I went here as a kid so it's really weird to have one of my kids as a camper here. By Tom Steele. Amazing things happen when kids are having the time of their lives! Session changes can be made as long as space is available in your childs age group in the desired session. The two-week programs are equalized in terms of popular special events and evening activities. We have found that the best age for the child to start camp is when the child expresses the desire to attend sleep-away camp and is excited about all of the activities we have to offer. We also vary the menu with weekly theme dinners, including Italian, Asian, Mexican, Western, and a Beach Party Luau! Before and after the eight-week summer program we operate a One-Week Mini-Camp Program designed to give hesitant first-timers an opportunity to find out what sleep-away camp is all about. It provides: (1) Campers with the power to choose all of their daily activities. We employ a diverse group of camp counselors from all over the world. CAMP LOHIKAN has been owned and operated by the Buynak family since 1957. Campers are scheduled activities by division. Our goal is to have bunkmates begin and end their camp experience together. Since 1957 Camp Lohikan has been owned and operated by the Buynak Family. Emails are printed and delivered daily with the US mail. We are located in a secluded area, which has seen little development in 65 years. They return to their cabin with their counselors at 10:00pm. The laundry is completed and returned to the cabin within 24 hours. I would recommend this camp for both campers looking for a fun filled summer and young adults looking for experiences that will change their lives! The only additional mandatory fee at Camp Lohikan is the canteen fee. The camp is situated on 1200 acres, which is only accessible by a two-mile long dirt road. All senior staff members live on campgrounds and are accommodated in close proximity to the living quarters of our campers - no more than 50 feet away. [2] Mike and Arlene Buynak founded Camp Lohikan in 1957. Click here. Police said Mark Trail then yelled racial slurs such as "You f***ing Jews go back where you came from" and "I'm gonna kill you, you f***ing Jews." The coach buses are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a restroom. Recreational play is scheduled as deemed appropriate. Medications are distributed and documented by one of our registered nurses. Every candidate is personally interviewed and screened by the staff coordinator and the camp director. Camp Lohikans evening activities, special events and trips do not repeat during the eight-week season. Yes! If a camper does not report to an activity as scheduled, a member of the camps attendance supervisory staff locates the camper and the absence is investigated. Community service hours are available through the program as are sessions devoted to guiding participants in preparing for the college application process. Camp Lohikan was another amazing experience! Camp Lohikan has over 40,000 square feet of indoor activity space to utilize in the event of inclement weather. Usually 80% of our counselors are American. Lohikan is a non-sectarian camp. With respect to PROGRAM FORMAT, Junior campers (campers entering the 4th grade and younger) participate in the camps CABIN-STRUCTURED, counselor-supervised activity program. Super juniors return to their cabins at 9:15pm. All activity equipment is the very best available and designed to assure the maximum safety of our campers. Our director, Mark Buynak, has been an ACA Certified Director since 1984. Call us at 908-470-9317 or email us at info@lohikan.com and well make arrangements for a personal or small group tour. Kids learn how to make and keep friends. We're here to help. Our campers do too! The group is also being charged with damaging the grounds of an elementary school in nearby Waymart, Pa. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. This is where we shine! Camp Lohikan has been accredited by the American Camp Association since its beginning. While we cant guarantee that youll see your child every day, we do our best to make sure everyones photo is taken and posted online consistently throughout the summer. Camp Lohikan is a fun place to work for a summer or two before getting a "real" job. And it doesnt take long - a few minutes! Depending upon the state of Covid transmission in the area identified and directives received from the CDC, ACA, and local authorities, we may be required to adjust, substitute, or possibly cancel an off-camp event. Its the ideal individualized program and is a huge success with our older campers. If you have any questions, please call us at 908-470-9317. It's also our personal approach and commitment to the happiness of our campers that makes a difference. No phone calls are made within the first ten days of the campers arrival into camp. Evening activities for juniors typically end at about 9:00pm which is when they return to their cabin. This close proximity puts our most mature adult staff members in locations convenient to supplement the supervision provided by cabin counselors. BBB File Opened: A sample menu is posted on our website and can be viewed by clicking here. Furthermore, electronic devices are restricted and will be confiscated if they are capable of: (1) taking or storing pictures and/or videos (privacy issues), (2) communicating via the internet, or (3) operating as a cell phone. On July 16, one day after the last incident at Camp Bonim, Spencer was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly driving into a counselor from the camp outside a local Turkey Hill store, breaking his leg. The elective free-choice program addresses the desires and interests of today's child better than any other program format. While instruction is the focus of the program, recreational play and having FUN with friends is an important part of every activity period. "These children were terrorized and in fear for their lives by the actions of this group," Edwards said in the release. Assistant Camp Director/Staff Coordinator (Current Employee) - Lake Como, PA and Gladstone, NJ - October 24, 2015. Our expertise in providing first-time campers with successful summers stems in part from our 68 years of experience working with children in the camp setting. You can also bring a picnic lunch or join us for our Visiting Day Barbecue Lunch. It's not uncommon to find Mark visiting camper cabins during rest period, taking pictures at the activities during the day, and engaged with the kids during evening activities. Its natural to miss mom and dad when youre away. We are committed to the happiness of our children and we stand ready to offer the special attention required by first-time campers. Junior campers also are given activity choices within the cabin-structured program. