Food

Meals are often the highlight of the day on a Wilderness Trip!

Campers take turns cooking and serving the three meals each day. In addition, a steady supply of trail mix keeps everyone energized! Meal options range from pizza to freeze-dried delicacies. And, of course, each Trip begins with the classic Susque Stew.

Susque strives to provide nutritious, desirable meals that keep campers energized throughout the trip. Each meal is carefully analyzed and selected to provide vitamins, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates so campers are replacing what they burned off during the day. Fruits and vegetables are served at most meals. Additionally, plenty of water is filtered each day and available to campers. We encourage campers to consistently have at least two full water bottles with them.

Beyond the types of food served, we intentionally use group preparation and family-style dining for each meal. This is to promote conversation and group bonding. 

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Susque handles dozens of food allergies and restrictions every summer. Our Food Service Manager and Wilderness Trip Leaders will work with you and your camper to ensure that he/she will receive all of the proper nutrition needed for the trip. 

To notify us of your camper's food allergy or restriction, you will be provided a place on your camper's health form, due two weeks before your camper's arrival. Our Food Service Manager or a Wilderness Trip Leader may call you for further clarification. If something should change after you submit your health form, we request that Susque be notified within two weeks of your camper's arrival or we cannot guarantee accommodation. Health forms can be accessed by logging into your CampInTouch account.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us (570-998-2151) or email our Food Service Manager directly.

Lodging

While on the Trip, campers are provided with tents or tarps. Leaders guide and assist with setting up sleeping areas each evening, taking the opportunity to teach useful skills such as knot tying, weather prediction, and "Leave No Trace" environmental ethics.

Some campers choose to bring hammocks while others prefer sleeping bags on the ground. It is important that all campers on the ground bring a sleeping pad to help them stay warm. 

Rustic restroom facilities are provided at each campsite except for those on the West Rim Excursion. Campers on the West Rim will get the privilege of learning how to utilize "Leave No Trace" ethics while taking care of their bathroom needs in the woods.

*Medications must be in their original containers, including over-the-counter. These must be turned into the Camp Nurse upon check-in, so have them easily accessible.

**Water bottles are required.

**Including deodorant and hair spray.

Camp Susque is committed to camper safety. To that end, we have set stringent measures in place to guarantee that we have well screened and trained staff. Our activities are regularly examined for safety and quality. Meals are concientiously created with nutrition and variety in mind. Food allergies and dietary restrictions are handled in a professional, discrete manner. 

For more information, check out the sections below.

Staff Screening

• Camp Susque performs background and sex offender checks on all staff, including year-round, program and support staff. 
• Each summer staff member must submit an application and references to be considered. Each staff member is also personally interviewed by either our Director or full-time Program Director.
• Wilderness Trip Leaders must demonstrate a high level of maturity and have the correct technical skills for each trip.

Staff Training

• Wilderness Trip Leaders are led through a specialized, intensive, week-long training program. This training includes practical skills such as safety techniques for cooking over a fire, medical evacuation protocols, and behind-the-wheel training in our camp vehicles. In addition, the vision and purpose of the Wilderness Trips is thoroughly covered, with specific training to help leaders Biblically build quality, Christ-centered relationships with each camper. All trainings are overseen by our year-round leadership.
• All staff are specifically trained on recognizing child abuse and avoiding compromising situations.
• Susque complies with mandated reporting laws to report any suspected abuse to the appropriate agency.
• Every Wilderness Trip Leader is trained in Red Cross First Aid and CPR.
• At least one Trip Leader is certified in Wilderness First Aid.
• For trips involving aquatic activities, at least one Trip Leader is a certified Lifeguard.

Staff Guidelines & Culture

• Trip leaders meet with the full-time Program Director before and after each trip. This provides opportunities for further training and debriefing.
• Trip leaders are in constant communication with the full-time Program Director for the duration of the trip.
• Year-round leadership staff are available to assist via phone (and in person if necessary) in the case of an emergency. 

