how old do the campers have to be to participate
They have to be 7 on the first day camp starts and cannot be older than 16 on the date camp starts.
my child is 17 years old, can they come to camp? What is a cit?
Yes! In 20117, we started a CIT (Counselor-in-training) program by request of one of our campers. Thank you Steph! These kids do sleep in the same bunks with the campers and help out as needed, where needed at camp. So they work with the activity counselors as well as with the camp counselors, giving them exposure to all aspects of the camp program. There is a cost to being a CIT. Please see the registration page for up to date details. It's a great transition from being a camper to a volunteer.
how much does camp cost?
in 2018, camp was $225, if paying via credit card or paypal, additional fees apply.
where is camp?
Once you are all registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the address of camp. This email will include GPS coordinates for those using GPS's. We rent a facility called Camp Cherith and it is located in Hunt, NY which is near the south end of Letchworth Park, near Nunda, NY.
Are you affiliated with camp cherith?
No. If you visit their page, see it for their property photos only. We do not do the same activities or follow any program. We are not a religious organization and are not affiliated in any way. They are very kind to rent their facilities to Celiac Strong Camp and are very gracious hosts. We hope to run Celiac Strong Camp for many years at this location. You may visit their website at Camp Cherith.
how do i register my camper?
Registration opens on February 1st. Please mark your calendars as we were booked solid on February 5th in 2018.
do you accept volunteers?
Yes. We are all volunteers, including the activity counselors. These folks are generous and gracious enough to take time off from work and come be part of Celiac Strong Camp. We thank everyone for volunteering. Please visit the registration page and complete a registration form to be placed on the list. We select based on the need of the number of children at camp. You do not need a special talent to volunteer.
We cannot guarantee that you will be selected to volunteer, but we try to accept as many as possible. Please do not hinder your child's registration based on your acceptance as we can never guarantee your selection. Please apply and you will work hard, but will be rewarded by how wonderful and grateful these children are - the smiles and carefree diet is the best! Once you volunteer, you will understand why the children count down the days until they get to come back - our campers and activity counselors have so much fun and they are an awesome group!
We cannot guarantee that you will be selected to volunteer, but we try to accept as many as possible. Please do not hinder your child's registration based on your acceptance as we can never guarantee your selection. Please apply and you will work hard, but will be rewarded by how wonderful and grateful these children are - the smiles and carefree diet is the best! Once you volunteer, you will understand why the children count down the days until they get to come back - our campers and activity counselors have so much fun and they are an awesome group!
Once selected as a volunteer, what's expected?
Yay, after you have been selected, we will send to you an email. It'll be addressed from message@veritysecure.com. This is the company that we hire to perform our background checks. Camp will pay for the background checks. However, if you are selected, go through this process and do not attend camp, we ask that you reimburse camp for our costs incurred. Thank you for understanding this in advance and for agreeing to do this on your volunteer registration form.
The process is
-application
-background permission
-2 references must be mailed in directly to us
-camp forms, a packet which we will email to you
-online safety training
These need to be met by the deadline to be a registered volunteer
-orientation and training at camp on the day camp starts. Training begins at 10 am.
At camp, our priority is to the safety of our campers. We ask that you be respectful to one another, be appropriate with language, do not bully or harass in anyway our volunteers or campers and that you bring your patience and kindness. We keep things upbeat and cheery, help one another get things done whether is be washing dishes, taking children to program or emptying trash cans. We smile, perform skits and share a positive attitude with the all at camp. You may get smores in your hair or have the chance to win the Golden Plunger award with your cabin. We support one another and try to allow the campers just have fun... safely.
The process is
-application
-background permission
-2 references must be mailed in directly to us
-camp forms, a packet which we will email to you
-online safety training
These need to be met by the deadline to be a registered volunteer
-orientation and training at camp on the day camp starts. Training begins at 10 am.
At camp, our priority is to the safety of our campers. We ask that you be respectful to one another, be appropriate with language, do not bully or harass in anyway our volunteers or campers and that you bring your patience and kindness. We keep things upbeat and cheery, help one another get things done whether is be washing dishes, taking children to program or emptying trash cans. We smile, perform skits and share a positive attitude with the all at camp. You may get smores in your hair or have the chance to win the Golden Plunger award with your cabin. We support one another and try to allow the campers just have fun... safely.
sleeping arrangements
The campers, CIT's and camp counselors are assigned to sleep with the campers by gender in age appropriate cabins.
These cabins are rustic. THEY ARE NOT AIR CONDITIONED. They are bunk bed style twin beds.
We recommend for all to bring:
-plastic mattress cover
-mattress pad
-twin-sized fitted sheet
-sleeping bag or warm blankets
-pillow
Also for volunteers only, we recommend:
-a fan
-an extension chord with power strip. There is electric in each cabin but there may only be one outlet and they are not always in a convenient area of the cabin.
