 - 5:30
1st Intensive ....................................... 10:30 – 12:00         Meet at Dining Hall.......................... 5:55
Meet at Dining Hall.......................... 12:10                         Dinner................................................... 6:00 - 6:45
Lunch .................................................... 12:15 – 1:00     Evening Activity................................ 7:15

Daily Schedule Sunday
Sunday is what we like to call “Lazy Day.” Breakfast and Lunch are one hour later than on other days. Campers select
their intensives for the week and have an extended afternoon of Free Activity where they can participate in as many
or as few activities as they choose. A variety of activities are available to meet every interest, while campers also
have an opportunity to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL                                       wear appropriate clothing, including             campers to a wide range of activities so
Q: Where is Camp Hilltop located?             ones suitable for high activity levels and       they may continue to broaden their skills
A: Hilltop is located in Hancock, New York,   coverage for safety equipment in certain         and areas of interest.
just off New York Route 17. Approxi-          activities.
mately 40 minutes from Binghamton, two                                                         Q: Do I have to bring my own fishing
and half hours from New York City, two        Q: Will I see my brother or sister at camp?      pole, basketball or tennis racket?
hours from Albany and five hours from         A: Hilltop has many siblings at camp.            A: Hilltop has all the equipment you will
Boston. Hancock is nestled between the        They see each other as much or as little as      need to participate in our programs. Of
Pocono and Catskill Mountain ranges at        they would like to. The camp meets as a          course you may also bring your own, but
the mouth of the Delaware River. If you       whole for three meals a day. In addition,        please leave anything that is very
are looking at a map find the Northeast       we have two all camp meets between               valuable at home.
corner of Pennsylvania. Hancock is            activities and evening program, so there
located just over the border in New York.     is plenty of time when everyone is               Q: How will I know what activity I
                                              together. So if siblings want to see each        have next?
Q: How many campers are at Hilltop?           other, these are great opportunities.            A: The list of cabin activities is posted
A: Hilltop has approximately 240 campers                                                       each morning. Intensives are picked on
at any time.                                  Q: Who can campers talk to if they               Sunday for the week and counselors keep
                                              have a problem?                                  a list of their campers’ activities posted in
Q: Where do most Hilltop campers              A: There are always plenty of caring             the cabin.
come from?                                    people to help: counselors, nurses, the
A: The majority of our campers come           program director and of course Scott,            Q: What happens on rainy days?
from the East Coast (New York, New            Ann, Melissa, Bill or Kathy are available        A: Lots of activities! We have ample
Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania,            anytime, day or night.                           indoor space and will adjust our program
Massachusetts and Maryland) but we also                                                        accordingly. Campers will never just sit in
host campers from all over the United         Q: Can a camper stay longer if they              their cabin and watch the rain drops fall.
States and the world!                         want to?
                                              A: We love it when campers want to               Q: How are campers assigned to cabins?
Q: How long are the sessions at Hilltop?      extend their stay with us. If we have room       Can I be in a cabin with my friend?
A: Hilltop offers sessions that last two,     in the cabin for a camper to stay, we            A: Hilltop assigns campers to cabins
three, four, six or eight weeks.              would be more than happy to accommo-             based on the grade they are entering in
                                              date them. However, please be aware              the fall. We certainly take requests for
Q: What percentage of Hilltop                 that very often our cabins are full and          friends to be in the same cabin.
campers return?                               space is limited.
A: Each year, approximately 80% of                                                             Q: How many kids are there in a cabin?
Hilltop’s campers return for another                                                           A: We have several different size cabins;
summer of friends and fun.                    PROGRAM                                          some hold six campers, some hold up to
                                              Q: Is Hilltop a competitive camp?                eighteen campers and we can accommo-
Q: Do most campers come with friends?         A: Camp Hilltop is a non-competitive             date everything in between. No matter
A: Most Hilltop campers come to camp by       camp. We believe that kids have enough           what size the cabin is, the four to one
themselves. Many have said they have          competition during the school year. So           staff ratio is a constant.
found it is easier to make friends that       we like to make camp a place to improve
way. Occasionally, we have campers who        an already familiar activity or to learn a       Q: Do we have to clean the cabin?
arrive with friends from home and that’s      new one in a fun and friendly environ-           A: Yes. Hilltop, like any camp, operates
okay with us. If that’s what it is going to   ment.                                            using communal living. Part of living in a
take to give your camper the confidence                                                        community is taking responsibilities
to try camp, great! Just remind them that     Q: Is the program free choice or are             within and for that community. It is each
there will be tons of new people to meet      activities assigned?                             cabin's responsibility to keep their living
and to keep an open mind.                     A: The Hilltop program offers a mixture of       space clean and tidy. Campers and
                                              both free choice and assigned activities         counselors share the clean-up responsi-
Q: What do I wear at camp?                    during five activity periods each day. Two       bilities like sweeping the floor, making
A: Hilltop is not a formal place and we       one-hour activities (cabin activities) are       beds, cleaning cubbies and taking dry
have no uniform. Camp is a great place to     assigned by our creative program staff           clothes off the line, etc. However, it is our
wear out old clothes. There are some          and the remaining three one and a half           maintenance staff’s responsibility to
occasions, for example, dances and            hour periods (two intensives and a free          sanitize the bathrooms daily. The camp
casino night, for wearing nice casual         activity) are chosen by the camper. Our          nurses will do cabin inspections each day
clothes. We just require that all campers     program is designed to expose our                and the cleanest cabins each week will
                                                                                               win a prize.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can campers bring stuff to decorate          Cabin counselors will call to provide an            Q: Does Hilltop have religious services
their cabin?                                    update within the first week of your child’s        at camp?
