Frequently Asked Questions About Summers at Falcon Camp

You have questions, we have answers! We want every camper to feel comfortable and at-home at Falcon Camp, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you don’t see the answer to your question below. Get ready for an amazing experience this summer that you’ll never forget!
For New Campers
Going to a new place for the first time can be overwhelming. We’ve tried to answer everything we can think of, as well as lay out exactly what to expect from your first 24 hours at camp. If we missed something you’re still wondering about, please write to us—we’d be happy to answer your question!
What’s a normal day like at Falcon Camp?
During a normal day, we wake up at first bell at 7:45. (Some people may choose to go to horse care at 7:00, but that is completely optional.) Breakfast is at 8:15. Following breakfast, we head back to the units for a quick cabin clean up before heading out into camp. Each unit has a different schedule for the day, so what they have for the first and second period differs. The important thing, however, is that at 9:00, everyone heads to their first period choice (see the Activities page for more about activity choices), and at 10:30 they head to their second period choice. Lunch is at 12:15, followed by Rest Hour from 1:00-2:00. Third Period is 2:00-3:30, and Fourth is 3:30-5:00, with dinner after that.
After dinner, counselors deliver mail, and we sometimes have Camp Store time. At 6:45, units go to their Evening Activity, in various places around camp. After Evening Activity, at 8:15, we gather again at the Lodge for a snack, then head back to units to get ready for bed. Lights out varies by age from 9:30-10:00, and then we do it all again in the morning!
Can I tour Falcon Camp?
Absolutely! We would love to see you. We host an Open House over Memorial Weekend for anyone who would like to come and see camp. Let us know that you are coming so we can keep an eye out! If that weekend doesn’t work, contact us and we will schedule another time.
Do most campers come with a friend?
Not at all! We get a variety of campers enrolling by themselves and those enrolling with friends from home. If you are nervous about coming to camp without knowing anyone, contact us–we’d be happy to put you in touch with a few of our returning campers.
Can I stay in the same cabin as my friend?
We work to accommodate up to two friend requests, just make sure to mark it on your application. And remember–camp is about having fun with your current friends, as well as making new ones!
Do I have to clean my cabin?
Yep. You do. Each camper in the cabin is responsible for keeping their area clean (making your bed, folding your clothes on your shelves, and so on). Additionally, every day, each cabin has a small job to help keep the unit clean–something like sweeping the walkway, organizing the drylines, etc. Most units can get their cabins clean and jobs done either before first period or in about ten minutes before Rest Hour.
Can I bring decorations for my cabin/bunk?
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring family photos, posters, and other decorations, as long as they are camp appropriate, and remain in your area. Decorate away!
Should I bring money?
There is no need to bring money to Falcon, and in fact we discourage it. There’s nowhere to spend it! Your spending account covers any extra expenses at camp. Camp Store is an opportunity to purchase candy and soft drinks, and is open three times a week. Whatever you spend there is deducted from your spending account. When we go on field trips, your counselor will hand out money when we arrive at our destination, which will be deducted from your account. Any remaining money in your account will be returned to you at the end of your session at camp.
How is the food?
The food is AMAZING. I have been coming to camp for 18 years now, and I still look forward to it. A fan favorite is the grilled cheese and tomato soup. And also the beef stew and biscuits. And also the breakfast pizza. And also the chili. And also the veggie chili (ok that’s just mine). The list could go on and on!
The most important part is that although the food that is put on the table every day is delicious, there are always lots of options if that’s not your favorite. If you are a vegetarian and the main meal is meat, there is a vegetarian option. There is a salad bar at lunch and dinner, which always has something special in addition to salad. There’s a breakfast bar with cereal, fresh fruit and yogurt at breakfast. Now I’ve made myself hungry!
What type of clothes do kids wear to sleepaway camp?
There are a couple important things to remember about what clothes you’ll see at camp. 1.) Most of what we do is outside, and some of it involves getting dirty. Don’t bring anything that you would be upset about if it got ruined. 2.) Bring clothes you’ll be comfortable in. We do a lot of running around, hanging out, playing music, and more. You’ll see jeans, athletic shorts, sneakers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and clothes like that. You won’t see a lot of skirts, dresses, button downs, dress shoes, or the like. 3.) Whatever you choose to bring, please make sure it is camp appropriate.
Do I have to wash my clothes?
You do not personally have to wash your clothes, but you do have to send them to get washed! Which, after a week at camp, I assume you’ll want to do… We do laundry on Saturday for all campers, and then again the following week for campers staying multiple sessions. You’ll bring your laundry down to breakfast with you. Make sure to check the drylines and put all wet things in your bag. You can also put your linens in as well. Please make sure your laundry bag and all clothes are labeled.
