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Comments
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8/2/23 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I highly recommend Appel Farm Arts Camp! My child has been coming here since 2017 and has grown exponentially each summer. There is freedom for growth, true community and belonging. As a parent, I see a kid who returns to me after 4 weeks more independent, confident, and adventurous. As a creative family, we are part of a lot of programming (Arts and non-arts) throughout the year, but no one does it like Appel Farm. We count down the days all school year until Camp at Appel begins. We've recommended Appel Farm to friends and their kids have also LOVED their experience. If you have a creative kid who is kind and empathetic, Appel Farm is a place of true community and artistic exploration!
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7/29/23 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 minutes ago
NEW
If I could give a review of less than 1 star I would . Where do I begin ? The moment I dropped my daughter off I felt uneasy . They had my 16 year old daughter staying in a coed cabin with 2 male counselors and i women counselor . That’s not what I signed my daughter up for , thats insane . They take your sims card out of your child’s phone and tell you they aren’t responsible for not losing it . They told me that enough since enrollment was low they put them all in one cabin . I asked if my daughter wanted to call and come home , could she . The counselor proceeded to tell me that her request would be denied unless it’s an emergency . So it’s essentially like a prison . The food was awful , kids were misbehaving , they made the campers clean toilets and showers . Sounds like boot camp which it is not advertised as such . If my daughter had to clean then please let me bring proper supplies , gloves etc . Then my daughter told me at night the other campers had to go
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7/26/18 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
A very concerned parent. I selected this camp because of the online reviews and everything on the website seemed very supportive etc. I was shocked to find the boys and girls are not separated AT ALL at this place. There was a DOOR seperating their bunk rooms. They group in living areas by AGE and not gender. But the classes are mixed aged. There fore my children were the most advanced in their classes and learned nothing new in them. Particurally the music classes they were in with 8 year old beginners - being 12-13 and profieicent themselves. Some of the photos looked very loose supervision to me online from the 'current parents only area' when my daughter came home she informed me about campers playing strip games unsupervised and taking blankets into the woods left and right to 'hook up' she was shocked - she's 12. These were kids in her 'age group'. STAY AWAY. For $6,000 there is much better instruction and supervision elsewhere. Like Interlochen Arts Camp instead.
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*
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2/23/15 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
I have looked over these reviews and have seen many excited reviews about Appel Farm. I have been going there for two years now, and plan on going there for many more years. However there are things one cannot overlook. This camp is on the more expensive side, around $5,000 for 4 weeks. Any less weeks and the camp is not as enjoyable, though. At this camp, I was able to reveal my true self, and build my confidence. The people there are very accepting, and it is very easy to make friends. The music section of this camp is not the best, only go there for music if you are a beginner or will do Rock Band. Only go for dance if you are good at dancing. Really good at dancing. I love the theatre group, it is the best and very popular. The photography and visual arts classes are also exceptional, and for that, it is a great arts camp. Overall, this is a very good camp, and I would recommend it to most everyone, even if they are not that interested in the arts.
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*
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9/7/14 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
As a first year camper I can honestly say this camp was a disappointment. I was so happy to go there because they gave me a scholarship until after being there for a few days I realized a couple things. Most of the staff come from another country & only work there for their benefit which is a visitors visa. They make us clean the bunk with supplies that aren't sanitary. When we went to eat some of the plates would have scraps from the previous meal. Girls & guys hook up left and right at the camp. Their laundry services were horrible , they messed up all my white clothes. It's very hard to learn in a class with different age groups. My concerns were left ignored & they always told me "they'll get back to it". . Most campers have been there previous years and they all stick together. I got pink eye while being there & 2 "doctors" had to come & see me and prescribe me antibiotics that didn't work & cost me the only 80 dollars I had left of my canteen money.
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3/3/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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!!!
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2/24/13 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
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.
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10/15/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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.
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9/19/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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.
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1/3/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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.
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11/28/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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
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*
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8/17/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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!
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SYSTEM: 4 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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9/22/08 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
I've gone to this camp for three years and it seems like every year I go back it's stricter and I like the people (not to mention the staff and HEAD STAFF) less and less. But overall, the place is a wonderful experience but I think more geared towards younger people than older people. And don't do the mini-sessions. THEY SUCK.
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1/22/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
A great camp for kids of all skill levels. Atmosphere of tolerance, support and encouragement. Kids are accepted for who they are. Very good facilities, Ok food, superb instruction. Camp directors and staff very responsive and caring.
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10/14/07 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
Honestly, the most supportive place on earth. if you're looking for a place to be yourself and be it proud, this is the place for you. if you're looking to judge, it most definitely is not. I met some of the most interesting, intellectually stimulating people at Appel Farm and I can only hope that I find somewhere that measures up (college, hint hint) in terms of how comfortable and alive i felt.
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*
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5/22/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This was one of the most fulfilling places I have ever worked for! The other staff were talented, committed artists and teachers and I appreciated being apart of their community. The campers were loving and hard-working- maybe a hand full at times- but I missed them as soon as camp was over! Knowing the amount of time and care that the staff puts into caring for the campers, I would recommend Appel Farm to any parent looking for a safe, nurturing camp for their child.
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4/5/07 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
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11/2/06 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
OMG APPEL FAM WUZ AWESOME. THE STAFF WUZ AMAZING. I LEARNED HOW TO PLAY MANY DIFFERENT SONGS AND THE ROCK SOHW WAS GREAT. THE VIDEO STAFF WUZ FUUNY. AVOID COUNSELORS THAT SMOKE POT :( I MIIS MALCOM
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10/16/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I know I gave all fives and people might think that I'm overrating the camp, but I'm not. I love everything about AF!! The counselors are really kind and caring people and are really good artists too. The bunks are nice and pretty clean...even North, which is way better than most camps' sleeping areas. There is so much to do, too. From majors and minors, to workshops and special events, to free time in the afternoon and on Sundays. AF truly can and does appeal to want the campers want. Everyone at camp really cares about you. You don't have to be fake, people will like you for who you really are. More than the art skills I learned, was the acceptance I felt and the friendships I made. I love Appel Farm and each summer seems better than the last!!!
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9/25/06 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've been going there for a total of 4 years, 24 weeks, and I love it so much. The friends and experiences you make there will last a lifetime.
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9/24/06 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
Appel farm was amazing for me in '01 / '02. HOWEVER, the camp is sliding downhill in my oppinion. What was once an AMAZING free place where you could express yourself and do whatever you chose is now becoming dangerously structured to the point where it is loosing its character.
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9/24/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
everybody here is so amazing. it is honestly the greatest place ever. there are no words to even express how great appel farm is. everybody fits in. i love love love it so much.
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9/24/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I made the best friends of my life at this camp. I learned so much, on an artistic level and a personal one. I can't imagine my life without it. I love the way everyone fits in and nobody is judged. ITS AMAZING! <3
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9/24/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
THIS IS THE BEST CAMP IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. New Coop: great. Even North is good, even though it looks bad. Everyone fits in here. I had the best acting class ever here... and photography rules!!! The counselors are SO COOL. You will learn so much if you go here. It's more than just a camp. It's home.
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