Camp Pocono Ridge, lovingly referred to as CPR, started as many summer camps did in the 40’s & 50’s, as a retreat for children from the hot city streets of summer.

Sam Santay, a gym teacher, swim coach and lifeguard, along with his wife, Marge Santay, an elementary school teacher and mother of three boys from Long Beach, New York, wanted to open a summer camp for children.  A special place where children could run, play, and learn about themselves and the world around them in a safe, protected and natural outdoor environment.  It was their dream to provide, what they called, “a child’s magnificent wonderland atop the Pocono Mountains.”

In the mid 1960's, after serving in the US Navy as a rescue helicopter pilot in Vietnam, newlyweds Tom & Jo Santay, along with their growing family, (3 children in all) joined Sam & Marge at CPR.  Shortly thereafter in 1968, Sam suffered an untimely death and the directorship was assumed by Tom & Jo.  Today our theater “Duke Hall” is named in Sam's honor.

Through the years Tom & Jo continued the legacy set by Sam & Marge, as they raised three of their own children along with the hundreds of children who spent each summer with them at CPR.  Shellie, Suzie & Sean grew along with the camp program, each moving into various administrative roles and working daily alongside their parents honoring the traditions started by their parents and grandparents.

In 1995, Tom & Jo, retired from full time teaching positions, and semi-retired the camp directorship to Shellie who assumed the position year-round.

In 2005, Tom & Jo retired completely and the camp came under the sole direction of Shellie.  She, along with Jeff “Fuzz” Reichman, a life-long member of the CPR family, and Brooking Stapleton, our Head Counselor, continued Camp Pocono Ridge.  In 2008, Suzie Santay Allan, Shellie's sister, rejoined the camp as a director and all-around camp facilitator.  Together they  continue the work, goals, ideas and traditions they were raised on, and as set before them by Sam, Marge, Tom and Jo Santay.

Camp Pocono Ridge continues a lifelong commitment to camping excellence by providing quality programming, experienced staff and exciting activities.  We honor our past, while we stimulate and motivate the needs and desires of today’s youth.

Today we are in our third, and quickly approaching fourth generation, of Camp Pocono Ridge.  We, along with a host of wonderful individuals who dedicate themselves to our children, use the past as a catapult for the future and continue to cultivate the camp program, renovate the facility, and consistently strive to improve Camp Pocono Ridge for the youth of today and tomorrow.

Camp Pocono Ridge is the choice "when the journey is as important as the destination."  We look forward to welcoming you and your child as members of our camp family.