Let’s start LIVING THE DREAM, social distance style! Sleep in camp beds! Be together with camp friends! Be outside in the beautiful Berkshire air! We all need this! Watitoh Family Camp is a GO!
Watitoh Family Camp is an incredible opportunity to share in some of the magic of camp for a unique summer experience. Parents who listen to their camper’s stories and anecdotes all year long will get to live some of those moments with their kids together! Alumni will have the chance to fulfill their dream of reliving their camper days while friends will grow to understand some of the ways that make our hidden gem so special.
Swimming and Boating on Center Lake! Nature walks and hikes! Arts and Crafts and Tie-Dye! Parent/Camper Tennis Tournaments and Home Run Derby! Make s’mores around the campfire and watch movies under the stars! Many of our camp favorite activities will be open. There may be some that are unable to operate due to social distancing restrictions, safety, and staffing.
Rates and Enrollment Information:
- All-Inclusive Pricing for 4-Nights/5-Days
$3,000 for a private cabin of 4 people
$400 each additional camper per cabin (Campers under 2 complimentary!) - Families will rank their top 3 choices for dates and we will do our best to accommodate choice preferences.
- Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Current Watitoh families may apply their tuition credit to pay for Family Camp or provide a credit card/check for payment.
Below are some FAQs about Watitoh Family Camp. We recognize that there may be more questions and we are happy to answer them through email or by giving us a call at 413-623-8951.
TO ENROLL FOR FAMILY CAMP, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
We look forward to being together, while social distancing, and Living the Dream on the shores of Center Lake!
All our best,
Britton, Drew & Max
FAMILY CAMP FAQs
HOW LONG IS FAMILY CAMP?
Families may rent a cabin for a 4 night, 5 day stay at camp. Most sessions are Wednesday to Sunday beginning on July 1st. If you are interested in attending family camp for more than one week, please contact us. The sessions are:
Family Camp 1: Wednesday, July 1 – Sunday, July 5
Family Camp 2: Wednesday, July 8 – Sunday, July 12
Family Camp 3: Wednesday, July 15 – Sunday, July 19 – SOLD OUT!
Family Camp 4: Wednesday, July 22 – Sunday, July 26
Family Camp 5: Wednesday, July 29 – Sunday, August 2
Family Camp 6: Wednesday, August 5 – Sunday, August 9 – SOLD OUT!
Family Camp 7: Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
CAN I SHARE A CABIN WITH OUR FRIENDS/COUSINS/EXTENDED FAMILY?
Families can only share a cabin with the people who they have been living in quarantine with for a minimum of two weeks prior to Family Camp arrival. This is mandated by the state of Massachusetts.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE THAT I AM WITH OTHER FAMILIES THAT WE KNOW?
We understand that doing Family Camp with your children’s friends is a real draw to the experience. We recommend that you connect with your camper’s camp friends and choose the week that works best for each of your families. We cannot make any guarantees but will do our best to make sure you are with the people you enjoy.
CAN WE BRING OUR FAMILY PET?
Although we are very much dog and pet lovers we, unfortunately, cannot host them at Watitoh Family Camp.
HOW DOES ENROLLMENT WORK?
- Families will rank their top 3 choices for dates
- Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-serve
- Families may apply tuition credit to pay for Family
WHAT ARE THE FEES AND CANCELLATION POLICY?
Fees are $3,000 for single cabin rental up to and including 4 persons, and $400 per additional person over the age of 2. There is no charge for children ages 2 and under. Final payment is due June 30, 2020. All fees are fully refundable until two weeks prior to Campers’ session start date. All cancellations must be in writing. Please note that Family Camp is only possible if the state of Massachusetts and the local Board of Health allow it to operate. We are subject to the rules and policies of the Governor of Massachusetts and his re-opening plan.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
All cabins are equipped with private sinks, showers, and toilet facilities, hot and cold water and camp beds! Due to hygiene concerns, be sure to pack your pillows, twin sheets and towels! Packing list to follow!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR MEALTIME?
Three meals per day will be served in three styles throughout the week: outdoor, in the Mess Hall, and boxed meals “to-go.” Families will be assigned tables inside the Mess Hall and outside on picnic tables setup in a way to allow for social distancing. Disposable plates, utensils, and cups will be used. Watitoh will maintain a nut-free environment. We will follow all guidelines presented by the state AND get to participate in some of our camp favorite traditions in the Mess Hall! Knit one pearl too…
*Please share any special dietary restrictions/allergies on the enrollment form.
WHO ARE THE STAFF WORKING AT FAMILY CAMP?
Alongside Britton, Drew, Max, and Babs we have about 15 staff members who will be helping to create this amazing experience for our guests. They are a mix of program staff and general counselors, some returning and some new. We know there will be some very familiar faces that your camper’s will be excited to see!
WHAT WILL THE PROGRAM DAY LOOK LIKE?
