FAQs
Q: Are the bathroom facilities located in the cabins?
No. However, they are very close to the cabins. In most cases, you can stand on your cabin porch and see the bathhouse.
Q: My child wants to come with a friend? Can they be in the same cabin?
Absolutely. As long as they are the same gender and within one year of age, we can honor the request. It is very easy to request a Cabin Mate. On your registration form, there is a place to fill in your cabin mate requests. Just put down the name of the other child you want with your camper and we'll be sure to take care of it! Occasionally, someone wants us to put children who are more than 1 year apart in age. If we must honor the request, the oldest campers has to move in to the younger camper's cabin.
Q: How do I know what activities my child will participate in?
Your child will experience a variety of activities while are camp. Here are just a few of the activities that we offer: Arts and Crafts, Horses, Ropes, Archery, Riflery, Sailing, Watersports, Canoeing, Waterslide and Sand Volleyball and Swimming.
Q: I just registered. now what?
All additional forms that you will need for camp are available online under Parent Packets or in the right hand navigation under Forms. These forms include: Health History Form, Camper Profile form, Horse Waiver and more. ALL of these forms must be completed and sent to camp three weeks prior to your child's session.
Q: What if my child has special dietary needs?
Our cooks are great about making accommodations for campers that have allergies or special dietary requirements. Please make sure you notify the camp staff in writing of the special requirements.
Q: Do you offer bus transportation to and from the Camp?
Yes. We offer bus transportation to and from Camp Cullen from the Weekly YMCA ONLY. An additional fee of $85 is required for this service.
No. However, they are very close to the cabins. In most cases, you can stand on your cabin porch and see the bathhouse.
Q: My child wants to come with a friend? Can they be in the same cabin?
Absolutely. As long as they are the same gender and within one year of age, we can honor the request. It is very easy to request a Cabin Mate. On your registration form, there is a place to fill in your cabin mate requests. Just put down the name of the other child you want with your camper and we'll be sure to take care of it! Occasionally, someone wants us to put children who are more than 1 year apart in age. If we must honor the request, the oldest campers has to move in to the younger camper's cabin.
Q: How do I know what activities my child will participate in?
Your child will experience a variety of activities while are camp. Here are just a few of the activities that we offer: Arts and Crafts, Horses, Ropes, Archery, Riflery, Sailing, Watersports, Canoeing, Waterslide and Sand Volleyball and Swimming.
Q: I just registered. now what?
All additional forms that you will need for camp are available online under Parent Packets or in the right hand navigation under Forms. These forms include: Health History Form, Camper Profile form, Horse Waiver and more. ALL of these forms must be completed and sent to camp three weeks prior to your child's session.
Q: What if my child has special dietary needs?
Our cooks are great about making accommodations for campers that have allergies or special dietary requirements. Please make sure you notify the camp staff in writing of the special requirements.
Q: Do you offer bus transportation to and from the Camp?
Yes. We offer bus transportation to and from Camp Cullen from the Weekly YMCA ONLY. An additional fee of $85 is required for this service.
Q: Do you have any Open Houses?
Yes. Come try out some of the activities, meet the staff and see the bunkhouses where you will be sleeping. Get all of your questions answered! The event is free. You may also register on site. If you need directions, please check out the Maps and Directions section of our website and download the map. If you are unable to attend this date, but would still like to see camp before registering just call the camp office to make an appointment for a tour!
Q: What is the ratio of staff to campers?
Our ration of counselors to campers is 1:6. We have at least two counselors in each cabin for 12 campers.
Q: What is the hiring process for your counselors?
All of our counselors have completed their first year of college and are dedicated to working with children. All staff go through the following before ever working with the campers:
1. Interview
2. Reference Checks
3. Criminal Background
4. Pre-Employment Drug Screen Testing
5. Two weeks of Staff/Skills Training
Q: How much money is recommended for the camp store?
Each camper will be given a camp t-shirt. The camp store will have snacks, drinks (no sodas), shirts, hats, backpacks, water bottles and other camp memorabilia for purchase. $30 is recommended for each week that a camper is here. The camp store will also be available during Opening and Closing Days. Please do not send cash with your campers.
Q: Are the campers grouped by age?
All cabin assignments are made by age. There should not be more than one year age difference between the campers in the cabin. During the scheduled activity time, campers will go to the activities as a cabin group. During the choice activity periods, campers will be grouped by older and younger groups. The 8-11 year olds will do activities together and then the 12-14 year olds will do activities together.
Q: Can I call or visit my child at camp or can my child call me from camp?
Due to the nature of the program, visiting your child or talking to them on the phone is highly discouraged. Often the child is having a wonderful time at camp, but may become homesick when a parent, guardian or family member visits or talks with him/her on the phone. It also affects the other children in your child's cabin and could create the domino effect. Sending letters is highly encouraged. If you do become concerned about your child, please feel free to call the camp office from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The camp office will notify a leading staff person. He or she will check on your child and return your call after they have had time to visit with your child and your child's counselor.
Q: How many campers are in each cabin?
