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Comments
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8/28/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
ok this may sound crazy but I went to this camp back in the early sixties. although I don't remember anyone I met there now I do remember the fun I had as a 10 and 11 year old there. I remember some of the camp songs and I do remember a man named cody who was in charge at the time. I don't know what the camp is like today but I hope it only got better and I would like someday to go back to see what has changed
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5/20/18 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I have a child who is 9yrs old, his school planned a trip to this camp.. let me start with the nails that hurt a child a child at this facility, which was exposed and the child fell on top of, secondly the director reassured the school that no ticks were within the premises, which is impossible.. this area is a bulleye for ticks. Whoever thought that going on a night hike with kids and allowing them to roam around leafy areas and not advice this is an area for ticks to hide, this is insane. So pretty much your paying a fee and playing russian roulette with your child. Thank god my child came with nothing because i took necessary steps and treated his clothing and everything he took, but two children got bitten by these aweful things and numerous kids had them tjis is unsafe.. why can this camp be more prepared with dryers and a nurse or md on site. Please take the necessary steps to keep these children safe.
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5/15/17 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This will be my kid's 5th year at Camp Speers-Eljabar. He loves it and my husband and I never worry about him while he's away at camp. He's kept busy, has a lot of fun, and the counselors are well trained. Overall, it's been a positive experience.
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*
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2/21/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I attended this camp as a child and I now send my kids here. The current director has a long history here and knows everyone's name in just a couple days. The facilities are clean, staff are dedicated, and safety is paramount. I understand that it is 65 years old and was the first racially integrated Y camp in the nation, and that the camp continues to provide all children, including kids from affluent neigborhoods to scholarship, with a fun outdoor education experience. The lake is clean and beautiful with great fishing. At 1100 acres, the hiking & mountain biking is great. There are also new adventure programs including canoeing and rock climbing. The horse ranch staff is led by someone on a college equestrian team, for example. I have also heard that there is a well vetted international staff so that campers get to know people from many countries - where else can you learn rugby and "football" (soccer) in the US? All in all, a great place - please visit the camp and their website.
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7/12/13 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
I sent my son to this camp a few years ago, and we have never sent him to camp since. My son is a very nice sweet boy, who was rooming with two other friends from school. First, he was homesick, and the counselor never told us. Secondly, we were supposed to get postings of pictures of his cabin, and after four days, I had to call and ask for them to be taken and posted. Secondly, the staff did not take the time to monitor their counselors, as my son told me his one counselor would constantly play electronics in the cabin (one of the attendees which was confiscated by him), and this counselor disciplined another boy by throwing him into a garbage can in front of the others. This was an overall horrible experience for an upcoming 4th grader to witness. The camp did not inform us of the activities our son could participate in. The only comfort was that when my son arrived home, we contacted the camp and they fired the counselor on the spot, because he bullied his co-counselor.
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3/6/13 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
I have been going to this camp for a long time. This camp has fought me to be a much more adventurous and spontaneous person. I have not only had fun physically, but socially. CSEY is a great way to make new friends and leave any stresses from school (grades, SATs, sports, etc.) away and just learn the one true science of friendship.
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2/28/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our family loves this camp!! I started out as a family camper, then summer camper, then counselor. My husband was a counselor during different years. We met up at a reunion, and had our wedding ceremony there a few years later! Now our son is a happy summer camper :) The staff are always energetic and friendly. The facilities (especially in Eljabar) are modern and top-notch. The location itself is secluded, picturesque, and kept very natural. The variety of activities has something that appeals to everyone. The price of summer camp looks like a lot at first, but if you break it down by day/meal, and combine that with the child's supervision and activities, it's definitely worth it!! Personally I think in this age of electronics, a week or two to reconnect with the beauty of nature and the fun of social interaction without technology is priceless, and would benefit any child of today's generation.
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2/25/13 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I cannot say enough about how special this camp is. It has completely changed who I am today. I went from being a shy, self-conscious and quiet kid to being very personable and open with almost everyone I meet. The staff in unbelievable and I cannot even describe the feeling of family that is created while you are there. The environment is amazing and it is a great escape from all of the worries of the outside world. The camp will hold a special place in my thoughts for years and the friendships I made at this camp will likely last for a lifetime.
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2/24/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
All three kids have attended CSEY. They love it and keep going back every summer. It has become our family Camp and we go up every chance we get. An amazing facility with great traditions. CSEY instills confidence and leadership skills. And fun! The Camp has a 40 acre lake for boating, sailing, swimming and fishing. Archery, high ropes courses, climbing wall, and outdoor education. There is also 'the bog' which is a unique environmental feature which cannot be found anywhere else in the Northeast US.
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2/15/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
You know it's a great place when you come as a kid, return to be staff and still try to fit Camp into your life as an adult! It'll be even better when our daughter is old enough to come on her own. Can't wait!
