FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How should parents explore sending a son to Pathfinder?

Start by browsing our website for info about our programs, culture, and facilities. Pathfinder is accredited by the Canadian Camps Association and Ontario Camping Association, ensuring safety and quality. For more details, contact our director, Will Hopkins, at whopkins@camppathfinder.com or 646-707-1855. You can also attend an open house, schedule a visit, or take part in a Family Camp.

You can view and download enrollment information from this site, or request a package by mail from Camp's winter office in Maplewood, NJ. View the Pathfinder Enroll Form ...

Does my Camper really need a camp trunk? Where do I get one?

A trunk is useful for storage and organization at camp. You can use a Rubbermaid trunk with a hinged lid or invest in a high-quality camp trunk with a tray. Order one online at www.cnmfg.com/camp/. A packing tip: roll clothes and stand them upright to save space.

What other luggage is recommended?
A duffel or hockey bag works for extra gear, and a day pack or small hiking pack is great for outings. The Pathfinder Osprey day pack can be ordered at our online Candy Store and is a great choice and new fan favorite!

What is a Dry Bag? How does my Camper use it?
A 30L SEALINE Baja Dry Bag is essential for storing personal items on canoe trips. It's available at outdoor stores or at cost through Pathfinder.

How can we help him to keep track of his stuff?
LABEL EVERYTHING!—clothes, gear, and personal items. This helps prevent loss and mix-ups. You can also send him with the printable packing list so his counselor can make sure everything that got packed to head to camp makes it home.

Will you do my Camper’s laundry?
Yes! Laundry is done weekly for a fee of $1.60/per load + tax. Please provide a labeled, solid-colored drawstring bag for your Camper to use.

Does my Camper need sheets and blankets, or just a sleeping bag?
It’s up to him! Many boys prefer sheets and blankets on their camp bed, using their sleeping bag as a comforter and for trips. Camp beds are twin-sized with camp mattresses.

Does my Camper need expensive, specialized clothing and gear?
No. Send durable play clothes and old sneakers. Essential items include good trip boots, a sleeping bag, headlamp, rain gear, life vest, and SmartWool socks. There are special considerations for AA campers. Pathfinder can help source key items at cost if needed. Be sure to read the Packing Guide for a more in-depth look.

Does my Camper need a full physical exam for Pathfinder?
No, but the Health Form requires a doctor’s office to provide basic info and a signature (optional). An immunization record is required. Note: COVID vaccination is required.

Medications – What should I do?
Send meds in original containers with instructions matching the health form. Place them in a labeled Ziploc bag and hand them to the Camp Nurse or your son's counselor. Campers with prescribed inhalers or EpiPens may keep them.

What if my Camper has allergies?
If undiagnosed, no worries—our staff is trained to handle allergy or asthma episodes and carries Benadryl/EpiPens on all trips.

What if my Camper gets sick?
Please don’t send him to camp if he’s sick—wait until he’s better, and we’ll arrange his arrival.

Our on-site medical team and nearby doctors ensure top care. If needed, we handle doctor visits, prescriptions, and notify you throughout. Our Medical Directors and Nursing Team are top notch and will consult with you every step of the way. Fees for some medical care may apply for non-Canadian campers, but you can seek insurance reimbursement.

Is help nearby in case of emergency?
Yes. Pathfinder is served by local EMS, including ambulance and air ambulance. Our Camp Nurse, First Responders, and certified trip guides are always ready for emergencies.

Will my Camper bathe, brush his teeth and otherwise maintain his hygiene?
Absolutely! Teeth brushing happens twice daily, and younger boys are supervised. Campers wash hands frequently, bathe after trips, and on Sundays (or when needed). Swim Staff ensure everyone is clean, and staff report any cuts, bites, or rashes to the Nurse. Teach your Camper to trim nails, wear sunscreen, and report minor injuries.

Will he be able to eat the food? What are meals like at camp? On trip?
Yes! Meals are home-style, hearty, and family-style with staff supervision. Campers are encouraged to try everything, but PB&J and fruit are always available. Special diets and allergies are accommodated—just let us know. On trips, campers enjoy fresh, delicious meals cooked over the fire.

What will the weather and the water be like?
July and August bring warm lakes and sunny days, with occasional thunderstorms and cool nights. Pack warm layers and a hat for chilly mornings. Sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves help with sun exposure.

Will the bugs be a problem?
Bugs peak in late May/June but ease by July. Mosquitoes are only active at dawn/dusk. Pathfinder uses natural repellents and bug-repellent incense in tents. Choose a lotion-based repellent (no aerosols). Expect some bites, but staff help prevent scratching and infections.

My young Camper still has a stuffed animal or may wet the bed. Will he be ok?
Of course! Many younger campers bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. For bed-wetting, send pull-ups and a twin mattress pad. Counselors handle it discreetly and can wake a Camper for a bathroom trip. Encourage him to trust his counselor.

What if there’s an accident and my Camper’s sleeping bag or sheets are soiled?
We handle it immediately by providing a fresh sleeping bag and laundering the soiled bedding.

What should my Camper NOT bring to camp?

No junk food.
No electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices)—okay for travel but locked up at camp.
No valuable items (expensive watches, heirloom knives, fancy clothes).
No flip-flops/open-toed sandals for safety reasons.
No personal outdoor gear (canoes, kayaks, climbing gear, bikes).
No inappropriate knives—small folding or sheath knives only, with supervision.
No aerosol cans, lighters, matches, or open-flame lanterns.
No outside food or beverages—Pathfinder provides everything needed.
No clothing with political messages, alcohol or drug references, or offensive graphics.
No adult literature.

