What is the password? I can’t get into part of the Web Site.
It is the same password as the old web site, if you remember that one. If not, it is the name of the old infirmary and later the name of the Director’s cabin. The password is listed in every issue of the Newsletter so hopefully you have The Alumnae Circle handy. If we give you any more hints it won’t be a secret much longer. You can also get the password by contacting the office.
How many campers attend Camp Onaway?
The small size of Onaway not only means a close community of campers and counselors, but also guarantees each girl will get the maximum of individual attention. There are approximately 90 girls each summer, ranging in age from 9 to 15 years, 6 Aides (assistant counselors) and 24 counselors. Each summer at least two thirds of the campers and counselors return to carry on the Camp traditions and values with loyalty and commitment.
What is the cost of attending Camp Onaway?
The tuition for 2012 is $6150. Other costs include “allowance” $40 and uniform rental $50. There are no other activity fees – laundry, accident insurance, all trips and activities are included in tuition. The tuition fee covers approximately three quarters of the cost of each girl’s summer. Donations by alumnae, parents and friends cover the balance. Scholarships are available. Please contact the Camp office for more information. The 2012 tuition for the OWLE program is $3200. There is no tuition for Aides, but there is a $350 activity fee.
What is the Circle Program?
The Circle Program was founded by the Onaway Camp Trust in 1992 and was incorporated with the State of New Hampshire as an independent, nonprofit in 1993. The Circle Program guides socially and economically disadvantaged New Hampshire girls during crucial years in their development. Before the start of the school year, a two week residential camp session promotes the emotional, physical and social development of the girls. During the school year, an adult mentor continues to support each girl through frequent meetings and activities. Click here to link directly to the Circle Program website or contact “Circle” directly at:
Circle Program
P.O. Box 815
Plymouth, NH 03264
Kathleen Kearns, Executive Director
603-536-4244
Why does Camp Onaway offer only a 7-week program?
We believe that campers need the full seven weeks to develop strong friendships, learn outdoor skills and gain a sense of their own inherent spiritual qualities.
What activities are included in the Onaway program?
Each camper has two hours a week of morning instruction in tennis, arts and crafts, woodworking, sewing, classical dancing, boating and/or canoeing, and sailing. At least one hour a week is allotted to nature study, camp craft and drama, with extra time for field trips, rehearsals, and practical experience. Weather permitting, there are two swimming periods a day – one devoted entirely to lessons, and the other to play. Click here for more infomation on programs.
May girls specialize in a particular activity?
The Onaway program is a balance between scheduled morning instruction and choice time in the afternoon. We hope each camper will become proficient and derive pleasure from accomplishment in all Camp activities, but we also make sure to provide time for each camper to select the activity or activities wherein her greatest interest lies.
Is Camp Onaway religiously affiliated?
No. Onaway welcomes children of all faiths. We are not affiliated with any religious organization. However, the Camp was founded in the Judeo-Christian tradition and each Sunday our Director leads a non-denominational Christian service in our outdoor chapel.
What is the OWLE Program?
The OWLE program (Onaway Wilderness Leadership Experience) is designed for 15 and 16 year old girls following their last year as campers at Onaway. The emphasis of this program is to help girls realize their leadership potential and to test it out in a number of wilderness situations. The three week trip includes canoeing, sea kayaking, rock climbing and backpacking. Each girl is responsible for directing activities and making decisions for at least one whole day. The tuition for the OWLE program is $3200 for the summer of 2012.
What is an Aide?
An Aide is a former camper or other 16 – 18 year old who is invited to come to camp for one or two summers of counselor training. Their program includes a challenging wilderness experience along with opportunities to earn Red Cross certification in life guarding. The girls assume responsibility in assisting the counselors with activities, trips and cabin groups. They also live together and have their own counselors to help with the adjustment from camper to counselor. There is no tuition for Aides as of the summer of 2005. There is an activity fee of $350.
What is the “Girls of Onaway” charity?