- Families will travel as a unit to activities throughout the day. We will assign families to program areas for the structured periods so they can experience all that Family Camp has to offer. If a family does not want to go, there will be plenty of open spaces, courts, and fields open for them to play!
- Staff will be available at many activities to help lead activities. There will also be some activities that are parent guided with helpful instructions and supplies.
- Every night, we will offer all camp Evening Activities, and on certain days, there will be special events that mimic some of the most popular traditions (social distancing included)!
- Campers and parents will participate together in activities and not be separated for individual “camper based” or “grown-up based” activities. On select nights after evening activity and campers are in bed, parents may request to have a staff member sit “on duty” in the bunk area so parents may social distance with other parents. Those counselors will not interact with campers, rather be able to contact the parent to return to their child if needed. Additional fees may apply.
WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL BE OFFERED?
There will be scheduled day time activities as well as open spaces for families to use. Every night there will be an evening activity and there will be some exciting special events throughout the session! Please note that activities and schedule are all subject to change based on the Massachusetts Re-Opening Plan determined by the Governor.
Archery
Adventure: Giant Swing
Arts and Crafts
Bunk Challenges
Cooking
Dance
Fishing
Fitness
Frisbee Golf
Gaga
Hiking
Nature and Science
Oval Games
Tennis
Tie-Dye
Waterfront: Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding, Waterskiing/Tubing
Yoga
Zumba
and more…
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL PAID FOR PROGRAMS?
We have worked out a partnership with our Watitoh golf instructor at the hotel formerly known as the Cranwell Resort for private golf lessons and tee times for those who are interested.
HOW WILL EQUIPMENT BE DISTRIBUTED/ORGANIZED?
Wherever possible, separate equipment will be distributed to each family for use throughout the session (e.g. balls, bats, life jackets, etc.). Use of personal equipment is encouraged and will be outlined on the packing list. If equipment is shared, we will be following Massachusetts cleaning and sanitizing guidelines in between use.
IS THERE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ON SITE?
Families should pack, and be ready to administer their own medicines and prescriptions as well as basic first aid (Tylenol, band aids etc.). One camp nurse will be available to assist with emergencies or unforeseen health issues.
IF I AM RENTING A HOUSE IN THE BERKSHIRES, CAN I COME VISIT FOR THE DAY?
We are sorry to say that day campers and visitors are not allowed to visit for the day. We realize that this may be disappointing for those who are renting in the area or visiting family. Due to the nature of the COVID-19 situation and the local Board of Health protocols, Family Camp is meant to be a “bubble.”
WHAT SAFETY MEASURES DOES MY FAMILY HAVE TO TAKE PRIOR TO ATTENDING FAMILY CAMP AND DURING THE SESSION?
- Families are urged to test for COVID-19 prior to arrival to camp. If you are unable to find a test near, you may opt to for the Vault Health At-Home COVID-19 Saliva test (www.vaulthealth.com.) Please note that while this is not required, it is highly recommended.
- Families are asked to take daily temperature checks for 14 days prior to attending Family Camp and not attend if there are any known symptoms.
- Families will have daily temperature checks and health screenings while on camp that will be administered by our camp nurse while on camp.
DO WE HAVE TO WEAR MASKS ON PROPERTY?
Our goal is to offer a needed respite from the world we have been living in for the last few months. In order to do that, we have an obligation to do our part in keeping our guests and staff as safe as possible. Masks will be required for our staff as per Massachusetts re-opening guidelines. Families will need to wear masks at certain times throughout the day, specifically when social distancing is not possible or indoors.
WHAT IS THE CLEANING/SANITIZING PROTOCOL?
First activity: Make a family job wheel!
All cabins will be cleaned and sanitized between Family Camp sessions. Families will clean their cabin during their stay. Watitoh will supply cleaning supplies. Public bathrooms (The Den) will be closed under Massachusetts regulations. All equipment will be properly washed and sanitized between use, multiple times throughout the day, and between each session.
CAN I LEAVE THE PROPERTY?
The local Board of Health has requested that families do not leave camp during their stay. We realize there may be extenuating circumstances that require you to leave property and we request that you keep these to a minimum. We are offering off-site private golf lessons, tee-times, family hiking, and bike riding/running off camp by choice. These are excluded from the request since they are part of our offered program.
WHAT IS THE WIFI AVAILABILITY ON CAMP IF I NEED TO WORK?
WiFi is not available inside the cabins but may be available in certain public spaces. We suggest bringing a personal hot-spot if WiFi is needed. Most cell phone companies are reliable on camp.
MAY I BRING MY OWN SNACKS AND ADULT BEVERAGES?
Yes. Families are welcome to bring their own selection of snacks, drinks and beverages. Watitoh Family Camp is a BYOB event. Please remember we are a nut free facility. On the packing list, you will see an airtight container to store dry food snack items. Remember to throw in a bottle opener and plastic drink cups. Watitoh can provide ice if needed.
