What’s it like to be a new camper? Does everyone already know each other?
It’s easy to be a new camper at SMA because there’s never a long legacy to ‘fit into’ as a first time camper. The youngest person arriving at camp is 12 and we only accept people up to the age of 16 so there’s always a mix of old and new faces. Plus, camp is small and filled with really nice people hoping to make new friends. It feels like home very quickly.

Can I contact my child at camp?
You are welcome to call your camper (814-667-3874) every few days around meal times (we do only have one phone line so please keep calls short).  You can also e-mail your child (put their name in the subject line) every few days; we will print out the messages and give them to your child.  You can also send letters and care packages to camp.

How do campers choose activities at SMA?
Every evening we have a meeting after dinner on the front lawn and each camper gets to choose activities for the following day.  Campers choose from seven options for the morning activity and seven options for the afternoon activity.

Does my child need to bring extra equipment?
No, unless a camper can't bear to be without his/her own tennis racquet, bike or golf clubs. We provide all of the helmets and specialized equipment necessary. However, horseback riders do need proper shoes.

Should my camper bring a cell phone to camp?

Cell phones may NOT be used at SMA.  Besides, we do not get reception!  We do understand that parents feel more comfortable with campers traveling to and from camp with their cell phones.  We do ask that campers turn in their cell phones at the office until the last day of camp.  

Are there extra costs?
No, we cover all expenses for laundry, rafting, the entrance fee to Hershey Park, ice skating, etc. Most people still bring a little spending money (about $25-40/week) for the Amish market, county fairs, etc. We do offer three specialized programs: SMA Golf Program, Horsemasters & Ski/Wake Master. There is an additional charge for these programs.

When does camp usually fill enrollment?
The first session usually fills early. We have had a “waiting list” form in December and as late as February. With 56 campers and a 50% return rate, that leaves about 28 spaces for new campers each session. Call or e-mail to find out about availability.

How old are the camp counselors and where do they come from?
We are located near Penn State University so each year we have students and graduates at camp.  Each summer we have a few veteran campers who return as counselors.  This is AMAZING because they know SMA from both ends and are passionate about SMA.  We also have four international staff each summer from England, New Zealand, Australia and other countries.  It is great fun to have “funny talkers” at camp as we get to learn about their cultures and ways of life.  Each summer around 60% of our staff return.  Our Camp counselors vary in age range from 21 to 25 years of age. 

Is there a family visiting day at SMA?
We do not have an official visiting day at SMA, and you are welcome to come any time.  Wednesdays and Sundays are the best days for parents to visit.  We can accommodate you on other days as well. 

What about I-pods and other electronic devises?
Electronic games and the like a prohibited at SMA.  Campers may bring an I-pod or mp3 player, but they may only be used at night in the bunks or in the van on long road trips to Hershey Park or the Youghigheny River.

How many campers are at SMA & where are they from?
Each session we have about 56 campers at SMA broken down equally between boys & girls.  Our campers mostly come from the cities in the northeast including: Washington, DC; Baltimore; Philadelphia; New York City; and Boston.  We also have campers from Pittsburgh, Chicago, Atlanta and Florida.  Each summer we have five or six international campers from France, Italy and England.

What about camper medications and SMA medical facilities?

It is our policy that all medications are kept safely and distributed by our camp staff.  Medications will be distributed at mealtimes or when necessary.  All minor bumps and bruises will be cared for by our camp staff.  We are very lucky to have a doctor who makes house calls at SMA.  We are located eight miles from JC Blair Memorial Hospital with Emergency Room Service.