2024 Dates & Fees

*A deposit is required at time of enrollment for each camper:
$1500 for single session campers, $2500 for full summer campers.

Payment Schedule

FAQs

Where is Island Lake located?

Island Lake is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, on the border of New York State. Our 550-acre camp is only about 2 1/2 hours from New York City.

Are the owners part of the daily operations of camp?

Yes! Odie and Monica are actively involved owners and directors of camp. They are immersed in every aspect of daily life of camp from sun up to sun down. Their total involvement in every aspect of camp allows them to know each and every camper by name and allows them to really understand bunk dynamics. They work hand-in-hand with their camp leadership team, counselors and all staff to ensure Island Lake is the best it can be.

Where do campers come from?

While the majority of our campers come from the eastern seaboard between northern Virginia and southern Connecticut, we have many who come from all parts of the United States as well as from abroad.

Where do staff members come from?

We travel to universities all around America and Canada in order to hire our staff. We also hire staff members from many other areas including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. All staff members are thoroughly screened before hiring.

What type of program do you offer?

Island Lake's program is all about choice. With a focus on choice, campers have the opportunity to explore the activities they enjoy or think they will enjoy while also meeting other campers with similar interests. ILC offers more than 75 activities to choose from and with a team of dedicated specialty staff, ILC works to ensure campers have fun while experiencing success and growth.

Campers have six activity periods each day. Three periods are Majors and three periods are Minors.
• Majors are activities that campers are interested in exploring in-depth and they participate in daily throughout the session. A major can be changed if necessary but they are intended to focus on longer-term projects and learning opportunities.
• Minors are activities that can be changed daily and campers, with the help of their counselors if necessary, choose them each morning at breakfast. Minors give campers an opportunity to experience the large variety of activities ILC offers.

When are Majors chosen?

Prior to camp, each camper chooses three majors they would like to focus on every day for the duration of the camp session. However, we have found that once at camp, campers may try a new activity as a minor and fall in love with it. If this happens and we expect it will for some campers, they are more than welcome to change a major with our Program Director.

How does choice programming compare to a traditional camp experience?

In a traditional camping setting, campers usually participate in activities with just the kids in their bunk. In choice programming, by choosing activities based on interests, campers meet so many other campers that they have something in common with.  This helps develop friendships and creates an atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. But not to worry, campers are with their bunkmates for at least 6 hours a day. They eat meals with their bunkmates and participate in rest hour, evening activity and other bunk activities together.

What type of evening activities do campers participate in?

Every evening ILC provides a special activity for our campers. It may be our own staff or campers performing; it may be outside entertainment; or it may be a bunk participatory activity such as a treasure hunt, game show, bunk challenge or social.

What is a "Trip Day?"

Trip Days are the one day of the week when there are no majors and minors. Campers are allowed to sleep late in what is called a lazy ILC morning. Brunch is served late morning but breakfast is always available for our early risers. After brunch, all campers head to either special activities or if we are leaving camp, campers may go to a water park, bowling alley, or amusement park. In previous years (pre-covid), we may bring a group of entertainers to camp, and we hope to be able to do that once again in the future.

Do campers have to wear a uniform?

No. There is no required uniform at Island Lake, but we do ask parents to purchase a few Island Lake t-shirts which the campers are required to wear on out of camp trips and for inter-camp athletics.

What kind of transportation is provided?

We provide bus transportation for campers to and from camp from locations in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and the Philadelphia area, as well as Newark Airport for campers flying in.

Do you offer any religious services?

Our camp has no religious affiliation. We will provide transportation to local houses of worship if requested.

Is tutoring available?

Yes, we offer tutoring in a variety of subjects based on personal need. There is no cost involved for this service.

Are there any extra fees in addition to the regular camp tuition?

The camp tuition is all inclusive with the exception of baggage service to and from your house. You can also choose to drop your baggage off at camp before your child’s arrival and take it home with you on visiting day.

