No Computers, No Video Games
No I-Pods, No Cell Phones
No Radios, No TVs

Just The Woods & The Lake

Camp Choconut For Boys 9-15
Building Confidence and Self-Reliance
Through Woodland Activities Since 1896

Camp Choconut is a residential boy's camp. It was founded in 1896. Our program is designed to grow the whole boy, establish a sense of self-awareness with one's surroundings, and develop character in a safe, secure environment - all while having fun.

This summer we will have no more than 55 boys attend Camp Choconut. This small number is conducive to allow for individual attention; while at the same time allows the boys to feel a sense of camaraderie between all. The boys are split-up by age group and the cabin sizes range anywhere from 4 – 12 boys in each cabin. The counselor to camper ratio is 5:1 or 6:1.

Our camp philosophy is to “grow the whole boy.”

We try to find creative and entertaining ways to educate and challenge each boy, every day. We accomplish this through our Leadership Development program intertwined with our daily program. Its aim is to instill in each boy a sense of who he is in relationship to others; how his actions effect himself and others; to find the inner strength and desire to better himself; to develop a sense of empathy; to become a unique individual while becoming a better social citizen.

The daily schedule is very structured, yet provides enough free time where the boys do not feel overwhelmed with always "having to do something". The boys get up at 7:30 and we keep them busy with scheduled activities throughout the day and evening. We get to bed at 8:30 and the boys either read to themselves or the counselor appointed to the cabin for the evening reads to them. Interjected within our daily routine are "Big Games". These are camp wide games that take up about a 4-hour block either in the morning or afternoon. The boys love these games. And, of course, there is the infamous "Villa Hunt" - a three-day game of hide-and-seek within the 800+ acres available to us. The boys get 3 meals a day - they never leave hungry - and Noon time milk shakes to tide them over until our main meal, lunch. Fruit is available throughout the day for those boys that require frequent snacks.

The boys partake in morning "details" or "periods" where, as a cabin, they attend scheduled activities. These scheduled activities include some sort of teaching. Our teaching is cumulative and the boys build upon the skills they previously were taught. This program even works well with returning boys as they get to improve upon their previously learned skills and incorporate them into even more complex activities.

The afternoon provides a 2+ hour block of “free-time.” At lunch, each counselor stands up and says what activity they have planned for the afternoon. The boys are encouraged to select one of these activities. There is always something scheduled the boy will enjoy doing – fishing, boating, hiking, wood-shop, a sport activity, etc… The older boys sometime choose to do something on their own. This is not encouraged; however, it is permitted and a counselor goes along.

Our counseling staff goes through a complete week and a half of training prior to the start of camp. In addition, each counselor is required to complete an extensive online training course developed by Dr. Chris Thurber, a board-certified clinical psychologist and father. (You can read more about Dr. Thurber and Expert online Training at its Web site www.expertonlinetraining.com)

Please feel free to call me direct at 651-338-3042. And, visit our web site at http://www.campchoconut.com

Your summer adventure begins at Long Lake Camp in New York's Great Adirondack Park. Every day is thrilling as you embark on your unique journey. Campers enjoy all the positive aspects of camp life while living in modern cabins, having great fun and learning skills that will last a lifetime. At Long Lake Adventure Camp our campers have the unique opportunity to create their own schedule from a wide variety of options for each of our seven periods. We go on many exciting trips exploring the Adirondack high peaks, unspoiled rivers, lush forests plus sea plane rides and theme parks with roller coasters and giant water slides! Everyday you can go horseback riding, tubing, ATVing, play paintball, all land and water sports, you can start a rock band or get creative in our fine arts building. Since 1969 our family has provided the most wonderful experiences in summer fun. Campers immediately feel at home enabling them to thrive and grow.

Our trips are broken down into three categories.
Wilderness trips are designed for participants who are looking for a challenging, outdoor experience away from civilization and creature comforts. The group will be staying primarily in tents in primitive campsites, which means running water, showers and toilets are not available.Participants will have opportunities to take on leadership roles and learn back-country skills such as how to read a map and compass, knot tying and water purification techniques.

Multi-sport trips are designed for participants who are looking for a fun, outdoor experience. The group will be staying in tents in established campsites and campgrounds (unless otherwise noted) during their trip, where they will have access to showers, flushing toilets and running water. Participants will be responsible for camp chores (setting up tents, cooking, cleaning, etc) and most meals will be prepared by the group members on camping stoves. Trips destinations include Maine, West Virginia, Vermont, White Mountain and more!

Our Service Learning Adventures offer three trips partnered with Habitat for Humanity™ to build, landscape and create a home where a deserving family can start a new life. Gain the community service hours that many high school’s require for graduation, add to your college resume, and most importantly, make great friends and learn new skills while giving a part of yourself to service. (Must be 14 years or older to participate.)

Universal Camping, Gilboa, NY

Nestled peacefully in the grandfathers of the Catskills are eighty rolling acres of a magical summer experience. A specialized faculty of educational professionals supervise all activities. In addition to recreation, academics, fine arts and sports, the schedule is filled with interesting workshops on forestry, backpacking, wilderness survival, frontier construction, first aid, and cooking, as well as peer counseling and creative writing. Credited academic courses are available under the auspices of Bay Ridge Preparatory School in New York City. The atmosphere is warm, positive, and professionally structured so that campers can achieve their potential and go home with fond memories.

