• What Makes Camp Towanda Different From Other Camps?
• What Is Towanda's Philosophy?
• Who Is Camp Towanda For?
• What Does Towanda Specialize In?
• Describe Camp, Please.
• Tell Us More.
• What Else Should We Know?
• How Long Is Camp?
• What Is The Next Step?
  

What Makes Camp Towanda Different From Other Camps?

Although we have the highest quality facilities and almost every conceivable activity; the ingredient that makes our camp different from all others is that STEPHANIE and MITCH are the Directors (and Owners), that's us! This is all we do and do not have secret partners… when you talk to us, you are talking to the horse’s mouth! We feel that parents are sending their children to our home for the summer. That is exactly what sets the tone for our entire camp. All decisions are based simply on what we would do, allow and be comfortable with, in regards to our own children. We sincerely feel that we are parenting partners, the surrogate Mom & Dad for the summer.

A wellrounded, wholesome, wellsupervised, safe and secure environment for everyone. Not only as owners and directors are we close friends with all the campers, but when you call and ask how "Johnny" is doing, we don't have to figure out who “Johnny” is... we know who and how he or she is!

What is Towanda’s Philosophy?

We bring out the best in everyone, no matter who it is and no matter what that best is. Our goal is to have the campers and staff leave feeling better about themselves than when they arrived. The ingredients and life skills learned at Camp Towanda build on each other and throughout the multi-year experience at camp. These benefits of camp life are truly exceptional as they help set the foundation for honest and good morals and values.

Who Is Camp Towanda For?

Camp Towanda is for kids who want to be kids. Camp Towanda offers a lot. We provide a program that adapts to the versatility and diversification of our campers. No matter what your level of experience, ability or interest is... Be it a soccer game, musical, water-skiing, overnights, tennis tournament, golf lesson, ceramics or pottery, basketball game, swim instruction or lacrosse game; Camp Towanda's program provides the opportunity for instruction, development, game time and choice.

We sponsor and host tournaments in all sports and anyone who wants to be on a team, is. Teamwork and camaraderie are more important than a must win (however, we don't mind winning!). What is important is that everyone tries to the best of their ability and has the opportunity to develop and utilize his/her skills.

Our kids come from many different states and a few different countries. We attract "downtoearth" families and don't go in for any fancy, highgloss impressions. We have a beautiful campus, a high quality program and a very caring and sensitive staff. That’s high quality, not high gloss! In fact, Mitch and Stephanie wrote all this information, not a hired advertising agency!

Camp Towanda is a safe and secure home that combines fun, friendships and special warmth with professional and responsible supervision and care. Our Camp is one big family where everyone gets to know each other.

What Does Towanda Specialize In?

We don't specialize in one particular activity. We, in fact, specialize in everything! Really. This means high quality instruction, skill development and game time in all areas. Not just sports like baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis and roller hockey; But, activities such as sculpture, nature, drama, mountain biking, martial arts, video, ropes and climbing. The list is virtually endless.

If your child is a natural athlete; he or she will grow, develop and utilize many skills at camp. If your child is not a natural athlete; we still instruct and teach; however, we look for what they shine in to foster self-esteem.

Suffice it to say we are well rounded and offer many activities for all interests and abilities. We are not a competitive camp; However, we do offer a lot of competition for those that want to participate in inter-camp games and tournaments. Anybody can be on a team; one just needs to choose to go to a practice.

Our schedule is highly structured. The kids travel with their counselors and group from activity to activity; In addition, each camper can also pick and choose "options" every day, of what they want individually. Our program progresses as the campers get older, providing more choice as well as exciting privileges, excursions and experiences. Each year is unique as well as highly anticipated by the campers.

Describe Camp, Please.

Camp Towanda is situated on over 220 acres located in the lush, rolling countryside of Northeastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. It is beautiful! Lots of open space and pure, pine tree fresh air! Everything at camp is maintained in A1 condition. We always are putting a lot back into our camp. In fact, if you would surprise visit us any day—you would find that camp is always in prime condition.

