Sending your child to sleepaway camp for the first time comes with a lot of questions, and “how will I know they’re okay?” is usually near the top of the list.
At Camp Lakota, we’ve built multiple ways for parents to stay informed and connected all summer long, while giving campers the space they need to truly thrive. Here’s exactly how it works:
There’s nothing quite like a handwritten letter, and your camper will be waiting for yours. Mail is distributed daily at Camp Lakota, and it’s one of the highlights of every camper’s day. We encourage families to send letters early and often throughout the summer.
To send mail, address it to:
[Camper Name] Camp Lakota 56 Park Road Wurtsboro, NY 12790
We recommend packing stamps and envelopes in your camper’s trunk before they leave, so they can write back to you too. There’s something special about the back-and-forth of camp letters; it’s a tradition Lakota families have kept alive for over 90 years.
Through your Bunk1 account, you can send your camper an unlimited number of emails throughout the summer. These aren’t delivered digitally; they’re printed daily, folded, and hand-delivered to campers along with their regular mail, so it still feels like getting a real letter.
Emails received before 9:00 AM are included in that day’s mail delivery. You can also set up a Guest Account to allow grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends to send notes directly to your camper.
Please note: campers do not have the ability to send email. Replies come the old-fashioned way via letters in the mail.
We know how much it means to hear your child’s voice. At the same time, the first week of camp is one of the most important; it’s when friendships form, routines settle in, and campers start to feel at home. To support that transition, we ask that campers hold off on calls home during their first week. This takes some patience, but has been shown to help reduce homesickness.
After week one, campers can schedule one phone call per week with their family. This rhythm is intentional; it gives your child the space to be fully present at camp while keeping you genuinely connected.
If you have an urgent concern at any point during the summer, our office team is always reachable at 845-888-5611.
Every day during the summer, our staff uploads photos of camp life to Bunk1, making it your personal window into everything happening at Lakota. Log in from anywhere to see your camper at the waterfront, on the field, during evening activities, and everything in between.
You can also share access with extended family members; Grandparents especially love this feature. Think of it as a daily summer feed that keeps you close without pulling your camper away from the experience they’re building.
Camp Lakota is a screen-free environment. Campers do not have access to phones, tablets, or personal devices during the summer, and this is one of the most intentional things we do.
When kids step away from screens, something shifts. Friendships deepen faster. Kids try things they’d never attempt otherwise. They discover what they actually enjoy when a device isn’t the default option. The confidence and independence that come out of a screen-free summer are things you simply can’t manufacture any other way.
The communication channels we’ve built, daily photos, Bunk Notes, phone calls, letters, are designed so that you feel connected and informed, without pulling your camper back toward the digital world they’ve stepped away from.
Care packages are a wonderful way to let your camper know you’re thinking of them, and we welcome them throughout the summer. Keep in mind that food is not permitted in the bunks, which means any food included in a care package will not be delivered to your camper’s bunk. To keep the environment fair and healthy for all campers, please stick to non-food items.
Here are some things to consider including:
Envelopes and packages must be no larger than 9″ x 12″. Oversized packages or boxes cannot be accepted and will be returned to the sender.
A small amount of pocket money is useful for batteries, stamps from the Camp Store, and souvenirs on camp trips. Cash should be sent to the camp office nor placed in the bunk. Our staff will hold it securely in your camper’s individual envelope, with daily access available.
Birthday packages are also welcome; just write “Birthday Package” clearly on the outside, and we’ll hold it in the office until your camper’s big day. Please keep birthday packages to non-food items, and avoid gifts intended for the whole bunk.
If you have a question, a concern, or just need peace of mind at any point during the summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Main Office Contact Information
Director Hannah is personally available to speak with families and is happy to answer any question, no matter how small.
We’d love to connect before the summer starts. Whether you want to understand exactly how communication works for your child’s age group, or you’re just not sure where to begin, we’re here for you.