FAQs for Parents

Camp begins on June 21 and ends on August 11, 2024.

There are many options for your son to get to camp. A few campers are driven by their parents and the vast majority of Campers take one of the chartered busses that leave from New York City, Westchester and Boston. We also provide pick up service from both Boston and Portland Airport.

Camp Winnebago has a 2.5:1 ratio of campers to counselors.

In the youngest age group (8-9 year olds) there are 2 counselors and 6 campers plus a female staff member, who does not sleep in the cabin. In the other age groups, there is one counselor and 4-5 campers in each cabin.

The cabins are made of wood and each camper has their own bed, drawers and shelves. The cabins have screens and flaps that can be lowered if it is very windy and/or rainy. Each morning, campers led by their counselors, clean and tidy the cabin in preparation for the day.

Devices without screens are allowed at camp. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, IPods, etc. are not allowed.

Boys are required to take showers every other day and are permitted to take more if desired.

The medical staff generally distributes medications in the morning and evening. In the event that a different schedule is required, necessary accommodations are made.

Andy makes contact with the parents informing them of any emergency involving their son. We have a pediatrician as well as two nurses at camp.

Yes, our kitchen staff accommodates most dietary needs including, but not limited to allergies, vegetarian diets, kosher and other food sensitivities. The food at camp is healthy, delicious and varied. We are nut free.

Camp Winnebago posts a short biography and picture of each counselor on our website at the beginning of the summer.

Andy is always available to answer your questions about how your son is doing.

Parents can schedule two phone calls during the summer. One during the first four weeks and one during camp’s second half. An extra phone call is allotted on a camper’s birthday. In addition, campers write letters to their parents 3x/week throughout the summer.

Campers who have a birthday at camp enjoy a rousing Winnebagan version of Happy Birthday sung to them by the staff in the dining room. They also can receive a phone call from their parents.

Homesickness is a relatively common issue that usually lasts no more than a few days. Our staff is trained to deal with homesickness by acknowledging it and then helping boys adapt to the Winnebago routine through a variety of methods. We do our best to keep homesick campers busy and well supported by staff and other friendly faces. We look at homesickness as an opportunity for boys to build and realize their developing resilience while adapting to a new and dynamic environment.

Camp Winnebago takes bullying very seriously. Because we are a relatively small camp, and a community that is open and trusting, we find out about things quickly. When a conflict arises between campers, we strive to nip it in the bud through honest and direct communication. Campers are encouraged in various manners to communicate with staff or administration any time they feel unsafe. Emotional and physical safety is our #1 priority!

All first-year campers 12 and under are assigned Big Brothers in May. Big Brothers are 13-15 year olds and veteran campers. Many Big and Little Brothers will at least talk, if not meet, before camp and then again at camp where the Big Brother shows his “camp sibling” around and introduces him to his friends. It is normal that this special relationship will persist throughout the summer and perhaps for years to come.

Second session campers arrive at camp and hit the ground running. They are welcomed by their cabin mates, placed on a Brown and Green team and are shown camp by their peers, camp Big Brother and counselor. The counselor helps the newly arrived camper with adjusting to camp while observing for any signs of difficulty in their transition.