Founded in 1930, Camp Netimus provides an enriching, caring and supportive environment. For over 90 years, we believe our traditions, activities and fun make our camp unique and we are excited to share this experience with your daughter.

The program at Netimus offers variety and excitement. Each girl creates her own schedule. Instructional activities are supervised by well trained staff. The new skills learned, and the successes the campers experience foster self- esteem and confidence. In addition, each girl contributes to the work in the community by taking turns with camp jobs in the cabin and dining hall.

We provide exceptional facilities to 140 girls on over 400 acres. Camp Netimus has an industry leading ratio of a 2.5 : 1 camper to counselor ratio. The benefits of a small camp are simple. At Netimus, each child has more personal attention from the counselors and staff, better supervision during activities, and everyone at camp knows each other by name, thus creating an unforgettable summer. Our staff and campers represent many states and countries, and they contribute their talents and perspectives on growing up, living with others and working together. This will help them develop skills and create friendships that will last a lifetime.

A Day in the life of a Camper

Our goal at Camp Netimus is for every camper to have a happy and fun-filled summer. It doesn’t matter if she attends for 2 or 7 weeks. She will select her preferred daily activities and participate in our exciting evening program while making new friends.

Each camper is expected to help serve a table about four meals per week. She also is expected to participate daily in a general clean-up around camp, as well as make her bed and keep her personal property and cabin in order. We stress conservation of natural resources and have an active recycling and energy conservation program in which all campers are encouraged to participate.

Room
Cabins are wood-framed buildings with screens and sliding windows, bunk beds, electrical lights and outlets. All cabins have bathrooms (toilets and sinks). There is a centrally located shower house (with individual stall showers and a bathroom) as well as a centrally located bathroom facility (with toilets and sinks) which is called the “Main Bingee”. The younger cabin groups have a shower in their cabin.

There are two counselors living in each cabin with 8 campers. Younger campers have three counselors in the cabin.

Campers are assigned by considering 6 things: age, grade level, length of stay at camp, maturity, returning or new camper, and requests.

Food
In the opinion of most campers and staff members, the food is excellent. We offer a diverse menu with unlimited quantities except for desserts which are kept to a single serving to limit sugar intake. In addition to the food served at the tables, there are optional choices provided at a steam table and an extensive salad bar at lunch and dinner. Peanut butter and jelly is always available.  We are able to handle special diets including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and food allergies.

The food is served family style. Eight campers and two counselors sit at a table. Table assignments are changed weekly so that campers have the opportunity to meet other campers and counselors. Singing and silliness are also a mealtime tradition.

Health
Our Health Center consists of a six-bed ward, an isolation room, and a treatment room as well as a full bathroom. The Center is staffed 24 hours a day.

We generally have a staff of three working in the Health Center. At least one (and usually two) is a Registered Nurse. The other worker(s) have medical training (LPN, EMT, etc.).

Parents are notified if a child visits the doctor or if she spends an overnight in the Health Center.

Milford has an ambulance service. There is a hospital with an emergency room in Port Jervis, NY, which is approximately 10 miles away. We use a doctor who practices full-time in the town of Milford, PA, which is approximately 5 miles away from camp.

Homesickness is handled on a case-by-case basis. Homesickness and adaptation to camp life is closely monitored by the senior and health care staff. Formal input is also provided by counselors. Difficult cases are handled by the Directors, who in turn are in touch with the child’s parents. Parental support is crucial. 

Laundry Service

Laundry is done “in-house”. Cabin groups take their laundry to the camper laundry once a week and pick it up the next day. Laundry service is included in the camp fee. Please label all camper possessions.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Monday – Saturday

7:45 AM Reveille

8:00 AM DRD (dining room detail)

8:15 AM Flag Raising

8:30 AM Breakfast

  Camp Clean-up

  Cabin Clean-up

10:00 AM First Activity & Inspection

11:00 AM Second Activity

12:00 AM Third Activity

1:00 PM Half hour before lunch/DRD

1:15 PM Flag

1:30 PM Lunch

2:00 PM Rest Hour

2:50 PM End of Rest Hour

3:00 PM Fourth Activity

4:00 PM Fifth Activity

5:00 PM Special Activity Period (SAP)

5:30 PM DRD

5:45 PM Flag

6:00 PM Dinner

7:15 PM Evening Activity

8:30 PM End of Evening Activity/Snack time

8:45 PM Return to cabin

9:20 PM Taps

9:20 PM Cabin quiet time with counselor

Each camper chooses ten instructional activities for the session. With the exception of swimming which is mandatory, campers may pick from more than 45 selections. These activities meet three times a week, five activity periods per day. It is our hope that campers will select a varied program from watersports, landsports,the arts, and specialty areas, so that they will return home with new skills as well as expanded former interests.

The Green Department
The “Green” Department at Camp Netimus emphasizes all things relating to healthy living, care for the environment and learning to live responsibly in and with our world.

