FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM KIDS
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WHERE DO THE KIDS COME FROM?
Most of the Cayuga campers live in the Tri-State area of  |
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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 come to camp by yourself.  |
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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 accessible from your online account.  |
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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 large cabins that can have up to 17 campers. 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 your cabinmates. Chores include: sweeping, mopping, emptying the cabin's trash can, opening the windows, clearing-off the outside clothesline, etc. The cabin counselors are responsible for cleaning & disinfecting your cabin's bathroom. By the way, the cleanest boys & girls cabin each week is awarded a "party" on campus for their efforts. Yeah!!!  |
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IS THERE A BATHROOM INSIDE MY CABIN AND IS IT 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 bathrooms have 5 sinks, 4 showers, and 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 have been recently renovated.  |
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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. T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers are worn by mostly everyone including our 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 Super-Hero Social 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. To find-out what Special Events & Evening Activities are scheduled this summer, see Cayuga's Calendar of Events webpage.  |
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CAN I BRING STUFF TO DECORATE MY AREA IN THE CABIN?
Yes, some kids bring stuffed animals, framed photos of their family & friends from home, & wall posters. Camp policy requires all posters to be "G" rated.  |
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WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE?
Well, 4 days a week you'll follow a "regular" schedule when you wake-up at 8:00am. (Teen Campus wakes up at 8:50am.) On the remaining 3 days, you'll follow a "late-breakfast" schedule and wake-up at 8:50am. 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 7:40pm and at 8:30pm 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, Olympics, 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 intercamp tournament teams, ride in horse shows, sign-up for day trips, and a lot more stuff. The Senior Staff members will remind you also with their announcements at morning and evening flagpole assemblies. All other camp news (like cabin inspection scores, team rosters, tournament brackets, etc.) is 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 and overnight areas, infirmary, & other buildings. The Elective Program Staff are out-and-about walking around while the activities are going on. They'll lend you a helping hand too!  |
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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's different everyday! 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?
If you're a Junior, you follow the activity schedule that's been created for your cabin. If you're older (5th grade & higher) and selecting your own activities, you receive an Activity Card each day. On this Card is the list of activities you selected & the time period for each activity. If you lose your Activity 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 escorts you to your activities. If you're participating in Cayuga's Elective Program, instructors take attendance at the beginning of each activity period. We assume that the activities you selected are activities that interest you, so attendance & participation is expected.  |
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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 you'll 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, video 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 certain activities that are scheduled on Teen Campus. And, sometimes the teenagers on Teen Campus perform their skits & recitals in front of the younger campers on Junior Campus.  |
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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 certain trips. During the meeting, safety procedures and trip 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, flying trapeze, model rocketry, drama, circus arts, petting zoo, sailing, boating, fishing, bungee trampoline jumping, chorus, dance, digital photography, videography, camp newspaper, zip line, creative arts, lake activities (floating iceberg, water trampoline, rolling log, floating blanket), radio broadcasting & a lot more!  |
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WHAT SPORTS EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
You'll need to bring a softball mitt (or baseball glove). If you plan to skate, you'll need to bring your skates, skateboard, and all your safety pads (for knees, elbows, & wrists). Skate helmets are provided by the camp. If you plan to play lacrosse, you'll need to bring all of your gear. Lacrosse sticks are provided by the camp. For all other activities, Cayuga will provide the equipment you'll need. Some campers prefer to bring their own equipment, like a tennis racket, hockey stick, fishing rod, and horseback riding helmet. It's OK to bring this stuff if you want, but remember to 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! The "day" activities are coed (unless they involve physical contact). The "evening" activities are also coed. But don't forget about Cayuga's "10 Foot Rule". This means 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?
In the past we've scheduled 3-day trips to exciting places like Busch Gardens, Virginia and Canada & Niagara Falls. They're great camp trips! Advance registration is required. Both trips are popular and spaces fill-up. So if you're interested, please don't delay! You don't have to go on this trip to look for fun this summer. You can have all the fun you want right at camp! Activities operate as usual while this trip is 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. These trips are a good time! For more information about AAA baseball games, refer to our Program Trips webpage.  |
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AM I ELIGIBLE TO GO ON CANOE AND RAFTING TRIPS?
In order to go on a Delaware River Rafting Trip, you must pass Cayuga's Deep Water Swim Test. In other words, you must be a good swimmer and know how to properly paddle a raft. Before the trip, you'll discuss the River Safety rules with the trip director. Cayuga's Waterfront Director will remind you of the camp's safety rules & procedures before you go on the trip as well. Rafting Trips are scheduled about once every two weeks. Cayuga's Trips Director will announce our upcoming Rafting trips during daily flagpole. The Delaware River is located only 45 minutes from camp. Rafting Trips are full of excitement, and beautiful natural surroundings!  |
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ANY TRIPS TO AMUSEMENT PARKS?
Yes, and they're awesome trips! Each summer our campers and staff attend two amusement park trips. In the past, we've attended 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. To see what amusement parks we're attending this summer, refer to the Calendar of Events webpage. Each trip is an action-packed full-day loaded with thrilling rides and entertainment. The entire camp population attends the trip together. It's a BIG trip and a lot of fun for everyone! We depart camp after an "early breakfast" and return to camp in the evening, usually about 1 hour after your regular curfew. Lunch and dinner meals are served at the Parks. There is no extra charge for these trips. (They're included in your Canteen Fee.) For more information, go to our Trips Program webpage.  |
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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 2 weeks. 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 (sheds, inflatables, etc). Camp Cayuga follows the same safety guidelines set forth by 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. For more information, go to our Paintball Activity webpage.  |
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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, calf, miniature horse). 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 4 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 horseback overnights. They're all a lot of fun!  |
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DOES THE SKATE PARK HAVE A VARIETY OF RAMPS & RAILS?
