YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls

Frequently Asked Questions

So this may look a little overwhelming, but we wanted to answer every question you might have. (And just in case we missed one, please give us a call: (800) 842-1143.

About Our Camp

Where is Camp Mohawk?
A: We are located in northwest Connecticut, approximately two hours from New York City, one and a half hours from White Plains, one hour and 15 minutes from Wilton, Westport and Springfield and one hour from Hartford. The nearest city is Torrington.

Q: What facilities are available?
A: Camp Mohawk has 24 camper cabins, a barn, stables, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, sports field, archery range, health center, ceramics studio, nature center, crafts center, bake shop, recreation hall with stage, dining hall, waterfront, darkroom, garden, overnight campsites, hiking trails and numerous support buildings.

Q: Where do Mohawk campers come from?
A: Connecticut (primarily Litchfield and Fairfield Counties), New York (primarily Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk Counties, and New York City), and several other states and countries.

Q: What is the size of the camp?
A: 187 campers per session.

Q: What is the religious and ethnic composition of the camp?
A: Campers at Mohawk reflect a variety of faiths. Our program is non-denominational and open to all. Catholic campers are transported to mass at St. Anthony's in Litchfield if parents wish. A charge of $6.00 is made to each camper's store card to help pay for the bus and to allow each camper to put $1.00 in the collection plate.

Q: What is the counselor to camper ratio?
A: Overall is 1:4
The cabin ratios are:

Ages 7 to 9 is 1:4

Ages 10 to 13 is 1:5

Ages 14 to 15 is 1:7

Q: Where do your counselors come from?
A: A number of our counselors come up through the ranks as Mohawk campers, counselors-in-training, junior counselor, and then counselor. Other counselors are recruited from colleges throughout the United States and from other English speaking countries. Counselors are selected based on experience with children, maturity, leadership skills, sense of humor, energy, creativity, particular skills, and their desire to be a role model for children. Cabin counselors are a minimum of 18 years old. Junior counselors are 16 and 17 years old.

Q: Why is Mohawk for girls only?
A: The Board of Trustees, the administration, campers' parents and the campers themselves all agree: Mohawk provides an opportunity for girls to enjoy the friendship of other girls, the leadership of positive female role models, and the growth that occurs in an accepting atmosphere free from the worry or concern about how the opposite sex will perceive their looks, their actions, or their ideas.

This is not to say that Mohawk presents a shelter for girls to "hide" from boys. More, it is a place to discover personal strengths, become more confident, and develop an enhanced sense of self. In cabin discussions with older campers, these girls expressed the following: At Mohawk, they don't have to worry about "competing" for a certain boy, they don't worry about the boys getting more attention from the staff in the activities, and they don't spend as much time with how they appear because they are not trying to impress a boy. The girls also expressed that they feel less inhibited at Mohawk and freer to express themselves, whether in the cabin Talent Show, in group conversations, or in activity classes. There is a small number of male staff working at Mohawk in support positions.

Q: Does Camp Mohawk allow gratuities?
A: We have a "no tipping" policy with our staff. Our counselors appreciate a sincere thank you for a job well done. Contributions may be made to our Counselor Appreciation Fund, which is used for funding special events for the counselors, such as a day at Lake Compounce.

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Camp Life

Q: What is the first day of camp like?
A: When you arrive at camp, you will park in the ball-field. You and your daughter will set up her store account and check in with the nurse. If she is taking horseback riding lessons, there is a possibility she will take a riding test. Once she is settled, your daughter's counselor will take their cabin on a tour of camp. All campers will take a swim test on this day. After dinner, the entire camp will begin the process for activity sign-ups. Each camper will sign up for four activities for the week. Afterwards, the cabin will partake in a great cabin activity and get to know each other.

Q: What are the sleeping arrangements?
A: All campers stay in cabins. There are usually eight campers and two counselors in each cabin. A number of cabins have 10 campers and two staff. Campers who are 7 to 9 years old stay in our cabins which have toilet facilities. All cabins are screened in and have electricity – but leave the TV, stereos, and laptops home.