Proceeds from the annual Camp Fair and the weekly chapel collections are deposited into a special account called “Girls of Onaway”. At the end of the summer the campers vote on how the money is to be spent. The money often goes towards Onaway scholarships, the Circle Program, local environmental agencies and other local charities. They also support the Wamba Hospital in Kenya and specifically one of its patients, Lucy. The girls’ role in allocating the money teaches them a great deal about the need for philanthropy and their ability to make a difference.
Who is the Director of Camp Onaway? Who owns Camp Onaway?
The director is Anne Conolly. Read about Anne by clicking here (look for “Meet the Director”). Camp Onaway is a non-profit organization with the name Camp Onaway Trust. The Camp Onaway Trust was set up in 1960 by alumnae, parents and friends with the responsibility of maintaining the traditions and values of Onaway. The (voluntary) Board of Trustees employs a director with the leadership qualities and values necessary for the growth of the campers and development of the council. The Board is responsible for providing for the financial security of the Camp and maintenance of the property.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES as of NOVEMBER 2011
- Ms Susanna Mudge, President
- Mrs Sally Jones Orr, Vice President
- Mrs. Kathy Wilson Denby, Secretary
- Mr. Ajay Saini, Treasurer
- Mr. Joe Quinan, Asst. Treasurer
- Mr. Kurt McCandless, Clerk
- Mrs. Kathy Broderick Baird
- Mr. Edwin Cragin
- Mr. William Davies III
- Helen Stokes Greven, Historian
- Ms. Susan Jackson
- Ms. Sophie Jacobi-Parisi
- Ms. Katherine Keen
- Dr. William H. Matthai Jr.
- Ms. Paige McGinley
- Mrs. Kate Graff McNierney
- Mrs. Betsy Haggett Moschella
- Ms. Rosemary Moukad
- Ms Bailey Rice, Recent Alumna Trustee
- Ms. Anne Thompson
Special Trustees
- Mrs. Mary Crane
- Mrs. Kay Francis Graff
- Mrs. Jane Johnson Kent
- Mr. William S. Lucarelli
- Mrs. Alice Merwin Tweedy
- Mr. James B. Vose
How old do you have to be to attend Camp Onaway?
Onaway accepts girls ages 9 – 15.
Can Onaway teach me to swim?
Each girl, regardless of swimming ability, has five days of instructional swim each week. The beginning swimmer completes the different levels of the Red Cross program. More advanced swimmers have the opportunity to train to swim the length of the lake or to take a life guarding course.
Our family is going to Europe in the beginning of July – would it be acceptable for my daughter to come three weeks late?
Campers are accepted only for the entire seven week season, as we believe they need that time to develop strong friendships, learn outdoor skills and gain a sense of their own role in the community.
Once a camper is enrolled, what is the best source of information to prepare for the summer?
Each family will receive a handbook, but it can be viewed by clicking here.
How can I get in touch with Camp?
Contact information is available here.
I would like to order a copy of the Onaway history, Let Her Strong and Ageless Be. How do I do that?
Let Her Strong and Ageless Be, the Onaway history by Helen Stokes Greven, is available through the camp office. In over 450 pages, Helen gives an historical account of Onaway including pictures, songs, memories, and anecdotes of 100 years of camp. Books can be ordered for $50.00 plus $6.00 shipping. Please mail checks to The Onaway Office, PO Box 4064, Albany, NY 12204.
Are my gifts to Onaway tax-deductible in the United States?
Yes, each gift to Onaway is tax-deductible. So are portions of a trust and annuity gifts.
Camp Onaway Trust is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, therefore your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Camp Onaway Trust is a nonprofit charity operating since 1965. Our federal tax identification number is 02-0261393. You should consult your financial planner or tax advisor to determine the exact tax advantages of any gift you are considering. We provide a receipt for all gifts that can be used to claim a tax deduction. If you need a copy of the receipt or need a receipt for your gift please call 518-443-0004.