Frequently Asked Questions
Eligiblity and Application
How old does my child need to be to attend Huckins?
Campers can attend Huckins starting the summer after they have completed the third grade.
I've heard Huckins fills quickly with a waitlist, how can I get my child in?
Completing your camper application on the first day it is open will help your chances. We normally take more new campers in the first and fourth sessions. The easiest year to get your camper into camp is the summer after their third grade year.
My returning camper has a younger sibling who would like to attend, when do I register?
Because we fill up so quickly you should apply for a sibling at the same time as you apply for your returning camper (Early November).
My child is placed on the waitlist. When can I expect movement on your waiting list?
Cancellations can occur daily. Because payment is due March 1st and May 1st (for all accepted campers), the majority of cancellations occur during the months of March and April.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are an accepted camper, please notify us as soon as possible. Camp Huckins has a no-refund policy for camp fees after May 1st. Camp will look at cancellations on a case by case basis until May 1st to determine if a refund may be considered. To learn more about our refund and cancellation policy, please click here.
Staffing
To learn more about our staff hiring and training policies and procedures, please visit our Commitment to Safety Page.
How do you select your counselors?
We are proud to say we “grow our own counselors”. Many of our cabin counselors are hired from our two-year leadership program and were campers themselves.
How do you select your program staff?
Many of our cabin counselors become our progam staff after a few summers in cabins. We hire some program and facility (kitchen, maintenance) staff through international staff hiring agencies. International staff add a great deal of cultural diversity, enthusiasm, and global understanding to our entire camp family.
How many counselors are in each cabin?
There are two counselors that live in each cabin with 10 campers.
Camp Life
Do you accept cabinmate requests?
First year campers may request one cabin mate, of the same grade. We do not put more than two campers from the same town in one cabin. While we cannot guarantee a request we will make every effort to accommodate your request when both campers request each other. To learn more about division and cabin assignments, please click here.
What types of activities do you offer?
We offer a variety of activities. To learn more please click here. Mornings consist of instructional periods that are set by camp so that every camper can try our activities at least once. In the afternoon, campers have free choice at the program areas.
How do you handle homesick campers?
Homesickness is a normal feeling and your camper will grow and become more independent by overcoming their homesickness. Our counselors attend multiple trainings including the most up to date information on homesickness. Each group of campers has a Division Leader who is an adult woman, who lives in the Division with them. If we feel that your camper is not having a good time, the Division Leader will call you to determine a plan of action. It is very rare that our counselors and Division Leader are unable to help a camper overcome their homesickness.
Communication
Will my camper be able to call home while at camp?
Campers cannot bring cell phones to camp and the phones in camp are limited to our staff. Phone calls to home can only increase feelings of homesickness and can impact your camper's experience. Campers love to receive mail from family and friends. To learn more about communicating with your camper and camp during a session, please click here.
Why can campers not receive packages?
We receive a lot of mail at camp! We have found that a thoughtful letter is often much more impactful to your camper than a package of stuff. Packages can also create inequities within the cabin and generate additional trash. If your camper forgot something important, like their raincoat, you can contact the office for instructions. Additionally, Division Leaders have supplies like toiletries, batteries, stamps if your camper has forgotten any of those items.