Independent Lake Camp

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Independent Lake Camp

Located in the Endless Mountains region of the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania, Independent Lake Camp provides one of the most complete and fulfilling sleep away camp experiences in the country. ILC is one of the few camps where campers can spend the morning caring for horses in a stable and their afternoons performing stunts on a circus trapeze.

In addition to a diverse program offering, Independent Lake Camp is known for diversity amongst its campers. ILC is a melting pot of campers from all sorts of backgrounds – an element that has become a cornerstone of the camp’s tradition and appeal. To highlight the theme, ILC’s mission statement is “to celebrate the diversity of our community and the individuality of those who comprise it.” With a universe activities supported by a great staff, Independent Lake Camp is a great choice for campers who want to learn, socialize, and have fun.

Program Description

Independent Lake Camp features a free-choice program where campers have the power to choose their own schedule. At the beginning of each two-week session, campers select three “primaries” which are daily instructional activities. Each day, campers select two “dailies” from a list of activities that changes each day. Dailies are both instructional and recreational depending on the child’s age, preferences, and needs. Finally, campers choose one “free choice” period each evening.

The seemingly endless list of activities at Independent Lake Camp gives campers the opportunity to try a little bit of everything or focus on an activity that is important to them. Activities include team and individual sports, arts, waterfront, nature, and more. Beginners and advanced campers can even learn how to produce a full circus act at the much-anticipated Performance Day each session.

Independent Lake Camp is known for session flexibility throughout the summer. Families can select a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 week session. Each two week session is fully-inclusive with a beginning, middle, and end – leaving campers with a complete and satisfying camp experience in just two weeks.

Staff Overview

With 280 staff on-site, Independent Lake Camp has one of the most complete camping teams in the United States. ILC’s directors emphasize recruiting older, experienced educators and professionals as role models for the campers. The camp has an average staff age of 21.

The circus staff is one of the most outstanding instructional groups in the country. ILC camp directors recruit circus leaders from twelve different circus schools around the country.

Setting & Accommodations

Independent Lake Camp is set on 300 acres in Orson, Pennsylvania in the Endless Mountain region of the Poconos. The camp is about 2.5 hours from both New York City and Philadelphia.

Campers live in wooden cabins with attached showers and bathrooms. A typical bunk houses 6-10 campers and 2-3 counselors.

Safety Standards

Independent Lake Camp has one doctor and two nurses on-site. The camp also has a Certified Camp Safety Director in residence.

Independent Lake Camp Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Session One	6/20/10-7/4/10	6-17	$2,195
Session Two	7/4/10-7/18/10	6-17	$2,195
Session Three	7/18/10-8/8/10	6-17	$3,025
Session Four	8/8/10-8/22/10	6-17	$2,195
Elite Weeks	8/22/10-8/29/10	6-17	$850