Food

Meals in the dining hall have traditionally been a hallmark of the week for campers, and we aim to keep it that way!

• Campers are served three meals a day and snacks most nights.
• A salad bar is available during lunch.
• During Boys and Girls Camps, your camper will participate in a cookout and eat outside for two of his/her evening meals. One of these meals will be with your camper's age group area and the other will occur on the much-anticipated Susque Stew night with your camper's cabin or tent group.
• Susque strives to provide nutritious, desirable meals that keep campers energized throughout the day. We ensure that your camper gets healthy servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day and stays hydrated. Additionally, we encourage campers to consistently have a full water bottle with them.

Beyond the types of food served, we intentionally use round tables and family-style dining. This is to promote conversation around the table and cabin/tent group bonding. Each cabin or tent group sits together at every meal in the dining hall.

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Susque handles dozens of food allergies and restrictions every summer. Our Food Service Coordinator has taken the time and initiative to ensure that Susque is able to handle most allergies and preferences, while still ensuring high-quality, filling meals. We strive to ensure that allergies and restrictions are handled in a discrete manner. Often, the camper will receive the same meal as their fellow cabin or tentmates, with substituted items to meet their health needs.

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 Coordinator 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 Coordinator directly (food@susque.org).

Lodging

Campers are housed in one of two lodging options: single-story cabins or platform, canvas tents. Each cabin and tent houses 6-8 campers, a counselor, and potentially a Staff-in-Training member. Cabins utilize bunk beds, while tents tend to use single beds. All beds are twin size.

Our cabins and tents are organized into three "areas." For Boys and Girls camps, these areas are used to provide age group divsion within the camp. Our campers entering grades 3-5 for Boys and Girls camps stay in the Hickory Grove Area, campers entering grades 6-8 stay in the Mountainside area, and campers entering grades 9-11 stay in the Creekside area. Cabin and tent assignments are determined by age and grade at the Program Directors' discretion.

Each area is serviced with toilet and water facilities. A newly renovated and expanded showerhouse sits on one side of camp and is accessible to all campers. This showerhouse has multiple showers, a separate toilet and sink wing, and extra features such as skylights, tiling, and inlaid sinks.

Bunk Requests

Susque does allow one bunk request per camper to be submitted. Our policy requires that bunk requests must be:

• Made in advance
• Both campers must request each other
• Both campers must be in the same grade-level breakdown (see the 2nd paragraph in "Lodging" above)

We recommend that you label all clothing and personal items.

Printable packing list

*Flip flops do not count as water shoes or sturdy sandals. They are only permitted for traveling to and from the showerhouse and pool.

**Only applies to Girls Camp. A nice church dress or skirt and shirt are sufficient. Many girls also choose to dress up for that week's theme.

*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.

**A water bottle is required.

***Young Explorers do not camp out. Therefore, they do not need backpacks.

*Young Explorers do not camp out. However, most campers still choose to bring a sleeping bag for their bedding.

*The camp fee is all-inclusive. Your camper will not need money throughout the week.

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 and facilities are regularly tested and examined. A licensed Nurse is on the property at all times. 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.

Staff Training

• All Summer Camp Program Staff are led through an intensive, week-long training program. This training includes practical skills, such as safe firebuilding techniques and how to handle homesick campers, as well as the vision and purpose behind why we do what we do. 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 Boys Camp and Girls Camp Counselor is trained in Red Cross First Aid and CPR.

Staff Guidelines & Culture

• Staff and camper interactions are consistently observed throughout the day. In addition, daily staff meetings are held to address any large group dynamics concerns.
• Year-round leadership staff are always involved in each of the Summer Camps, leading or assisting the program, providing oversight and guidance, and handling emergencies.

Supervision

• Campers are supervised at all times by at least one Counselor.
• Summer Camps have a counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:7. Including year-round leadership and program staff, our staff-to-camper ratio is 1:5 or lower.
• Year-round leadership staff are on the grounds 24/7.

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 a full-time, on-site Camp Nurse. Advanced medical care is on-call at all times.
• 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 dispense it as needed or prescribed.
• Every Boys Camp and Girls Camp Counselor is trained in Red Cross First Aid and CPR.
• Susque is 5 minutes away from the nearest ambulance.
• Susque is 20 minutes away from a trauma facility.
• We have an AED on property and staff are trained specifically how to use it.
• 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 or an extended stay in the Infirmary.
• 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. Often, a substitute of the same food other campers are eating is provided.
• We ensure that your camper gets healthy servings of fruits and vegetables through the day.
• We ensure that your camper says hydrated and we encourage campers to consistently have a full water bottle with them.
• Meals are served family-style, with one counselor sitting at every table with the campers.
• Snacks are provided throughout the day.
• Our kitchen is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in the same manner as public restaurants.
• 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.
• Each activity class teacher is specifically trained for his/her activity class, and each is monitored throughout.
• All activities are supervised by staff at all times.
• Each activity must be approved by the full-time Program Director.

Facilities

• All cabins and tents are equipped with emergency exits. Additionally, all cabins have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
• Each tent and cabin has at least one counselor who spends the entire night with the campers.
• Lodging is separated by gender for Young Explorers Camp.

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

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 minus the $100 deposit per camper.
• When will I find out if I have been approved for Financial Aid?
  • Shortly after you submit your Camper Application and deposit.

The summer fee is all-inclusive, covering the snack shop and all other program fees.

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 check the Financial Aid tab for more info. Susque was able to give out over $73,000 in scholarships in 2024.

Arriving at Susque

Arrival Times for Summer Youth Camps

• Young Explorers: Sunday from 6-7 PM for boys and Wednesday from 6-7 PM for girls
• Boys Camp & Girls Camp: Saturdays from 4-5 PM

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 parking lot or in a grassy area.
2. Leave your camper's gear in the car.
3. Take any form of payment you need to settle up your account with as well as 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. Be able to pre-order your camper's session thumb-drive with pictures and videos from the week.
   3. Have the opportunity to visit Trail's End, the Camp Store.
5. Proceed towards Check-in Station #2: Photo Station
   1. Here you will get a taste of the week's theme, if applicable.
   2. And your camper's photo will be taken as they begin their camp adventure!
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 Manager 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/trip leader.
   2. You will also receive your child's cabin or tent assignment, if applicable.
   3. And you will fill out a form informing 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. (This includes Boys Young Explorers on Wednesday of departure and Girls Young Explorers on Saturday of departure.)
• The Closing Program consists of highlights from the week by camp leadership, a brief overview by the chaplain, a slideshow of the week, activity class rewards, and other general info. The Closing Program lasts a half-hour, until about 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 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.

For Parents with Campers Enrolled in Boys Week 3 & Girls Week 1

• A time period of 6 hours exists between the end of Boys Week 3 and the check-in time for Girls Week 1. If you have a child in each session and do not want to make the trip to Susque twice, you are allowed to extend your son's stay with us until 4PM when check-in for Girls Week 1 begins. Susque must be notified of your intent to do so before the day of so we can arrange adequate supervision of your son.