Resident Staff

(Staff that live at camp in separate dorms, for males and females with bathrooms, hot water and showers.)

Weekends Off

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Resident staff enjoy their weekends off which begin on Fridays at 5:15pm and end on Sundays at 10pm. In past summers many staff got together in small groups to coordinate their weekend plans, which included visits to Boston, Cape Cod, Washington DC, Niagara Falls, New York City or Vermont, all a reasonable weekend drive. Staff who have shared in these weekends claimed to have had some of the best times of their lives.
Some staff choose to stay at camp to relax and explore the immediate area. Fortunately the beautiful Hudson Valley area offers the famous Appalachian hiking Trail and many parks and lakes where staff can enjoy hiking, swimming and picnicking with friends.


Breakfast and dinner are served Monday through Friday, lunch is always with the campers. During the weekend, a late breakfast is served on Saturday and Sunday with lunch fixings available for staff to make a packed lunch. Dinner is served only on Sunday evening.

Evening Activities

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Every Monday evenings are open for staff to plan their own trips, or just to relax and hang out with friends. Tuesdays offer both residential and day staff a camp sponsored trip. (ie, bowling, pizza, movies, mall, ice-cream, rollerskating, golf, firework displays and parades.) Wednesdays feature an outdoor Bar-B-Q, and for those who have the energy, a friendly sports tournament such as Volleyball, Softball or Basketball. On Thursdays resident staff participate in camp community service projects (ie, lining ball fields, helping to weed the garden, add a fun element to the obstacle course, organize and collate the camp newsletter. . . . )

Typical Day

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A Resident Counselor's day at Hillcroft begins with a 7am wake up call followed by breakfast. At 8:15am all resident and day staff gather for a daily informational meeting concerning coming events, camper absentees, special arrangements, program changes and any other information pertaining to that day or week. The campers day starts at 9am and ends at 4:30pm. Once the children go home, approximately 45 minutes are set aside on Monday through Thursdays for staff meetings. Dinner is served at 6pm and often followed by different activities and free time for our resident staff.
Dominik F, Austria, Counselor ‘07 & ‘08

I came back to Hillcroft becuse nobody ever, who hasn’t experienced camp would understand what it is like. It is an unique summer, it is hard work, but what comes out at the end is definitely worth it.

Tim V, Holland, ‘08

 Looking back this summer was a big deal and a life changing experience. I found acceptance with a group of people who were very open, social and had very different interests. Everyone makes the first timers feel welcome and it makes it easier to return the year after. I had the most perfect summer and I can’t wait for next year!

Carly F. US ‘07 & ‘08

This is my second year at Hillcroft and as soon as I set foot on the Camp this June I felt as if I never left. This is because Hillcroft leaves such a huge impression on people. Once you meet the staff and the campers you feel right at home.  I have loved being a part of this family and have had the honor of working with such genine children and adults.