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What is the background of the camp staff?
Our Chief Executive Officer, Henry M. Thomas, III, is an alumni of Camp Atwater with over 30 years of camping administration and program experience. Mr. Thomas holds a Bachelors, PhD, and JD degrees, and is experienced in leadership and community development. He served on the American Camp Association Board of Directors, was a member of the Massachusetts Board of Education, recently appointed as a trustee of the University of Massachusetts and has been recognized nationally and locally for his work and leadership in the field of education and youth development. He is also the founder of the New Leadership Charter School, a Horace Mann charter school located in Springfield, MA.

Ms. Devonia Thomas, our Camp Director, possesses a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Education. Ms. Thomas has over 20 years of teaching experience in the public school system and over 25 years of camp experience. She has served as Camp Director with a full range charge responsibilities since 1995. During the off season, Ms. Thomas serves as Assistant Principal at German Gerena Community School in Springfield, MA.

As Program Director, Shadae Thomas leads a dynamic camp program. Ms. Thomas possesses a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Smith College, and a Masters in Education from Harvard University. She brings a wealth of camping experience to the position as a prior camper, counselor, and Assistant Program Director. During the off season, Ms. Thomas is a fourth grade teacher at the Gardner Pilot Academy in Boston, MA.

Senior counselors are recruited from colleges from geographically diverse locations. We have had over 30 different states and 6 different countries represented in our staff population. Our waterfront staff is equipped with licensing consistent with state , Red Cross, and ACA requirements. Our nursing staff are licensed registered nurses.

What is the ratio of counselors to campers?
The ratio for counselors to campers is one staff for every eight campers, 8-9 years old; one staff for every ten campers 10-15 years old.

What is the transportation system?
Campers are usually transported by camp vans which are leased vehicles for the summer. They are inspected by qualified mechanics and maintained by the camp driver. Other modes of transportation for large group field trips are buses that are contracted from established commercial bus companies. Occasionally staff cars are used to transport campers, particularly if there is an urgent need. Camp drivers are 25 years or older.

What are the ages of the counselors?
Among the counseling staff, 80% are 18 years of age or older. Our senior counselors are college students, and our junior counselors are at least 17 years old and usually high school seniors or graduating seniors. Any counselor under 18 years old will be at least two years older than any camper they supervise.

What percentage of staff return each year?
Between 40 and 60% of our staff return each year.

What percentage of campers return each year?
50-65% of our campers return each year.

Are references available?
References are available upon request. We typically ask parents from the area where the prospective camper is living to share their experience with the camp and it's program.

What are the sleeping accommodations?
Campers sleep in wood structure cabins equipped with electricity, bunk beds and individual rooms for two counselors. Cabin sizes accommodate anywhere from a minimum of 12 campers to a maximum of 25.

How are the bathroom facilities?
Bathroom facilities are located no more than 40 yards from any sleeping cabin. Bathroom facilities are bathhouses that include individual showers, toilet stalls and wash basins. Maintenance staff maintain the facilities for cleanliness and repair around the clock.