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WHERE DO THE KIDS COME FROM?
Most of the Cayuga campers live in the Tri-State area of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Some kids travel from across the United States. Last summer we had campers from 25 states. There’s also several international campers who last summer traveled from 17 countries! What’s cool is that you’ll make friends from all over the world!
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SHOULD I TAKE THE BUS TO CAMP?
More than half of our campers take the bus to camp. We
recommend it. It’s a nice way to start your summer….Making friends
on the bus before you arrive at camp! The buses are air-conditioned
& have a restroom. About 10%-15% of campers travel by plane, while
the remaining campers travel by car with their folks.
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DO MOST NEW CAMPERS COME TO CAYUGA WITH A
FRIEND?
No, most new kids arrive at camp not knowing anyone! Some kids say
it’s actually easier to meet a bunch of new kids when you don’t come
to camp with a friend from home.
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CAN I STAY IN THE SAME CABIN WITH MY FRIEND?
Yes, as
long as you and your friend properly complete a Bunk Request Form.
There are some conditions you must satisfy like you & your friend
must be: 1) Enrolled in the same camp session and 2) Entering the
same grade in September. Also, 3) Your parents need to sign this
Form. The Bunk Request Form is retrievable off Cayuga’s website on
the “Camp Forms” page or click here.
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HOW MANY KIDS WILL BE IN MY CABIN?
Most
Junior Campus cabins have 8 to 12 kids and 2 or 3 college-enrolled
counselors. There are 3 really large cabins on that can have up to
17 kids. Most Teen Campus cabins have between 20 and 23 teenagers
plus 2 or 3 counselors. The Teen Campus cabins are double the size
of the standard Junior Campus cabin.
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DO I HAVE TO CLEAN-UP MY CABIN?
Yes, cabin clean-up is scheduled for 30 minutes after
breakfast everyday. You’ll have to make your bed, tidy-up your
clothes in the cubby, and do one cabin chore. The chores rotate
among the cabinmates. Chores include: sweeping, mopping, emptying
the cabin’s trash can, opening the windows, clearing-off the outside
clothesline, etc. Our camp staff is responsible for cleaning &
disinfecting your cabin’s bathroom daily. By the way, the cleanest
boys & girls cabin each week is awarded a pizza party in town.
Yeah!!! |
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ARE THERE BATHROOMS INSIDE THE CABINS AND ARE THEY NICE?
Yes, each cabin has its own bathroom. On Junior Campus
most cabin bathrooms include 4 sinks, 3 private showers, and 3
toilets. The largest bathroom has 5 sinks, 4 showers, & 4 toilets!
On Teen Campus, the typical bathroom includes 8 sinks, 7 private
showers, and 7 toilets! Each bathroom includes a closet, for
hanging-up your stuff. There’s plenty of hot water too! All
bathrooms were recently renovated between 2006-2010. |
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WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHES DO THE KIDS WEAR AT CAMP?
Camp is no place to be worried about fashion. So,
“casual” wear is in-style at Cayuga. A t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers
is worn by mostly everyone including the senior staff and
counselors. |
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WHAT SHOULD I PACK MY STUFF IN?
Most kids use large soft trunks for packing their camp
clothes. Some kids bring hard trunks and other kids use suitcases.
Duffel bags are popular too. You can keep your trunk under your bed
and use it for storage, or you can put your trunk in “camp storage”
during your stay, if you’d like. |
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CAN I BRING COSTUMES & PROPS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS OR EVENING ACTIVITIES?
Sure
thing! There’s a bunch of fun evening activities & special events
where a costume or unique prop from home will come in-handy. Our Big
Talent Show, “Stars in Your Eyes” Night, Halloween Social, Hippie
Social, and 1950’s Dance are just a few events where your costume
will be a big help! Of course, you can always create your own prop
or costume at the Creative Arts Pavilion. Go the “Calendar Events”
webpage under the Program Section to learn what & when these events
are scheduled throughout the summer, or click here.
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CAN I BRING STUFF TO DECORATE MY AREA IN THE CABIN?
Yes, some kids bring stuffed animals, framed photo of
their family & friends from home, and wall posters. By the way, the
posters must be rated “G”. |
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WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?
Well, 4 days a week you’ll follow a “regular” schedule
and wake-up is at 7:40am. The remaining 3 days you’ll follow a
“late-breakfast” schedule and wake-up at 8:40am. The regular
schedule includes 7 periods each day with first period being a
sign-up period for activity choices (unless you’re a Junior). Each
activity period is about 1 hour (includes 10 minute travel time
between activities). Everybody meets together at the flagpole twice
a day – once in the morning before breakfast to raise the American
flag and again before the Evening Activity to lower the American
flag. The Evening Activity begins on Junior Campus at 7:45pm and at
8:45pm on Teen Campus. There’s a different activity every night of
the summer! |
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WHAT HAPPENS ON THE WEEKENDS?
