Parent FAQs

1. Where is Camp Oneka ?
   Camp Oneka is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. It is approximately 120 miles from New York City, 150 miles from Philadelphia, and about 250 miles from Baltimore/Washington DC.
2. Is the camp accredited by the ACA?
   Camp Oneka is accredited by the American Camp Association, which visits the camp on a regular basis to inspect for administration, safety, personnel, and program. Less than one fourth of the 10,000 camps in the country have passed these accreditation standards . We are also inspected and licensed annually by the Commonwealth or Pennsylvania for drinking water, and public bathing facilities. 
3. Is there a religious affiliation?
   No, Oneka is a camp with no religious affiliation. We do take a few minutes on Sunday morning for a “Sunday Service.” Each week a group of campers, Juniors, Ints, or Seniors, take a turn preparing a service, with the guidance of counselors, for the entire camp. The girls pick a theme such as friendship, respect, or saving the environment for the service. The approximately 20 minute service provides a few moments of thought and reflection during a busy, active week. Catholic girls have the option to attend mass on Saturday evening at a local church.
4. Where do your campers come from?
   Most of our campers come from the mid Atlantic states, from Connecticut and Massachusetts to the Baltimore- Washington area. We do have campers from around the United States, Mexico and Europe. 
5. What about health care?
   Our health center, the “ Medi-Coop” is staffed 24 hours a day with two registered nurses who live onsite. The Medi-Coop has private sleeping rooms in case of illness, a treatment room, and private bath with shower.
   All medication in camp is administered by our camp nurses. You may contact the nurses by phone at any time if you have a question or concern A family practice physician in Hawley, about 5-10 minutes away, sees our campers for routine medical care. The Tafton Fire Company provides ambulance service. Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale is about 15 miles away.
   About 80% of our staff are certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. There is an AED in camp at all times.
6. What is Camp's policy regarding cell phones?
   Cell phones, I-Phones, I-Touch devices, or any device with internet capability are not permitted in camp. Any camper bringing a cell phone to camp will leave it in the office, and it will be returned at the end of their camp stay.  
7. What about laundry?
   A laundry service picks up the campers laundry each week and returns it the following week. Laundry service is included in the camp tuition.
8. How does the Camp Store work?
   Our camp store is open each evening after dinner. Campers use a “store card” to charge their purchases. They can buy one food item (candy, soda, ice cream) per day and other items such as stamps, batteries, writing paper, cameras and camp gear. The store bill is paid when the campers are picked up at the end of their camp stay.
9. What if my child gets homesick?
   Many parents are concerned that their daughter will be homesick. It’s very normal to miss home; most everyone misses home some time or has uncomfortable feelings when in a new place. BUT -- It’s also normal to get over it, and to have a great time at camp. At camp we stress several things that the girls can do to get over homesick feelings – stay busy, focus on having fun at camp, and talk to friends and counselors about how they feel. As parents you have a big role in preparing girls for camp. Let your daughter know that you believe she can do it! Do not make any deals, such as “ just try it for a couple of days” or “if you don’t like it you can call us or come home “ Those statements just set your camper up for failure. Please check with us if you have further questions or concerns about homesickness.
10. How competitive is Camp?
    There is something for everyone at Camp Oneka! Many activities are non competitive. Except for one tennis tournament, we do not compete with other camps in sports. Red White competition is an integral part of the camp culture, and program, and we encourage all campers to play and participate. Our sports activities all include a skills teaching component, and our goal is that all girls have a chance to learn new skills and increase their confidence in playing a variety of sports.
11. What is Red White Competition?
    One of Oneka’s most treasured traditions is Red White Competition. All girls become members of the Red or White team and compete with their age group and team in a variety of sports and competitions throughout their stay in camp. Girls are on the same team for all the years that they come to camp , and second generation campers are on the same team as their mothers and grandmothers. Team spirit and loyalty runs deep in an Oneka girl’s heart. At the core of the Red White tradition, is the philosophy that competition remains on the field and the lake and does not influence friendships and respect for each other the rest of the time.
12. What is the camper to counselor ratio?
    We have about 125 campers in camp and about 35 counselors, not including administrative staff, and nurses. So the ratio is about 3.5 campers to counselor. Each tent or cabin group has at least one counselor, that lives with them. Younger campers usually have 2 counselors, one may be a junior counselor.
13. How do you assign campers to bunks/cabins?
    Campers are assigned by grade in school and requests. There are three cabin areas: Juniors – girls finishing 5th grade during the current school year and younger, Intermediates – girls finishing 6th and 7th grade during the current year, and Seniors – girls finishing 8th, 9th and 10th grades. We aim to assign girls together who are in the same grade in school. We try to honor requests to be placed with friends, though we also try to mix “friends” with other campers to make new friends and meet new people.
14. How’s the food?
    Most of our campers and counselors think the food is pretty good! We serve 3 meals a day, with our “big meal” at lunch time. The entire camp eats together family style in the dining hall, with older campers taking turns as waitresses for a table. Our meals are a healthful mix of kid friendly foods with salads, fruit, and of course dessert! Most meals include a vegetarian option. There is a cookie snack in the afternoon after swimming, and a bedtime snack in the evening.
15. Does Oneka offer scholarships?
    A limited number of scholarships are available through our scholarship fund, The Turtle’s Trail Foundation. For more information and an application, contact the foundation directly at their web site -- turtlestrailfoundation.org.

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