Our Family Handbook contains a LOT of great information about preparing for camp and what happens during camp. We encourage parents to read the Handbook every summer as that is also where we include new or updated information for that year that they should know about. The handbook contains important dates, information about required forms, tips for first year families, packing information, check-in day information, and more.

Each camper is required to have a health examination with her physician prior to attendance. The forms must be completed 4 weeks prior to check-in and can be found on the Forms and Documents page. The examination must be within one year of her date of attendance. Upon check-in, the nurse will conduct a short health screening with each camper - please contact the registrar prior to check-in to discuss any concerns. If a camper requires regular medications, they must be given to the nurse in the original packaging at that time. Any medications will be administered by the nurse as directed.

Our top priority is the safety and health of our campers and staff. The most up to date information will be shared with registered families and posted in the Health + Safety section of our website.

Forms are due 4 weeks prior to your camper’s first session. Payments can be made throughout the year using our payment plans. Final payments are due June 1st.

Canteen is what we call our camp store - this includes all of the merchandise we sell online and the ad-hoc purchases campers may need to make during their stay with us. Campers can buy things like forgotten or misplaced items (toothbrushes, deodorant, flashlights, swim caps, etc) or snacks and a drink during our daily snack period. The latest Camp Ma-He-Tu fashions in tee-shirts, shorts, and sweatshirts are also available for purchase online and can be delivered to your camper during their session.

Campers should NOT bring cash or any other valuables. Parents will be asked to set up a Canteen account during registration to cover any expenses that the camper incurs during her session, such as special treats or snack purchases, or forgotten items.

A complete list of suggested clothing, linens, and accessories can be found on our Packing for Camp page. Avoid bringing anything expensive that could be easily damaged. Laptops, cell phones, or any other Wi-Fi enabled devices are strictly forbidden.

Our laundry facilities are extremely limited and are reserved for "emergency" use. The best approach is to bring enough clothing to last the entire two-week encampment without needing to do laundry. We also recommend that each camper bring a laundry bag to easily separate soiled from clean clothes and linens.

No. Cell phones are not allowed at camp. We feel strongly that the best way to experience camp is unplugged. Unplugged means no other devices that connect to data or Wifi as well. Any devices found will be confiscated and kept safely in the Director’s office until check-out day.

Our staff members are former Ma-He-Tu campers, so they understand what it is like to be away from home. We have a very positive support group to help campers adjust to camp life, and any homesick campers are treated with extra sensitivity and positive reassurance. Most campers who feel a little homesick during the first few days are the same girls who don't want to go home at the end of the session! Homesickness is normal and easily cured at camp.

Parents and guardians can help by sending reassuring letters (lots of them!) and making sure they let their camper know that if they stick with it, they will have a great time at camp.

It is important to remember that camp is an ideal place for your camper to increase self-confidence and independence. Phone conversations can significantly impede this growth and development, and despite best intentions, direct phone contact with campers nearly always escalates or intensifies homesickness and is generally discouraged. Parents are always welcome to call or e-mail the camp directors at any time to check on their child’s well being. The best way to communicate with your camper is through postal mail. Everyone likes to get a handwritten letter :)

This decision was not made lightly; however, we believe this is best for our campers, families, and staff. There are three main reasons we have decided to implement this policy:

1. Care packages can highlight economic or other disparities among peers. There are many campers whose families are not able to send packages, and we want to ensure that none of our campers feel left out or “othered” by not receiving a package.
2. Packages often arrive late or not at all. This can be extremely disappointing for you and your camper – not to mention a waste of your money if we never get the package!
3. Tracking down packages has become burdensome on our staff. Creating safe, fun, lasting memories for our campers is of higher priority.

Please visit our Keeping in Touch page for more detailed information.

When you arrive, you will be greeted by counselors to find out what cabin or tent you will be living in. Counselors will unpack your car and guide you through the rest of check-in which includes talking with the Director and Nurse. You’ll meet the other campers in your bunk, and get acclimated to camp with a full tour, and review of camp rules. The whole camp comes together for dinner and that’s where the real fun begins!

One of the best parts of camp is meeting new friends! But, of course we understand that sometimes it’s comforting to have someone you know in your same living unit, so we do our best to make accommodations within the same age group if the two campers' birthdays are within 9 months of each other. In this case, the older camper will move down to the younger cabin. Don't worry - you will be able to see your friend a lot throughout the day at Camp, all while meeting a new group of friends!

The office is open from 8:00am to 10:00pm while camp is in session. The preferred way to get in touch with us is via director@mahetu.org. For emergencies or time sensitive matters - the phone number is (845) 942-4508. We will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. During meals or all-camp activities an answering machine may pick up your call.

One of the best ways to learn more about Ma-He-Tu is to attend one of our Open Houses. You can get a full tour of our site, ask a staff member or Board member any questions, and possibly meet some other new campers! Check our Open House page for dates!

If you can’t make it to an Open House or find the answer to your question on our website – please let us know! We want to answer your questions and make sure we are providing the best information possible on our website. Please email info@mahetu.org or call us at 631-351-1657.