Actually, weekends at camp are kinda like any other
day of the week. In fact, during camp it’s easy to forget what day
of the week it is! Anyway, the weekend program is the same as the
weekday program. Cayuga’s Special Events (like: beach bash, water
carnival, backwards day, camper-counselor day, etc.) are usually
scheduled on weekdays, not on weekends. |
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HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON?
You’ll get the scoop about what’s going-on from your
counselors. They’ll explain everything to you. They’ll show you how
to: sign-up for your daily electives, join the intercamp tournament
teams, ride in horse shows, go to baseball games, and a lot more
stuff. The Senior Staff members will remind you too with their
announcements at morning and evening flagpole assemblies. All other
camp news (like cabin inspection scores, team rosters, tournament
brackets, etc. are posted daily on the camp bulletin board.
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HOW DO I FIND OUT WHERE THE ACTIVITIES ARE LOCATED?
On your first day your counselor will give you a tour
around camp. We’ll show you the location of all activity sites,
cookout areas, overnight sites, and infirmary. The Cayuga Elective
Program Staff are out-and-about while
the activity program is in progress. They’ll gladly show you where
the activities are located and will lend a helping hand at any time. |
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WHAT’S MY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE LIKE?
I’M ENTERING 4th GRADE AFTER CAMP.
If you’re in the Junior Division (entering 4th grade
or lower), you’ll follow a “structured” activity schedule that
incorporates a few individual “free-choice” periods. Your activity
schedule is different every day! You’ll always travel to/from your
activities under the direct supervision of a cabin counselor.
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WHAT’S MY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE LIKE?
I’M ENTERING 5th GRADE.
If you’re entering 5th grade or higher, you get to
pick your activities each morning after breakfast. You sign-up at
the same time as other campers in your age group. This way, you can
get together with all of your friends and plan your activity
schedule together! You don’t have to select your activities in
advance! Our campers say this is one of the best features about
Cayuga’s Elective Program. |
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HOW WILL I REMEMBER WHAT ACTIVITIES TO ATTEND EACH DAY?
Well, if you’re a Junior you simply follow the
activity schedule assigned to you. If you’re older and selecting
your own activities, you’ll receive an Activity Card each day. On
this Card is a list of the activities you selected & the time period
for each activity. If you lose your card, don’t worry! The Elective
Program Staff have copies of your activity selections. |
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MUST I ATTEND MY ACTIVITIES?
Yes, you must attend your activities. If you’re a
Junior, your cabin counselor will escort you to the activities. If
you’re participating in Cayuga’s Elective Program, instructors will
take attendance at the beginning of each activity period. It is
assumed that you’re selecting an activity that interests you, so
attendance & participation is expected from all campers.
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DO I STAY IN MY CABIN ON RAINY DAYS?
No, actually you spend very little time in your cabin
- no matter what the weather is like! Except for rest period, you're
"out and about". On rainy days the campers follow a special “Indoor
Program” which utilizes the Gym, Teen Rec Center, Martial Arts Room,
2 Dance Studios, 2 Creative Arts Pavilions, Pottery Room, Ceramics
Room, Exercise & Fitness Room, 2 Radio Broadcasting Stations, Game
Room, Performing Arts Room, and 2 Dining Halls. As you can see,
there’s plenty of indoor space for rainy day games and activities! |
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CAN I CHECK-OUT THE OTHER CAMPUS?
Yes, you will have a chance to check-out the other
campus because there are activity sites which are shared between the
two campuses. The lake, stables, petting zoo, hockey rink, skate
park, and paintball fields are located on Teen Campus and are shared
with the kids who are living on Junior Campus. The flying trapeze,
ropes course (climbing wall, zip line, etc), bungee trampoline rig
(extreme sport jumping), ATV quad track, photography darkroom, game
room and tennis center (10 courts) are located on Junior Campus and
are shared with the campers who are living on Teen Campus. Sometimes
the oldest kids on Junior Campus (entering 8th grade) participate in
the evening activities on Teen Campus. And, sometimes the teenagers
on Teen Campus come over to Junior Campus to perform their skits &
recitals in front of the younger campers.
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WHAT HAPPENS DURING REST PERIOD?
Most kids relax during Rest Period. You can write
letters, read, play quiet games & stuff like that. Many campers are
scheduled to go to the Canteen (camp store) during Rest Period.
There are also group meetings scheduled during Rest Period. These
meetings are mandatory if you sign-up for the canoe trip,
backpacking trip, Canada trip, and/or Busch Gardens trip. During the
meeting, safety procedures & rules are reviewed. |
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CAN I WATCH TV?
Sorry, no TV - but don’t worry about it. Since there’s
so much action going-on day & night, you won’t miss watching TV. By
the way, the only way to get television reception at camp is via
satellite. TVs are prohibited, so don’t bring your TV to camp. |
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DO I HAVE
TO BE A GOOD ATHLETE TO HAVE FUN AT CAYUGA?
