This is the only sleepaway camp i have ever been to, but is also the only one I would ever dream of going to. 250 campers go each summer, and I guarantee that almost all of them are nice. For parents that are considering sending their kids here, do it. Your child's self esteem should rise, and the staff will make them feel at home. The campers in the bunks will become their siblings forever. They will learn more than you will ever know, both academically and mentally. Appel Farm is a big family. Everyone knows everyone and loves everyone. The counselors care a lot about the campers, and are almost like their second set of parents. I've went for two summers and my life has changed so much by it. I love this place, and I'm sure you will too. I've got my appel inside me forever <3 Appel Farm 2011-2012 REPRESENT!!!
i went from blue lake to there and have to say the standards at blue lake are way higher. i am a quiet person and everybody at appel is fake nice and energetic and i can tell their nice but it seems so fake. one staff was great the brass teacher had tons of great ideas and rescued me that summer and i made 1st chair in band because of him. he didnt force he just let me figure it out and helped along the way i wish i could take lessons all year. the rest of the games were childish they pretended to let us be who we want as long as it was what they wanted us to be like (fake energetic like them). the camp is great for younger kids but i'm just glad at least one of them treated me like i wasnt six years old.
Our 14 year old daughter has attended Appel Farm each of the last two summers. Our experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The Administration is extremely capable and professional. The teachers and counselors are engaged and enthusiastic. The community of campers is welcoming and diverse. The bottom line is that Appel Farm has been an incredibly positive experience for our daughter...on for us! She is more confident, more independent and happier.
This summer camp has been my home for two summers. I have made so many new friends here and learned so many new things. Some people think that summer camp is lame and stupid. NOT THIS ONE! We do so many fun things and all the people are so nice. It's where people who are a little bit different come to. It's where it's O.K. if you're a boy and you paint you nails. It's where it's O.K. to not wear makeup or do your hair. It's the only place I can really say I have ever been where I loved everyone. And everyone loved me back. The staff became like older sisters/brothers over the summer. They cared about me and I cared about them. This is a drama and judge-free camp. I look forward to going back till I can't go no more. My parents have to take me out of camp crying my eyes out on the last day. And it's all i think and dream about during the year. It's the place where I can express myself and be who I really am-without the fear of someone being mean. I've got my Appel inside me forever.
The camp is one-of-a-kind.My nephew attended when he was 15. He has some social interaction issues, but he made some friends and was treated with great understanding and support. It was a wonderful way for him to step out of his world, and just be himself. I think that he will carry this experience with him for a long time. It's really important for kids to have the freedom and support to try a lot of things as they are figuring out their lives. Our family can't say enough about how great the camp is.
I really love this camp. Every year I can't wait to go back. It's an amazing free place where you can be yourself and meet amazing people. If you don't fit in well at school its perfect. Even the strangest of people fit in and the environment is sooo positive to everyone. It's also really great for older kids like me, because you get lots of free time to just chill with your friends and it's not to restricted. I've learned so much at this camp and I hope to learn even more. <3 appel farm <3
This was my daughter's first year at sleep away camp. On visiting day, I asked her what she didn't like about camp, and she couldn't think of anything. She's already asking about next summer. The emotional growth was amazing!
I thought it was amazing... it taught me valuble life lessons as well as it boosted my confidence in my self. I love Friday-Night Concerts and I cannot wait to go back in two years! : )
i agree af was awesome in 02,03. it's been going downhill, but overall it is my second home, and i cheerish all of my experiences there, like i do the bestfriends i made there. i've hade some bad experiences, but none of them compare to the amazing ones i had. overall, i made my bestfriends there, and i grew in the arts from the age of ten, this summer is gonna be my 6th year. that should give you the opinion that i love the place. minus some of the counselors, but whateverrrrr :)
I made the best friends I currently have during my summers at Appel Farm. Not only did I grow as an artist, but I grew as a person. This sounds exactly like all the fake stuff you'll hear from every camp, but I swear with Appel Farm it is 100% true. They don't need to make up an advertising campaign. The camp speaks for itself.
