Frequently Asked Questions

WHO SUPERVISES MY CHILD?

Many of our summer staff members were campers who became CiTs and then counselors, so they know Frost Valley YMCA better than most. Others join us from around the world as international staff. Many return year after year, giving Frost Valley a family environment and a true sense of culture and tradition. Counselors undergo extensive training on our policies and procedures which stress health and safety first. In-depth background and criminal history checks are performed on all of our employees. We follow the American Camp Association standards by providing a 1 to 6 counselor to camper ratio. For younger campers, this ratio is often smaller. To ensure a welcoming and familiar community, roughly 70% of our staff return each summer.

WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS SICK?

The Guenther Family Wellness Center, located on camp, is staffed by registered nurses and emergency responders 24 hours a day. If your child gets sick, you will be notified immediately while your child receives the care they need. To learn more, email: ddauria@frostvalley.org

WHAT WILL MY CHILD EAT?

Three hot, wholesome meals are served daily. Our dining hall offers a vast array of options from the typical kid fare to organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Care is taken to meet the dietary needs of all of our campers. Fresh fruit is available for snacking all day long. Chartwells Educational Dining Service creates the menus, ensuring that each meal is nutritionally balanced. Candy and soda are not served nor sold in the Camp Store.

WHERE WILL MY CHILD SLEEP?

The majority of our campers reside in cabins and lodges, with some specialty programs - East Valley Ranch, Farm, and Adventure Camps - staying in yurts and tents. These arrangements all promise the opportunity for friendships to flourish naturally and with ease, while under the close supervision of counselors and village coordinators. We honor one mutual bunk request per camper.

IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?

We offer bus transportation to and from camp in these neighborhoods: Brooklyn NY, Montclair NJ, and Manhattan! The cost is $80.00 per camper, one way. For more information, please contact us at campregistration@frostvalley.org.

IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?

Frost Valley YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign raises money for “camperships” to provide a Frost Valley experience for nearly 600 children who would not otherwise be able to join us. For more information about our camperships and to start the application process, email: campregistration@frostvalley.org.

COVID-19: As you know, our priority is always the health and safety of all campers and staff. As such, we will provide information about health and safety protocols regarding Covid-19 in the coming months. The Frost Valley staff collaborates on a regular basis and partners with local, state, national, and international agencies to remain informed and proactive as new information develops.

RENOWNED STAFF TRAINING!

All Frost Valley camp staff, including returning staff, experience up to three weeks of rigorous training. Beyond First Aid and CPR, staff also receive training on child development, risk management, homesickness, and more. For example, in 2018 prominent parenting expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa (as seen on the Today Show) inspired our staff with a thought-provoking, informative talk on character development.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

All cancellations must be received in writing Full refund if canceled by March 31 Full refund minus $250 deposit (per camper, per session) if canceled by June 1 NO REFUNDS AFTER JUNE 1