Supervision

• Wilderness Trips have a leader-to-camper ratio of 1:3, with a maximum ratio of 1:4.
• Campers are supervised at all times by at least one Trip Leader.

Medical

• A health form is due 2 weeks before arrival for each camper. Health forms can be accessed by logging into your CampInTouch account.
• Medical care is provided by the Wilderness Trip Leaders.
• If your camper is taking medicine on a regular basis, please note that ALL medicine MUST BE in their original containers, whether prescription or over-the-counter. These medicines must be left with the Camp Nurse upon check-in. The Camp Nurse will pass them on to a pre-selected Wilderness Trip Leader who has training from the Nurse. This leader will be in charge of dispensing medicines as needed or prescribed.
• Every Wilderness Trip Leader is trained in Red Cross First Aid.
• At least one Trip Leader is certified in Wilderness First Aid.
• For trips involving aquatic activities, at least one Trip Leader is a certified Lifeguard.
• Trip staff plan out and maintain directions and contact information for hospitals and clinics along each trip route.
• Campers and staff are screened when they arrive for illness.
• Every attempt to notify parents will be made in the event of illness or injury that requires professional care.
• Camp Susque does not carry medical insurance on campers, therefore any non-covered expenses incurred while at camp will be billed to the parents.
• Our medical policies are endorsed by a professional Medical Doctor.

Food

• We take special care to accommodate most food allergies and dietary preferences.
• The menu for the week is planned to provide a well-balanced diet to provide enough energy for the vigorous outdoor activities on each trip.
• Water is always available. Campers are required to have 2 water bottles on every trip.
• Snacks are provided throughout the day.
• For more info, see our Food & Lodging page.

Activities

• All program equipment is inspected at the beginning of the season and throughout the season before each use.
• All activities are supervised by staff at all times.
• Each activity must be approved by the full-time Program Director.
• The outfitters for each trip are carefully researched to make sure they will provide the same level of safety and inspection as Camp Susque.

American Camp Association (ACA) Accredited

ACA's accreditation program helps camps meet the expectations of the industry and parents. Because we are ACA-accredited, we have met over 275 standards relating to program quality and camper/staff health and safety. See more at: https://www.acacamps.org

A non-refundable, non-transferable $100 per camper, per week deposit, must accompany your application. Without this deposit, your registration will not be finalized.

Rates below include the $100 deposit. Therefore, if you choose a week of camp that costs $470, that fee includes the $100 deposit, and $370 is due upon your camper's arrival.

Discounts

Sibling Discount

• $50 discount for each additional sibling that comes to camp in the same summer. The first child still pays full price.

Referral Discount

• $75 discount for each first-time camper you refer. Your friend must inform us that you referred them. Your friend still pays full price.

Camp Store Discount

Enrolled campers receive a 15% off coupon to Trail's End, the camp store.

3 Ways to Pay for Camp

1. Pay in full.
2. Deposit plan. With the deposit plan, you pay the deposit and the rest is due the day your child comes to camp. You can slowly pay off your balance via your Campwise account or by sending checks.
3. Automatic monthly payments. Automatic monthly payments start on the first of every month and continue until June 1st. The plan will begin after the deposit of $100 per camper, per week is paid.

Financial Aid

Susque does not want cost to be a barrier for any camper! Please visit our Financial Aid tab for more info. Susque was able to give out over $60,000 in scholarships in 2018.

Arrival Times for Wilderness Trips

West Rim Excursion: Wednesday at 12 PM

Operation Ohiopyle, Chesapeake Challenge, & Adirondack Adventure: Saturdays from 4-5 PM

Delaware River Run: Wednesday at 12 PM

If possible, we suggest that you personally bring your child to camp. This allows you to see the camp's facilities and meet the leadership, your child's counselor and cabin or tent mates.

