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