family camp

Camp Get-A-Way is a place where you and your kids can play, connect, create, and bond in the great outdoors. Try new things like archery, swimming, fishing, and canoeing as a family. Share laughter and s’mores by the campfire. Create memories over tie-dye fun, camp crafts, and games. Find hope through the family resources and training. And start lasting friendships with other New York families facing similar challenges.

REGISTER

dates

Camp Get-A-Way has four sessions in 2023:

  • August 20-23, 2023 • Canandaigua, NY
  • August 27-30, 2023 • Ithaca, NY
  • September 15-17, 2023 • Huguenot, NY
  • October 13-15, 2023 • Riverhead, NY

locations

August 20-23, 2023

Western Region – Camp Bristol Hills

4437 Kear Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424


August 27-30, 2023

Central Region

Camp Comstock

1419 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850

September 15-17, 2023

Downstate – Camp Reimagined

160 Big Pond Rd, Huguenot, NY 12746


October 13-15, 2023

Long Island – Dorothy P. Flint Camp

3186 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901

registering for camp

To register for Camp Get-A-Way, fill out our online registration. Once your application is received, you will get a confirmation email and a follow-up email or call from a Board Member. If you do not receive an email or phone call, please contact us because we have not received your application.

Camp costs:

  • $450.00 per family (for a family of up to five people; $50 per additional person)
  • $25.00 non-refundable application fee

Camp is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

REGISTER

faq’s

What do we need to submit before camp?

Before camp, each family must complete and submit:

  • A complete medical history form for EACH family member
  • A physical or letter from their primary care physician
Medical Form
PHYSICAL Form
What should we bring?

Camp Get-A-Way is not responsible for providing items that you forgot to bring.

WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:

  • Bedding for each family member – Pack pillows, pillow cases, sheets/blankets/sleeping bag for a twin size bed for each member of the family.
  • Clothes – Bring several changes of clothing because there are no laundry services at Camp Get-A-Way.
  • Lots of socks and underwear
  • Jackets, sweatshirts, socks, and warm shoes – It’s cold and wet in the early mornings and evenings at camp. 
  • Raincoat, poncho, and/or umbrella – Come prepared for any type of weather!
  • Pajamas
  • Sandals, flip-flops, etc. Closed-toe shoes – sneakers or boots
  • Hygiene products
  • Shampoo, soap, towels, and shower shoes – Shower caddies are super helpful.
  • Towels and swimsuit – swim trunks, 1-piece swimsuit or a 2-piece swimsuit with a t-shirt
  • Extra Ziploc bags (for wet things, gross things, and special treasures)
  • Laundry bag
  • Backpack for carrying stuff during camp
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Sunscreen (and aloe for missed spots)
  • Sunglasses and/or baseball cap
  • Insect repellant
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Phone Charger
  • Extension Cords
  • Alarm clock, fans, and night lights – we encourage you to label all electronic equipment and items of value. 
  • For babies and toddlers – portable cribs or pack n’ plays, diapers, baby food/formula and any extra “baby items” you would use at home.
  • Fishing poles
  • Life jackets if needed

THINGS YOU SHOULD LEAVE AT HOME:

  • Anything (clothes, CD’s, video games, etc.) depicting violence, drugs, vulgarities, or anything of a sexual nature.
  • Valuable items – Camp Get-A-Way is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
  • Large sums of cash – there are limited opportunities to spend money at camp and Camp Get-A-Way is not responsible for any valuables that are lost or stolen.
How is Camp Get-A-Way equipped to serve families?

Our staff and volunteers go through a special training before Camp Get-A-Way. The majority of them also work for the New York Office of Mental Health Programs or New York Family Support Programs. Our camp is driven by Family Support Program principles.

What safety measures are in place at Camp Get-A-Way?

There is a certified lifeguard present during all water activities. If a lifeguard is not present, families are not permitted to play in or near the water.

Our amazing nursing team is always present and available 24 hours a day. The camp is also connected to Wyoming County Emergency Services.

Are there scholarships?

We have limited family scholarships. Contact us at info@cgaw.org to learn more.

Can we bring medications to Camp Get-A-Way?