What kinds of things are OK to bring to Camp?
A camera, binoculars, lacrosse stick, musical instrument, books, canoe paddle, ENO hammock, camp seat, sunglasses, fishing rod.

How will you take care of my Camper's important documents and electronics?
Passports, birth certificates, airline tickets, and medications should be handed to bus/airport counselors or camp staff upon arrival. These items are locked in the camp safe or safeguarded by the Camp Nurse.

How will my new Camper get involved in Pathfinder canoe trips?
All boys, new and returning, participate in trip training during the first few days, learning paddling, safety, packing, portaging, and campcraft. New Campers make friends and form trip groups with staff guidance.

Should my Camper ride the bus or should I drop him off?
The bus is a great value and helps campers make friends quickly. Half of our families choose to drop off their sons, which allows for a tour and meeting the staff.

How do we get to Source Lake? How do we get to the Island?
Directions are on our website. Call when you’re close, and a boat will pick you up for the short ride to Pathfinder Island.

Are there parent visiting days?
Parents can visit the island on camper pick up days, as well as June 30th and July 26th. Family Camp is a great way to spend some time on the island with the whole family.

Can I call my Camper?

Yes, but be mindful that calls from home can interrupt a camper’s growing independence. Instead, consider calling the Director for an update and sending an email for mail call. Wait at least a week before calling directly. Campers cannot make calls home.

What about letters? Is there a way to get them to my Camper quickly?
Send letters often! Mail takes 7+ days from the U.S., so send a letter even before camp starts. You can also drop off pre-written letters for mail call. Campers write home weekly. We provide all necessary materials.

You may fax or email your letter to camp and we’ll include it in the lunchtime mail call. Camper letters come to you by snail mail.

Can I send care packages?

Of course! NO food or candy care packages—they will be discarded. Non-food items like magazines, comics, small toys, and letters are great. Campers get treats from the Candy Store and a dessert daily with dinner.

What is unique about Pathfinder?

There is so much that is special to Pathfinder. For over 100 years, Pathfinder has focused on personal growth, independence, and wilderness adventure. Staff are mostly former campers, creating a tight-knit, homegrown tradition. The camp maintains a rustic, tech-free environment with a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio and a strong emphasis on canoe tripping. Loyal alumni support the camp through scholarships, volunteering, and sending their own sons to Pathfinder.

Who are the Staff members at Pathfinder?

Pathfinder has 70+ staff members, including directors and counselors, most of whom were former campers. Senior Staff return from careers in education and outdoor sports. Trip Staff train from a young age in backcountry canoe travel and hold certifications in wilderness first aid, lifesaving, and canoeing. The camp is led by owner/director Will Hopkins, with experienced assistant directors and supervisors. All staff are thoroughly vetted and background-checked.

What is the staff-to-camper ratio?

Pathfinder maintains a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio. In-camp activity ratios vary (1:1 to 1:8), while canoe trips consistently maintain a 1:2 ratio.

How many campers are at Pathfinder?

Each session has 105-110 campers. Age group capacities:

Ages 7-8: 24 campers
Ages 11-12: 34-45 campers
Ages 13-14: 30-40 campers
Ages 15-16 (AAs/LITs): 24 campers

Where do the campers come from?

Campers come from 14 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and several international countries, including the U.K., France, Colombia, and China. Most are from New York, New England, and Ontario.

What are the living arrangements on the Island?

Ages 7-10: Cabins (6-8 campers, 3 counselors)
Ages 11-14: Canvas tents (3 campers, 1 counselor)
Older staff, female counselors, and married staff have private cabins.
Nurses live in the Infirmary, and owners have simple cabins.
All meals are served family-style in the Dining Hall, with food made from scratch by a chef team.

How does the Director organize Camper supervision?

Campers are supervised at all times.

On canoe trips: Led by a Headman (19+, advanced certifications), assisted by 17-18-year-old counselors. Groups are 6 campers, 3 staff. Long trips may have 8 campers, 4 staff.
In camp: Counselors live with campers at a 1:3 ratio. Age groups are overseen by supervisors and assistant directors.

What are the activities? What is the daily program like?

Core activities (Pillars): Canoe Tripping, Swimming/Aquatics, Paddling, Earth Lore, and Ropes.
Other activities: Kayaking, sailing, SUP, snorkeling, biking, archery, arts, and sports (basketball, soccer, ultimate, etc.).

Daily schedule:

8:20 AM: Flagpole & breakfast
Morning: Assigned activities (swimming, ropes, canoeing, etc.)
Afternoon: Choice-based "Optionals"
Evening: All-camp games, movies, council fires, or lake time
9:00 PM: Lights out (varies by age)

What's the food like?

Meals are homemade by a chef team, led by Head Chef Gonzalo Pantoja. Ingredients are delivered by boat, and meals are served family-style. Special dietary needs, including vegetarian and nut allergies, are accommodated.

On canoe trips, staff cook over open fires, with fresh and staple foods like steaks, pasta, fajitas, bannock, and fresh-caught fish. Campfire baking includes trip fudge, cinnamon rolls, and calzones.

What are the safety practices at Pathfinder?

Pathfinder follows Ontario Camps Association standards and Canadian safety laws. The island has an Infirmary with a full-time Nurse and an on-call physician. Huntsville Memorial Hospital and regional EMS provide emergency support.

The Director, Headmen, and key Senior Staff are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR). Trip Staff are Red Cross or NLS-certified lifeguards and ORCA-certified paddlers. Fire and emergency drills are conducted each session. Trip guides are trained to handle emergencies, and Pathfinder crews have assisted others in Algonquin Park. For more details, contact Director Will Hopkins.