Surprise Lake Camp — Local services in Town of Philipstown

I sincerely hope the administration has learned not to exploit and emotionally and verbally abuse 16 year olds working for pennies per hour. Summer 2014 was traumatic thanks to Sheryl, Lori, Carolyn, and their friends. I was too naive to understand what was happening to me at the time but I’ve known for a long time that it wasn’t right and it affected me for years after. SLC was my second home and my family and I felt like that was destroyed by my experience on staff. It’s late for me to speak up over a decade later but I hope the message is taken seriously. I have connected with other alumni who felt the same way and shared similar experiences.

I am sharing this message any way I can because I fear that this type of abuse has gone on for decades and is still happening.

The photos are from that last summer when I was on 16 year old staff. I remember that evening feeling safe and comfortable with my friends until Sheryl Kirschenbaum walked in. Her presence always caused a deep discomfort from the many times she isolated me in her office and screamed in my face when I was only 16 and trying my best at my first ever job. The administration did not embody the values they claimed...

I was a camper at SLC for over 10 years and every single summer helped me shape the person I am today. It taught me how to be independent, how to connect deeply with others and helped me grow into someone ready for college and beyond. I'm especially grateful that it's a phone free camp - disconnecting from screens every summer allowed me to be fully present and build lasting friendships.

One thing that really sets SLC apart is how down to earth both the campers and staff members were. Unlike some of the other camps my childhood friends went to, there was never any pressure to act a certain way or care about material things. It was and is a place where you can just be yourself.

Even more meaningful to me, my dad went to SLC. Being part of a camp with such a strong legacy and sense of community has been one of the most important parts of my life. The connection doesn't end when you age out - the alumni association is strong and thriving, keeping that sense of community alive with events inside and outside of camp! I have lifelong friends because of SLC and I truly can't imagine who I'd be...

This is one of the most amazing camps for the kids (8-15) on Earth! Two of my three kids were enjoying their Summers year by year and each time they didn't want to come back, waiting with excitement for another edition:) The variety of activities (all kinds of sports, crafts, acting, trips, camping, and a lot more), the best international staff, the weather, and togetherness can describe only a part of this incredible experience. For the Polish kids, it's also a great opportunity to learn and practice English, they come back with self-confidence, and improved communiaction skills in this language. Highly recommend...