No, absolutely not! Camp Cayuga offers a wide variety
of activities for all types of kids. If you enjoy competitive sports
and athletic-type activities, Cayuga has plenty! If you don’t like
competitive activities, that’s OK too. There are dozens of
non-competitive activities to choose from, including: pottery,
ceramics, the flying trapeze, model rocketry, drama, circus acts,
petting zoo, sailing, boating, fishing, extreme sport jumping,
chorus, dance, photography, video camera filming, camp newspaper,
zip line, creative arts, lake activities (floating ice berg, water
trampoline, rolling log), radio broadcasting, rec swim, and a lot
more! |
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WHAT SPORTS EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
You’ll need to bring a softball mitt/baseball glove.
If you plan to skate, you’ll need to bring your skateboard and
skates. Cayuga has a limited inventory of inline skates, and
recommends you bring your own skates to camp. Safety equipment,
including a helmet and safety pads (for knees, elbows, & wrists), is
provided by the camp. If you plan to play lacrosse, you’ll need to
bring your gear. Cayuga has a limited inventory of lacrosse gear,
but again, you’re better off bringing your own gear to camp. Even
though the necessary supplies for all other activities are supplied
by Cayuga, some kids still prefer to bring their own tennis racket,
hockey stick, fishing rod, horseback riding helmet, and golf clubs.
It’s OK to bring this stuff, but remember to mark/label each item
with your name! |
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WHAT’S
THE STORY ON INTERCAMP TOURNAMENTS? ARE THERE TRY-OUTS?
If you’re athletic and enjoy competing in sports,
Cayuga’s Intercamp Tournament Program is for you! There’s a team for
practically every land & water sport! If you want to compete in a
tournament, all you have to do is sign-up for the team. There’s no
pressure in “making the team” because there are no try-outs! Cayuga
competes in over 120 tournaments with other neighboring camps in
Wayne County. Some tournaments will take place at Cayuga (“home
games”) while others will take place at neighboring camps (“away
games”). If you’re not athletic and don’t want to compete, that’s OK
all Intercamp Tournaments are voluntary. |
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CAN I TAKE PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS?
Yes. Private tennis lessons are available everyday at
camp. They take place during the day at Cayuga’s Tennis Center.
Private Lessons are given by the Tennis Pro, and his assistants who
are qualified tennis instructors. There are 10 courts at the Tennis
Center, so the private lessons don’t interfere with the regular
tennis instruction program. Regular tennis lessons typically include
2 to 5 campers with 1 instructor. While this ratio is satisfactory
for most campers, nothing beats one-on-one private instruction! The
Private Tennis Lesson Program is optional and advance registration
is required.
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CAN THE BOYS & GIRLS DO ACTIVITIES TOGETHER?
Yeah of course, Cayuga is a coed camp! All “day”
activities are coed (unless they involve physical contact, such as
flag football & soccer). The “evening” activities are coed too. Keep
in mind Camp Cayuga’s traditional ”10 Foot Rule” is always in
effect. This rule states that boys are not permitted within 10 feet
of a girl’s cabin, and girls aren’t permitted within 10 feet of a
boy’s cabin. |
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SHOULD I SIGN-UP FOR THE 3-DAY TRIPS?
Cayuga offers a 3-day trip to Busch Gardens, Virginia in the first-half session and another 3-day trip to Canada & Niagara Falls in the second half-session. They’re great camp trips and you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time. They’re optional trips and advance registration is required. Both trips are very popular and spaces fill-up early. So if you’re interested in attending, don’t delay in signing-up. If you do not register for a 3-day trip, you’ll continue to attend your activities at camp. The daily activity program continues as usual while these trips are taking place.
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HOW DO I
SIGN-UP FOR TRIPS TO YANKEE BASEBALL GAMES?
It’s easy. All you need to do is sign-up in the
morning on the day of the game. (You don’t have to register in
advance.) We’ll remind you at morning flagpole assembly when a
baseball game is scheduled. If you’re a “Junior Division” camper,
you can attend “day” games. If you’re entering 5th grade or higher,
you can attend both “day” and “night” games. The stadium is less
than an hour from camp. To learn more about AAA Yankee Baseball
Trips, go to the “Program” sign on Cayuga’s website and click
“Trips”, or click here. |
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AM I ELIGIBLE TO GO ON CANOE TRIPS?
In order to go on a Delaware River Canoe Trip, you
must pass Cayuga’s Deep Water Swim Test and Canoe Test. In other
words, you must be a good swimmer and know how to properly paddle in
a canoe. Before the trip, you’ll watch a River Safety video. It’s a
short 10-minute training video produced by the American Red Cross.
The video shows the inherent dangers of the river and helps you
prepare for the trip. Also, Cayuga’s Waterfront Director will remind
you of the camp’s safety rules & procedures before you go on the
trip. The Delaware River is located only 45 minutes from camp. Canoe
Trips are full of excitement and beautiful natural surroundings! |
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ANY TRIPS
TO AMUSEMENT PARKS?