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Joining the camp managers in the operation of the camp are our senior staff members. We're about 2 1/2 hours from New York City. Campers get to choose from 65+ arts, sports, and adventure activities every day! Counselors are at least 19 years of age and college sophomores. Five people are charged in what authorities are calling ethnic intimidation. Please contact us if your child has serious food restrictions or allergies to discuss the options available. Camp Lohikan hires well rounded individuals with a wide range of skills and most importantly a heart to work with children. Lohikans elective program is computerized which allows for parental controls, attendance supervision, and guaranteed placement in the activities that you and your child choose! The camp's administrators, though, took the incidents very seriously, he said. Round-trip coach bus transportation is available from New York and New Jersey on the first day of camp, at the end of the first four week session, at the end of the first six week session, and the end of the summer. Camp Lohikan is a residential summer camp for. Periodic wellness assessments are made by the infirmary staff to confirm good health. We are a relaxed camp environment. Two to four counselors are assigned to a cabin. Each morning, before the program begins, there's an activity change period when campers can make changes in their schedule of activities. Program heads are assisted by staff instructors who are primarily college-enrolled individuals or college graduates with college-level training and coaching or teaching experience. Starting as a camper at the age of five, Mark has participated in every phase of camper life and has worked in most of the camp's counseling and supervisory positions. Senior campers are scheduled activities with other seniors except for activities that work well with a variety of ages, e.g., drama productions, circus shows, etc. Will I feel at home? As directors and owners of Camp Lohikan, it's our responsibility to make sure that the answers to these questions are always ''YES!'' Senior activities are coed except for contact sports. PO Box 217 Wallerville Rd, Lake Como, PA 18437-0217. During that episode, 18-year-old camper Alan Rosen was struck in the leg by a shot from a paintball gun while walking near the camp's synagogue, according to the affidavit, filed by Pennsylvania State Trooper John Decker. Welcome to Camp Lohikan!. Can I do the activities I like? We do our best to accommodate campers with special dietary needs or food allergies. According to the affidavit, New York state police said the truck matched the description provided by Honesdale, Pa., police of the truck involved in the Camp Bonim crimes and the truck's occupants admitted to both those crimes and the hit-and-run at the Turkey Hill. Prior to camp we do a lot of things to get first-time campers into the swing of things. Campers interested in attending services are accompanied by a member of our senior staff (and counselors) to Catholic and Protestant services located in the village of Lake Como. Camp Lohikan is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania, just outside the village of Lake Como in Wayne County. Our food selection accommodates even the pickiest eaters! In the spring we schedule an Open House which is highly attended by first-time campers. Lastly, Lohikans lake is private and surrounded by camp property. Camp Lohikan operates a structured program. We have found that cell phones interfere with a camper's acclimation to camp life and impedes the development of independence, which is a camp goal. Bullies, cliques, and offensive behavior are not tolerated. This is what we do best! The bunk unit is important at Camp Lohikan. The campers told police the truck only missed them by about 10 feet. For literature describing the preparations parents should make to ensure that the first-time camp adjustment is a smooth and easy process, contact our winter office at 908-470-9317. A lot of time and attention is devoted to hiring qualified instructors and child-centered counselors. Campers entering fifth grade after camp are Super Juniors. Consequently, we limit campers to one phone call every two weeks. No one ever leaves the table hungry! As described earlier, they start their first week of camp in a cabin-structured program. Campers are guaranteed to get as much as 14 hours of instruction a week in any of our 65+ activities. JUNIOR campers (fifth graders and younger) never leave the sight of their cabin counselor(s) day or night. The Open House is a perfect opportunity for first-time campers to meet, enjoy a barbecue, take a tour of the campgrounds, meet summer staff members and maybe even make a new camper friend! The camp policy regarding outgoing phone calls (campers calling home) is based upon the understanding that phone calls can be the most challenging form of contact for campers. The bus ride to camp is the first camp activity of the summer! Our key management staff have over 200 years of combined camp experience. Luckily none of the children