Faqs
How old does my son need to be to attend Camp Belknap?
Campers need to be 9-16 years old to attend a two-week session at Belknap. Campers ages 8-12 can attend the one-week session (5th session). Eight-year-old campers can apply to sessions 1-4 only if an older brother is a current camper and the 8-year-old comes to the same session as the older brother. Sixteen-year-old campers must have attended Belknap the previous year.
I have heard that you maintain a waitlist to get into camp. What can I do to get my son in?
Yes, there is a waitlist. We suggest you contact camp as you begin to think about enrolling. Click HERE to complete an inquiry and receive an application when they are released.
We then recommend that you complete and submit the application as soon as you receive it. The more flexibility you have in session placement, the more likely a spot will become available.
Can my son attend for more than one session?
Yes. Campers can choose to stay for one or two consecutive sessions. Many campers (“monthers”) stay for 4 weeks each summer by combining 1st and 2nd sessions OR 3rd and 4th sessions.
What are Camp Belknap’s core values?
Throughout the day, boys and young men encourage each other to be kind, be truthful, be brave, and seek the joy of being alive. Brotherhood is felt as all campers come together for vespers, meals, and all camp programs around the fire and on the fields. A Belknap experience is one in which a boy learns individual maturity and community responsibility through the support of strong role models.
How do you select your leaders/counselors?
All of our cabin leaders (counselors) were previously campers at Belknap and have gone through our 2-year leadership program. The average tenure of a Belknap leader is 10.5 years. Additionally, we have a Leadership Director, who is dedicated to supporting the development of our leaders.
Why are campers not allowed to bring electronic devices to camp?
Our intention at camp is to foster a community that encourages face-to-face contact. We believe the true camp experience is possible only if it does not include technological devices, that have become so much a part of young people’s lives.
Do you accept cabin mate requests?
We do not accept cabinmate requests, as this allows all campers the opportunity to make new friends. Our daily schedule, which is based on camper choice, is the perfect opportunity for campers to connect with friends or siblings.
How do we meet the health and wellness needs of the campers?
We have a qualified health team that lives on camp and provides care for our campers 24 hours a day. Many of our leaders and staff have certifications in CPR and First Aid. Huggins Hospital is 7 miles away in case of an emergency. In addition, our kitchen division prepares plentiful, well-balanced family style meals three times a day. Please call the main office prior to registration if you have specific health or food restrictions.
Can I see my son or talk on the phone with him while he is at camp?
We kindly request that visitation is kept to check-in and out days. We have found that unscheduled visits and a camper coming to the phone can disrupt activity time and can lead to additional homesickness. In line with our technology policy we do not deliver emails or faxes to campers. We continue the tradition of the mail boat that drops and picks up the mail daily at camp. Campers look forward to receiving mail from home.
Do campers ever leave the camp property for any Belknap activities?
Our program is mostly residential based and occurs on Camp Belknap’s 300 acres. However, Campers have the opportunity to sign up for a variety of opportunities including day hiking trips, water trips (sailing, canoeing, kayaking), to play sports with a team at another camp, and other trips. We travel to these places either by boat, van or bus.
What activities does camp offer?
Camp offers a variety of activities. Click here to learn more about our programs.
Do campers get to decide what activities he wants to do?
Camp Belknap offers choice programming, which means during the daily schedule campers have three program periods to choose what activity to join. Campers pick from a list of at least seven program options. Most program periods do not require that the camper sign up in advance. A handful of activity options require campers to sign up due to limited spots/equipment, such as sailing, archery or the climbing tower. There are multiple opportunities to participate in all camp activities during a 2-week session.
Does camp provide transportation to and from the airport or bus station? And how do I get a trunk to camp if my camper is flying there?
We do not provide transportation to and from airports or bus stations. Families should make prepaid arrangements directly with the transportation service of your choice. If you wish to ship a footlocker or trunk to camp prior to your son’s arrival, or home at the end of your son’s stay at camp, please make pre-paid arrangements directly with the shipping company of your choice (Fed-Ex, UPS, etc).
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available on the basis of need. Please contact the Belknap office for details.