FAQs

Where are Schodack campers from?
Campers from Schodack meet and make friends with children from many different places. We have variety in our geographic distribution with campers from New England, Westchester County, Manhattan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island, eight other states and overseas. There is no one area of greatest concentration.

Will Schodack remain at the current small number of 135 boys and 135 girls?
Absolutely. Our small size enables us to be personally involved with all the campers and parents and it is why everyone feels the warm family feeling throughout camp.

Why does Schodack have camp shirts?
This tradition reflects our philosophy of keeping camp simple and minimizing social pressure on children, especially middle and upper campers. In the morning there is no worry over 'what should I wear today.' In the evening, campers wear everyday clothes.

How does the full, seven week season compare with the three and a half week sessions?
A majority of our campers choose the full season option. They feel, and we agree, that for making friends, skill building, and experiencing camp to the fullest, nothing beats the full season. At the same time, one-month campers report that they love their camp experience and many of them keep coming back year after year for one month.

We want a three and a half week session. Which session is best?
Each session has its own feel and flow and there are advantages to each. Since there are so many factors to consider, a conversation between us is best.

How often can I call camp?
Parents are encouraged to call and speak to us whenever they feel the need to check in on how their child is doing. Parents appreciate how sincere we are in welcoming these calls and how well we know their child. We have a scheduled weekly phone time for campers to call their parents.

Schodack is a coed camp. What does that mean?
All daily activity periods are scheduled by bunk, so they are single sex. Girls and boys participate equally in all activities at Schodack and are scheduled for the same amount of time in all team, individual and water sports and creative activities.

Camper choice periods are coed. At these times, counselors supervise all activities at camp and campers are free to go to any area they wish for more participation time there. The whole camp eats together, a very spirited and positive time at camp. Campers sit at a table with their bunkmates and bunk counselors.

Nighttime activities are usually coed and divided into three age groups: junior, middle, and upper camp.

Tell us about the lake.
The 175-acre lake is very picturesque and quiet, and is used predominately by our boats. It is one mile through the woods beyond our golf driving range and horse trails. The lake is one of Schodack's most popular programs and to maximize time there we have a shuttle bus, driven by CDL-licensed school bus drivers. The ride takes less than five minutes—as long as it takes to walk from one end of camp to the other.

Our lakefront activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.

How many counselors are there per cabin?
There are 2-3 bunk counselors plus a group leader for each cabin of 8-14 campers. Our counselors live in the cabin with the campers, accompany them to all activities, eat with them, and put them to bed at night. Being together from morning until bedtime develops strong relationships between campers and counselors. Campers love having their own bunk counselors who know them so well and who are always there to share their achievements and help them develop skills, independence, and self-esteem.

In addition to the bunk counselors and group leaders, we have 40 activity counselors who instruct at specific areas. Our head staff includes a program/operations director, 5 division heads for boys and girls, a director of special events, 3 activity counselor supervisors and 5 nurses. Three assistant directors work year-round with owner/director Paul Krouner.

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