Yes, and they’re awesome trips! This summer we’re
going to Dorney Amusement Park & The Wild Water Kingdom, and Hershey
Amusement Park & The Chocolate World. One Amusement Park Trip is
scheduled during the first-half session and the other during the
second-half session. It’s an action-packed full-day loaded with
thrilling rides and entertainment. The entire camp population
attends the trip together. That includes the campers, counselors,
senior staff members, and all support staff too. It’s a BIG trip and
a lot of fun for everyone! We depart camp after an “early” breakfast
and return to camp an hour after curfew (that’s between 10:00pm and
11:30pm). Lunch and dinner meals are served at the Park. There is no
extra charge for these trips. (They’re included in your Canteen
Fund.) To learn more about Cayuga’s Trips Program, go to the
“Program” sign on Cayuga’s website and click “Trips”, or
click here.
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WILL I GET THE CHANCE TO PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF?
Sure! Golf Trips to Cricket Hill Golf Course are
scheduled about every 10 days. The course is really nice and located
only 30 minutes from camp. One Cayuga staff member is assigned to
each foursome. We typically play 9 holes. Cayuga provides the golf
clubs/bag and golf balls. If you prefer, you can bring your own golf
clubs to camp. All you need to do is sign-up in the morning on the
day of the golf trip. (You don’t have to register in advance.)
You’re eligible to attend a Golf Trip as long as you’re deemed
qualified to play on a public golf course. By the way, golf
instruction is offered daily on the camp property inside netted golf
cages. |
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CAN I PLAY IN PAINTBALL GAMES?
If you
are entering 5th grade or higher, you’re old enough to sign-up for
Paintball Games. The Paintball Activity is offered daily and takes
place on Cayuga’s paintball fields. The large playing area consists
of open fields, rolling hills, trees, bunkers and several man-made
obstacles. Camp Cayuga follows the same safety guidelines set forth
by the commercial professional paintball areas, and safety rules are
reviewed before each game. You’ll be provided with the paintball
gun, pellets, and safety equipment (face protection). Towards the
end of the summer, Cayuga sponsors the Annual Intercamp Championship
Paintball Tournament. It’s a series of paintball games played
against kids from other nearby camps. Cayuga’s Paintball Activity is
optional and advance registration is required. Hey, more information
about Paintball can be found by
clicking here.
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CAN I GO HORSEBACK RIDING
EVERYDAY?
You can ride everyday! And guess what, Daily Horseback
Riding is included in the camp tuition. Camp Cayuga features a top
quality horseback riding program in a traditional camp setting. You
can participate in a well-rounded activity program, and at the same
time, you can concentrate in equestrian activities! If you’re a
“Junior Camper”, your activity schedule includes 2 optional riding
periods. (Additional classes are available if requested.) If you’re
an “Intermediate Camper” or older (5th grade & up), you can sign-up
to go riding everyday. The Equestrian Center features 2 riding
rings, miles of scenic trails, and about 25 horses. |
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CAN I SPEND MORE TIME AT THE STABLE?
Yes. If you’re participating in the Elective Program
(entering 5th grade & higher), you can sign-up for an activity
called Junior Stable Staff. It’s an activity reserved for kids who
want to help-out caring for the horses. You can assist Cayuga’s
Stable Staff in grooming, feeding, watering, walking-out the horses
after a lesson, and mucking-out (only if you want to). This activity
also includes caring for the animals at the Petting Zoo (bunnies,
goat, sheep, calf). The Junior Stable Staff Program is a separate
activity from Horseback Riding. It gives you more time at the
Equestrian Center!
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CAN I RIDE IN HORSE SHOWS?
Yes. If you’d like to ride in a Horse Show, all you
have to do is sign-up at camp. There are no try-outs. The horse show
classes are categorized by ability, so if you’re a beginner you’ll
be riding in a class with other beginners. There are usually 5 Horse
Shows scheduled each summer (2 of them are scheduled on Visiting
Day). In addition to Horse Shows, Cayuga’s Horseback Riding Program
includes instruction for all levels of ability, trail rides, and
weekly horseback overnights. They’re a lot of fun! |
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DOES THE SKATE PARK HAVE A VARIETY OF RAMPS & RAILS?
Cayuga’s Skate Park is loaded with a variety of ramps,
including straight grind rails, kinked grind rails, quarter pipes
with rails, half-pipes, bank ramps with rails, roll-ins, wedges,
spines, and a recently added large half-pyramid with wedge jump
combos and an angled flat ledge. The Skate Park also features a huge
half-pipe that measures 40 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 11 feet
high. Cayuga’s ramps were professionally designed and built by 2 of
the industry’s leaders: Woodward Ramps & Rails and Hot Rails Inc.
