The 2026 Application will go live next Monday, September 22nd at 6am, for all families who have attended camp previously, and on Thursday, September 25th at 6am for all new families. We want to provide families with more information about the application itself. We know that time is of the essence when you’re actually filling out the application, and we want you to have the important information you’ll need in order to make “educated decisions” when applying.

Grouping and Camper Questions

We want to give you this content in advance so you may review it at your convenience ahead of time. Here are the content/questions you will see:

In the past, Sewataro campers were grouped according to gender: male groups and female groups. In response to feedback we received from our families, and to better align with our values, we began offering mixed/all gender groups as an option in 2022. Please answer the questions below to help us place your child in a group upon enrollment:

Please select the option that best describes your child:

• My child would benefit equally from either placement and doesn’t have a preference.
• My child would prefer a mixed/all gender group placement.
• My child needs a mixed/all gender group placement in order to feel most included.
• My child would prefer a single gender group placement.
• My child needs a single gender group placement in order to feel most included.

If you selected a specific group above and that group is full, which would you like us to do?

• Please enroll my child in the alternate group (provided there is space) and waitlist them for their group selection above.
• Please do not enroll my child. Please put them on a waitlist for their group selection above.

Camp Description & Camper Considerations

Camp Day The camp day is a busy one, with most days comprising two periods of swimming and four other activities, including team and individual sports, fishing and boating, nature exploration, and visual and creative arts. Campers should be prepared to engage in a wide range of experiences, both familiar and new. Please note that Camp Sewataro is entirely outdoors, and all activities take place in rain, shine, and/or heat.

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Participation in Camp Sewataro:

• Campers are expected to contribute to a safe camp environment, using respectful language and appropriate physical behavior. Racist, discriminatory, or harassing language or actions will not be tolerated.
• Campers are expected to function in a group setting in a positive and cooperative manner that displays tolerance and respect for self and others.
• Campers are expected to follow counselor directions for their safety and the safety of the group. They must refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to self or others, such as physical aggression (e.g., hitting, biting, kicking), unsafe actions (e.g., leaving the group without permission), or persistent refusal to follow safety rules.
• Campers are expected to maintain a positive attitude when participating in activities with their group.
• Campers are expected to navigate varied terrain on an 8-hour daily basis and participate in the full camp day, including transitions and varied activities, with age-appropriate stamina and pacing.
• Campers should be able to manage basic personal care and regulate their emotions with age-appropriate independence, so they can participate safely with their group.
• Campers must be able to participate successfully within our group supervision ratios. We are not able to provide continual 1:1 supervision or behavioral support for any camper.

Do you feel your child may need extra support to be successful at camp based on the information above? Yes/No

Would you like to speak with a director about your child’s specific support needs (social, emotional, behavioral, or medical) to ensure success at camp? Yes/No (Note: by answering “yes” you will not lose your place in the enrollment queue!)

Our intention in asking these questions is simply to exchange information; our goal is to set each camper up for success. Sometimes this means working with families to plan extra supports; other times it means recognizing that another program might be a better fit. If any of the above questions/expectations gives you reason to pause, please reach out to a director. This will not affect your place in the enrollment queue.

A few IMPORTANT housekeeping notes about the enrollment process itself:

Friend Requests and Group Gender Preferences: Since group placements have become more complex, friend requests and gender preferences must be submitted with your camper’s application. If your friend request or gender preference changes later in the year, we will do our very best to accommodate your request at that time, but changes can not be guaranteed.

Grade: When asked to provide your child’s grade, please put in your child’s current grade, (NOT their grade next Fall), to ensure placement accuracy. The system will automatically roll them to the grade they will be entering in Fall of 2026.

Note: In our system, Pre-K means the year before Kindergarten, and Nursery equals two years before.

Check Deposits: If you choose to pay your deposit by check, we must have the check in hand within seven days of your application; although checks will not be cashed until/unless your child is enrolled, all deposits must be received before your child will be enrolled.

Available Sessions: If the session you applied for is full, we will reach out with other available options. Please note: In order to keep the enrollment process moving forward for all camper families, any alternate spots offered will only be held for 24 hours. If we don’t hear back from you within 24 hours of the email receipt, we will need to move on to the next family in the queue. Please make sure you are receiving our emails, and keep an eye on your inbox throughout the fall!

And, last but not least… The enrollment process is manual, and lengthy, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding. If you don’t hear from us for several weeks, it just means we’re still working on it! Once you have received the email that says “Thank you for your application!,” then you are in the queue and will not be forgotten!

If you have any questions about any of this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone at 978-443-3100 or by emailing office@sewataro.com