Do I have to be athletic to have fun at Falcon Camp?
Not at all! One of the great things about camp is that we don’t care whether you are good at something or not—just try it! Even if you aren’t great at basketball, we’re still going to invite you to play!
The other great thing about camp is that because of how the schedule is structured, if you don’t ever want to do anything sports-related at all, you don’t have to. Don’t like athletics? Go to drama! Don’t like crafts? Go to stables, or woodslore! You have lots of choices. Check out the activities page or the camp tour to see more on how this works.
Should I bring any equipment?
We have everything you’ll need to have fun at camp, from fishing rods to hockey sticks to board games, but if you’d rather bring yours from home, you are more than welcome to! On our camp checklist, we have some examples of items you might want. Just remember, you are responsible for anything you choose to bring, and double check that your name is on it!
What will we do on a rainy day?
Great question. We’re a hardy bunch, and a little rain never hurt anyone. For many of our activities, we continue doing them normally if it’s just a little drizzle. If it really rains…that’s when the fun begins!
Can boys and girls do activities together?
Yes, sometimes. Throughout the four activities periods, you travel with your unit, which is split between boys and girls. But we schedule co-ed activities throughout the session, like evening activities, weekend activities, and the dance, so you’ll have lots of time to see your friends in other units.
Can I spend time with my brother or sister who is also at camp?
Definitely! One of the best things about having a purposefully smaller camp is that we gather as an entire camp before all of our meals. This is a great time to check in with a sibling about how their day is going, how they like their cabin, what activities they are enjoying, etc.
How often can I go horseback riding?
While you’re at camp, you’ll be assigned to a riding group. Your group will be asked if they want to ride twice a week. On days you don’t ride, you can still go to stables during your WRC period and do Horsemanship skills, like learning how to tack up a horse, or the parts of a saddle. If you REALLY want to be with the horses a lot, you can get up before breakfast for horsecare. If you are interested in riding more, you can sign up for extra riding, which would give you 2-3 extra rides per week.
Who can help me if I have a problem?
There are a lot of people around who are always willing to help. Our counselors are the first line of defense, ready to help you solve any issue that may arise. We also have an experienced team of administrators, including a 24/7 nurse, who are always available if you feel more comfortable speaking to one of them, or if your counselors need some extra expertise.
What are the counselors like?
Our counselors are friendly, caring and fun. They like to come up with creative ideas of things to do, and like when you do the same. Many of them started as campers, and have been coming to Falcon for many years. They know the ins and outs of their activity areas and units.
A good percentage of our staff are new every year, and come from a variety of countries, ranging from the UK, Ireland, Spain, Brazil, and more. They bring new ideas and excitement to our staff, which mixes well with the experience from our returning counselors. We train all of our staff before campers arrive, and continue throughout the summer.
Can my parents come visit me?
If you are coming for longer than two weeks, absolutely! We have a Visitors Day in between our two week sessions, when family members are welcome to visit, participate in camp activities and see what you have been up to for the past couple of weeks. If you are a two week camper, you’ll find that once you are into the swing of things, you’ll be so involved in what you are doing that you won’t be wishing your parents were there. Before you know it, you’ll be seeing them when they come to pick you up!
How many other campers will be in my cabin?
Our smallest cabins hold eight, and our largest hold ten. There will be at least two counselors, and likely more (depending on age). We assign campers to cabins based on grade and age.
Are there restrooms in the cabins?
No, the restrooms are not within the cabins themselves, but every unit has a block of restrooms. It is a good idea to bring a shower caddy to carry your items from your cabin to the restroom/showers.
Can I get mail or care packages?
Yes! Letters and care packages are a great way for your friends and family to keep in touch while you are at camp. We also offer BunkNotes, which is a way for your family and friends to send emails. Make sure to read about both BunkNotes and our care package policy in the Parent Handbook. And don’t forget to write letters back!
Can my parents call me?
We only have one phone at camp, so we ask that your parents save calls for special occasions like birthdays or emergencies. Plus, you don’t want to be pulled away from all the fun you are having with your friends to talk on the phone! Because we are out in the woods, cell phones don’t work, and campers are not permitted to have them at Falcon.
For Parents
As a parent or guardian, it can feel scary being away from your young ones—even for just a few nights. We want you to feel prepared and confident in dropping your camper off, so we answered many frequently asked questions from parents below.
