Camp Overview
Surprise Lake Camp is a special place, a home away from home for generations of young people. We believe in the value of community and friendship. Our Jewish values and identity shape our days and our connection to nature. We’re dedicated to helping young people unplug, grow, and develop values, confidence, and skills to last a lifetime. And we are fortunate to share this extraordinary place with campers and staff alike. Although Surprise Lake Camp is a big place with over 475 campers and 270 staff, it still has a cozy feel to it. Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Highlands sixty miles from New York City (we are only 15 minutes from a 75-minute train ride into NYC!), we are surrounded by rugged mountains, wide-open fields, and our own private lake. If you enjoy hiking, sunsets, or seeing wildlife, you’ll love Surprise Lake Camp.
STAFF TIME OFF
We provide more time off than most camps: one full day a week, some evenings off, and periods off during the day. We think it is very important to take care of yourself so that you can “recharge” and be at your best when you take care of the campers.
STAFF QUALITIES
Being a staff member at Surprise Lake Camp is a big commitment. We expect our staff to give their all to make every camper’s experience as positive as it can be. We ask staff members to dedicate themselves to our Staff Standard of Excellence. The Staff Standard of Excellence is woven into the fabric of everything we do at Surprise Lake Camp. It is the code of principles by which we live. Every job at Surprise Lake is demanding. The counselors and specialists live, eat, sleep, and play with kids all day long for eight full weeks. The support staff help make the daily camp operation run smoothly. Everyone is expected to work hard, have a good attitude, and like and value children. We believe that the single most important ingredient at camp is the staff. And since we want the very best for our kids, we expect the very best from our staff.
