Get Ready For a Summer of Smiles

Our Philosophy

A camp has no rival as a place where children can spend a Summer filled with new adventure, new experiences, and new friends. What other place can make the claim of being purposefully designed to serve the many, varied physical and psychological needs of healthy children? While good fun and wholesome adventure must clearly be obtainable for all, it goes without saying that a modern camp is also obligated to inform and instruct children in many social and physical skills considered indispensable for the “adequate personality” and to help children successfully meet the many challenges of our society in this shrinking world.

You chose Camp Hillcroft

Because Hillcroft offers it all. . . we are different from other camps! We are unique. Best of all. . . you don't have to travel from place to place . . . a well rounded summer is all here! Children have the opportunity to experience a full range of enrichment activities: creative arts, swimming, outdoor adventure, theater, dance, farming and a full sports program.

A Typical Day at Hillcroft

A typical Day at Hillcroft is very structured and varied with over 30 different activities.  We believe a campers day should include swimming and both physical and creative experiences.  Campers arrive at 8:45am, Program begins at 9am and ends at 3:40pm.  After snack and a brief closure with their counselors the campers go home at 4:30pm.....tired yet fulfilled!!!

Sample schedule 4-7 year olds                    Sample schedule 8-12 year olds                  Sample schedule 13-14 year olds

Our Superior Swim Program

Supervised instructional and free swim are scheduled daily in our three pools. THAT"S 2 SWIM PERIODS A DAY!!! Under the leadership of certified life guards and experienced teachers, swim instruction follows American Red Cross guidelines, with small-group attention (average size of a group is 9 campers!).  Parents are amazed at the improvement their children show.  From non swimmer to accomplished freestyler, all levels are targeted and parents see an increase in water confidence as well as advanced swimming techniques.

Experienced Professional Staff

Members of our staff are selected for their integrity, uniqueness and respect for each individual, for their educational backgrounds, and for the specific skills they offer. Many return year after year, insuring the continuity of our values and traditions. Our head counselors have professional backgrounds that equip them to handle any problem which may arise. A majority of group leaders and instructors are graduate students and teachers, and counselors have at least some college education. All are distinguished by their dedication to their important role.

Health and Safety

An infirmary is maintained at the camp with two registered nurses on the premises at all times.  The nutritional lunch program is expertly planned. Family style meals, including homemade soup and fresh salad, are served in our pleasant dining rooms, with campers and staff eating together. An afternoon snack is provided.  Maintenance of our facilities and equipment is ongoing and excellent...meeting the standards of the American Camping Association and Dutchess County Health Department.

American Camping Association  (ACA)  Why are we accredited?

ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. Its nationally-recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp's operation.

ACA Accreditation means that Camp Hillcroft submitted to a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camp Hillcroft and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

This does not guarantee a risk-free environment, but it's some of the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children.