Come visit Universal Camping!!

We have a family friendly first camper policy of open communication as needed and visitation. Children are provided with a supportive environment of careful supervision and vigilant counselors who are there to attend to their many concerns with positivityand optimism.

The sports program has met with continuous praise for being motivational, cooperative, having the thrill of individual competition, offering excellent skills training, promoting team spirit and good sportsmanship,and having such professional coaches.
The Martial Arts Program is one of the most comprehensive in the world. Black Belt instructors demonstrate the basics of the art of Tae Kwon Do as well as showing some incredible self-defense and boardbreaking exhibitions. Campers learn how to perform flying kicks and power bag work. Above all, they are taught a philosophy of self-control and judiscious restraint in the face of adversity.

If campers achieve the basic skills, they will be eligible for belt test promotions! They will be officially certified by the World Martial Arts Association, which has its headquarters in New York City.

New Construction! Several new buildings are in completion now. A beautiful, spacious log cabin dormitory has an infirmary and gorgeous views of field and forest. The new bath house has spacious shower rooms with radiant heated floors. There is a newly constructed storm shelter, game room and computer lab. A new 1000 sq ft pavilion has been completed. These are complemented by yellow pine decks for late afternoon reading and enthusiastic conversation about the day's events.

NEW: Big Swimming Pool for the summer of 2012!

A nature pond near our stream bed enhances the science program with plenty of specimens for slides and microscope. Another, much larger pond on the hillside, is reserved for canoeing and kayaking. Just across the road is the dairy farm where we obtain maple syrup and fire wood, as well as tour the barn to learn the old fashioned dairy farming practices.

Then there is the incredible back-to-nature hiking, campfire building, and singing camp songs while toasting marshmallows! In the evening, we have story readings and the goodnight song.

Give us a call anytime, take a look at our Universal Camping website, drop us an email, or come visit us in the Catskill Mountains!

360° Student Travel by Westcoast Connection allows you to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, improve your foreign language skills or get a taste of the college life. Regardless of travel style, all of our programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. By moving outside of their comfort zone, 360° trip members experience different cultures and new adventures that encourage self-development, group bonding, and an unparalleled sense of discovery.
360° Student Travel offers 7 program types on 6 continents in 19 countries – Active Teen Tours, Community Service, Language Programs, Pre-College Enrichment, Global Adventures and ON TOUR for 11th and 12th Grade Completing Students in Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador/Galapagos, Europe (England, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland), Fiji, Israel, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and the United States (including Alaska & Hawaii).

American Trails West Teen Tours, with 46 years of experience in student travel, offers the most wonderful summer adventures imaginable. ATW participants can raft the best rivers, hike sandstone canyon trails, or ski down Alpine mountains, while enjoying the excitement and entertainment of major cities. Itineraries include the East Coast, Western United States, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe. Teen Tour Participants can choose exciting combination resort, hotel, camping and dorm trips, or deluxe resort, hotel and dorm tours. These 2 to 5 week programs offer a skillful blend of outdoor activities, sightseeing, sports, and evening entertainment. ATW accepts travelers from 13 to 17 years old, but each group is made up of students of the same age, traveling with a highly experienced staff of young adults who understand and relate to teenagers. A summer of travel with American Trails West Teen Tours is a broadening experience in discovering new places, and an opportunity to make friends with fellow travelers from across the United States, Canada and Europe. Our unique MINI TEEN TOURS, specially designed for middle school students in the NY/NJ Metropolitan Area and the Philadelphia/Cherry Hill area, feature travel from Monday to Friday, with weekends at home. The Mini Tours are hotel programs with destinations ranging from Virginia Beach to Niagara Falls, from Maine to Orlando. Our two GET-A-WAY tours travel for 2 weeks at a time, you can choose either one or both.

Founded over 100 years ago, we focus on personal growth fueled by fun – sports, arts, adventure and camaraderie. Nestled in the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains, surrounded by pristine Lake George, this upstate New York sleep-away camp for boys and girls is a wondrous environment that will enliven your child’s spirit. We welcome your children to the best summer of their lives!

From our first trip exploring the western USA and Canada, we could never have imagined how many thousands of teens would come to share in our spirited groups and travel with us on 7 program types in 6 continents throughout 19 countries .

30 years ago, Westcoast Connection / 360° Student Travel began with a modest goal of using exciting, memorable travel to teach and inspire teenagers and to enhance their understanding of themselves along the way. Our philosophy of “EACH & EVERY” is the cornerstone of our programs; “EACH” focuses on respecting the individual, looking for what makes each student unique and avoiding a one size fits all approach while “EVERY” reminds us that no matter how incredible a site like Bryce Canyon or Machu Picchu might be, the experience would fall below expectations unless we created tightly knit groups where everybody is included in an enriching program. With amazing sights, activities, accommodations and restaurants, there's no doubt that Westcoast Connection will show you the "perfectly planned, perfectly paced" summer of a lifetime.