Q: What are the toilet arrangements for the older girls?
A: Campers in Utes, Mohican, Oscadee, or Senior Units use a central toilet and shower facility just a short walk away from each unit. It is called the "Lighthouse" because the large lights on the outside are left on all night. All girls take showers at assigned times daily at the Lighthouse in private shower stalls.

Q: Can I request that my daughter be assigned to the same cabin as her friend(s)?
A: One of the best experiences of summer camp is making new friends. However, we do understand that it may be easier if they have someone familiar to share the experience with. Therefore, Camp Mohawk will do its best to fulfill a camper's bunkmate request if the following conditions are met:

1. Campers are placed in cabins according to age not grade. Therefore, all campers must be approximately the same age: less than 12 months apart.

2. We can only honor requests to be in a group of up to three girls, your daughter and up to two friends. All requests must be mutually agreed upon and all three girls must request the other two girls. You will receive an email once your daughter's request can be confirmed.

3. All bunkmate requests must be made in writing. They can be on the camper's registration, mailed, faxed, or emailed to info@campmohawk.org.

Campers should not come to camp expecting to be in a particular unit since the composition of each unit changes from year to year and session to session depending on enrollment and ages of campers.

Q: When do we find out what cabin our daughter is in? A: Cabin assignments are done just before Check-In day. We will not be able to tell you which cabin or unit your daughter is in until you arrive at camp for Check-In.

Q: Can parents visit during a session?
A: There are no visiting days. Campers who are attending more than two weeks are free to visit with or leave the camp with parents during the changeover weekend. We strongly discourage parents and other visitors from interrupting their daughter's camp routine by "dropping in" during a session.

Q: If my daughter stays for two sessions, what happens between sessions?
A: Girls that are staying for longer than two weeks have several options. They can either go home all weekend, stay at camp all weekend, or be picked up for a few hours on Saturday or Sunday. They must be brought back to camp either day by 4:00pm. Campers that stay all weekend enjoy a quiet Saturday afternoon and then pizza and a movie in Torrington in the evening. Sunday morning is a sleep-late morning with brunch served at 9:00am. There is a $55 Change-over fee to cover the costs of the weekend to be paid in advance at Check-in. (Change-over constitutes a camper staying overnight Saturday to Sunday) Campers staying over often help new campers get settled in and guide others on tours of camp.

Q: How much should I deposit in my daughter's store account?
A: That depends on how long your daughter is staying. Typically, $30 is adequate for a two-week stay. If your daughter is staying for longer than one session, you will need to add money for the cost of laundry (min of $8.50 + $0.85/lb over 10 lbs). Participants in the Senior Program should deposit $65 or $75 as described on the Senior Program page.

Q: What is available at the camp store?
A: During camp, snacks and beverages only are available for campers to purchase. Their purchases are recorded on their store card, so they do not have to handle any cash. ONLY during Check-In and Check-Out is apparel available to purchase. If there is an item your daughter needs such as a toothbrush, shampoo, or other such item, we of course can provide it for them and deduct the cost from her store account.

Q: What about laundry?
A: Campers attending for just two weeks should pack for the entire session and not require laundry services. However, laundry services are available to any camper if necessary. Campers bring their laundry to the office on Monday morning and it is returned by Tuesday dinner. Laundry service is charged to your camper's store card as follows: minimum charge of $8.50 plus $0.85/lb over ten pounds of laundry. Pack a cloth laundry bag with your daughter's name prominently placed. Camp Mohawk cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged clothing.

Q: My daughter's birthday falls during the time she will be at camp. Will anything special happen?
A: At lunch or dinner, her counselor will present her with a birthday cake while the entire camp sings. She is also presented with a special birthday hat.

Q: Is there a uniform?
A: No. Camp apparel is displayed and for sale only during Check-In on Sunday and Check-Out on Saturday. No uniform is required.

Q: How is the food?
A: We are proud of the food that our kitchen staff serves. There is something available for everyone! Meals are served family style with each cabin eating together. Girls take turns setting the table, serving the food, and clearing the table. Our salad bar is available every lunch and dinner to supplement our offerings. A vegetarian option is available at lunch and dinner. Take a look at our sample menu.