For security, medications may not be kept in family cabins. No exceptions. All medications will be kept locked in the nurse’s cabin. Medications will be returned to the parent/guardian at check out. Parents/guardians are responsible to remember medications and give family members medication at the appropriate time. 

All medications MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS (prescription and over the counter, with certain exceptions).

Medical Form
Do my kids need to stay with me at all times?

YES! For everyone’s safety, we require children to always be supervised by their parents/guardians. Children are the sole responsibility of their parents/guardians at all times. Parents/guardians must know where their children are at all times.Children 15 years old and younger must have direct adult supervision at all times.

Children 16 years old and older must be in direct visual contact with an adult at all times. 

Parents/guardians are responsible for any damage or destruction caused while at camp.

What is there to do at Camp Get-A-Way?

At Camp Get-A-Way, there’s always plenty to eat, fun activities, time to explore, and opportunities to relax as a family. You and your family may participate in as many or few activities as you’d like. 

Here are some of the activities we offer during Camp Get-A-Way:

  • Archery
  • Arts and crafts
  • Tie-dye
  • Rope courses
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Paddle boating
  • Swimming

Each evening, we have family activities which we require all families to participate in. It changes each year, but we love to do camp movie nights, bingo, dance parties, and campfires. 

Cell service isn’t always the greatest, but that’s okay, because there’s a ton to do.

What resources and activities are available for parents?

During the morning and evening parent coffee hour, we offer resources, encouragement, and training for parents. These sessions focus on sharing practical skills to help you care for your children struggling with an emotional, behavioral, or mental illness as well as your family as a whole on a daily basis.

What is the weather like?

Weather in the great outdoors can change quickly; therefore, we recommend you pack layers. It is cool at night so bring some warm clothing like sweatshirts, socks, hats, or jackets. Since it sometimes rains, we encourage you to bring umbrellas, raincoats, and shoes you can get muddy. 

Closed-toe shoes are required for some activities so don’t forget to pack them.

Is the camp food good? Allergy-friendly?

Maybe we’re a little biased, but we think the food at Camp Get-A-Way is delicious! Expect family-friendly favorites like pancakes and bacon, pasta, salad, tacos, sandwiches, and eggs.

When you submit your application, please note any and all food allergies and diet restrictions. If you do not submit these ahead of time, we will seek to do our best to accommodate them during camp, but please expect options to be limited.

Where do we stay?

Each family stays in their own cabin during Camp Get-A-Way. Cabins are rustic and have electric outlets and lights for Summer Session, but not for Fall Session. Cabins have screen windows with wooden shutters, screen doors, and a wooden exterior door. We recommend bringing extension cords for Summer Session. If you have back problems, bring a back board.

Cabins do not have refrigerators or running water. All meals and snacks are served in the dining hall. Because we are in the great outdoors, we ask that if you bring snacks for your family, you leave them in your car rather than your cabin.

There are showers and bathrooms for males and females located conveniently near the cabins.

Smoking is allowed only in designated area(s) of camp. Anyone smoking in non-designated areas will be asked to leave Camp Get-A-Way. There is absolutely NO smoking in or around the cabins. Children are not allowed in the smoking shelter.

Is there a place to do laundry?

No, there are no laundry services available at Camp Get-A-Way.

Are there quiet hours?

Camp Get-A-Way quiet hours are 10:00pm – 7:30am.

Can we bring pets?

While we love animals, the only pets allowed at Camp Get-A-Way are pet rocks. All other pets must be left at home.

Can we leave Camp Get-A-Way to run to a store?

Yes; however, you must sign out first at the nurse’s station and then sign back in when you return.

What are the Camp Get-A-Way rules?

Camp Get-A-Way has developed the following basic list of expectations to ensure a safe, healthy, and fun camping experience for everyone. During the first night of camp, we will review these and the other rules. 

  • No possession or consumption of illegal drugs, or being under the influence of illegal drugs is allowed in camp.
  • No alcohol, alcohol consumption, or being under the influence of alcohol is allowed while at camp.
  • No weapons are allowed in camp. 
  • No stealing.
  • No physical or verbal aggression towards others.

Any violation of these or other camp rules may result in a family’s dismissal from Camp Get-A-Way. All concerns will be reviewed by the Board. All decisions are final.