🏕️ Camp Conrad Weiser Overnight Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing an overnight camp is a big decision—and you probably have a lot of questions. Below are answers to the most common things families ask us.
If you don’t see your question here, reach out anytime. We’re always happy to help—and we’ll likely give you a call after you inquire to talk things through personally.
🔹 Getting Started
How do I register?
Registration happens directly through our website. Once you create a family account, you can select your session and complete enrollment. Register Here
If you’d prefer, we’re also happy to walk you through registration over the phone.
What happens after I register?
After registering, you’ll gain access to your camp dashboard where you can:
Complete required forms (medical, camper info, etc.)
Make payments
View important updates
We’ll also stay in touch leading up to summer with everything you need to know.
🔹 First-Time Campers
What if my child has never been away from home before?
That’s very common—many of our campers are first-timers.
Our staff are trained to help campers adjust, build friendships, and feel comfortable quickly. Between cabin bonding, small group settings, and supportive counselors, most campers settle in faster than parents expect.
How do you handle homesickness?
We normalize it and support it—not ignore it.
Our staff are trained to:
Redirect campers into activities
Build connections with cabin mates
Communicate with leadership if needed
Most homesickness is short-lived and turns into confidence by the end of the week.
What is Mini Camp?
Mini Camp is a shorter first-time experience:
Sunday–Wednesday
Many families choose this as an introduction to overnight camp.
👉 Most Mini Campers end up loving it and choosing to extend through the full session so they don’t miss traditions like closing campfire. We check in midweek and call you if your camper wants to stay.
🔹 Daily Life at Camp
What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes:
- Breakfast and Cabin Clean up
Morning activities
- Lunch and Rest Hour
Afternoon activities
Swim time (optional for older campers)
Evening all-camp or cabin activities
Cabin Chats, experience check-ins, values reflection Ask about our Daily Reports)
- Bed
How do campers get to activities?
Younger campers (grades 2–3): stay with their counselor
Older campers: rotate independently with guidance
Campers meet at a central location where:
Activity instructors have signs
Attendance is taken
Groups head to activities together
Staff are always nearby to help campers find where they need to go.
Do campers stay with their cabin all day?
A mix:
Some activities are cabin-based
Many are individual choices where campers meet others
This helps campers build independence AND friendships beyond their cabin.
🔹 Safety & Supervision
What is your staff-to-camper ratio?
Typically 1 staff to every 4 campers
Cabins usually have 2 staff with 6–10 campers
How are staff screened and trained?
All staff go through:
Criminal background checks
Child abuse clearances
Reference checks
Extensive pre-camp training
- Campers are never alone nor 1on 1 with a staff member (Rule of 3)
Training includes:
Camper supervision
Behavior management
Emergency procedures
Child protection policies
- See Praesidium Child Protection Accreditation
How are campers supervised?
Campers are supervised at all times:
During activities
During transitions
In cabins overnight
At waterfront and specialty areas
We have structured systems for:
Bathroom/shower times
Nighttime supervision
Activity attendance tracking
🔹 Swimming & Waterfront
How does swimming work?
All campers complete a swim assessment at the start of camp.
Based on ability, they are assigned a swim level that determines:
Where they can swim based on swim assessment
Whether a lifejacket is required
What if my child is not a strong swimmer?
No problem at all.
We provide:
Shallow water options
Lifejackets when needed
Our goal is for every camper to feel safe AND build confidence in the water.
🔹 Communication
Can campers bring phones?
We ask that campers do not use phones at camp so they can fully unplug, make friends, and be present.
How can I communicate with my camper?
We offer:
A one-way email system to send messages to your camper
Campers receive printed messages daily
- Daily Photo uploads
Can campers call home?
We typically do not allow routine phone calls, as they can increase homesickness.
If there is ever a need, our leadership team will absolutely coordinate communication with families.
🔹 Activities
What activities do you offer?
Campers choose from a wide variety, including:
Archery
Swimming
Nature
Arts & crafts
Sports
Outdoor adventure
Target sports
Boating
And more
How do activity choices work?
Campers sign up for activities, and schedules are built so they experience a mix of:
Choice-based activities
Cabin activities
All-camp programs
How does horseback riding work?
Horseback riding is a specialty program and may be an add-on depending on the session. We also offer week long specialty camps where campers are at the barn for all of their activity periods.
We offer structured riding experiences focused on:
Safety
Skill-building
Confidence around animals
🔹 Cabin Life & Community
How are cabins assigned?
Cabins are grouped by:
Gender First (for most programs – see specialty camps)
Grade second
- Age Third
Can my child request a friend?
Yes!
During registration, you can submit a cabin mate request.
We do our best to honor all mutual requests.
🔹 Logistics
When is drop-off and pick-up?
Drop-off: Sunday (time window provided the week before, typically between 12:30–3:00 PM)
Pick-up: End session of Friday at 5:30
Do you offer transportation?
We do not offer direct transportation routes, as our campers come from many different areas.
For airport transportation (including Newark), we recommend a trusted local company and can help coordinate:
Airport pickup
Unaccompanied minor support (staff meet-and-greet)
Do you accept international campers?
Yes—we host international campers every summer.
We can help guide:
Registration
Travel logistics
Arrival coordination
Campers should:
Be able to participate in an English-speaking environment
Meet age/grade requirements
🔹 Financial Information
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes.
We have a separate financial aid application available.
Many families qualify, and we encourage anyone interested to apply.
What payment options are available?
Deposits secure your spot
Payment plans are available
Final balances are due before camp begins
🔹 Still Have Questions?
We know every family is different—and sometimes it helps to just talk it through.
📅 Come visit us at an Open House
📞 We’re happy to call and walk you through everything – 610-670-2267
📧 Reach out anytime