Q: What about discipline?
A: Campers at Mohawk are expected to exhibit positive behavior, respect the rights of others, and treat all as she would like to be treated. Discipline is handled in a fair, consistent manner appropriate to the behavior. If a girl behaves in such a way that her actions are having a negative effect on others, this individual is dealt with by her counselor, Unit Leader, and Camp Director, often in consultation with the parent.

Q: How does the program work?
A: Girls are allowed to select four elective activities each week on Sunday evening. These activities are instructional in nature and are held for a period of approximately 55 minutes per class, Monday through Friday. Girls may change their elective activities each week. Afternoons include a short siesta after lunch, an elective period, cabin activity time, and a recreation period. During the recreation period, girls can pursue any of the dozen activities (including swimming) offered daily and may switch activities at their leisure.

Evenings are spent in a variety of activities either with the Cabin group, the Unit group, or the entire camp. Favorite evening activities include the Talent Show, the Indian Ceremony, a dance with a nearby boy's camp (only for girls 11 years old and older, regardless of cabin assignment), campfires, and camping out.

Some activities require a two-week commitment. The drama program, which culminates in a production, and the ceramics program are both two-week programs. A number of activity classes have very limited enrollment and may be full by the time a camper's unit is called to sign up for classes. If this happens, a camper is encouraged to inform her counselor. It may be possible to arrange for a camper to get into the program the following week if she will be here.

Q: What is the Senior Program?
A: The Senior Program is for campers who will be a minimum of 14 years old by the first day of the session. Please refer to Senior Program page for more information.

Q: What kinds of activities are offered?
A: Sports: Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance, Field Hockey, Floor Exercise, Lacrosse, Ropes Course, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, and Yoga.

Arts: Arts & Crafts, Baking, Basketry, Ceramics (2 week class), Drama Method, Drama Production (2 week class), Friendship Bracelet Making, Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Set Design, Sewing, Stamping, Creative Writing, and Chorus.

Water Activities: Canoeing, Funyaking, Kayaking, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, and Windsurfing.

Equestrian: Farm, Riding Lessons (for an extra fee) and Stable Management.

Other: American Sign Language, Nature, and Outdoor Living.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the activities?
A: Certain classes have an age restriction: Sewing, Photography and Ropes Course require the camper to be 11 years or older. Drama Production and Ceramics are both two week courses.

Q: How are waterfront activities conducted?
A: Our waterfront is located on the 25 acre Mohawk Pond. There is no other development on the pond. Our swimming area is divided into swimmer and non-swimmer areas. For their safety, girls are tested on the first day of camp and given "Buddy Tags" that reflect their swimming ability. Recreational swims are lifeguarded by our certified waterfront staff daily. All recreational swims are conducted using the buddy system with a strict check-in and buddy check policy.
Boating activities are available according to a girl's swimming level:

Rowing: All campers eligible
Canoeing: Intermediate Level (blue swimmer)
Sailing: Intermediate Level (blue swimmer)
Kayaking: Advanced Level (green swimmer)
Windsurfing: Advanced Level (green swimmer and weigh over 100lbs)

In order to provide a safe and appropriate aquatic experience for your child, each camper must participate in a swim test on check-in day. The testing procedure is as follows:

1. Review of waterfront rules.

2.Explanation of the buddy system.

3. Expectations regarding skin protection and the use of sunscreen.

4. Swim Test:

Campers swim from shallow end docks to the ropes and back (approximately 25 yards) using freestyle and rotary breathing. If a camper has demonstrated the appropriate skills and stamina, she may take the Blue Test. Otherwise she is classified as a Red (beginner) swimmer.
The Blue Test consists of 4 non-stop laps of our 25-yard swim area for a total of 100 yards. This must be swum using freestyle (face in water, rotary breathing) for two consecutive laps and breaststroke for the other two laps. If a camper has demonstrated the skills and stamina to proceed to the next level, she will be provided the opportunity to take the Green Test.
The Green Test includes an additional 4 laps for a total of 8 non-stop laps of 200 yards (4 freestyle, 2 breaststroke and 2 laps of swimmer's choice).