suffered any serious physical injury, however, the emotional damage is immeasurable.". In addition, the camp is equipped with security cameras in certain areas. Questions frequently asked include, Are the counselors nice? We also have a number of fun water park activities at the lake like the 14 tall Lake Iceberg, the 150' Lake Waterslide, the Tarzan Swing, the Water Trampoline and Blob, the Rolling Log and the Banana Boat! For summer 2022 we have tentatively scheduled the following trips: (1) All-camp trip to Dorney Park on July 6th, (2) Senior camper trip to the Wayne County Fair on August 12th, (3) Visiting Day (July 9th) trip for campers without visitors, (4) Weekly Delaware Canoe Trips and other off -camp excursions, e.g., inter-camp games, inspection winner trips, Jericho ice cream trips, golf trips, etc. The view is one of outstanding natural beauty. Lake Greeley Camp, a second camp operated by the Buynak Family, specializes in offering a gluten-free menu and can be reached at http://www.lakegreeley.com. SENIORS are campers entering the eighth through tenth grades (13 to 15 years old). Will I make friends? About Us; Awards; Blog; Research; Guides; Employers. Participation is not a problem in the elective program because the campers are not being forced to participate in an activity that doesn't interest them. EXTREME SPORTS: Honda Quads ATVs (4 wheelers), Mountain Boarding, Skateboarding, In-Line Skating, Mountain Biking, Bungee Trampoline, Paintball, Giant Swing, Dirt Bikes This is their first sleep-away camp experience and, for many, it's their first time away from Mom and Dad. While in the process of investigating the incident, counseling the campers involved, and working with our staff to find the right solution, the social media storm took off at a speed far faster than the speed in which camp operates. Its the ideal location for summer camp! Mike and Arline opened the camp for girls and boys and over the years expanded the facility into the 1200 acre, state of the art, summer camp known as Camp Lohikan. These outgrowth clinics include the Advanced Tennis Clinic, the Equestrian Clinic, the X-Games Skate Clinic, the High-Five Basketball Clinic, the Hip Hop Clinic, Camp-a-Palooza Concert Series, and the Circus Show Clinic. Camper favorites include: the Super Star Games, Night of the Classics, Mad Mikes Mimic Mania, the Rock Hunt, the Ceremony of Chief Lohikan, the Toga Social, the Sadie and Sammi Hawkins Nights, Lohikan Idol, Game Show Night, Talent Show, Campfire and a lot more! Recently there was an incident at Camp Lohikan that goes against our philosophy of tolerance and understanding. No one ever gets closed out! At Lohikan, campers feel safe and supported. Lohikans population is equally divided between girls and boys. We guarantee that campers can schedule a minimum of 14 periods (approximately 14 hours) a week of instruction in any activity. Staff members attend a pre-camp staff training session that extends seven to ten days depending upon the responsibilities assumed by the staff member. Our campsite sits in a preserved natural environment, which has seen little development in 68 years. This means a lot to our campers! This is the Camp Lohikan company profile. Presser said the camp community was relieved to learn that the group had been apprehended, and that he was impressed with the way law enforcement handled the case. Many of our senior staff members have children enrolled in camp and have chosen to work at Camp Lohikan specifically because it is the unique camp experience they desire for their children. Emergency medical service is located less than 4 miles from the camp and we are within 30 minutes of the Wayne County Hospital, a 24-hour fully-equipped hospital where a wide variety of specialists are available. Most staff members are education or child care majors recruited from colleges and universities from across America. They learn about themselves and how to manage lifes challenges. Our swimming pool is a heated pool (25 meter) centrally located on the campgrounds. Bullying, thievery, drugs/alcohol, and disrespectful behavior are not tolerated. We also train staff members in the proper use of fire extinguishers, which are attached to every building. Campers can continue their camp career beyond the age of 15 (entering 11th and 12th grades) by participating in Lohikans Leadership Program. At this time intermediates return to their cabins for curfew and seniors report to the snack bar/game room for their canteen period (socializing free-time). The enthusiasm they bring to the activity is contagious and it lifts the spirit of everyone. In addition to the ACA accreditation, we are inspected annually by the Pennsylvania Health Department and the Department of Environmental Resources. All daily activities are included in the camp's tuition except for horseback riding (in excess of 1 period a week), jet skiing, quad riding, dirt bike riding and paintball. However, we generally run about an 80% return rate. (908) 470-9317 . We consider our program to be noncompetitive. Were about 130 miles northwest of New York City (2.5 hour drive) and 160 miles north of Philadelphia (3.25 hour drive). Mark is a very hands-on camp director. After the first week, the campers original Activity Selection Form is returned and used to make choices for the next week. Yes. Parents can also drive their child to camp. AboutCamp Lohikan. Campers receive positive recognition for acts of kindness at weekly campfires with the presentation of the Chiefs Award. Inter and Senior campers (6th graders and older) participate in the ELECTIVE FREE-CHOICE program. The daily activities for inter campers are gender-specific, except for performing arts, circus arts, creative arts and media arts. 2:05 - 5:05 - Three one-hour afternoon activity periods. CCampers and counselors sit together by cabin in the dining hall and all meal servings are unlimited. Camp uniforms are expensive and are typically only worn at camp.