FAQ For Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that this page will answer most of your questions.  If we have missed anything, please contact us, and we will be glad to try and help. 

Q. What should I do to register?
A. Send in a registration (Either online or by mail)

Send your non-refundable deposit (Either online or by mail)

Fill out your child's Health Form. Bring this with you on registration day.

Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Our Camper Packing List and Info brochure will answer this question.

Q. What time is check-in?
A. Registration is open from 3-5 pm on Saturdays.

Q. What time should I pick up my camper?
A. A short closing program begins at 9:30 am on Saturday morning in our pavilion area. Following the program, campers are dismissed to their cabin/tent areas. After brief check-out instructions to parents, you will join your camper at their campsite to gather their belongings and sign him/her out with their counselor.

Q. Does my camper need a physical to attend?
A. No.  However, a physical exam is recommended within the past 12 months from the start of your camper's session.

Q. Will I get to meet my child’s counselor?
A. Yes.  Parents will escort their camper to their assigned lodging area where their camp counselor awaits them. A brief written autobiography will be presented to the parents to help them become acquainted with their child’s caregiver. Discussion with the counselor is encouraged. Ask them questions about themselves!

Q. Why is camp-time different?
A. During the summer, the US changes to daylight savings time to have more hours of daylight at convenient times, but at camp, when we send campers to bed, it is helpful if the sky is dark.  To fix this inconvenient situation, we operate one hour behind Eastern Standard Time (EST).  When we communicate times to you, we use EST, not camp time.

Q. Can I call or visit my camper during their camp week?
A. No.  For both legal and practical reasons we do not permit campers to make or receive phone calls or receive visitors, except in emergencies. If needed, parental concerns can be communicated through our Program Director.

Q. Can I send mail to my camper while at camp?
A. Yes.  Both mail and e-mails are permitted and are delivered at lunch time each day. You can e-mail your camper at campermail@susque.org

Q. What if my camper gets homesick?
A. Campers who may be prone to homesickness often do not have an opportunity to experience this dilemma, as a busy camp schedule leaves very little time to think about what they may be missing at home. After a busy day’s schedule, many campers are exhausted and their eyelids close before thoughts turn to home. Should this still be a problem, our counselors are very well trained in dealing with homesickness. Part of that training includes letting our camp directors know so that communication with parents can be made should it be deemed necessary. For expert tips, visit http://www.campparents.org/homesickness.php

Q. What is dress-up night for Girls Camp and what should my daughter pack for this?
A. Typically held on Friday evening, dress up night is an opportunity for the girls to dress up in either a church or formal dress for the dinner meal.


Q. Can my camper bring their rifle or bow?
A. Yes! All such items will be kept in locked cabinets away from camper living quarters until needed for their archery or riflery class.

Q. Do you screen your counselors?
A. Yes. As part of the application process, prospective counselors must submit several references: from a pastor/youth pastor, an employer, and a personal friend.  A lengthy personal interview, and criminal background checks are done on all staff members with responsibility for or access to campers, including a check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry.  Each counselor is also required to attend a full week of counselor orientation, which both equips the new counselor, while allowing the staff to screen further.  

Q. If I have to cancel my child’s registration, is any of my money refundable?
A. If the need to cancel your registration becomes necessary, please contact the camp by phone or e-mail as soon as possible. Cancellations made seven (7) days prior to the registered camp date allows for a full refund of any monies paid, minus the deposit. After that date, all monies paid are non-refundable.

Q. Is the deposit part of the entire cost of camp?
A. Yes! Once the deposit is paid, your remaining balance is the total cost of camp minus the deposit. (ex…Cost of camp=$359 - $100 deposit = $259 remaining camp balance)

Q. When is the remaining balance due?
A. The remaining balance can be paid anytime up until and including the day of registration. However, to expedite your check-in process on registration day, we suggest that remaining balances be paid beforehand.

Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Yes!  You can pay your deposit, full payment, or any remaining balance on the web site.  You can also pay by credit card over the phone or in person.

Q. Can my camper bunk with a friend who is also coming to camp?
A. Yes.  We make every effort to honor camper requests for bunking with friends provided they are (1) made in advance, (2) both campers request each other and (3) both campers are in the same grade level breakdown.

Q. Can I send my camper care packages while at camp?
A. Yes.  However, we request that NO FOOD be sent. Susque is a rustic camp and food sent attracts wildlife to the camping areas. Food sent will be kept at the camp office for pick up at departure.

Q. Do you offer financial aid?
A. Yes. More information can be found in our Financial Aid Packet.