Organic Gardening:
“Grow good stuff anywhere!” allows campers to participate in raising and preparing their own vegetables from the gardens at camp. All veggies are grown in small raised bed plots or containers and started in our greenhouse. Everything learned here can be practiced at home, even in urban settings.

Small Farm Animal Care:
“TLC for our furry/feathered friends!” is for campers that want to learn more about animal care, including feeding, keeping small animals healthy and grooming. We have several pens of animals to care for.

Cooking:
“Feed your friends & family!” is a hands on activity where campers learn all the steps of preparing a meal from planning to serving! Campers will learn new recipes and cooking skills to take home to family and friends.

Equestrian
Camp Netimus for Girls has an established horseback riding program offering instruction in English hunt seat and dressage. Our goal is to encourage campers to become confident, knowledgeable horsewomen achieved through sound instruction. Our horses are carefully selected for their suitability for riders of all levels.

“New to horses, not a problem.” Level 1 – learn horse safety and to lead, guide, and halt. Campers will sit/post while developing balance and position.
“Ridden a little; you go girl.” Level 2 – learn how to post, introduction to trotting poles, trotting diagonals guiding through a trot.
“Let’s see where we are.” Level 3 – maneuver small cross rails (not to exceed 1’6″) and learn basic dressage concepts.
“I’m getting good at this.” Level 4 – learn proper transitioning between gaits, counting strides in the canter, and jumping a preliminary course (not to exceed 2′) as well as small combinations.
“Horsewoman.” Level 5 – advanced dressage techniques such as canter, lead changes and turns on the forehand; learning how to jump different, more precise jumping combinations. Level 5’s become involved with drill team maneuvers.

“Mommy and Daddy, I want a pony!!!” – Horse of Your Own – or HOYO as we call it here at Netimus. This is an opportunity for girls to learn stable management and proper care of horses. Campers groom, bathe, braid, and feed, while also learning about breeds, colors, first aid and yearly health requirements. It’s the basis for a great relationship between a girl and her horse!

Drill Team – once a summer the level 4 and level 5 riders put on a drill team demonstration for the entire camp; complete with precision moves set to music.

Horse Shows – “Beat the boys” – twice a summer the camp competes in a real horse show with our brother camp, Camp Shohola for Boys. We always win!!!

Performing Arts
Our Performing Arts Department helps girls gain confidence and build skills through dance, theatre, gymnastics, and voice instruction.

Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Modern, Tap
“So you think you can dance!” – we offer beginner and advanced classes. Campers show off their dance techniques and individual styles in the dance show at the end of the four and three week sessions.

Theatre
“All the world’s a stage!” – drama and musical theatre are offered for our budding actresses as they work on acting skills and improvisational techniques. Past musical theatre productions include Alice in Wonderland, Honk, Charlie Brown, Willy Wonka, Grease, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and West Side Story.

Please note: musical theatre for 5 and 7 week campers only.

Voice
“Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do!” – vocal lessons give personalized instruction to interested girls. Campers perform at talent shows, campfires and in final theatrical or drama productions.

Gymnastics
“You’ll flip for this!” – our gymnastics program includes both general and advanced instruction on low and high beam, floor and uneven bars. Campers can demonstrate their skills in the gymnastics show at the end of week 4 or week 7.

Adventure & Discovery
Instruction in the following activities is provided in a supervised and safe environment for campers at all ability levels.

Outdoor Cooking
“Cook gourmet meals – over a fire!” – campers plan, prepare, and eat a variety of tasty and nutritious meals and treats. Traditional Camp Netimus recipes are shared. Techniques using both campfire and portable stove methods are learned.

Mountain Biking
“Be close to Nature, while burning calories!” – suitable for campers regardless of age or ability level. Camp Netimus has its very own skills course and trails that wind through the nearby forest. We emphasize skill development through fun, games, and trips. Excursions are offered to surrounding parks.

Camping and Hiking
“Leaves of three, let it be!” – this class is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Nature study, animal tracking, reading weather, trip planning, orienteering, and astronomy are just some of the skill areas explored.

High and Low Ropes Course
“Climb to the sky!” – the ropes course is set amidst the woods at camp, providing a challenge to adventurous girls. This program focuses on development of self-esteem, team building, and trust. Over twenty different ropes elements including a 50 ft. rappelling platform, cargo net, “Swinging Rock”, “Into Thin Air”, and a zip line are guaranteed to get the adrenaline and laughter flowing. Safety is our first priority!

Water Sports

Swimming
“Keep yourself afloat!” – instruction for all six American Red Cross swimming levels is provided at our own Lake Netimus. Swimming classes are required for all campers unless they have passed out of Red Cross swimming level VI at Camp Netimus. In addition to swimming classes, we have swim meets with other camps in which participation is voluntary.