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*
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2/13/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Amazing staff, great atmosphere, and activities that never get old.
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*
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2/13/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp provides a great experience for everyone. Campers can go here starting when they are 3 years old all the way until they are 16. This allows them to build lifelong friendships they may not otherwise had the chance to make. The staff is very energetic and knowledgable, as each counselor teaches several different activities. For example: archery, riflery, high ropes course, climbing tower, mountain biking, confidence course, swimming, arts and crafts, and so much more. The camp is on a very large piece of land which enables each group to have their own space for activities. This camp really does have it all and is a great value. Allowing your children to spend their summer at Camp Speers-Eljabar will be rewarding for both you and them,
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2/11/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've been going to this camp for seven years and I can honestly say that the best experiences of my life have been spent there. It is truly my home away from home and I have enjoyed every second spent there! This camp is honestly the best camp and the most nurturing and fun environment in the whole world! I definitely, definitely recommend this camp!! :)
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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2/5/13 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son and daughter went here last summer and 8 months later, they talk about CSEY every day. We picked CSEY because it was co-ed and offered a one week option. We thought that would be a good introduction to camp. We got a call late in the week from the camp director saying that our kids were having so much fun, they both wanted to stay for an extra week. And they did. CSEY has a broad array of activities and to say my kids adored it there is an understatement. The staff are wonderful - warm and enthusiatic with kids, patient with parents looking for information on their kids. The staff remember all of us. Relative to some of the 'name' camps out there, CSEY is an excellent value. It offers all the usual Y structure and activities but at a lower price point. I think there are other camps out there with fancier facilities but they have everything you can think of shy of a pool. My kids will do two weeks, this summer and would do more if time allowed. It's a great place!
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2/5/13 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
We have made the New Years family weekend a tradition. Our parents spouses and kids all love it! The camp is clean, the food is great and the acivities are well run and gorgeous in the snow. Strongly recommended.
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2/4/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been going to this camp for the past 10 summers and can honestly say that this was the best experience of my life! The things I learned through the activities will stay with until the day I pass. Making friends from all over the world year after year is an incredible, first hand experience into new and foreign worlds. After ten summers I am honest when I say that I do enjoy the food, activities, staff, and experiences that this summer camp has to offer! Without it I feel that I wouldn't be as confident in myself, ambitious in my goals, and proud of my accomplishments. Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA is the place for any kid looking for an awesome and memorable summer to be!
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2/4/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have spent 6 summers at camp, and each year is better than the last. It is the safest and most positive environment I have ever known, and provides kids with a fantastic experience that cannot be paralleled anywhere else. Every camper, and every staff member, has fun here and makes great friends, whether they are outgoing and wild or quiet and reserved.
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2/4/13 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
My daughter has been going to CSE for the past 5 years and loves it, she would spend the whole summer there if she could. Most of the counselors are great, there's been a little more turnover lately but we like the European counselors, gives campers great exposure to other cultures. I would like to see riding included in the camp fees.
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2/4/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Both of my sons have attended CSEY since the 3rd grade. The oldest is now a counselor with my youngest planning on following the same path.They have grown into such fine young men and I know that: time spent there, friends made, outdoor living and approving role models have been a huge ingredient in the successful formula. It is hard to explain, how camp and returning to camp has been an invaluable "parallel universe" that helps them keep a very healthy perspective in a challenging teen world!
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2/4/13 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
ive been going to CSE for 9 summers and can honestly say ive never had a bad experience. the friends ive made in my cabins are my friends for life and theyre the most genuine friends i have. every child deserves to have an experience at CSE because it is life changing.
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2/4/13 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've been going to CSEY since I was 11 years old. Im now 20 and Ill be working for the fourth summer in a row. It is truly a family. You make lifelong friends and also learn so much about yourself as a person. I was glad to have my cousin join the CSEY family recently. It is truly a magical place.
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2/4/13 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
regardless if you choose to CSE or not going to camp is an important aspect of any child's development, it gives your son or daughter an opportunity can chance to not only get in tune with nature but learn to live in a setting where they are independent. CSE is a environment enriched with all of the essentials needed. one aspect of CSE that shines above all else is the fact that its a massive facility with out the massive population, this allows kids to never need to leave the facility with it also feeling like a community where you know ever one.
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7/2/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I just dropped my 16 year old daughter off yesterday at camp. She calls it her little spot of heaven. She has been attending camp for 8 years and is now in the CIT program. She has learned so much, made so many great friends and developed her leadership skills at this camp. I just met Gary the new camp director and I was very impressed. I think he will be a nice addition to the team. As always, it was a pleasure to see the camp CEO Cherie. She is always out there to meet the parents and campers. She runs an awesome program. I'll be back there in a month to pick up my daughter who will want to stay. I'd let her but we'd like to spend some time with her. If you are looking for a reasonably priced, great camp to send your children to, look no further - send them to Camp Speers Eljabar.