Is my child going to fit in?
Of course. Everyone is welcome at Falcon Camp. We create an atmosphere where differences are celebrated. Campers learn new skills from each other and build lasting friendships with all types of different personalities. Everyone at Falcon Camp is unique, special and respected by all campers, counselors and staff.
If my child doesn’t go with a friend, will you make it easy for them to make friends?
This is a popular question that parents ask even more than the kids. The answer is yes. Most of our campers venture out to Falcon Camp without friends by their side. The excitement of sleepaway camp is to make new ones, and we provide many opportunities for campers to make close friends within the first week of camp! Even before summer camp starts, we assist parents in arranging for campers to meet, write and call other campers.
As the campers arrive, counselors welcome each one and introduce them to their cabin mates. Each cabin is diversified to create the environment for meeting new people, with different personalities and interests. We notice that campers enjoy sharing their talents and hobbies with one another. In addition, all of our activities, games and events require teamwork, communication and leadership. All of our unique campers find their niche at summer camp in Ohio and build long-lasting friendships with one another.
What can we do about first-day nerves?
Parents and first time campers experience a wide range of feelings as the first day of camp approaches. Along with the excitement and anticipation of all the wonderful new experiences ahead, there may also be anxiety about these new, unfamiliar experiences. The following suggestions for first time campers will help you and your child make the most of this important transition to attending overnight summer camp:
- Come to an Open House
- Contact a camper from your unit
- Pack for camp together
- Pack pre-addressed and stamped envelopes in a ziploc bag
- On Opening Day, keep goodbyes short
How does Falcon train quality camp staff?
Our year round staff includes a director, two assistant directors and a program director with more than 100 years of summer camp experience combined.
At Falcon Camp, we thoroughly interview potential staff members and carefully choose our staff based on their character, leadership skills, demonstration of our values and commitment to youth development. We spend a week before campers arrive preparing our staff to excel in all aspects of his/her role as a counselor. Our entire staff is dedicated to ensuring that every camper and staff member feels a part of the Falcon family.
How can I help the staff be successful?
Please be specific and honest about your camper on the application and tell your child to seek out a staff member they trust if they ever feel sad, frustrated or excluded. Provide Falcon with feedback through letters, phone calls and the end-of-season survey.
Is my child going to eat?
Of course! In fact many of our return campers will happily tell you our meals are one of their favorite parts of camp. The excitement of resident camp in Ohio itself seasons the food with a special, unique flavor that campers can only experience during their summers at Falcon Camp.
How do I contact camp?
We are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding camp policies, procedures, registration, billing, etc. Please contact us in one of the following ways:
Summer Address:
- (May 15 – September 15)
- 4251 Delta Rd. SW
- Carrollton, OH 44615
- Phone: (330) 627-4269 (800) 837-CAMP
- Fax (330) 627-2220
Winter Address:
- (September 15 – May 15)
- 22232 Rye Rd.
- Shaker Heights, OH 44122
- Phone: (216) 991-2489 (800) 837-CAMP
- Fax: (216) 991-4908
Email:
For Traditional Camp and Young Adventurer information email Info@falconcamp.com
(Personal and confidential correspondence may be sent to dave@falconcamp.com)
Who will my child be living with while at sleepaway camp?
A camper’s cabin group is very important to both the camper and the parents. At Falcon, we make every effort to group campers based on the information provided in the application. As a general rule, we place campers in cabins by grade. Within this grade category, we also take age into consideration.
Please note any special requests for cabin groupings on the camp application. Requests for cabin-mates must be mutual and may only include a maximum of two requested bunk-mates. All requests are reviewed and given serious consideration; however, the final determination of all cabin groupings rests with the camp director.
How many campers can Falcon Camp accommodate?
The facilities are designed to maximize the experience for 110 campers.
Is Falcon Camp accredited?
Yes. Falcon Camp is an American Camp Association Accredited Camp.
Does Falcon Camp have other affiliations?
Falcon Camp is affiliated with the organizations listed below. These groups assist us in safety awareness, national standard award systems, program planning, teaching techniques, staff training and staff certification.
- American Camp Association Accredited Camp
- American Red Cross
- Camp Archery Association
- Certified Horseman Association
- Horseman Safety Association
- Association of Independent Camps
- Ohio Professional Horseman’s Association
- Jr. Shooting Sports USA (ACA and US Olympic Team)
- Outdoor Living Skills (ACA)
- United States Tennis Association
- National Camp Association
- American Horse Show Association
Have more questions?
We’d be happy to answer them! Contact us for more information.