These ramps & rails have an excellent reputation in the skate park
industry for durability, ride-ability and safety. Whether you’re
roller blading or skate boarding on these ramps & rails, you’re
guaranteed to have fun! |
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SHOULD I SIGN-UP TO RIDE ATVs?
Well, you don’t have to sign-up for Quad Riding to
have a good time at camp. There are plenty of action-packed
activities that will guarantee you an awesome time. But if you think
you’d enjoy it, we suggest you give it a try because it really is a
lot of fun. ATV Quad Riding is an optional activity and advance
registration is required. All campers are eligible to participate in
the ATV Quad Riding Program subject to an evaluation of your
physical & mental maturity. You’ll be given a Safety Control Test at
camp to determine your ability to manage the quad and understand its
operation. The Quads (ATV 4-wheelers) are child-size and are driven
only on the Quad Track under the supervision of the Quad
Instructors. The camp will provide you with safety equipment
including a helmet, eye protectors, and safety pads. |
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WHAT IS EXTREME SPORT JUMPING?
Extreme Sport Jumping is one of the wildest activities
at camp, and now it’s recognized as an Olympic sanctioned event.
It’s a large rig that combines a trampoline with a bungee cord. The
rig features four separate trampolines, so 4 campers can participate
at one time! You’re hooked-up to a bungee cord that’s connected to a
hydraulic lift. As you jump higher and higher, the hydraulic lift
readjusts the height settings on the rig. With this safety feature,
you can never over-stretch the bungee cord while jumping. There’s no
other system like it. Imagine this - the bungee cord can propel you
up to 24 feet in the air! Extreme Sport Jumping is one of our most
popular activities at camp! |
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CAN ALL CAMPERS GO ON THE FLYING TRAPEZE?
Yes, of course. If you’re in the Junior Division, your
cabin schedule includes the Flying Trapeze Activity about twice a
week. If you’re entering 5th grade or higher, you can select the
Flying Trapeze Activity everyday. It's a thrill of a lifetime to fly
through the air on the flying trapeze! This activity will bring a
high level of excitement to your summer camp experience, and we
highly recommend you try it. You’ll really like it! It’s exciting
and thrilling, and definitely unforgettable!
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ARE THERE CABIN COOKOUTS
AND CAN I GO ON AN OVERNIGHT WITH MY FRIENDS?
Yes, cookouts and overnights take place every night
during the summer! The cookout sites and overnight areas are located
in secluded wooded areas on the camp property. The areas were chosen
for their privacy and natural beauty. While cabin cookouts and
overnights are optional, the camp staff will encourage you to
attend. First, you set-up the overnight area and collect wood. After
starting the fire, you’ll grill burgers & hot dogs for dinner. And
later, after telling stories around the campfire at nightfall,
you’ll sleep-out under the stars. |
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WHAT ABOUT NATURE HIKES AND BACKPACKING TRIPS?
Nature Hiking is an optional activity that’s scheduled
as a double-period everyday at camp. If you’re a serious hiker, you
can sign-up for our Backpacking Trips that are scheduled about once
a week. Backpacking takes place at Ricketts Glen State Park. It’s a
beautiful area for backpacking, and you’ll love the scenery!
Ricketts Glen is less than an hour from camp and includes a series
of wild, free-flowing waterfalls, including “Ganoga Falls” that’s 94
feet high! It’s one of the most scenic areas in Pennsylvania! You’re
eligible to go as long as you’re deemed physically mature to hike
the terrain. Oh yeah, you’ll need hiking boots and a sports bottle.
All other equipment (backpacks, etc.) is provided by Camp Cayuga. |
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DOES
CAYUGA'S ADVENTURE PROGRAM INCLUDE A ROPES COURSE?
Yes.
The Ropes Course features 6 stations including a 32’ climbing tower,
205’ zip line, spider web, tension traverse, port hole, and fidget
ladder. The Climbing Tower and Zip Line are two of the most popular
stations. At the climbing tower, you’ll learn how to rock climb and
rappel. On the zip line, you’ll glide over 200 feet down the
hillside through the woods! It’s so much fun, you’ll want to do it
over and over again.
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ARE THERE ANY CLINICS?
Yes,
every summer Cayuga offers at least one type of clinic. The clinics
will generally rotate depending upon the availability of the clinic
professionals. In the past, clinics have been offered in Scuba
Diving, Circus Acts, 5-Star Basketball, and Paintball. Scuba Diving
Clinics are generally scheduled once in each session. If you’re
entering 5th grade (or higher) and have basic swimming skills,
you’re eligible to sign-up for the Scuba Diving Clinic. For more
info on Clinics this summer, see the Calendar of Events on Cayuga’s
website,
or click here.
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DINNER?
Around
7:30pm (8:30pm on Teen Campus) the entire campus population meets at
the flagpole. That’s when we lower the American Flag and make
announcements about upcoming events. After flagpole assembly, the
Evening Program begins. To see this summer’s Evening Activity
Schedule, see the Calendar of Events on our website,
or click here.
