Will my son get to do all OF THE CAMP activities?                                      Yes. We do not practice age discrimination at Roaring Brook. We believe that children are very capable, given appropriate equipment, supervision and instruction. Our campers have accomplished amazing things at camp. We offer six sizes of kayaks, two sizes of junior rifles, five sizes of archery bows, child-size and adjustable rock climbing harnesses....you get the drift.

This is an important question for parents of younger campers to ask camp directors. Often, challenging activities are offered only to older campers at a camp. There are several reasons for this. Outdoor equipment is very expensive. Holding back activities can entice campers to return for another season. There are adults who do not feel younger campers are capable. The most common activities that are withheld from younger campers are rock climbing, high ropes course and overnight trips that kids call "real" trips.

"The camp property is perfect--the lake, main camp and the spillover on the road is picturesque. We kept looking for the  L.L. Bean logo somewhere in the trees. We compared your facility to a "similar" camp in PA--no comparison."

Can I communicate with my son?       To preserve the sense of wilderness, in keeping with our philosophy, we do not allow campers to make or receive phone calls (with the exception of birthdays). Parents may call us in the evening to get an update from their son's counselors. We encourage cards, letter writing and care packages that do not include food or electronics.

For us, the value of camp was the opportunities for guided personal personal and interpersonal growth. The skills of problem-solving, cooperation and respect for humans and nature are priceless

The Cooper's, N.J.

What do campers say?

"The most outstanding quality of this camp is the trust you give these kids, their independence and your confidence in their abilities and teammanship. You make them worthy and proud."

 M. Childs, VT

What is the equipment like at camp ?  While the camp property may reflect a simpler era, our equipment does not. Our canoe/kayak fleet is comprised of Old Town canoes; Dagger, Jackson and Perception kayaks with Carlisle and Harmony paddles, and Extrasport whitewater lifevests. In archery, there are bows from Hoyt, Win and Win and PSE, the same brands used by top archery competitors. Our rifles are Anshutz .22 caliber junior biathlon models. Rock climbing activities are conducted using equipment from Petzel, Black Diamond, Joe Brown, and Bluewater and Mammut. Eureka tents and tarps are used for trips, along with Optimus stoves, Sweetwater water filters. In crafts, modern Stanley tools are coupled with antique tools gathered from throughout New England such as froes, draw knives, spoke shaves, augers and planes that are circa 1850's.

Campers, especially those who have been in other programs, appreciate the the quality of equipment at Roaring Brook. They not only learn to use and care for equipment, they are offered opportunities to demonstrate their ability to take responsibility for the equipment.

The most outstanding qualities of this camp are the qualities my son brings home with him...responsibility, courtesy, and self-esteem. Camp has given my son the skill, the ability and the love of climbing that evolved into an achievement.

The Arthur's, N.J.

What about health and sanitation?  Do campers really bathe in a lake?                                 Yes, campers do bathe in the lake, BUT, at bath time, they are already IN the lake because we bathe after we have swim lessons!!  This way we can guarantee they bathe everyday the weather permits. We use biodegradable soap and have created a marsh at the outflow of the lake for filtering.

We do use outhouses, so do many camps, including the Girl Scouts, so it requires a little adaptation, from home, but it's hasn't been much of an issue. By using composting outhouses, there is a freedom for the boys. We have to limit liquids in the outhouses, so boys....well....use the woods.    

As for health issues, the kitchen is inspected by a state sanitarian each summer and the water is tested by the state to assure there are no harmful bacteria. We love our camp water. It comes from a natural spring.