The Waterfront Director reserves the right to require additional testing, including swimming more laps, demonstrating competence swimming backstroke, treading water skills, and any other proficiency she feels necessary to ascertain the ability and competency of the camper. Campers may request a retest during afternoon Optional Rec.

Q: What is the Farm Program like?
A: Girls can sign up for Farm as one of their elective activities. During this time, they learn basic animal care and enjoy feeding, cleaning, and caring for the lambs, goats, chickens, and turkeys. Girls who are not signed up for Farm can still enjoy the farm animals during the afternoon recreational period.

Q: How is Equestrian Camp different than Traditional camp?
A: Equestrian Camp is an intensive equestrian program. Information about this program can be found on the Equestrian Camp page.

Q: What's involved in the horseback riding lessons?
A: All campers are welcome to participate in our Riding Lessons. Riding Lessons begin with basic skills such as mounting, dismounting, and helping girls feel comfortable around the horses.

Campers soon learn proper foot and hand positions, how to maintain balance in the saddle, and the basics of controlling a horse. Intermediate classes move on to posting trot, gymkhana games, and fieldwork. Advanced classes offer instruction designed for each individual rider's ability level including dressage, jumping and trail rides.

The goal of our riding program is twofold. We want campers to be safe, and we want them to have fun as they ride. Horseback riding can be a lifelong form of exercise and enjoyment. We aim to introduce this sport in a way that will nurture a girl's interest in horses. Riding lessons are taught in the English Hunt Seat style. We provide riding helmets with safety straps. Boots are available if needed, but please bring a pair of boots or shoes with heels if you have them. This is important for proper foot placement in the stirrup. Please label all riding apparel.

Our stable area consists of a barn specially designed for our riding and farm program, a paddock area, three riding rings, fieldwork area, and a small brook. Small group lessons are taught in riding rings with three instructors for each twelve students.

Grooming and feeding of the horses are not required parts of our riding classes. However, those girls who wish to assist with these aspects of horse care are welcome to do so. They merely need to speak to the Riding Director to express their interest. The Director will schedule a time when the girls can work along side the riding staff as they care for the animals. Campers are also invited to become involved in animal care through our farm program, which includes sheep and fowl.

Please be advised that horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity with the possibility of falls and serious injury.

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Communication

Q: Can my daughter bring a cell phone?
A: No. Cell phones are not allowed at camp. Cell phones will be confiscated and kept safely in the Director's office until Check-Out day. Our apologies for being blunt, but if your daughter feels that she must have a cell phone, we recommend you do not send her to Mohawk.

Q: Can I call my daughter/can she call me?
A: No. Unless in case of emergency, campers are not permitted to receive or make phone calls. Campers will not be called to the phone. If there is an emergency at home, we will make proper arrangements for you to contact your daughter. We employ this policy for several reasons: talking to parents over the phone increases homesickness in the child and decreases their ability to cope with being away from home.

Q: What is Camp Mohawk's telephone policy?
A: The office is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm while camp is in session. The phone number is (860) 672-6655. We will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have during your daughter's stay with us. Again, campers are not permitted to receive or make phone calls. Messages to your daughter's counselor will be given to her counselor at the next meal. Counselors will call back as soon as possible unless it is an emergency. After 10:00pm, calls are forwarded to the Directo'rs cabin, or in some instances, an answering machine may pick up.

Q: When does my daughter receive her mail?
A: Once a day, right after dinner. Mail, packages, faxes and emails are collected by their counselor and given to the campers at that time.

Q: Can I send my child a "care" package?
A: Of course, as long as it does not contain food. Books, small games, stationery, stamps, stickers, etc. are all welcome. Do not send food. It attracts animals to the cabin, creates a mess, causes upset stomachs, cannot be stored properly, and presents a serious threat if peanut products or other foods are shared with a camper who is allergic. All food will be confiscated from campers and given to the staff for the staff lounge. Campers will not have access to foods.