The feeling that we have for the kids shows up in the pride of the campus; it feels like home to everyone here. We own a private, springfed 35acre lake that has everything from water-skiing and sailing to the Tarzan swing, Banana Boat and to paddle boats, canoes and a white sandy beach. To put in words or pictures is not really fairyou have to be here to really grasp the beautiful, secure, spirited feeling of camp.

Tell Us More.

There are about 225 boys and 225 girls, just the right amount to have enough kids in each group. This capacity allows us to know everyone individually. Although our daily activities are separate, we do eat meals together and conduct the evening activity with the entire camp. Our counselor to camper ratio is at least 4:1 in the cabin. The younger bunks have a higher ratio. Our department heads and administrative staff are older, more mature staff members; parents, themselves. The return rate for campers has been about, at least, 90% and we traditionally maintain a waiting list.

As the Owners and Directors, we interview everyone we hire and make all decisions based on what we would do for our own children. The majority of our staff returns each year and many are former campers turned counselors.

We encourage our campers to stay on to become counselors. In preparation for that, we offer a Leader-In-Training (L.I.T.) program. This program entices the younger kids to aspire to be like their older "camp brothers and sisters". The campers range in age from 6 - 17.

What Else Should We Know?

We are Accredited and Approved by the American Camp Association, members of the Wayne County Camping Association, Association Of Independent Camps, Association of Camp Nurses and Camp-Alert-Network....Mitch has been on The Board Of Directors of The American Camp Association, New York Section and Steering Committee for The Tri-State Regional Camping Conference...He is currently on the Board of Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge (SCOPE) and Leave Out Violence (LOVE), both disadvantaged youth oriented organizations. We have many campers who are 2nd & 3rd generation...We know how to take care and be supportive of firsttime campers and their parents!...We have a real wholesome Friday Evening Shabbos Dinner and Service...Our Canteen is a great “playroom”....Horseback riding, golf outings, culinary classes and tutoring are available...We offer an optional USTA intensive tennis clinic for all levels...We have Golf on our driving range as part of the regular program...We eat Family Style...We have a salad bar...Laundry is done on the premises, once a week same day service (we still lose the sox)!! ...Showers, toilets and sinks in all the cabins ...Beautiful bunks!...Olympic swimming pool...Ropes and challenge course...Mountain Biking... exclusive and awesome 500 foot Toboggan Slide…Batting cage...Radio Station…weekly TV hilite show, complete web updates… Fabulous Drama...15,000 square foot gym…Outdoor amphitheater… Invitational Tournaments...This is the greatest place!...So much more to tell you, too!!

How Long Is Camp?

2 miles! No really….We run a full 7-week program (just one session). Yes, we believe that a full summer is what camp is all about and those that come to our camp want that. It is truly the only way to get the most out of the experience of being away from home and making new friends.

We do offer a "First 4 Weeks" option for those entering first through third grade, their first summer only. Be aware that everyone always stays the full summer; but, this plan seems to help the “nervous” parents!

The fun and camaraderie doesn't end with the summer; throughout the off-season we have THE TOWANDA TIMES Newsletter, E-Mail (mitch@camptowanda.com), Web Site and Chat Rooms, reunions. and get-togethers.

In early October we host a Fall Foliage Barbecue for a beautiful and relaxing day in the country. There is a Northern New Jersey Reunion in November, A Florida Beach Party in December, In January we have a New Camper Get-Together (which we call “Group Soup”) and a Ski Trip, The Senior Sleepover At Camp in February and much more!

What Is The Next Step?

Look through our web site... Then, It is very important that we speak with each family; after all, you will be sending your children to our home for the summer! We wouldn't part with our children to just anyone. So, let's get together and talk camp! We can send you more information, in addition to the web site stuff. Please call to set up an appointment and camp visit. Looking forward to talking soon!