What is the address to receive mail at Camp?
Pleasant Valley Camp
Camper’s Name
PO Box 465
Mirror Lake, NH 03853-0230
USA
What is the Camp Phone Number? 603.569.2725
What is the weather like in New Hampshire in the summer? Typically sunny, with temperatures between 70F and 90F. The evenings can be cool, especially at the beginning and end of the summer.
What should I bring with me? Click here for the packing list
Do I need to bring bedding? Yes, we recommend a pillow & case, blankets, sheets, and a sleeping bag.
Can we make a cabin request? We are sorry, we do not accept cabin mate requests. Camp is a very special place where independence, self-worth, and life-long friendships are built. Each summer parents make cabin assignment requests so that their child might be placed with a friend, cousin, neighbor, etc.. These requests hamper our staff’s ability to develop these attributes in the children. Cabin assignments are based primarily upon grade level, but our staff strives to eliminate cliques which can form when a disproportionate number of campers in one cabin know each other prior to arriving at camp.The director is happy to discuss individual cases with parents.
Is there a parent visiting day? If your daughter is staying for 4 weeks, you certainly may come and visit during the middle weekend of her stay. Unfortuntely there is no visiting day during each 2 week session. This policy allows you child to adjust to camp and maximize the positive experience of camp.
Can my child call home? We have found that calls home are very disruptive to the sucess of the Camp experience. In most cases we do not allow calls home. Time has shown us that talking to home makes a campers adjustment to camp more difficult instead of easier. However, parents may call camp and talk with the director or another staff member to check on their child's well-being. And we encourage communication in the form of letters or emails through Bunk1, our camp email service .
Are there any co-ed programs at camp? Yes there are. The Pleasant Valley girls and North Woods boys meet for a co-ed activity and a social event during each session.
Do I have to be a member of the YMCA to come to this camp? No you do not. We will say that the YMCA is a great place for your whole family! You can see all of YMCA's of Greater Boston by clicking here.
Will my child take part in swim lessons at Camp? Yes, every child will participate in an instructional swim class each day of regular activities. We use the YMCA instructional swim program. A camper is placed in a swim level based on their abilities and will be instructed by a trained swim teacher.
How many times will my camper ride horses per week if they are registered for horseback? Each camper receives a minimum of 6 hours and a maximum of 8 hours of instruction (weather permitting) per two week session.
How do you handle food allergies at Camp? Please conact the Camp director reguarding your child's food allergy(ies). After a conversation determining that we can manage your child's food allergy(ies) at camp, we create a plan worked out between parents, the camp administration, and the chef.
How many times will my camper water ski per week if they are registered for water skiing? Each camper receives a minimum of 6 hours and a maximum of 8 hours of instruction (weather permitting) per two-week session.
How does my camper select her activities for Camp? The daytime schedule is made up of four activity periods. Campers select their activity choices during the first evening of camp. With the help of their counselor, each camper will rank order the 10 activities in which they would like to participate. A schedule based on these choices is then created for each girl.
Is there a Nurse at Camp? Yes! We have a full time RN on staff.
How close is the hospital to Camp? Huggins Hospital is located approximately 5 miles from camp in Wolfeboro, NH. The town ambulance is located about 1 mile from camp.
How can I see pictures of my child while she is at Camp? Our camp utilizes the Bunk 1 email and picture service. You will find an easy free registration process that will allow you to view current camp pictures.
What do you do for Campers that have their birthday at Camp? We try to make it a special day for every camper who has a birthday at camp. First it is announced at flag raising and we sing to each birthday girl. Then she will receive a birthday cake during lunch or supper. All during the day the birthday girl will hear campers and staff wishing her a happy birthday and giving her special attention.
How far from Boston are you? We are about a 2 hour drive from Boston.
What is the food like at Camp? Three well-balanced meals are served every day at camp. Our kitchen staff strive to provide a menu that is attractive to children. An extensive salad bar is available at lunch and peanut butter and jelly can be available for those who do not wish to eat the main entrées. Vegetarian alternatives are available for our vegetarian campers and staff. The campers report that the food is great!
What do you recommend sending my camper while she is at Camp? Campers love to get mail and packages at Camp. Please make sure that your child receives mail from home. Also one or two packages during their stay is a nice addition. Some good things to include in a package are puzzle game book, magazines, books, cards or a game that they can play with her cabinmates, a small craft project, or a small stuffed animal. Please do not send food. The campers will not be allowed to keep it.
Can I tip my child's counselor? Although we appreciate your gratitude, please do not tip your camper’s counselor. Instead we encourage you to make a donation in their honor to the camp scholarship fund that will allow more girls to have the wonderful experience that your daughter has had. Another option for a "tip," you could write a letter of reference for the staff member to utilize for upcoming college or job applications.
What time is pick-up and drop-off? Arrivals are on Sundays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.. Departures are on Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sessions start on Sunday and end on Saturday for all campers. Children may be dropped off only if the YMCA staff and volunteers are ready to receive and supervise campers. Each camper must be signed in and out by a responsible adult.
How is laundry handled? Laundry is available free on a weekly basis for all campers. Two-week campers will have only one opportunity to do laundry. Please label all of your camper's clothing so that any misplaced items will get returned to them.
What is sold in the Camp Store? We sell souvenirs, such as hats, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, stationery, water bottles, and toiletries. Items purchased at the camp store are deducted from the camper’s store account. WE DO NOT SELL FOOD, CANDY, DRINKS, BATTERIES, OR FILM IN THE CAMP STORE.
Can my child bring electronics? Electronic equipment tends to be expensive. In our natural, outdoor environment it is very hard to protect and keep electronic equipment safe. In addition, camp is a place to build friendships and interact with one another not be tied to electronic equipment. For those reasons, Cell Phones, I-PODS/MP3, computer games, expensive jewelry, pagers, and stereos are not allowed. Please note that Camp is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Can my child bring a cell phone? We try to foster interpersonal skills during a camper’s stay at camp. Cell phones are strictly prohibited at Camp. Possession of a cell phone may result in a dismissal without a refund. Please do not send your children to Camp with a cell phone(s). We apologize if this sounds difficult, however we have had many disruptive camp experiences caused by cell phones, and we strictly enforce this policy.