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WHAT ARE THE EVENING ACTIVITIES LIKE?
Well,
some kids say it’s “the highlight” of each day. It’s the time when
all campers unite, and camper enthusiasm & spirit peaks! The Evening
Activities are different every night, and for the most part, they
are scheduled separately on each campus. Once in awhile, the teens
perform in front of the Junior Campus kids and sometimes the 8th
graders from Junior Campus attend an Evening Activity on Teen
Campus.
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ARE THERE ANY DANCES?
Yes, “Socials” are scheduled about once a week. The
themes include the Halloween Social, Roman Toga Social, Hip Hop
Social, 1950’s Sock Hop Social, Hippie Social, and others. Everyone
participates including the campers, cabin counselors, and senior
staff. Socials are loaded with good music, dancing, costume
contests, theme décor, etc. They’re a lot of fun - even if you don’t
dance! At the end of the first-half session, we have a “Farewell
Social”. This is a “fancy” dance most of us get dressed-up for. At
the end of the summer, both campuses get together at the “Prom”.
This is the final dance of the summer, so everyone dresses-up for
it. There’s usually quite a bit of dancing going on. A Professional
DJ and his crew provide the music, light show, and entertainment for
both the Farewell Social and Prom. |
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WHAT HAPPENS ON MY BIRTHDAY?
Birthdays are special at Camp Cayuga. We begin the
celebration at morning flagpole assembly when we raise the Birthday
Flag, and make a congratulatory announcement on your behalf. After
lunch you’ll receive a birthday card in the mail from the camp staff
along with a “Birthday Care-Package” loaded with Cayuga stuff, like:
a camp t-shirt, frisbee, sports bottle, Cayuga key chain, and a few
more fun surprises! We’ll also jazz-up your table in the dining hall
with birthday decorations. Then, at dinner we sing the Happy
Birthday song to you. And for dessert, you & your cabinmates will
enjoy a special birthday cake, baked by our chef. |
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WHO HELPS ME IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?
Cayuga counselors have a good reputation for “caring”
and making sure you’re having a great time. Cabin counselors are at
least 19 years of age and entering their sophomore year (or higher)
in college. You also have a Division Director. This is an older
adult who’s in charge of the campers and counselors in your
division. Your Division Director will introduce himself/herself to
you on arrival day. He/she will introduce himself/herself to your
parents via email within the first 3 days of your arrival. Just like
your counselors, your Division Director is always available to lend
a helping hand when you need it. |
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I FEEL SICK?
If you ever feel sick, the camp nurses will take care
of you. They’ll do their best to make you feel comfortable in the
camp infirmary. There are about 6 nurses and they all live in the
infirmary. They’re available all the time. The camp nurses are nice
(they’re usually moms who have their own kids attending Cayuga). If
you ever need outside medical treatment, the nurses will notify your
parents. The local medical clinic and hospital are less than 10
minutes from camp.
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CAN I SPEND SOME TIME WITH MY BROTHER OR SISTER?
Yes, you can. One way is to join the Sibling Club. As
a member of this Club, you’ll be given permission to spend a couple
periods (about 2 hours) together with your sibling. The Club members
meet about every 10 days. The Sibling Club Leader will organize an
event for each Club Meeting, which in the past included baking
cookies together, working on an arts & crafts project together,
eating a meal together, and so on. The Sibling Club was originally
created to give siblings, who lived on different campuses, a chance
to get together. Today, the Sibling Club is available to all campers
no matter what campus you live on. |
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CAN MY PARENTS COME TO VISIT?
Yes,
there are 2 official Visiting Days. One Visiting Day is scheduled
during the first-half session and the other during the second-half
session. Your parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives, and
friends are invited to visit you. Certain activity areas will be
open for you & your visitors (like the pools, sailing, boating,
tennis, creative arts, bungee trampoline jumping, etc.). You can
also ride in the Visiting Day Horse Show! (Sorry kids, your pets are
not permitted to visit.) See the “Calendar of Events” page on
Cayuga’s website for this summer’s Visiting Day dates,
or click here.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PARENTS CANNOT ATTEND VISITING DAY?
If you are not expecting visitors on Visiting Day, you
will attend a special “Mystery Trip” for the day. You’ll depart from
Cayuga before Visiting Day begins (10:00am) and will return after
Visiting Day ends (4:00pm). The trip is a lot of fun! |
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CAN MY PARENTS TELEPHONE ME?
Yes, your parents are permitted to call you at camp,
but your incoming calls are limited to 1 call every 2 weeks. There
is no limit on the number of telephone calls you make when you’re
off the camp property. So, if you’re attending an off-camp trip, you
can telephone anyone you wish and talk as long as you want (since
you’re not tying-up the office telephone lines at camp).
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CAN I RECEIVE MAIL?
