Summit Camp & Travel

My son just spent 2 weeks at this camp. He was having significant problems last year because he was in fight and flight due to situations from school. Hes now in an amazing out of district school that helped prepare him for this experience. We were worried that he wouldnt be able to sleep since he was still needing suppers to sleep but he did amazing. They asked many questions to try to understand how to support my son.I would recommend the short program of your child has never been to a sleep away camp. It has less people and its the perfect time for them to get used to it. And not feel overwhelmed. Please make sure they are ready for it. We did a short 1 week program for special needs kids that was local that I think helped him as well.He has his favorite counselors and felt so loved. He loved the trips as well.Of course he had some difficulties and the counselors are mostly young but many of them have experienced in their lives people like our kids. The ones I met at the end of the season were so caring and loving.The first week he was home sick a bit and wanted to go home he wrote a journal for the first week that he shared with us and then he stopped writing in it because he was having so much fun.Nothing is ever perfect and everyone has different experiences. You wont always have the glowing reviews because sometimes the kids arent ready for this experience. I know last year when my son was in fight and flight status theres no way he would have been successful there.He had 4 counsels and 5 kids in his bunk. They have less kids at the end of the season and I think the counselors are more seasoned then.Next year he said he wanted to to the whole season We probably wont be able to do that but we would love to Have him go again for the two week program.Ive been reading he other reviews and the negative reviews didnt reflect what we experienced. I know they changed hands a few years ago so anything from about 5 years ago would be different.Also you might want to try a weekend trip. I think they have or have had a trial sleep away camp experience one weekends.We hope they have it again because I would love to bring some of his friends to the camp and experience it before they send them to the camp.This is the first place besides his special needs school where he says that there are people like me.He still struggles with social interactions but I know through this experience he will get the experience to learn.Thank you Shep and crew for being part of the best summer he has ever had.Looking forward to more.

I attended this camp when it opened in 1969. It really helped me and my late parents were very happy with the camp and the late owner Mayer Stiskin. I hope to visit the camp but its 3.5 hours away from me. Im 66 now and I will always hold Summit Camp in my heart and in the highest regard. Highly recommend.

Camp Summit is a blessing. The staff are AMAZING. They take the time to really get to know each camper and develop true relationships. This was evident by the tears from each of them as they said good bye to my son at pickup. Two of his counselors stayed until the bitter end as we drove off as if my son were there little brother.Shep is a great stand in Dad.since obviously most kids would never want to go to summer camp with their own parents Shep took over the role from giving out hugs when needed to rides in the golf cart or even nightly visits at lights out. He did everything I would do minus tucking my son in under the blankets.My son went to another camp for 4 years but we wish we had found Camp Summit sooner. Fantastic experience for my son and us.My son cannot wait to go backafter seeing his growth as a young adult an unbelievable amount of improved self confidence and the ear to ear smile in the many photos I am excited to be able to send him again next summer.Wish there was a way to give them a 10 star rating.

Our son has gone for the mini session the past two summers and had a great time. First thing out of his mouth at pickup this year was can I come back next summer Everyone at the camp is very kind. Communication about how your camper is doing is just enough to keep you informed but also allows you to disconnect knowing they are safe and happy. They have a really nice service that updates with pictures every day so you can see what they are up to. Highly recommend Summit Camp.

I went to Summit Camp in 2016-2017 and was homesick but still loved it. Now I dont go to Summit Camp anymore because I lost touch with all the campers and staff. I loved computers adventure go-carts swimming video production canteen basketball tennis breakfast lunch and dinner in the dining hall. Summit Camp has been around since 1969 but then Shep bought it and became the new directer and owner in 2016. Summit has a life skills program called the Summit Center for ages 18. I miss everyone at Summit Camp so much. This summer it will be the BEST SUMMER EVER

I attended Summit Camp from 2007 to 2009. If there is one thing that those glorious summers taught me it was to show up as my full self. For years people around me had shamed my special interests. Summit Camps magic erased that shame. During my time there I quickly figured out that didnt need to be like everyone else it was better to be myself Years after camp I attended Virginia Wesleyan University and wrote my capstone project on my special interest Mulan. I even presented it at an undergraduate research conference and my memories of Summit gave me the confidence I needed to succeed. My campers creativity led to a job at a nonprofit where I design graphics write feature articles make videos and even sing at special events If I hadnt attended Summit Camp I wouldnt have become the person I am today. Even after I left the Magic on the Hill has continued to touch my life.

As a camper who just finished my first year 4 week session I really am pleased with this place. They have great privileges given to upper camp with specialists from all over the globe.Also I love the ability and freedom to make friends and converse and do activities independently with specialist supervision.The food is pretty good. Not gourmet but good.Also the amount of personalities it cators to with its activities are great. Though sometimes scheduled times are implemented and not all counselors are always perfect or always nice there nice people for the most part. Great experience would recommend.

Amazing summer camp for kids with attention issues The camp has been around for 50 years serving the same population of kids. Its located in the beautiful Pocono mountains of PA. It has everything you think of when you think camp- lake front with huge inflatable slide banana boat pool rock wall zip-line high ropes team building campfire you name it The staff are well trained caring understanding and filled with patience A wonderful nurturing summer home for these kids to connect and grow.

My name is Eliza Bluestein and I have been at Summit from 2011-2018. I recommend this camp because it helps people get ready for their future. it helps people get ready for college and it teaches people to live on their own. Summit camp is not like any other camp. it is very including and it manages to get all of their campers involved with activities.

Echoing the sentiments of other reviewers on here that Summit Camp is truly an amazing camp. They provide clear instructions every step of the way and were in constant communication throughout the summer. They are always willing to accommodate for dietary needs and have years of experience working with special needs children. They also provide a photo site where parents are able to keep up with all the activities going on which makes a great album for children to reminisce when they return. This year due to the pandemic we thought the program might be cancelled but the work that Shep and the rest of the crew did to revise plans to ensure everyones safety was miraculous. The summer camps and the weekenders they provide throughout the year are truly one-of-a-kind. I know my son will never forget the experience he had this summer and I am grateful to all the staff and crew who helped bring the magic to life here.