-your phone charger
The boys and girls have separate sleeping and restroom locations.
These cabins are rustic. THEY ARE NOT AIR CONDITIONED. They are bunk bed style twin beds.
We recommend for all to bring:
-plastic mattress cover
-mattress pad
-twin-sized fitted sheet
-sleeping bag or warm blankets
-pillow
Also for volunteers only, we recommend:
-a fan
-an extension chord with power strip. There is electric in each cabin but there may only be one outlet and they are not always in a convenient area of the cabin.
-your phone charger
The boys and girls have separate sleeping and restroom locations.
What activities does camp usually offer?
Sabrina carefully coordinates these activities with a committee. In the past, camp has had swimming, archery, astronomy, gaga, tether-ball, Frisbee golf, scavenger hunts, performed skits, sing songs, story time, movies, lip syncing, fishing, hikes, arts & crafts, cooking demonstrations and campfires.
what kind of food will be served?
Please rest assured that menu is approved by a nutritionist, and the kitchen is managed by one of the camp directors who is Certified under the National Registry of Food Safety Professional as a Food Safety Manager. We will serve gluten free and can accommodate lactose free diets only. We cannot accommodate any other diets / allergies / preferences.
We try to have a fun menu for kids. Things they normally would not have at camp. They have had hot dogs, tacos, spaghetti, chicken nuggets and pizza! The pizza is made, donated and delivered by our own pizza man, Paul who owns Livingstonn County Pizza. He is a generous man and the kids enjoy having a pizza delivered and thank him with a song.
We do serve fruits and vegetables with each meal and the kids enjoy them too. Sometimes people are concerned about their picky eaters, but when they come to camp and are with their new friends, they do tend to eat well. We always have plenty of snacks and treats.
We do not allow any food items be brought to the camp to ensure all food is gluten free and we cannot have food in the cabins to not attract pests.
We try to have a fun menu for kids. Things they normally would not have at camp. They have had hot dogs, tacos, spaghetti, chicken nuggets and pizza! The pizza is made, donated and delivered by our own pizza man, Paul who owns Livingstonn County Pizza. He is a generous man and the kids enjoy having a pizza delivered and thank him with a song.
We do serve fruits and vegetables with each meal and the kids enjoy them too. Sometimes people are concerned about their picky eaters, but when they come to camp and are with their new friends, they do tend to eat well. We always have plenty of snacks and treats.
We do not allow any food items be brought to the camp to ensure all food is gluten free and we cannot have food in the cabins to not attract pests.
Camper to counselor ratio and how do we group the children
We try to group the children from
7 to 10 year olds
10 - 13 year olds
13-16 year olds
The minimum ratio we will have is 1 counselor to 8 campers.
During the daily activities, the boys and girls are assigned in age-appropriate groups and with their counselors, they go to their activities.
7 to 10 year olds
10 - 13 year olds
13-16 year olds
The minimum ratio we will have is 1 counselor to 8 campers.
During the daily activities, the boys and girls are assigned in age-appropriate groups and with their counselors, they go to their activities.
where do i mail payment for camp?
Our mailing address is:
Celiac Strong Camp Inc
c/o Sabrina DeVos
4010 Dean Road
Marion, New York 14505
Celiac Strong Camp Inc
c/o Sabrina DeVos
4010 Dean Road
Marion, New York 14505
Who do i make the check payable to?
Celiac Strong Camp Inc.
how may i make a donation to camp
Yes. Your donations are tax-deductible and appreciate all your support. Please also ask your employers or doctor's offices to possibly contribute monetary, product donations or even hang a flyer in their office for us. We greatly appreciate all the support. Please visit our support / donation page.
are pets allowed at camp?
No, not even in the check in line. Please do not bring any pets to camp. They are not allowed on the premises. They will need to be left in your car and cannot even wait in the check-in or check out line for the safety and regulations of owners of the camp. As pet owners, we love our pets but while we are volunteering at camp, we arrange care for them at home or at a kennel. It's great when we reunite with them and I know they understand that we are away to bring smiles to a wonderful group of children.
when is payment due?
Camp registration is due April 15, if you would like to take advantage of the early bird special. Otherwise, it is due June 1st.
when are camp forms due?
June 30. No exceptions. This will hinder your registration status for attending camp and our camp fee is non-refundable.
Can a sibling attend with my child?
Yes as long as the sibling is between the ages of 7 - 16, they may register as a camper.
do i have to return all pages even if no medication is taken?
Yes. It is imperative tat all forms are returned, printed single-sided. As they are at camp, the nurses use the medication sheets to note any concerns that they may go over with you at check out. Thank you in advance for completing all forms, printing them single-sides, signing them where noted and returning them by the due date of June 30th.