A: Of course, your cabin is your home and       camp experience and also send a postcard            A: Hilltop is not religiously affiliated so we
you need to make it feel like that. We think    home to the parents once a week to let              do not have services on camp. We accept
it is great to bring pictures of family and     you know how your camper(s) are doing.              and welcome campers and staff from all
friends and items that give the cabins that                                                         backgrounds, religions and faiths. If
"homey" feel.                                   Q: Does Hilltop allow cell phones to be             campers wish to attend religious services,
                                                brought to and used at camp?                        we will transport them to the services of
                                                A: Hilltop does not allow cell phones to be         their choice that are available in our local
Q: Is a trunk necessary?
                                                brought to or used at camp. Please leave            community.
A: No, only if you want to bring one. Cabins    them at home. Camp is an opportunity for
do have cubbies where you can store your        campers to get away from technology and             Q: How do campers get to camp?
things and there is plenty of space for         further develop their interpersonal skills. If      A: The majority of campers are dropped off
under-bed storage containers.                   it is necessary to bring a cell phone to            at Camp Hilltop by their families. Hilltop
                                                camp, for a trip or if you are traveling to         does offer a bus from/to the New York City
PARENT/CAMPER                                   camp on an airplane, it must be turned in           and Metro New York areas for an
COMMUNICATION & VISITING                        upon arrival and will be returned upon              additional fee on the following days: first
Q: Can I e-mail my camper?                      departure. Phones not turned in upon                day of camp, last day of week four, first day
A: E-mail is inbound only. You can send         arrival will be confiscated and returned            of week five and the last day of camp. For
your campers e-mails via our web site.          when you leave.                                     campers who fly to camp, we offer an
They are printed daily and delivered with                                                           airport pickup for an additional fee.
the snail mail. Hilltop does not have the       FACILITIES & SERVICES
facilities that would allow for campers to      Q: Are there bathrooms in cabins?                   STAFF
return your e-mail.                             A: Yes, all cabins have bathrooms (toilets          Q: How old is the staff?
                                                and showers) with hot and cold running              A: The average age of the Hilltop staff is 23
Q: Does Hilltop have visiting days?             water and electricity. All of Hilltop’s cabins      years old. The minimum age for a Hilltop
A: Yes, Camp Hilltop has two types of           are simple and well maintained.                     staff member is 18 years old with at least
visiting days. There are Family Days that                                                           one year of university completed.
happen on the last Saturday of week four        Q: What kind of food do you serve?
and the last day of camp, and we                A: The food we serve at Hilltop is much like        Q: Do the staff live in cabins with
encourage your entire family to come and        the food you eat/serve at home, except a            the campers?
spend the day at camp. Your family can          lot more of it. Some examples:                      A: Yes, the staff lives in the cabins with the
participate in activities or watch your         Breakfast: pancakes, French toast, eggs,            campers.
camper(s) show off what they’ve accom-          cereal
plished. We provide a buffet picnic lunch.      Lunch: tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches,            Q: What is the ratio of campers to staff?
The second visiting day is the first Sunday     chicken nuggets                                     A: In general, Hilltop has four campers to
of weeks three and seven, when parents          Dinner: turkey, hamburgers, stir-fry,               every one member of the staff. The ratio
can come and take their camper(s) out for       spaghetti and always a pasta and salad bar.         increases to three campers per staff person
lunch. The hours for visiting day are from      We also offer a Vegetarian menu and our             when campers are in fourth grade or
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Please note there is   chefs are able to accommodate food                  below.
no visiting day during a two week session.      allergies and sensitivities.
                                                                                                    Q: How does Hilltop train their staff?
Q: Can I receive/send care packages?            Q: What do I do if I feel sick?                     A: First, we seek staff that has had prior
A: Campers are allowed one package every        A: Visit the Hilltop Wellness Center. It is         experience working with children. Then we
two weeks. Food is not allowed and will be      staffed by two medical staff, an RN or an           provide an extensive one-week orientation
confiscated (food in the cabin invites small    RNP and is open 24 hours a day.                     prior to the campers’ arrival. Among other
furry visitors.)                                                                                    things, we bring in child behavior
                                                Q: Who does the laundry?                            specialists to instruct/guide our counsel-
Q: Can parents and campers call/talk to         A: Laundry is done once a week by a                 ors, as well as run sessions on camp and
each other while they are at camp?              laundry service. It is picked up on a               cabin life. We offer certification courses in
A: There is not an open phone policy.           Wednesday afternoon and delivered back              key areas such as the outdoor adventure
Parents may call and speak to both the          to camp Thursday morning. Please be sure            course and waterfront. During the camp
administration and cabin counselors to          to pack ample towels, bedding, keeping in           season, we hold Staff Development
check on their child. Parents may also          mind that the laundry will be out                   meetings every Sunday morning. In
e-mail and write letters. Campers are           overnight.                                          addition, Hilltop has an open door policy
encouraged to write letters home often.                                                             for all staff and campers.
You can also read