Camp Pocono Ridge, located atop the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, is a place where children develop as individuals within the traditions of a camp family atmosphere.  This camp family is one not only in name, but in feeling and understanding.

Campers “… work together, make choices, take responsibility, develop creative skills, build independence and self-reliance, and gain confidence.  These life lessons are all necessary for healthy development and a productive life.”  At Camp Pocono Ridge we believe in the benefits a great camping experience has for children and have developed a unique program to support this belief.

Pocono Ridge Campers: 

• Develop lasting friendships.
• Grow as individuals.
• Realize a sense of belonging within community living

The Camp Pocono Ridge program supports the importance of great friendships believing that it is through this process that our children learn to communicate better with others, gain experience in handling themselves in life situations (social skills), while understanding the values that these lessons and relationships represent.  Daily morning group electives promote camaraderie and secure personal bonds, both camper to camper and camper to counselor, while participating in activities that campers may not normally choose on their own.  These activities instill the group decision making process and skills which support individual input and need.

Sports: soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, flag football, swimming, GAGA, etc.

Adventure: low ropes team challenge; “ultimate” stream hikes, waterfront activities, mountain biking, boating and canoeing trips (as available), overnight campouts, etc. 

The Arts: nature crafts, cooking, bunk/comedy skits, singing, etc.

The Camp Pocono Ridge program supports the importance of an increased sense of belonging and acceptance.  Family-style meals, canteen (free time), special events and nighttime entertainment allow campers to recognize their membership within the camp community. 

Peter Scales, Ph.D. with the Search Institute in Minneapolis is a noted educator, author and psychologist, says, "Camp is one of the few institutions where young people can experience and satisfy their need for physical activity, creative expression and true participation in a community environment. Most schools don't satisfy all these needs."” (http://www.acacamps.org/research/todayscamps4.htm).

Entertainment: DJ dance parties, Hypnotist and Magic shows, bunk skits, carnivals, staff/camper talent shows, musicals, game shows, “out of the box” movies, camp “news” clips, nightly canteen/game room/“hangout” and the continuing camp traditions of Apache Relay and Color War.

The Camp Pocono Ridge program specializes in ascertaining the needs of all campers, as personal development grows and changes through the years.  All campers are made to feel as a necessary and critical part of the camp community knowning that each is wonderfully unique, valued and essential pieces of the CPR tapestry.  Each connected to the spirit of Camp Pocono Ridge, its history and traditions, past, present and future, as a true camp family.

Please call to speak with our professional camp directors and staff who are available to answer your questions.