Never Say "Never!"
Our mission to create a safe summer camp environment amidst the Covid-19 pandemic
The safety of our campers is #1
When we first received the news regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, right then and there we knew our goal was to safely open Camp Pocono Trails. Our efforts have resulted in a Covid-19 free camp for the past two summer camp seasons.
In March of 2020, when the Covid-19 outbreak first started, we understood the need for our campers to be able to spend the summer outdoors in the Pocono Mountains away from the stress of the outside world. For the next three months, we were involved in countless seminars and zoom sessions. We met with medical professionals and explored every avenue available so that we could find a path to open Camp Pocono Trails. Our protocols established in 2020 have resulted in a safe environment for our campers, and we will continue these protocols for the 2022 season.
How we did it
After much research, we came up with a science-based plan that included:
- Pre-camp testing of campers and staff using PCR lab tests
- Extended orientation for staff
- 14-day health screenings and quarantine prior to arrival
- Contact-free drop-off
- Mask-wearing
- Daily temperature checks at camp
- Physical distancing
- Half capacity bunks
- Small group activities
- 24/7 infirmary with nursing staff
For the last 2 summers, we have moved the majority of our activities outside, installed hand sanitizer units throughout the camp, continuously cleaned sports equipment, and sanitized shared equipment. We are determined to do whatever it takes to allow our campers a traditional camp experience.
First implemented in the summer of 2020, campers and staff are required to submit a negative Covid PCR test then also tested again a few days after each arrives at camp. Once those test results are returned and we have made it through our first two weeks of camp we are able to combine some groups and participate in some larger traditional camp group activities all while maintaining our increased health and safety protocols that we have in place.
Thank YOU for helping us with a safe 2020 and 2021 season!
Thank you to our families for your trust and staff whose faith never hesitated despite all of the uncertainty in the world. We have been running camps for the past 40 years and these last two summers of 2020 and 2021 will go down as our most memorable.
While many questioned our decision to open, we never wavered in our beliefs that Camp Pocono Trails had to open and needed to open.
We felt campers and parents needed us more than ever. To see the smiles on the faces of our campers and staff as they were able to be outside and socialize away from their computers and phones was pure joy.
The gratitude, compliance, and faith from our parents were amazing. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for giving us your support all summer long. To our campers, thank you for working hard and striving to reach your goals. You showed strength, courage, and fortitude and we believe the camp experience will be a turning point for many of you.
There is still a lot of uncertainty in the world right now but we do know that no matter what happens Camp Pocono Trails will be waiting here for you in 2022! Camp Pocono Trails … NEVER SAY NEVER!
Our camp parents were thrilled with the results!!!
Dear Tony & Team,
Thank you! And Bravo! Thank you for opening and taking this so serious, and thank you for your extreme flexibility and letting me decide week by week.
It was a wonderful summer for Skye. We have instilled some healthy eating habits back at home. And made some delicious camp food.
Her school is virtual so we are still stuck in the house again, so you got us both out! I actually enjoyed the 20 hour ride and I might just drive again next summer!!! It’s a beautiful country and its a great way to see it!
Thanks again and Bravo!!!!! Whew, you did it! I am so impressed! Relieved & Grateful!!! I wish you were in charge of reopening her school…
Stay safe & see you next summer,
Tony, Dale, Tricia, and Howard,
Thank you again for a wonderful summer and for being open for our family. Ryan really enjoyed himself this year and can’t wait to go next year. I really hope that I can join him next year too. You guys are the greatest!!!!
Hope to see you all soon!!!
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do! What a great camp!
We don’t even have words to express our gratitude for what you all pulled off for summer 2020. Andrew and Lindsay had another amazing experience with you. Thank you for having the courage and dedication to make camp possible. You are our heroes!!!!
Endless love to the CPT family,
The Hirschbeins
Our weight loss camp is world famous. Here’s why:
Camp Pocono Trails is, by far, the most professionally managed, the most fun, and safest weight loss camp in the world. Our famous camp program, set on 350 spectacular lakefront acres, balances structure and choice, as well as skill-building and fun!
Campers unplug, connect with friends and nature, and learn new skills and healthy habits. They gain memories, community, self-esteem and go home feeling happier and healthier than they’ve ever known possible.
Campers have a blast losing weight while participating in fun traditional camp activities along with nutrition, culinary, and personal training/fitness classes. The average weight loss is 4-5 pounds per week.
Check out our tour video to see why Camp Pocono Trails is the top weight loss camp in the country!
Call today at 1-800-365-0556 to discuss your camper’s weight loss goals!
Complete the form below to learn more about Camp Pocono Trails.
Camp Pocono Trails is unique in that every camper comes here to change their lives for the better.
Some campers are focused on weight management, while others want to gain sports skills or wellness skills. Others want to work on habits so they can be successful in college, while some campers just want to feel better.
There is no judgment here at camp. Everyone is accepted for who they are and making friends is easy. At camp we like to say, “There are no strangers here... just friends you have not yet met.”
From personal trainers to nutritionists, you will find a wide array of qualified, licensed or certified staff at Camp Pocono Trails.
We have the best summer camp facilities you can imagine! Our private 350-acre campus has two Olympic sized heated swimming pools, a golf driving range, a challenge course, multiple tennis and basketball courts, multiple workout rooms, indoor areas for yoga and Zumba and more. We are located on a private lake that offers wake boarding, tubing, fishing, and more.
Campers reside in extremely comfortable quarters, with only 6-8 campers in each cabin (or one family for Family Camp), and are grouped according to age and length of stay. Unlike other camps that have bunk beds, we intentionally design our camper’s living quarters to be spacious, providing individual beds with comfortable mattresses. Our bathroom and shower facilities, conveniently located inside the bunk, are maintained regularly by a housekeeping service.
Our campus is completely safe and secure with 24-hour security and a full medical staff. Camp Pocono Trails provides a full-time nursing staff and on-site infirmary operating 24/7. Our staff to camper ratio is 1-4.
Our program is located in the beautiful Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania in a private, resort like setting. Teens attend from across the country, and we provide airport pickups from the Allentown, PA airport.
Yes, we are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). In order to gain ACA accreditation, Camp Pocono Trails has met or exceeded expectations with more than 25 prerequisite health and safety standards, in addition to more than 40 other standards in 10 operational areas that proves our camp is a safe and wonderful place for our campers.
ACA accreditation is the best evidence of a camp’s commitment to a safe and nurturing environment. This voluntary accreditation assures that camp practices have been measured against national standards and go a step beyond a state’s basic licensing requirements. To be accredited, the ACA sends accreditation officials to associated camps to ensure nursing, safety, food and health standards are met.