Q: What about mail?
A: By all means, write to your daughter while she is at camp. Include cheerful news but don't go into too much detail about how much you miss her. Remember to list your daughter's cabin number next to her name on the address.
Letters and Packages sent through the United States Postal Service:

Camper's Name, Cabin (#)
YMCA Camp Mohawk
P.O. Box 1209
Litchfield, CT 06759

Packages sent through UPS or Fed Ex:

1 East Cornwall Road
Litchfield, CT 06759

If you wish to overnight a package, use the address listed for whichever carrier you are using(UPS, FedEx or Postal Service).

Counselors encourage girls to write home at least once a week. You can help by packing self-addressed, stamped envelopes with paper inside. Postage and envelopes are available if your daughter needs them—the cost will be applied to her store account.

Q: Can I fax my daughter at camp?
A: Yes. You are welcome to fax her at (860) 482-3878. There is a 25 cent charge to your daughters store card for each fax received. They are given out with the regular mail after dinner.

Q: Can I email my daughter at camp?
A: Yes, through a service called Bunk1.com. Through this website, you can pay to send a one-way email to your camper. Emails are delivered to the camp daily at 1:00 pm, printed, and placed in your daughter's cabin mailbox for her to receive at mail call after dinner. Set up an account to email your daughter, view daily pictures, and read the daily update. Please do not send your child emails to the camp email address.

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Health & Wellness at Camp

Q: Is a medical exam required?
A: The State of Connecticut law requires that a camper have an examination by a physician prior to attendance. A Health Exam Form is provided for this purpose. Your child's health examination must be within two years of her date of attendance.

Q: What other forms do we need to complete for camp?
A: The aforementioned Medical Health Exam, the parent Health Form,and the As Needed Medications Form are all required for attendance. The Authorization for Administration of Medication is required if your daughter takes any medication, including over-the-counter and vitamins. The Letter to My Counselor is another useful camp form provided. These forms are all due before June 1st (or ASAP if you register after June 1st).

Q: What if my child takes medications?
A: All medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, must be given to the Camp Nurse at Check-In and are kept in the Health Center. In some instances, both the nurse and the parent must count out the actual number of pills at the time of Check-In and Check-Out. All prescription medications must be in their original containers, clearly labeled, and must be accompanied by written instructions from the child's physician. A form is provided in your confirmation package. If your daughter is taking something that is not listed on our "As Needed Medications" Form, vitamins for example, you will need your physician to fill out an "Authorization for Administration of Medication" form. Medications are administered after each meal and before bedtime as called for by the physician's orders. In the event special arrangements need to be worked out, please call our Camp Nurse no more than one week prior to attendance.

Q: Why do you require information about my health insurance carrier?
A: We do not carry camper health and accident insurance since the overwhelming majority of our campers are covered by a parent's policy. Should your child require medical treatment by a doctor, we will make the necessary arrangements and implement follow-up care in our health center as necessary. Any expenses incurred (physician, hospital, lab, prescriptions, etc.) are the responsibility of the parents or guardians. Our physicians, the Litchfield County Pediatrics group, require payment at time of service, so Camp Mohawk pays the charges and will then bill the parent. In some instances, the health care provider can save the parent time if the health insurance information is available at the time of service. In the event that Camp Mohawk needs to pay for a camper's health related needs, the parent will be sent a copy of the invoice as soon as possible and reimbursement must be made to Camp Mohawk by Check-Out.

Q: Is a nurse on duty 24 hours per day?
A: Yes. Our Camp Nurse lives at camp in our well-equipped Health Center. At Check-In many parents will meet the Camp Nurse for your brief medical check-in.

Q: Will I be notified if my daughter is sick?
A: Anytime a girl needs to spend the night in the Health Center, or needs to be seen by the camp physician or it is the opinion of the Camp Nurse that it is in the best interest of the child, we will make every effort to contact the parent.

