Summer Camp - FAQs for Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend Cradle Beach?

Cradle Beach accepts children 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.

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, click here or call the admissions department at (716) 549-6307, ext. 205. You can also download an application by clicking here 2010 Camper Application.

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.

Can Cradle Beach accomodate my child's food allergies?

We can accomodate most food allergies. However, these decisions are made by our nursing staff on a case-by-case basis. Click here for further information.

What is a PC Camper?

PC is short for Pioneer Camper. These young people are 14-16 years of age and have a program that is different from the program for younger children. PCs 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 work all over camp. This is a paid position requiring work papers. These positions are limited. Please call Bonnie A. Brusk at 549-6307 ext. 206 for more information.

Camp counselors must be 18 years of age and have one year of college. For a job application, call Bonnie A. Brusk at (716) 549-6307, ext.206. International staff must apply through the YMCA International Camp Counselor Program.

Would you like to download a camper application form? Click HERE.