How Check-in Works

1. Upon arriving at Susque, you will be directed to park in the field adjacent to the parking lot.
2. Leave your camper's gear in the car.
3. Bring any form of payment to settle up your account as well as any camper medication.
4. Proceed towards Check-in Station #1: the Camp Office. At the Camp Office you will:
   1. Pay off any remaining balances.
   2. Have the opportunity to visit The Trail's End Camp Store.
5. Proceed towards Check-in Station #2: Photo Station
   1. Here you will get a taste of the week's theme.
   2. Your camper's photo will be taken and added to their CampInTouch account.
6. Proceed towards Check-in Station #3: Nurse
   1. Here your camper will be screened by a trained staff member or nurse.
   2. Your camper's health form will be reviewed and updated if necessary.
   3. Medications will be dropped off with the camp nurse.
   4. The Food Service Coordinator will be on hand to discuss your child's food allergies and restrictions.
7. Proceed towards Check-in Station #4: Program Station
   1. Here you will get a bio of your camper's counselor/trek leader.
   2. You will also receive your child's cabin or tent assignment, if applicable.
   3. You will fill out a form notifying us of people who are approved to pick up your child at the end of the week.
8. From here you may retrieve your camper's gear and proceed towards his/her designated lodging. Rickshaws and Staff-in-Training members are on hand to assist you with your luggage.

Departing from Susque

Departure Times for Summer Youth Camps & Wilderness Trips

Most Summer Youth Camps & Wilderness Trips have a closing program on the Saturday of departure at 9:30 AM.*  Parents are invited to this program.

The Closing Program consists of highlights from the week by camp leadership, a brief overview by the chaplain, a video of the week, and other general info. The Closing Program lasts a half-hour, until approximately 10 AM, at which point parents will be dismissed to pick campers up at their cabins or tents, following instructions from the Director at the closing program.

All campers must depart their lodging area by 11 AM.

*The Delaware River Run will not have a traditional closing program. Pickup is 10:00 AM on Saturday.

How Check-out Works

For safety and legal reasons, Camp Susque follows a strict check-out procedure of releasing campers at the end of the camp session.

This procedure requires that at check-in, parents and guardians accurately designate who is permitted to pick up their child. Anyone who is not listed as a designated pick-up person IS NOT allowed to leave the camping area with the child.

If this situation occurs, Susque will contact the parents and guardians for verbal confirmation that this person is an approved pick-up.  It is therefore imperative that you contact Susque immediately should any pick-up changes occur during the week your child is at camp.

Unique Drop-off and Pick-up Times

Late drop-offs and early pick-ups are subject to pre-approval from our Program Directors. Please contact Susque to discuss your particular situation.

Camper Scholarships

Susque believes that cost should not prohibit any camper from attending and hearing the good news of Jesus Christ. To make that goal a reality, we offer Camper Scholarships. The Scholarship Fund is maintained through the generous gifts of friends, churches, and foundations who support Camp Susque and its mission.

Scholarships are given on the basis of need, date of application, household size/income and availability of funds.

You will be given the opportunity to apply for a Scholarship when you fill out the Summer Camp & Wilderness Trip Application form. A non-refundable, non-transferable minimum deposit of $100 per child is required for your family to be considered.

Additionally, your Camp Susque account must be in good standing (ie: no remaining balances from previous years or sessions without prior agreement) for your scholarship request to be considered. 

Following the camp season, scholarship recipients are asked to write a short thank you note sharing details of their camp experience for us to share with our contributors.

Please give us a call at (570) 998-2151 or send us an email if we can be of assistance.

Financial Aid FAQ

• How can I apply for Financial Aid?
  • You will be provided a place on your Summer Camp & Wilderness Trip Application form.
• Who is eligible for Financial Aid?
  • Everybody
• How much can I receive in Financial Aid?
  • You can receive a scholarship for one week of camp. You must still pay the required $100 per camper deposit.
• When will I find out if I have been approved for Financial Aid?
  • Shortly after you submit your Camper Application and deposit.