Yes, of course. The mail is delivered and picked-up
everyday except Sunday. There’s no limit to the amount of letters
you can receive, but you are required to write your parents at least
once a week. We call it Letters Home for Dinner. This means you have
to bring your letter (addressed to your parents) to the dinner meal.
If you’re too busy to write a long letter, you can use
“fill-in-the-blank” letters that are available at camp. They’re real
easy to fill-in. By the way, the canteen (camp store) sells stamps,
writing paper, envelopes, and pens. |
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CAN I RECEIVE CARE-PACKAGES?
Yes. While most camps nowadays prohibit care-packages,
Cayuga still permits them as long as they abide by the camp’s
guidelines. In addition to books, magazines, & games, you can
receive food items like pretzels and crackers (like “goldfish”), as
long as they’re stored in a sealed “rubber-maid” type container.
Other types of food and candy are prohibited. |
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CAN MY PARENTS EMAIL ME?
Yes,
your parents can email you, but in order to do so, they must use
“Bunk1 Email Service”. This is an independent company who manages
all incoming personal email messages by bundling and sorting them.
It’s a simple process. More information is explained on Cayuga’s
website,
or
click here.
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WILL I NEED TO BRING MONEY TO CAMP?
Yes,
all campers should bring money to camp. You’ll need money for
personal stuff you buy in the canteen and on off-camp trips. If you
plan to attend AAA baseball games, golf course trips, Busch Gardens
trip, or any other trip, you’ll need to bring more money with you to
camp. The more trips you attend, the more money you’ll need. By the
way, Camp Cayuga has a bank that will hold your money in
safekeeping. The Camp Bank is open 6 days a week for deposits and
withdrawals.
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WHAT KIND OF STUFF IS SOLD AT THE CANTEEN?
The Canteen is the camp store. It’s open everyday of
the summer (except for the 2 Amusement Park Trip Days). You’ll go to
the canteen everyday to receive your daily snack. Your daily snack
allowance lets you spend up to $1.50. (The allowance is included in
the Canteen Fund which is paid in advance by your parents.) The
Canteen sells snacks like pretzels, chips, ice cream, popcorn,
Granola bars, fruit drinks, soda, bottled water, slushies, and other
snacks too. The canteen also stocks general supplies like:
batteries, stationery, stamps, prepaid calling cards, toothbrushes,
tooth paste, single-use cameras, diabolos, devil sticks, sports
bottles, Estes model rockets, a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts,
sweat pants, shorts, baseball caps, visors, backpacks, and carry-on
bags. |
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CAN I ATTEND RELIGIOUS SERVICES?
Yes. Attendance at religious services is voluntary.
You do not have to go! Camp Cayuga is a nonsectarian summer camp
that places no emphasis on religion. If you’d like to attend
Religious Services this summer, it’s no problem. Cayuga will
accommodate all campers who wish to attend religious services.
Jewish services take place on the camp property at the lakefront on
Fridays. The service is led by a Cayuga staff member. Christian
services are available in town for various religions on Sunday
mornings. Transportation is provided by Camp Cayuga. Generally
speaking, there are not a lot of campers who are interested in
attending religious services. |
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HOW IS THE CAMP FOOD?
The camp food is actually quite good. Ask any camper
who went to Cayuga, and they’ll tell you the same thing. The meats,
fish, vegetables, and fruit are of the very best quality. If you’re
a picky eater, don’t worry about it! There’s always choices
available at each meal. In addition to the main entrée at lunch &
dinner, there’s always a pasta substitute. There’s also a complete
salad bar every lunch and dinner, as well as peanut butter & jelly.
No camper ever leaves the table hungry! |
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WHO ARE THE CAMP DIRECTORS & WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?
Brian Buynak is the Camp Owner. He also directs Junior
Campus during the summer. He first attended camp in 1957 when he was
only 3 months old. (His parents were camp owners at the time.) Brian
hasn’t missed a summer at camp since then! He’s been the owner &
director since 1983. He’s a pretty cool guy and you’ll always see
him around (flagpole assemblies, in the dining hall during meal
times, at evening activities, etc.). He has a habit of appearing out
of nowhere when you least expect it! Brian enlightens us all with
his “Thought for the Day” at morning flagpole assembly. Cayuga’s
Teen Campus Director is Steve "Bealzy" Beals. Steve lives on the
camp property year-round. He started his camping career as a
counselor at Cayuga in 1984 and became the Teen Campus Director in
1994. Steve is a likeable guy who enjoys spending his summers with
teenagers. |
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DO I HAVE TO WASH MY DIRTY CLOTHES?
No, you
don’t have to worry about washing your clothes. Once a week your
dirty clothes & bed linens will be washed by an independent laundry
company who Camp Cayuga has contracted with. On Laundry Day, you’ll
empty your personal laundry bag into your large cabin laundry bag.
The large cabin bags are then carried by your counselors to a
designated area. This is the area where the Laundry Company picks-up
and delivers the laundry. The pick-up days are once a week. We’ll
make announcements at flagpole to remind you when it’s Laundry Day.
