Golden Slipper Camp for Boys and Girls

Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

Where is Golden Slipper Camp?

In the foothills of the Pocono Mountains near Stroudsburg, PA. We're just 2 hours north of Philadelphia, 2 hours west of New York City, and within an hour of the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton community.

Click here for directions to Golden Slipper Camp.

How many campers are there?

160 boys and 160 girls, for a total of 320 kids in each encampment.

Do counselors live in cabins?

Yes. Supervision is extremely important, so we assign a minimum of two counselors and one counselor in training, plus one activity specialist to each cabin of approximately 8 - 10 campers. The cabins are clustered in villages so that kids live and interact with peers.

Click here for more information about our Villages.

What is your staff to camper ratio?

Approximately one staff member for every five campers.

Who are the staff members, and how are they trained?

Many of our staff have grown up at Golden Slipper Camp and have been trained in our Counselor in Training (CIT) program. All staff are interviewed and carefully screened by the Camp Director on the basis of their enthusiasm, abilities, and experience. Cabin counselors are all High School graduates with most working towards a college degree in Education. Many of our staff were former GSC campers.

Activity Instructors are qualified professionals or skilled students who understand the special responsibilities involved with younger children. Golden Slipper Camp staff are spirited and loyal. They form a dynamic team that makes our camp a special place for kids.

Click here for more information on our staff.

Do campers have a choice of activities?

Yes, campers have the opportunity to choose two electives per day. New choices are made weekly. In addition, there are at least four scheduled activities every day.

Are there medical facilities at camp?

Yes. Golden Slipper Camp has a modern, well-equipped Health Center with several full-time nurses. For minor injuries and illnesses, we utilize the services of a local physician. In the event of serious injury, we're minutes from the nearest hospital.

Are there visiting days?

No, we do not offer a visiting day. However, we do encourage new and returning campers to take part in our Open House, Sunday, June 14, 2009, from 11:00am - 1:00pm

How do we get our child to and from camp?

We provide roundtrip transportation via highway coach buses. You'll receive detailed information in our parent package about where and when to meet the bus.

To receive this information online, click here

What do campers need to bring to camp?

You will receive a detailed list of recommended clothing and equipment in your parent package.

To receive this information online, click here

Are campers allowed to "hang out" in their cabins?

With over 25 exciting activities and the enthusiasm of staff and the other kids, campers rarely want to hang out. Our programming allows campers to be with their friends throughout the day. Each day is active and eventful, but we do set aside time after lunch (Rest Hour) for less structured activity. At Golden Slipper Camp, busy campers are happy campers.

What are the cabins like?

Our rustic, comfortable cabins accommodate 8 to 10 campers, depending upon the age group, along with the cabin staff. All cabins have indoor bathrooms, sinks and showers, electricity and single beds. We are in the process of upgrading and renovating our cabins with expanded bathrooms.

Click here for more details about our Cabins and Villages.

Is Golden Slipper Camp an accredited camp?

We are a fully Accredited Camp of the American Camp Association and meet or surpass all required standards.

I am interested in sending my child to Golden Slipper Camp. Can I get a tour?

Absolutely! We encourage new families who have not seen Golden Slipper Camp to make arrangements to visit us. Contact us by phone at 610-660-0520 or email jscarlata@goldenslipper.org to set up a convenient time to visit camp in early spring or the summer.

Can I call my child at camp?

Our experience shows that telephone calls home are almost always negative experiences, for both the camper and parent. Therefore, Golden Slipper Camp has a strict no-phone call policy. (We also have a no-cell phone policy for all campers.) We will always contact you if the situation requires it. We have your child's best interest in mind.

How long are your sessions?

Our camp season is 8 weeks in length, and campers may attend for the entire time (Full Season, limited number of slots available), the first 4 weeks (1st Encampment) or the last 4 weeks (2nd Encampment).

Is there a laundry service?

Yes! Once a week campers send their laundry out in bags (lights and darks) to our camp laundry service. The service picks up the campers' bags; washes, dries and folds their clothes; and returns it the next day to the cabins. Proper name tagging is important for this service to run effectively.

Can campers bring food to camp?

Yes, all we ask is that you do not bring or send gum and know that your child will be expected to share with other campers in his/her bunk.

In addition, campers go to the Canteen at least twice each session for candy, drinks and chips. Additional food causes excess garbage, attracts insects and animals, and often causes conflicts within a cabin group, between the "haves" and "have-nots."

How's the mail?

Every camper must write home at least two times a week. We ask that parents send self addressed stamped envelopes. Allow 5 to 7 days for delivery of mail in either direction. We suggest parents send a couple of letters prior to the start of your child's session so that there is mail waiting at camp when he or she arrives.

What do you do on rainy days?

We are always prepared for a rainy day. Many activity areas continue in the rain because they are adaptable to either indoor or outdoor venues. We have two, large indoor recreation halls for group games. Many of our evening program activities are easily adaptable for rainy days.

We always have a camp carnival, staff talent show, popular movie, or indoor activity program ready to go.