Frequently Asked Questions
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1] How long are the sessions?
Campers arrive on Tuesday @ 9:00a.m. and depart on Saturdays @ 11:00a.m.
2] What is your camper-to-counselor ratio?
We strive to maintain a 1:1 camper/counselor ratio. Occasionally it will be 2:1 with campers who are more able-bodied.
3] How many campers can you accommodate at one time?
Each session will serve a maximum of 65 campers.
4] How are the campers and counselors supervised?
Campers are assigned to a counselor who is with them 24 hours/day. Each camper/
counselor pair is supervised by a cabin leader, who is a trained adult. Each cabin
leader reports directly to the camp director. Cabins are segregated by sex and age.
Camper/counselor pairs travel by cabin group. Never will a camper/counselor pair
be left alone.
5] What is the cost of camp?
One session of camp costs $325 per camper, which pays for room and board for the
camper and their counselor. A $35 non-refundable deposit must accompany the
application in order for the application to be processed. The balance of $290 is due
upon arrival at camp.
6] Is there financial assistance and how do I apply?
There are a limited amount of “camperships” available. Monies are given to campers,
based on the family’s income and need, until the funds run out. Families may request
a partial campership ($145) or a full campership ($290). Please only ask for what you
need, so that we may assist as many campers as possible.
7] How do you screen your staff?
Both paid and volunteer staff are interviewed and go through an extensive three-day
training. References are checked and anyone 19 years of age and older undergoes a
criminal background check.
8] What type of medical staff do you have?
Camp SMILE has one RN and one paramedic on the campgrounds 24 hours/day and
one additional RN is present between 7am-7pm.
9] Do you accommodate campers with specific dietary needs?
Camp SMILE accommodates specific dietary needs as requested. If dietary
limitations are severe; we ask that you contact us directly to work out the details.
10] Do you provide transportation to camp?
Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
11] What are the directions to camp?
Camp SMILE is held on the property of Camp Grace. A map and driving directions
can be retrieved from the location section on this website.
12] Do I need to send money with my camper/counselor?
No money is necessary. Camp SMILE provides three meals and three snacks each
day. However, there will be opportunities at check in and check out to purchase
camp paraphernalia.
13] What do I need to send with my camper/counselor?
You will receive a packing list in your confirmation packet a month prior to your
scheduled session. If your camper/counselor uses diapers or additional sources of
nutrition (Ensure), you must send enough for 5 days. Camper/counselor will need to
bring their own special equipment, such as: wheelchairs, breathing machines, and
communication devices. Campers and counselors are also responsible for their own
prescription and over-the-counter medications. Please do not send unnecessary items
of great value, such as: money, expensive cameras, or entertainment electronics.
This is a summer camp and despite efforts to keep track of personal belongings,
constant movement between activities may result in lost or broken items. Please
clearly label all clothing, suitcases, and other possessions sent to camp.
14] Can parents stay and volunteer when their children are there?
Parents serving as medical staff or kitchen staff occasionally stay on the
campgrounds, but these are the exceptions. Camp SMILE is an opportunity
for campers to experience recreation and friendship away from their families; as
well as, an opportunity for families to get much needed respite time.