I hope that our website has sparked your interest in Camp Ma-He-Tu. The following is additional information that may answer some of the questions you have about our program.

I have been directing the camp since 1994, but my association with Ma-He-Tu goes much deeper than that. Starting as an 8 year-old camper, I continued at Ma-He-Tu until I was a counselor and graduated from college. Years later, my husband and I had the joy of sending our own two daughters to Ma-He-Tu. Becoming a college professor and having summers free allowed me to rejoin the staff in 1989. Remembering what it is like to be a camper, a counselor, and a camper-parent gives me a unique perspective on all we have to offer.

Long before anyone was talking about the importance of “self-esteem” for our young people, Ma-He-Tu was a place where every girl could find a connection that made her feel special. That philosophy permeates our program to this day. Our staff is trained to focus on the individual camper and build on each one’s strengths. Our goal is to provide all girls with an opportunity to grow and excel in every possible positive way, and of course to have a wonderful time in the process.

“Regular days” are a rare occurrence at Ma-He-Tu. Something exciting is always happening. Our framework is two activity periods in the morning and three in the afternoon. One is an instruction swim, two are scheduled by living units and two, choice activities and workshops, are set aside for campers to pursue an interest or spend time with special friends. We sign up for choice activities on a daily basis, and workshops for several consecutive days. Some much-needed “down time” is provided after lunch and before dinner. In the evenings the entire camp is involved in our evening program.

Our athletic facilities include a court for basketball and volleyball, a tennis court, a badminton court, an archery field, and a playing field for soccer, softball, kickball, and games. While skill development is part of the program, the emphasis is on having fun. Campers who are too short to hit the hoop love to play on our “pee-wee” basketball court, where anyone can make a basket! We also have access to a huge athletic field, big enough to play up to four soccer, kickball or even softball games at once, allowing everyone to get in the game!

Swimming instruction is offered in all American Red Cross levels, as well as in kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. We also maintain rowboats for camper use. Campers swim in one of three separated areas, according to their ability. An enclosed area with a consistent depth of 3 feet provides a great place for beginners to get started. Separate docks are maintained for all small craft activity, as well as an occasional fishing expedition. All waterfront staff are certified American Red Cross Lifeguards (or equivalent) with special training in waterfront operations. We also have a certified Water Safety Instructor and a certified Lifeguard Training Instructor on staff.

Our large enclosed Rec. Hall is the perfect place for indoor activities, complete with a stage, ping-pong tables and a fireplace. A fully equipped Arts and Crafts cabin makes a great place to work on all kinds of projects. Other program buildings provide ample space for “rainy day activities”.

The woodland provides an ideal setting for our outdoor chapel where we gather for informal services. The focus of our worship is youth oriented, where popular music may be sung as hymns and skits may serve as “sermons”.

Our location within the Harriman State Park System provides us with many advantages. In a beautiful natural setting, with only other camps for neighbors, our site on Lake Kanawauke is isolated from commercial and private land use. Yet, we have easy access to all the park amenities. Campers enjoy taking trips to the Bear Mountain Zoo, hiking on the network of trails maintained by the park, canoeing through our adjacent lakes, and camping out at park sites. We may even venture a little further and take a trip to West Point or spend a day canoeing or rafting on the Delaware. As part of the park system we also have the added security of the very diligent Park Police Force.

Our youngest campers live in large screened cabins with one counselor for a maximum of seven girls. Several smaller cabins house up to six older campers with each counselor. The oldest campers live in platform tents which house five girls and their counselor.

Our large open-air dining hall sits on a hill overlooking our lake. Our meals are served family style, with six campers and a counselor at each table. To supplement a well-balanced menu, there is plenty to choose from on the cereal bar (breakfast) and salad bar (lunch and dinner). Even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy. And to top off dessert, we end our meals with our favorite camp songs and cheers.

A nurse is in residence throughout the summer to tend to all routine and emergency medical needs. A well-equipped infirmary serves as her living quarters and provides campers a place for rest, recovery, and plenty of tender loving care. In addition, many of our staff are first aid and CPR certified. We have a physician available for office visits, and Good Samaritan Hospital, in nearby Suffern, is easily accessible in cases of emergency. Your health insurance will be your daughter’s primary coverage while she is at camp, while our insurance is the secondary carrier.

It is our belief that when campers are having a great time, wonderful things can happen. As girls get involved in the excitement of the program, they learn to work and play together, to solve problems, to make good decisions, and to value the results of their efforts. It has been our privilege over the years to watch our campers grow physically, socially, mentally and spiritually. And they think they’re just having fun!

I hope this information is helpful. The answers to the rest of your questions are very easy to find. Just call our registrar, Marion Schumacher, at 631-351-1657.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Janet “Igoe” Paddack

Camp Director