Frequently Asked Questions
HEALTH AND SAFETY
WHO ARE YOUR STAFF MEMBERS?
Our camp director recruits caring and mature staff members based on their character and proven ability to work with youth. All staff members are at least 16 years old, and have been validated by their local pastors and other staff.
DO YOU BACKGROUND CHECK YOUR STAFF?
Yes. All of our staff members pass rigorous applications, interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks before the start of every summer
WHAT IS YOUR STAFF TO CAMPER RATIO?
Each cabin has up to 12 campers and 2 college-age leaders. Our overall ratio in camp is one adult staff member to every three campers.
HOW IS THE FOOD? WHAT ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES?
Our professional chefs serve healthy, kid-friendly, and delicious meals. Most meal includes a salad bar, and hearty vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available. Please contact us to discuss any other dietary needs.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE MEDICATIONS?
You need to bring the original prescription bottles with you to camp (so our nurses can confirm the dosage amounts/times). Due to their licensing requirements, our nurses must distribute the medications as prescribed on the original packaging. If you have liquids, inhalers, or Epi-Pens, you’ll need to bring them in their original packaging, sealed together in a Ziploc bag, labeled with your camper’s name. When you arrive at camp on Opening Day, you’ll need to check in your medications in the Dining Hall.
State-licensed nurses distribute medications and provide 24/7 on-site care for campers. Medications are normally distributed at meals and bedtimes. The Health Center is also stocked with common over-the-counter medications if needed.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS HOMESICK?
Homesickness is normal for campers in the first couple of days away from home. We help campers conquer homesickness in a nurturing way that builds confidence and independence. If your camper feels more homesick than normal, we’ll call you right away for input on supporting them.
REGISTRATION
WHAT IS THE COST?
We pride ourselves in offering the most affordable rates of all comparable camps in the RPCNA. Please see our camp pages for pricing information.
DO YOU OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
Yes. We work hard to ensure that no child is turned away from camp for financial reasons. For more information on our Campership Program, please contact the Camp Director.
ARE THERE REDUCED RATES FOR MULTIPLE SIBLINGS?
Yes. Reduced rates for multiple siblings have been incorporated into our program. To Learn more reach out to Jonathan McDonald - 215-593-7779
WHEN ARE FEES DUE?
Please see the camp information page to confirm the due date. For your convenience, please contact us if you would like to set up a personalized payment plan that makes payments easier for you.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept payments by cash, check, and payment over PayPal.
CAN MY CHILD BE IN THE SAME CABIN AS A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?
It depends. Each camper may request one cabin mate of the same age and gender. We cannot accommodate more than one cabin mate per camper because it can have a negative impact on the other campers. We also break out each cabin by age brackets, so if your child does not fit the age range, they may be in a different cabin than their friends. But they will still be a part of all the same daily activities.
Before making a cabin mate request, please think about this thought from Jenn, who is mom to two children in Girls Camp (ages 10 and 13):
“I feel strongly that summer camp should not just be a place for my children to hang out with their “home friends.” I thought it was important that they bunk with unacquainted kids as a way to encourage independence and overcome the anxiety of the unfamiliar. Meeting new cabin mates and cultivating relationships are the hallmarks of a true summer camp experience. These are skills they will need as they continue to grow and mature. I appreciate the camp supporting my wishes and helping my kids to develop new treasured, lifelong friendships that extend beyond the boundaries of their school yard.”
WHAT IS THAT CAMP ADDRESS
39 Covenanter Road, White Lake, NY 12786, USA (click to get directions)
Nearest intersection: 17B and Mattison Road. Take the first right off Mattison.
PROGRAM
WILL MY CHILD MAKE FRIENDS AT CAMP?
Yes. The majority of our campers attend White Lake without knowing anyone ahead of time. Everything we do at camp is about helping campers develop meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging. Campers and alumni alike often tell us that their best friends are from White Lake.
WHAT SHOULD CAMPERS BRING TO CAMP?
For your convenience, we have created an extensive 'What to Pack' List for you!
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
What Lake offers 100+ activities every week to capture the interests of every camper. From crafts to sports, books to board games, we make sure each child has an activity they enjoy.
CAN CAMPERS BRING ELECTRONICS TO CAMP?
Campers may bring electronics or cell phones to camp, but we HIGHLY recommend they do not. Given the unique opportunity to unplug at White Lake, we encourage you to keep them behind. If they do bring them, campers will keep all electronics in their cabins to cultivate and enjoy face-to-face conversations, active recreation, and nature exploration. Our experience shows that electronics and cell phones increase feelings of homesickness, diminish the camp experience, and affect other campers in negative ways.
CAN CAMPERS CALL HOME? CAN PARENTS CALL CAMPERS?
Campers are not able to call home because talking to parents almost always increases feelings of homesickness. It not only affects your camper, but it also has a negative impact on campers around them. If there are any concerns that require parent contact, our staff members will call you right away. If you’re concerned about your camper, you’re always welcome to call the camp Director Bob Allmond. We’re happy to check on your camper and call you right back.
CAN PARENTS VISIT CAMP?
Because visitors to campers almost always create feelings of homesickness—and have a negative and disruptive impact on other campers around them—White Lake does not permit visitors except in emergencies or during the changeover weekend.