You will also need to purchase a few Island Lake t-shirts which the campers are required to wear on out of camp trips and for inter-camp athletics.

Does my child need extra spending money?

All camp activities and off camp trips are included in the tuition. Sometimes, the campers wish to have a few extra dollars to buy snacks or souvenirs on these trips. If you wish to send your child with extra spending money, we recommend no more than $100 per session. This will be more than enough.

How are the bunks assigned?

We take a lot of factors into consideration when we are bunking our campers. Length of stay, major choices, bunk request forms and previous bunks are all factored in to finding the best fit for your child!

What happens if my child would like to extend his or her stay?

If your child falls in love with camp, which we are sure he/she will, and your child wants to stay for another session, we will be happy to accommodate you upon availability.

What types of meals are provided?

Meals are served cafeteria style in our dining room. Breakfast consists of a hot meal (pancakes, waffles, eggs, French toast, etc.) and approximately eight different cold cereals. Drink machines include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, and juices. Lunch and dinner consist of two or three hot entrees, one of which is always vegetarian, and plain pasta. We also have an extensive salad bar with all of the trimmings plus cottage cheese, special salads (egg salad, tuna salad, pasta salads), as well as soy butter and jelly, bread and butter, fruit, and dessert created by our own bakers. We are able to accommodate all special dietary needs and our dining room is nut and peanut free. You can't go hungry at Island Lake.

What is the canteen and how does it work?

Each night after evening activity, we all head for the canteen where you can have snacks and socialize with your friends. The canteen offers you a rotating selection of hamburgers & hot dogs, ice cream, hot pretzels, popcorn, slushies and healthy snacks. It's a great way to end your fun-filled Island Lake day!

Can I send my child packages?

We ask that you do not send any packages to camp unless otherwise approved by a head staff member. We do however promote sending your camper letters through the mail.

Will I be able to speak to my child on the phone?

For campers coming for the 4 week session 1, there are 2 scheduled phone calls. For campers coming for the 3 week session 2, there is one scheduled phone call. For campers attending the full summer, they have 2 calls during session 1 and 1 call during session 2.

Will my child have access to E-mail?

Campers are allowed to receive e-mails through the camp-in-touch email system on our website. You can also choose to get a scan of their handwritten response. You will receive instructions on how to do this prior to the summer. E-mails are distributed each day after lunch along with any letter mail that your child receives.

What if my child is on medication or becomes ill at camp?

Our modern infirmary is staffed by a doctor and 6 registered nurses. Any child on a regularly scheduled medication, such as allergy medicine, will have their dose brought to the dining room by our nurses at meal times. There is no need for most children to come to the infirmary for their medication unless it is a nighttime med. There are two sick-calls each day when campers can be seen by the doctor or speak to the nurses. We always have a doctor and nurse on call 24 hours a day. If a child must be kept overnight in the infirmary, goes on an antibiotic or other regimen, or needs to be taken to an off-site medical facility, you will be contacted by a member of our infirmary staff.

Who does my child's laundry?

We use a 3rd party laundry service that picks up the laundry on Friday and brings it back on Sunday. Campers will receive a laundry bag that they will use for their laundry while at camp. Each camper’s laundry will be washed individually rather than mixed with other campers.

How secure is your camp?

Our camp facility is guarded 24 hours a day. All vehicles entering and exiting camp must stop at the main entrance security post to be checked in or out. Remember, your child's safety and supervision are our first priority at Island Lake!

Is there a Visiting Day?

Yes, Visiting Day is held on the final Saturday of each session. We will have a full schedule of activities and performances along with a buffet lunch for all to enjoy. Visiting Day will begin at 10:30am and parents are encouraged to participate along with their children in our camp activities as well as enjoy watching their children perform. Your campers will love showing you all of the new skills they have learned since arriving at Island Lake. Children whose families are unable to visit will also have plenty to do, so don’t worry if you are not able to make it.