Cayuga's  |
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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 other action-packed activities where you'll have a great time. But if you think you'll enjoy it (and we know you will), we suggest you give it a try because it really is awesome! 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 and 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 Cayuga's most popular activities!  |
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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 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 everyday at camp. If you're a serious hiker, you can sign-up for our Backpacking Trips that are scheduled about every 2 weeks. 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 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 a number of different clinics. The clinics generally rotate depending upon popularity and the availability of the clinic professionals. In the past, clinics have been offered in Scuba Diving, Circus Acts, Football, Hockey, Soccer, Baseball, Survival Tactics, and Paintball. There's generally one clinic scheduled each week. If you're entering 5th grade (or higher) and have basic swimming skills, you're eligible to sign-up for our Scuba Diving Clinic, which is scheduled once every 2 weeks. For more information about Clinics, go to our Calendar of Events webpage.  |
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DINNER?
Around 7:40pm (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. For this summer's Evening Activity Schedule, go to our Calendar of Events webpage.  |
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WHAT ARE THE EVENING ACTIVITIES LIKE?
Well, many kids say the evening activities are "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 their skits & recitals on Junior Campus in front of the younger kids. And sometimes the Seniors on Junior Campus will attend activities 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, Rave Social, Hill Billy Social, Super Hero Social, and Hippie Social among 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 DJ provides the music, light show, and entertainment for both the Farewell Social & 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. 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 frisbee, sports bottle, Cayuga key chain, and a few more fun surprises! Then, at dinner we sing the Happy Birthday song to you. We'll also jazz-up your table in the dining hall with birthday decorations. And for dessert, you & your cabinmates will enjoy special birthday cupcakes, baked by our chef and served with ice cream.  |
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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 themselves to your parents via email within the first 2 days of your arrival. Just like your counselors, your Division Director is always available to lend a helping hand.  |
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I FEEL SICK?
If you're not feeling well, the camp medical staff will take care of you. They'll do their best to make you feel comfortable in the camp infirmary. There are about 6-7 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 2 weeks. 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, enjoying a picnic lunch 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). There's also a Horse Show scheduled on each Visiting Day!  |
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WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PARENTS CANNOT ATTEND VISITING DAY?
If you are not expecting visitors on Visiting Day, you'll 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 Canteen. This means you have to bring your letter (addressed to your parents) to the Canteen (camp store). 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 the services of CampMinder. This is an independent company who manages all incoming personal email messages by bundling and sorting them. More info about sending emails is located on your dashboard under "CampStamps".  |
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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 usually 5 days a week. You'll go to the canteen 5 days a week to receive your snack. Your daily snack allowance lets you spend up to $2.00. (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, bottled water, slushies, and other snacks too. The canteen also stocks general supplies like: batteries, stationery, stamps, prepaid calling cards, tooth paste, toothbrushes diabolos, devil sticks, sports bottles, Estes model rockets, a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweat pants, shorts, baseball caps, small 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, not many campers 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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WHO WASHES MY DIRTY CLOTHES?
'Laundry Day' is scheduled about once a week. This is when you empty your personal laundry bag into your cabin's large laundry bag. These large bags are picked-up by an independent laundry company. It take them 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 at camp. The staff remind you at flagpole assemblies when 'laundry day' is scheduled.  |
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HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TO BRING?
After you sign-up for camp, your parents will be be given an online account where they can access camp forms & documents. The recommended clothing list is posted on their dashboard. It includes everything you need to bring to camp. It also lists optional items, as well as prohibited items you can't 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 trophies and certificates 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 PHOTOS OF ME THIS SUMMER?
Yes, the Camp Photographers take hundres of pics and upload them daily. It's a simple process - Your parents simply login to their account, go to 'Photos" section, and click 'Summer Snapshots'. There are 300-400 photos posted everyday on Cayuga's website. That's right! Cayuga's photographers take picturs all day every day, rain or shine. |
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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. Our best advice to you is to tell your cabin counselor as soon as you start thinking about staying longer. Your counselor will inform your Division Director (who will make a note of your request). If space becomes available, we'll notify you and your parents. The important thing to remember is to tell your cabin counselor 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 of Cayuga, just give us a call or complete the "Schedule A Tour" form.  |
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WILL I RECEIVE A CAYUGA YEARBOOK?
Yes. After each season we sort through all of our summer photographs to create the Annual Digital Yearbook. It's a 2-hour slide show loaded with over 2000 photos. The link to this yearbook is sent via email to all campers and staff.  |
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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 over 50 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 everyone from camp in one day! It's a lot of fun, and in some ways, it kinda feels like we're all back at camp! In recent years, the reunions have been held in the tri-sate area at a family entertainment center, loaded with thousands of high tech video games and other amusing attractions. The Reunion is a great way to renew summer camp friendships, and it's guaranteed fun for everyone!  |
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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 lights get turned-off at 10:00pm. If you're residing on Junior Campus and entering 7th or 8th 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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