Q: What precautions are taken regarding Lyme's Disease?
A: We follow a four-stage program to reduce the probability of a tick attaching itself to a camper and possibly causing Lyme's Disease:

Daily, each camper is observed by her cabin counselor for purposes of noticing any rashes, infected bug bites, sores, or other unusual skin conditions. If anything of concern is noted, the counselor makes a note on the camper's daily health check form that is reviewed by the Camp Nurse at breakfast daily. The Camp Nurse then follows up as appropriate.
Campers involved in activities outside of the core and mowed areas of Camp, such as nature walks, are informed at the meal preceding that activity to wear appropriate clothing (long pants and sneakers) and apply bug lotion to exposed skin just prior to participation. The activity instructor reinforces this procedure at the time of the activity. We suggest loose fitting, light colored pants, which can be tucked into a camper's socks if necessary.
Campers involved in overnight tenting activities such as a cabin or Outdoor Living Program overnight take the same precautions as #2 above, plus visit the Camp Nurse for visual inspection for ticks upon their return to camp.
In all activities, where any sports equipment (soccer ball, field hockey ball, softball, Frisbee, etc.) goes into brush or an unmowed grass area, staff retrieve the equipment, not campers.

Q: My daughter has just begun having her period. What if she has her period while at camp?
A: Mohawk counselors are prepared to help your daughter deal with her period if it occurs while at camp. You can help by sending appropriate sanitary protection when packing for camp. Mohawk can provide the appropriate supplies if need be. Since menstruation can begin between the ages of 10 and 16, it is appropriate for you to speak with your daughter about this natural occurrence even if she has not had her first period. Our nurse is always available to assist the counselors and campers. Parents will be notified if a camper has her first period while at camp.

Q: What if my child is homesick?
A: It is not unusual for even the veteran camper to feel homesick the first few days away from their family. It is a normal healthy response that can be just as painful as a stomach ache. Parents of younger and first time campers should expect it. Please remember that overcoming homesickness is an important part of growing up and is something your child may need to experience and see through to the finish if she is to attain the degree of independence which is necessary to make her a self-reliant, mature individual.

Parents can help by emphasizing the wonderful camp experience your daughter will have at Mohawk. We strongly discourage parents from telling your camper that she can come home after a few days if she is homesick. This actually encourages homesickness and often makes the child unhappy. It also is more difficult to try and help the child make it through if she knows she can go home. Parents should understand that the initial letters you receive might express strong homesick feelings. Please don't be alarmed. What was a crisis on day two may have been forgotten by day four. Write a reassuring letter back urging them to stick with it and have a great time. We treat our homesick campers with sensitivity, reassurance, and special attention. If a situation requires further attention, the Unit Leader is called to help and if necessary the nurse is called in for some TLC. We frequently speak with parents regarding their child's homesickness. If you would like more information on preventing homesickness, please contact us.

Packing and Your Arrival at Camp

Q: Do I send sheets or just a sleeping bag?
A: Send twin sized sheets, blankets, pillow, and a sleeping bag if you have one. It will reinforce what you do at home to require the girls to make their bed daily. Sleeping in sheets is also more comfortable and makes bedtime a bit more like home. A sleeping bag is great for extra warmth on cool nights and is also necessary if your daughter elects to participate in the Outdoor Living program, which includes an overnight away from the cabin.

Q: How should we pack for camp?
A: We recommend packing as much as possible into a standard army/navy trunk or a large hard plastic container. These make it easier to access belongings and are easy to store at the end of the bed. Do not bring plastic or cardboard drawer units.

Packing List

Q: When are Check-In, Check-Out Times?
A: Check-in is between 2:00 and 4:00 pm on the Sunday that your session begins. The camp security gate will be closed until Check-In begins. Check-out is between 9:30 and 11:00 am on the Saturday your session ends.

Q: Can we bring our dog to camp on Check-In and Check-Out days?
A: No. There are no dogs allowed at camp.

Q: I am unable to personally pick up my daughter at Check-out. Do I need to make any special arrangements for another person to pick her up?
A: Yes. If someone other than a custodial parent is picking up a camper, we must have written permission from the parents. This can be done when you are making your store deposit during Check-In.

If you can't pick up your daughter due to some last minute problem, you may fax permission for someone else to pick her up. Our fax is (860) 482-3878. In both cases, the person picking up your daughter will need to show identification.

Q: How do I get to camp?
A: Full instructions and a map can be found on our Directions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Camp

Camp Life

Communication

Health & Wellness at Camp

Packing & Your Arrival At Camp

About Our Camp

Camp Life

Communication

Health & Wellness at Camp

Packing and Your Arrival at Camp