Camp Cullen has 10 cabins on the girls ridge and 10 cabins on the boys ridge. The cabins sleep 16 to a cabin, but there are no more than 10-12 campers in each cabin. Each cabin will also have 2 counselors and possibly a CIT or a volunteer.
Q: What time is check in and check out?
Check in is on Sunday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and Check Out is from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on Saturday.
Q: Will I need identification to check out my camper?
Yes. For the safety of all the campers, staff will request a picture i.d. when you are signing your child out.
Q: What is the weekend stayover program?
If your camper is staying for more than one week, they can stay at camp for the weekend and continue activities. The weekend schedule will be very laid back compared to the weekly schedule, because all campers will need some extra rest to prepare for the next week. The cost for the weekend stay over is $150.
Q: What if my child gets homesick?
The first day is the most important one as far as making the campers comfortable. The counselors will get every child involved in get to know you games and activities. Every child will have a buddy for the week in the cabin, which also helps. Counselors are trained to look for signs of possible homesickness and how to deal with it if it occurs. If it becomes a major issue, the camp leadership staff will contact the parents within 24 hours to work on the best possible outcome together. We want every camper's week at camp to be a positive experience.
Q: Can I call or visit my child at camp or can my child call me from camp?
Due to the nature of the program, visiting your child or talking to them on the phone is highly discouraged. Often the child is having a wonderful time at camp, but may become homesick when a parent, guardian or family member visits or talks with him/her on the phone. It also affects the other children in your child's cabin and could create the domino effect. Sending letters is highly encouraged. If you do become concerned about your child, please feel free to call the camp office from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The camp office will notify a leading staff person. He or she will check on your child and return your call after they have had time to visit with your child and your child's counselor.
Q: How many campers are in each cabin?
Camp Cullen has 10 cabins on the girls ridge and 10 cabins on the boys ridge. The cabins sleep 16 to a cabin, but there are no more than 10-12 campers in each cabin. Each cabin will also have 2 counselors and possibly a CIT or a volunteer.
Q: What time is check in and check out?
Check in is on Sunday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and Check Out is from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on Saturday.
Q: Will I need identification to check out my camper?
Yes. For the safety of all the campers, staff will request a picture i.d. when you are signing your child out.
Q: What is the weekend stayover program?
If your camper is staying for more than one week, they can stay at camp for the weekend and continue activities. The weekend schedule will be very laid back compared to the weekly schedule, because all campers will need some extra rest to prepare for the next week. The cost for the weekend stay over is $150.
Q: What if my child gets homesick?
The first day is the most important one as far as making the campers comfortable. The counselors will get every child involved in get to know you games and activities. Every child will have a buddy for the week in the cabin, which also helps. Counselors are trained to look for signs of possible homesickness and how to deal with it if it occurs. If it becomes a major issue, the camp leadership staff will contact the parents within 24 hours to work on the best possible outcome together. We want every camper's week at camp to be a positive experience.
Q. What do we need to pack for camp (Camp Cullen)
Here is the recommended packing list for one week of camp:
Please send appropriate clothing with your child, taking into consideration the weather forecast and the camp activities. We encourage you to send old clothing to camp, as your camper will be doing rugged sports, climbing and hiking through the woods and horseback riding. Please review the list of things that you are sending to camp with your camper so they know what clothing and personal items are theirs. Luggage should be compact and easy to carry. NOTE: There are no laundry services at Camp Cullen.
We ask that girls do not bring bikinis to camp. Tankinis are o.k. Clothing that is loose fitting, low cut, too revealing or advertising unacceptable logos are not allowed. Shorts and T-Shirts fit our activities best.
Clothing:
2 Pairs of shoes as sneakers or athletic shoes
1 pair of flip flops or sandals for the shower and waterfront activities
1 pair of jeans (required for horseback riding)
2 swimsuits
7-8 pairs of underwear
7-8 t-shirts or blouses
7-8 pairs of shorts
7-8 pairs of socks
Raincoat or Poncho
Hat or Cap (protection from the sun)
2 Pairs of shoes as sneakers or athletic shoes
1 pair of flip flops or sandals for the shower and waterfront activities
1 pair of jeans (required for horseback riding)
2 swimsuits
7-8 pairs of underwear
7-8 t-shirts or blouses
7-8 pairs of shorts
7-8 pairs of socks
Raincoat or Poncho
Hat or Cap (protection from the sun)
Bedding:
1 Sleeping bag or 2 single sheets and 1 light blanket
1 Pillow
Laundry bag (old pillow case will work)
1 Vinyl mattress cover for twin bed (optional)
Toiletries:
Soap & Soap Dish
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Brush or Comb
Shampoo and Conditioner
4-5 washcloths
3-4 bath towels
1-2 beach towels
1 Flashlight with extra batteries (A MUST)
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Brush or Comb
Shampoo and Conditioner
4-5 washcloths
3-4 bath towels
1-2 beach towels
1 Flashlight with extra batteries (A MUST)
Optional:
Insect Repellent (non-aerosol)
Paper, Pen, envelope and stamps
Camera and Film
Sunscreen or Sun Block
1 water bottle or canteen
Costumes for Theme Activities.
