Questions & Answers for New Campers

Q: How do I get to camp?

A:  Your parents might like to drive you to camp to see where you will be and where all the fun happens. Or, they might like you to join with other Forest Lake campers on a special bus leaving from various points in the New York area. If you are from outside the New York area, we will make special arrangements for your trip to camp.

Q: What happens the first day?

A:  The first day is very exciting. You arrive with all the other campers, meet your counselors, check out your cabin and bunk, take a tour of the camp, have a "Welcome Campers" dinner, and settle in with your cabin mates for a fun first evening.

Q: Will there be any other new kids in my cabin?

A:  Chances are there will be 3 or 4 other new kids in your cabin. The other kids who were at Forest Lake last summer will make you feel welcome.

Q: Who will be my counselor?

A:  We don't know exactly. But it is likely that your counselor will have been a camper, and that he or she will care about you, be your friend, and will be sure that you have a great summer. Who knows, maybe you'll be a counselor at Forest Lake some day.

Q: Can I pick my bunk?

A:  Not at first. Your counselor will pick your bunk before you arrive and will have it all ready for you. If you want, you will be able to change bunks part way through the season.

Q: Where do I put my things?

A:  You have your own personal locker in your cabin near your bunk.

Q: Do the cabins have bathrooms?

A:  Most cabins have bathrooms and some have showers.

Q: What are the other campers like?

A:  They are kids just like you. They like to make friends, try new and different things, and have lots of fun. Some of the campers you meet will become lifetime friends.

Q: Is the food good?

A:  No, it is not good, it is great!! Just ask any of our 2007 campers.

Q: What if I'm homesick?

A:  You probably won't be. If you are, it is usually for only a day or so. Most kids are too busy making friends and having fun to be homesick.

Q: Can I pick what I want to do each day?

A:  Yes. Activity selections are made each morning and afternoon for that day. You can choose different activities each day, or stick with the ones you like best.

Q: Do I go to the lake every day?

A:  We have a general swim each day, plus you might want to go to the lake for canoeing, kayaking, or sailing activities.

Q: Can I ride on a horse?

A:  Yes. Horseback riding at Forest Lake is a very popular activity. We have our own horses and stables and you can choose to ride one, two, or three times a week as part of a separate program.

Q: Do you have overnight camping trips?

A:  Yes. Overnight hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and general camping trips with your cabin are an  important part of camp, and we would like every camper to experience at least one overnight trip. In  addition there are many different day trips you can choose from.

Q: Are there trails for mountain biking?

A:  Yes. Forest Lake has many miles of trails for biking, hiking, and cross country running.

Q: Do you play sports against other camps?

A:  Yes, for those who want to represent the camp on its athletic teams.

Q: Can I wear what I want?

A:  Yes, but many campers like to wear Forest Lake shirts and other Forest Lake stuff.

Q: How early do I get up?

A:  Reveille is at 7:30 a.m. every day but Sunday. On Sunday we get up one hour later.

Q: Do I have to make my own bed?

A:  Yes. Each camper is responsible for his or her own bunk and locker.

Q: Can I have my iPod? Cell phone?

A:  We do not allow iPods or cell phones. Nor are there computers or televisions. Sorry.

Q: Do boys and girls ever have activities together?

A:  Yes. Two or three times a week we hold joint evening activities, like shows, games, or music activities.

Q: What kind if evening activities are there?

A:  The evening is reserved for special activities that differ in many ways from the daily offerings. Color war activities are often held in the evening.

Q: What are "color wars?"

A:  During the first week of camp, you will be placed on either the red team or the blue team if you are in the boys camp, or on the green team or white team if you are in the girls camp. The teams compete against each in various games and fun activities all summer long.

Q: What time do I go to sleep?

A:  Taps are at 9:30 p.m. each night, right after evening activities.

Q: Do I have to write letters?

A:  We would like you to write a letter home every Sunday after lunch. You will also be able to respond to "Bunk Notes," which are emails sent to you by your parents.

Q: Can I call home?

A:  You may start receiving phone calls from home one week after camp starts. You may also call home at certain times of the day when you don't have activities.

Q: Can my parents visit?

A:  There is a Visitors Day each session, during which your parents may visit.

Q: Can I stay longer if I want to?

A:  If there is not another camper coming in to take your bunk, and if your parents say it's OK, then yes.