It takes the Laundry Company 2 days to wash, dry, fold, and return
the laundry. The general rule is to bring 10 days worth of clothes,
no matter how long you’re staying.
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HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO BRING?
After you register, we’ll mail you a recommended
clothing list that includes everything you’ll need to bring to camp.
The list includes clothing and gear. It also includes of list of
optional items you may need as well as prohibited items you cannot
bring. |
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WHO RECEIVES AWARDS AT CAMP?
There’s a very good chance you’ll earn an award this
summer! Cayuga is real serious when it comes to recognizing campers
for their achievements and success. Cayuga is just as serious when
it comes to enthusiasm & good sportsmanship. You don’t have to be
the best hitter on the field to receive a baseball award, and you
don’t have to be the best rider to receive a horse show ribbon.
What’s most important is your effort! Camper of the Week awards are
presented at flagpole assembly once a week. This award goes to the
best camper in each cabin. The winner is selected by the cabin
counselors. For your effort, you’re awarded a Cayuga pennant and
“Camper-of-the-Week” t-shirt. Activity certificates and trophies are
presented at the Oscar Ceremony (which takes place at the end of the
first-half session) and again at the Banquet (end of summer). |
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CAN MY PARENTS SEE ME HAVING FUN AT CAMP?
Yes,
your parents can see you having fun at camp! They may not see you
“in person”, but they can see you in photographs on Cayuga’s
website. That’s right! Cayuga’s photographer takes pictures all day
every day. In the evenings, he copies the pictures onto a computer
and uploads them in the Summer SnapShots section. Your parents can
go to Cayuga’s website everyday and look for pictures of you at your
activities. Parents will really like this!
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CAN I CHANGE MY SESSION AND STAY LONGER AT CAMP?
Well, that’s a compliment to the Cayuga Staff and we’d
like to say, “Sure you can stay longer”. But, sometimes there’s no
space available! If there is space for you, we will be happy to make
the necessary arrangements. The best advice is to tell your
counselor as soon as you start thinking about staying longer. We’ll
make a note of your request and if space becomes available, we’ll
notify you and your parents. The important thing to remember is to
let your counselors know as soon as possible. |
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE TO GO HOME EARLY?
We hope that doesn’t happen, and quite frankly, it
rarely happens. But if you do decide to depart camp prior to the end
of your registered session, Camp Cayuga’s First-Time Camper
Guarantee will be applied. That means, as long as you abide by the
camp’s departure procedures, your parents will receive a full
prorated refund of the camp tuition. That is, Cayuga will refund the
excess of tuition paid after deducting the ordinary charges for the
period you remained in camp. That’s Cayuga’s promise to all
First-Time Campers!
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CAN I TAKE
A TOUR OF CAYUGA?
Yes, absolutely! The best time to visit is at Open
House. If you’re unable to attend Open House, that’s OK. You can
tour Cayuga any time. Our “Open Door” policy encourages tours and
provides flexibility for tour dates. The Directors are available for
tours seven days a week. We’re proud of our facility and enjoy
giving tours! If you’d like a tour, just give us a call. For more
information about Open House,
click here.
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WILL I RECEIVE A CAYUGA YEARBOOK?
Yes. At the end of each summer, all of the Summer Snap
Shots are burned onto a DVD (along with some music). It’s about a 4
hour slide show of 1000s of photos of campers and staff from the
summer. The DVD gets duplicated, then mailed to every camper. You’ll
receive your very own DVD Summer Yearbook in the Winter.
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IS THERE A
REUNION AFTER CAMP?
Yes, camp reunions started way back in 1964 when the
Buynak Family purchased Camp Cayuga. For 45+ years, campers & staff
have been getting together after the summer. The Annual Winter
Reunion is a tradition at Cayuga and a special event we all look
forward to. It's a great opportunity to see all of your friends from
camp in one day! It’s a lot of fun. You know, in many ways it feels
like you’re back at camp! In recent years, the reunion has been held
at Space Odyssey in Englewood, New Jersey. It’s a huge family
entertainment center, loaded with 26,000 square feet of high-tech
video games and other amusing attractions. You & your camp friends
can also play laser tag, glow-in-the-dark bowling, and paintless
paintball. Space Odyssey has everything! |
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MY LAST QUESTION – WHEN DO I GO TO BED?
Hey, you saved the most popular question for last! The
answer is: If you’re entering 4th grade or lower, you return to your
cabin at 9:00pm and your cabin lights get turned-off at 9:30pm. If
you’re entering 5th or 6th grade, you return to your cabin at 9:30pm
and your cabin lights get turned-off at 10:00pm. If you’re residing
on Junior Campus and entering 7th or 8th grade in September, you
have a 10:00pm curfew and your cabin lights get turned-off at
10:30pm. If you’re residing on Teen Campus, you have a 10:30pm
curfew and your cabin lights get turned-off at 11:00pm. |
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