American Red Cross swimming levels:
Level I: “Testing the waters!” – getting into the water, practicing blowing bubbles, and basic swimming skills.
Level II: “I think I can do it!” – continuation of Level I.
Level III: “Getting my feet wet!” – mostly in shallow water; putting face in the water and beginning to learn the breast stroke, freestyle, back stroke, and side stroke.
Level IV: “Give me some gills, I’m becoming a fish!” – continued instruction and further mastery of the strokes taught in Level III.
Level V: “Look ma! I can swim!” refining learned strokes and working on butterfly stroke.
Level VI: “Sign me up for the Olympics!” – demonstrated mastery of the following strokes: freestyle, breast, back, butterfly, and side.

Water-skiing/Banana Boating
“Feel the need for speed?” – this class is taught at Lake Wallenpaupack by staff who are certified in life guarding, first aid, and CPR. Instruction is provided to both beginner and advanced skiers who qualify.

Canoeing
“Bow? Stern? Where’s the front?” – beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are offered on our own Lake Netimus. Canoe trips on the Delaware River are offered to campers who qualify.

 

Kayaking
“Be your own captain!” – various levels of kayaking instruction are taught on our own Lake Netimus.

 

 

Fine Arts & Crafts
Instruction is provided for the beginner and the more advanced artist. Several shows are held throughout the summer allowing campers to display their artistic “creations”.

Arts & Crafts
“Cut and paste!” – this includes a wide range of activities such as painting and drawing, calligraphy, sewing, stitching, bead work, cutting, paper mache, and creative writing.

Ceramics
“Pinch a Pot, Throw a Vase!” – we use self-hardening “clay” which can then be painted. Campers can make pinch pots, bowls, coil pots, sculpture, etc., by hand or by using the potter’s wheel.

Fabric Painting & Silk Screening
“Show your designer flair!” – designs are painted onto the fabric of T-shirts and hats, bags, aprons and/or mats, using puffy and glitter fabric paints. Silk screening is open to campers ages 11 and older. They can create their own designs which are then transferred onto paper, fabric, etc., using the appropriate water-based ink.

Jewelry
“Diamonds (or beads) are a girl’s best friend!” – campers learn the basic techniques for making jewelry using bead-work, string and foil, and brass and copper wire and sheeting.

Photography
“A picture is worth a thousand words!” – open to campers age 11 and older, photography focuses on taking quality pictures of the natural environment. Black and white film is used, and the campers learn the developing and printing processes. Campers will also learn digital photography. All cameras provided.

 

 

Stained Glass
“Sun catchers, boxes, & windows!” – open to campers age 11 and older, campers learn soldering techniques for connecting glass pieces. Beginners work with straight edges with more intricate projects available for advanced levels.

Woodshop
“Knock on wood!” – campers make trays, bird houses, and other decorative items which can then be painted and finished.  They work with various soft and hard woods, and use hand tools, electric sanders, and IF QUALIFIED (and with the help and supervision of staff) power sanders and jig or band saws.

Land Sports
Instruction in the following activities is provided in a supervised and safe environment for campers at all ability levels.

Archery
“Bulls eye!” – campers use a bow and arrow to shoot at straw targets and are awarded certificates for each proficiency level achieved.

 

 

Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Hockey
“Go team!” – classes are offered in each of these sports and are open to campers of all ages and abilities. Optional opportunities are available to participate in inter-camp competitions and tournaments.

 

 

Riflery
“Guns in an ULTRA-safe environment!” – open to campers ages 11 and older. They shoot in prone, sitting, and standing positions, while learning riflery safety skills. Certificates are awarded for each proficiency level achieved.

Tennis
“Work your way towards Wimbledon!” – campers are placed in classes according to their ability (general or advanced). They develop and improve their skills through individual instruction and game play.

 

 

Trips and Out-of-Camp Adventures
Camp Netimus has an extensive trip program. Participation is voluntary, and in some cases campers must be appropriately qualified. Examples of past trips include:

The Crayola Factory – Learn about the history and making of Crayola crayons and markers and participate in a hands-on workshop at The Crayola Factory in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Canoeing on the Delaware River– Alternating between action-packed rapids and relaxed paddling, canoeing on the Delaware is a time-honored tradition at Camp Netimus.

Wilkes-Barre Scranton Yankees Game – AAA affiliate the NY Yankees. Kids load up on junk food, scream a lot, have a great time and then watch the fantastic fireworks display at the end of the evening. It’s a perfect summer night.

Sports Competitions – Camp Netimus is a member of the Pike County Athletic Association and participates in voluntary sports tournaments with nearby camps. In addition, we have tournaments with our brother camp, Camp Shohola.

New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm and Horse Show – A fun-filled day trip in August for all Netimus campers and staff members; the fair is held in Augusta, New Jersey.

Other Trips – Depending on availability and camper interests additional out of camp trips may include overnights to local parks, bike trips, climbing trips, a visit to a petting zoo for younger campers, etc.