Campus Life

On Campus

Homeward Youth Camp will be hosted at a university campus, about 45 minutes outside of New York City. We will be meeting in the university’s lecture halls, classrooms, and common areas for classes and activities. Campers will also utilize the university’s facilities for accommodations and meals.

Campers will also have access to various courts and sports fields for recreational activities, such as volleyball, basketball, football, track & field.

Living At Camp

Campers will be accommodated in residence halls, furnished with individual beds, desks, and chairs, and equipped with shared facilities such as laundry, lounges, and fast, free wireless internet access. With both singles and doubles, campers will have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with each other.

All rooms will be separated by gender, and we will separate genders on different floors whenever possible. In most cases, campers will have one roommate of the same gender. Dormitory layouts may vary. Staff will be present and available on site for any camper needs, as some staff will be living in the same buildings as campers.

Living at Camp is a taste of college/adult life. Students may have jam-packed days and are expected to manage their own rest and schedules. Since many students will be developing their own life skills, our staff are here to help and support them.

Others on Campus

Our venus is a large campus which occasionally hosts other summer programs in addition to Homeward Youth Camp, so there may be other groups at the university at the time of camp. Some of the university’s full-time students may also be on campus.

Linens and Towels

Please bring your own pillow, light blanket, sheets (for twin XL beds), and towels. Detergent and dryer sheets will be provided for any laundry needs. Laundry is free.

Food & Dining

Campers will be provided with three meals a day from local caterers. Snacks will also be provided.

Dietary Requests

Upon request, we can provide food for students who have allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Staying Connected

Fast and free Wi-Fi is widely available on campus, and campers will be able to communicate with family members and friends, as long as they have a device (phone, laptop, etc.) that allows them to communicate. For campers who are coming without an electronic device, we will provide access to a laptop to send occasional updates to family and friends.

Please note that we will have an electronic device policy which limits camper use of cell phones and other devices. Camp is meant to be a time for campers to spend time with peers and engaged in camp activities, and our limitations are intended to facilitate this. Campers will still have ample opportunities to communicate with family members.

Mail and Packages

You may send mail to your child, but given the short nature of the program and potentially long international mail delivery times, we do not recommend sending mail.

Family Members

Homeward Youth Camp is only open to teens who are accepted through our application process. We also offer Homeward, a family-oriented conference program. Homeward will return in 2024.

Family members may visit campers, subject to our visitor policy. Visitors may not attend camp events or stay overnight on campus.

Supervision & Care

While campers are ultimately responsible for their own conduct, our staff will work together to provide clear guidelines and supervision. Camp counselors will be available on site at all times for 24/7 support as needed. Outside class, staff will supervise campers and activities; enforce rules; foster a safe environment; and are prepared to help campers adjust to being away from home.

Curfew and Boundaries

All students must remain inside the dormitory after 10PM and may not leave campus unless accompanied by camp staff.

Leaving Campus

Campers are not allowed to leave campus by themselves, even in groups. All programs will remain on campus aside from group field trips and activities, which will be led by camp counselors.

Visitors

Visitors must be pre-approved by the camper’s parents via a visitor approval form (available upon request) at least 24 hours in advance of the visit. Parents may permit the camper to leave campus with their visitor. Campers may not stay overnight off-campus with visitors, including family members.

Emergencies, Illness, and Injury

Although we do not expect that any of our activities include risk of serious injury or accident, parents will be asked to provide instructions on emergency response - including emergency contacts - prior to camp. Furthermore, all campers must have medical insurance, and parents must provide consent for our staff to authorize medical treatment in the event of an emergency.

Off Campus

The campus is conveniently located in close proximity to New York City and New Jersey beaches, offering many options for fun camp outings on the weekends. Campers will have the opportunity to visit museums, amusement parks, arcades, and other city attractions. A schedule of optional outings will be provided to campers, so that everyone knows what is going on each week.