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10/29/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have gone to camp since I was 7 years old. I turned 8 while i was there. Since then, i have spent every single birthday at camp. And really? Theres no other place i would want to be.
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SYSTEM: 2 negative duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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4/19/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
There will always be people who do not like the camp, but I have been working there for 6 summers, this summer will be my 7th summer. I love it here, and all the staff and children, as well. This is why I always return. It is a home away from home. My children have attended camp here, and my daughter will be working there this summer as a counselor. I can not express enough how much the staff here works with every child to help make their experience an awesome one. It is what one makes of their experience that will count. I feel that the staff really cares, and if there are people out there that think differently then they should speak up so they are heard. Problems can always be fixed if there is one. I highly recommend Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA for your child's summer experience of a life time.
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11/7/10 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
THIS IS THE BEST PKACE ON EARTH!!!! the staff is nice and really truly care about each camper. they can be lazy but who cares they are so fun! the cabins are nice and the other camper are nice and fun and i have made some of my best friends there. of course there will be kids who you dont get along with but it is still a great camp with great kids! im not sure who said the camp was bad but whoever said that is STUPID!!! the activities are fun and if you dont personally enjoy them, the time with your friends and counselors MAKE it fun! i have been going to this camp for 4 years and fully intend to go for the rest of my life!!! i will continue being a camper then a counselor and eventually part of the directing staff. this is the BEST camp in the whole world. it taught me that i am more alike than different from other people. IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT I LOVE CAMP!! another good thing about this place is that they have camper reunions and special events year roun
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7/27/09 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Staff is fun and caring. My daughter has loved the two summers spent here and has made lots of new friends.
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4/1/09 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
My scool took a three day trip there and although the buildings were nice...the food was vial and all we ate were cherios and peanut butter
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5/12/08 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Last summer I went there to be a counselor and I absolutly hated it. All of the returning staff were mean and rude to the new staff. Basically it felt like they were trying to make the new staff's lives miserable so they would leave. Needless to say I left after 3 weeks. It was definatly not worth my time or effort. The returning older campers were no better than the returning staff. Again they were rude and disrespectful to some new counselors. It was absolutly terrible! The food was ok, it is all healthy. But last year it was a big change for the campers as they were used to traditional camp food. All in all I don't think that it is worth your time at this camp.
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3/18/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The food wasn't that great, but other than that everything was so much fun. The counslers would always help you if you needed it,and the C.I.T's were very nice! I can't wait to go back this summer. I miss you MOO-COW!!!!
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1/27/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Speers Eljabar has been my home for nine summers and this upcoming summer I will be working there for the first time. It is one of the best places in the world for kids to just be kids. The food is amazing compared to most summer camps and the activities are fun and there are lots of them. The staff truly cares about the children in and out of their cabin and can handle any situation thrown at them. There is enough structure that parents can relax and know their kids are safe and having fun. But at the same time there is a lot of spontaneous action so that kids have a great time. The cabins and bathhouses are always clean and spotless. Considering the amount of money summer camps cost today, CSE is a great value and provides everything they promise. I would encourage anyone looking for a summer camp to try out some time at Speers-Eljabar for the summer of a lifetime!
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1/13/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Everybody who said camp eljabar was bad is WRONG! this camp was the highlight of my summer and i cannot wait till i go back next year!!! cabin 4B session 2 phoebe
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1/2/08 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
We had to go here for three days to meet the other side of the town's school before entering Middle School. The food was awful I didn't eat basically for the whole trip. The cabin showers were so fast 5 minutes! But my cabin had all my friend.
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10/22/07 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
I don't go to this camp but my grade went here for a few days cuz its a tradition before middle school so we could meet the kids from the other school and it was soooooo much fun! i was so sad when we left =[[
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10/6/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This camp RULES!!! It was my first time at sleep away camp and it was awesome! Everyone was nice and the freinds i made were cool. The ativites were the best. Anyone could find something they liked. My favorite was RIFLERY!! The food was great too. Thank you kitchen staff!
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4/17/07 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
i went there b4 6th grade w/ my class becuz it waz rite b4 middle skewl and they wanted the students from the 2 elementary skewls 2 meet eachother or w/e!!! it waz fun!!!
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10/26/06 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
CSE=my life my love my everything! this place is my home away from home. it is amazing, it saves me every summer! the friends are amazing and life lasting!m love you all from session 2 2006!
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10/18/06 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
CSE= life and thats all there is to it... its like people's home and the perfect place for new friends and lasting ones
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8/11/06 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
sorry.. but for a camp this expensive, the facilities should be much better..switching the girls to the opposite side of the lake was a terrible idea. the toilets were seats with a hole, and the shower situation needs to be reworked. Having to sit with your cabin during all meals is annoying, especially if all of your friends are in a different cabin. I realize it's a summer camp, but it's not worth the money at all.
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