Surprise Lake Camp's mission is to provide a high quality camping experience primarily for Jewish children which fosters their social, moral, cultural, physical and emotional education and development. This is achieved through wholesome recreation, Jewish ritual, environmental education, diverse program opportunities, responsible supervision and healthful surroundings. Surprise Lake Camp is committed to serving families regardless of ability to pay. Surprise Lake Camp boasts one of the most beautiful sites in the country, one of the most reputable programs, and a large, well-trained, caring staff. Many facilities, like our theater, are among the finest that you will find anywhere. But Surprise Lake Camp does not try to be like an exotic theme park, full of bright lights and glitter. We don't emphasize material things because we believe that the true magic of camping is rooted in intangibles like the beauty of nature, the guidance of a highly trained staff, and helping children to grow into well-rounded adults. Camp is a supportive, caring community with an upbeat Jewish flavor. We sing a lot and we cheer a lot, and we make the most of the unique opportunity camp affords to create a model of the world as it should be - joyous and at peace, achieving the human potential for successful group living. Only 60 miles north of downtown Manhattan, who would believe such an oasis could exist!