Summer Camp - FAQs for Parents
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Cradle Beach summer enrichment camping program?
Cradle Beach accepts children ages 8-16 with disabilities and children from low-income families.
Where is Cradle Beach located?
Cradle Beach is located at 8038 Old Lakeshore Road, Angola, NY right on the shores of Lake Erie, only 30 minutes from downtown Buffalo. Click here for directions.
What facilities does Cradle Beach have to offer?
Cradle Beach has over 60 acres of field, stream, forest, and beach. Our Jim Kelly House features a dining hall, a recreation hall, a computer lab, a library, dormitory rooms and our corporate offices. All our facilities are fully accessible, including cabins, swimming pool, nature trails, and even a tree house! We also have a sensory integration room, wheelchair accessible swing, basketball court, tennis court, ropes course, wheelchair challenge course, and playgrounds.
What will my child do while at camp?
Campers have a full day of structured programming that starts each day with a Polar Bear Swim (attend Polar Bear every day of your session and campers will receive an ice cream sundae at breakfast on their last day), breakfast, morning program (activities include arts n' crafts, sports, dance, computer lab, etc...), lunch, siesta, afternoon program, dinner, followed by an evening program that could include AmeriCamp Idol, Night on the Town, Cradle Beach has Talent, Camp Du Soleil or performances by various local artists, etc...
How old does my child have to be to attend summer camp?
Campers must be ages 8 (by June 1st) through 16 to attend camp for the coming season.
How do I get a camper application?
If your child is a returning camper, an application will automatically be sent to you in the early spring. If your child is a new camper you can call the admissions department at (716) 549-6307, ext. 205, or you can email the admissions department to request an application at admissions@cradlebeach.org
How much does summer camp cost and when do I have to pay?
Camp fees are set on a sliding scale based on income and family size. A non-refundable application fee of $30 is required at the time you submit the application. This fee is applied to the child's camp fee. After a child is accepted to camp, you will receive an acceptance letter with the amount owed. We can work out a payment plan, but the entire camp fee must be paid in full 10 days before the child comes to camp.
When should I send in my camper application?
All parts of the application should be sent back as soon as possible. All forms must be completed and submitted in order for your child to be accepted. Placement is done on a first come, first served basis. It is highly recommedned that you complete the application and return to cradle Beach before May 1, 2012.
Can Cradle Beach accommodate my child's food allergies?
We can accommodate most food allergies. However, these arrangmenets are made by our nursing and kitchen staff on a case-by-case basis.
Does Cradle Beach provide medical care?
Yes, Cradle Beach ALWAYS has a NYS Registered Nurse on staff 24-hours per day while summer camp is in session. Registered Nurses live on-site providing medical care, dispensing medications and caring for all the campers medical needs.
What is a PC?
PC is short for Pioneer Camper. These young people are 14-16 years of age and have a special camping program that is different from the program for younger children. PCs are still considered to be campers but take part in community service projects, as well as swimming, making friends, and participating in fun activities. PCs:
- Work as a team with others
- Participate in camp programs at counselor's request
- Help with kitchen duites
- Act as a role model for other campers.
How old do you have to be to be on staff?
Our Young Staff are 17-18 years old. Young staff duties are varied and they perform work in the kitchen and on the camp grounds in addition to helping program staff, counselors and supervisors with various duties. This is a paid position requiring work papers. These positions are limited.
Camp Counselors must be 18 years of age and have one year of college.
Camp Nurses must hold a NYS Registered Nurse license.
All summer staff applicants are encouraged to contact Bonnie A. Brusk, Director of Youth Services at 716-549-6307, ext. 206 or bbrusk@cradlebeach.org for more information.
