What’s it like to be a new camper? Does everyone already know each other?
It’s easy to be a new camper at SMA because there’s never a long legacy to ‘fit into’ as a first time camper. The youngest person arriving at camp is 12 and we only accept people up to the age of 16, there’s always a mix of old and new faces. Plus camp is small and filled with really nice people hoping to make new friends. It feels like home very quickly.
Can I contact my child at camp?
You are welcome to call your camper (814-667-3874) every few days around meal times (we do only have one phone line so please keep call short). You can also e-mail your child (put their name in the subject line) every few days, we will print out the messages and give them to your child. You can also send letters and care packages to camp.
How do campers choose activities at SMA?
Yes, every day we have an evening meeting after dinner on the front lawn and you get to choose your activities that night for the following day. You will get to choose from seven activities for the morning activity and seven activities for the afternoon activity.
Does my child need to bring extra equipment?
No, unless you bear to be without your own tennis racquet, bike or golf clubs. We provide all of the helmets and specialized equipment necessary. (Horseback riders do need proper shoes, however)
Should my camper bring a cell phone to camp?
Cell phones may NOT be used at SMA. We do understand that parents feel more comfortable with campers traveling to and from camp with their cell phones. We do ask that campers turn in their cell phones at the office until the last day of camp.
Are there extra costs?
No, we cover all expenses for laundry, rafting, the entrance fee to Hershey Park, ice skating, etc. Most people still bring a little spending money (about $25/week) for the Amish market, county fairs, etc. We do offer three specialized programs: SMA Golf Program, Horsemasters & Ski/Wake Master. There is an additional charge of $300 for these programs (CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE)
When does camp usually fill enrollment?
The first session usually fills early. We have had a “waiting list” form in December and as late as February. With 50 campers and a 50% return rate, that leaves about 24 spaces for new campers each session. Call of e-mail to find out about availability.
How old are the camp counselors and where do they come from?
We are located near Penn State University so each year we have students and graduates at camp. Each summer we have a few veteran campers who return as counselors. This is AMAZING because they know SMA from both ends and are passionate about SMA. We also have 4 international staff each summer from England, New Zealand, Australia and other countries. It is great fun to have “funny talkers” at camp as we get to learn about their cultures and ways of life. Each year around 60% of out staff return each summer. Our Camp counselors vary in age range from 21 to 25 years of age.
Is there a family visiting day at SMA?
We do not have an official visiting day at SMA, you are welcome to come any time. Wednesdays and Sundays are best time for parents to visit. We can also accommodate you on other days as well.
What about I-pods and other electronic devises?
Electronic games and the like a prohibited at SMA. You may bring an I-pod or mp3 player but you may only listen to it at night in your bunk or in the van on long road trips to Hershey Park or the Youghigheny River.
Home many campers at SMA & where do they come from?
Each session we have about 56 campers at SMA broken down equally between boys & girls. Our campers most come from the cities in the northeast including Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston. We also have campers from Pittsburgh, Chicago, Atlanta and Florida. Each summer we have 3 or 4 international campers from France, Italy and England.
What about camper medications and SMA medical facilities?
It is our policy that all medications are kept safely and distributed by our camp staff. Medications will be distributed at mealtimes or when necessary. All minor bumps and bruises will be cared for by our camp staff. We are very lucky to have a doctor who makes house calls at SMA. We are located eight miles from JC Blair Memorial Hospital with Emergency Room Service.