Family FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is AF Camp?
Session 1: July 6–July 18, 2024
Session 2: July 20–August 1, 2024
Please note that camp dates are currently still subject to change based on the school calendar and facilities availability. We will provide timely updates if/when we are required to make any changes.
Where is AF Camp?
AF Camp will be located at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) for this year! This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of providing an enriching experience that exposes our campers to the college campus environment. TCNJ, located in Ewing, New Jersey, is renowned for its beautiful campus and outstanding facilities, making it an ideal fit for our camp's activities. With its state-of-the-art athletic facilities, spacious grounds, and commitment to academic excellence, TCNJ promises to enhance the overall camp experience for our participants. With its state-of-the-art facilities and expansive green spaces, TCNJ offers the perfect setting for our campers to thrive at camp. From their top-notch sports facilities to their inviting campus grounds, TCNJ provides an ideal backdrop for a summer filled with exploration, learning, and fun.
Where do AF Camp campers come from?
Our campers are selected from Achievement First elementary and middle schools in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. AF students currently enrolled in grades 3–8 are welcome to enroll in AF Camp.
How will campers get to camp?
Campers travel to AF Camp via luxury bus. In each Achievement First city, we have a bus pick-up location. Information on exact pick-up locations will be provided at Family Orientation Sessions. Campers travel to camp with several AF Camp team members.
What are the living accommodations like at AF Camp?
The living arrangements at camp will be dormitory style. Counselors are responsible for a group of campers and will be living on the same floor as campers during their stay at camp. We assure you that your children will find their stay at camp quite comfortable.
In addition, families may request gender-inclusive housing for their child, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All campers will be offered this option. Campers who choose gender-inclusive housing will reside in single rooms in a designated gender-inclusive space on a floor with people who share their gender identity. Campers residing in the gender-inclusive housing will not be excluded from any aspect of camp.
We will also ensure gender-neutral bathroom spaces are available in all dorms.
Please see our Gender Inclusive Policy for more information on how we strive to include all in the camp experience.
Who works at AF Camp?
AF Camp is staffed by Achievement First teachers and alumni as well as dedicated individuals looking to ensure campers are safe and have the time of their lives.
What are the typical activities?
AF Camp offers all types of activities including swimming, art, music, dance, theater, hiking, and athletics (soccer, basketball, volleyball, street hockey, and kickball).
What will the dining situation be at AF Camp and will food allergies be accommodated?
Kutztown University cafeteria services are excellent, and any and all accommodations will be met, including dietary restrictions, allergies, and vegan/vegetarian and Halal needs.
How “co-ed” is AF Camp?
Campers are housed by gender in separate dormitories unless a request is made for gender-inclusive housing. Interaction between campers of all genders during all-camp activities is facilitated and supervised, as making new friends is an important part of camp, and camp program activities are co-ed.
How is AF Camp ensuring gender inclusivity at camp?
AF Camp and our parent organization, Change Summer, are committed to an anti-racist, anti-heterosexist, anti-transphobic, anti-ablest approach and provide equal opportunity for all members of our organizational family. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and strive to ensure that all voices are appreciated and heard.
Housing: Campers residing in gender-inclusive housing will not be excluded from any aspect of camp! Families and campers may request gender-inclusive housing, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All campers will be offered this option. Campers who choose gender-inclusive housing will reside in single rooms in a designated gender-inclusive space on a floor with people who share their gender identity.
Restrooms: Gender-neutral bathroom spaces will be available in all dorms. To the extent possible, we will also have gender-neutral bathrooms around campus. Where not available, campers have two options: Go to the bathroom that corresponds to their sex assigned at birth, or walk with an adult to a designated gender-neutral bathroom.
Changing areas: Campers will change in a private location. If there is no private location, campers will change in the locker room of their sex assigned at birth.
Swimwear: We encourage all campers to wear appropriate swimwear that feels most comfortable to them.
Please see our Gender Inclusive Policy for more information on how we strive to include all in the camp experience.
What are your COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies?
Our number one priority is the safety of our camp community. Therefore:
We strongly encourage all campers and team members to be vaccinated and boosted, if eligible.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for campers to attend camp nor for team members to work at camp.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, we strongly encourage all campers and team members to complete a COVID-19 test prior to arrival to camp.
We will continue to use robust cleaning protocols, test anyone at camp if they are symptomatic, and provide safe spaces for isolation as needed. These policies are subject to change at any time due to the evolving circumstances of the pandemic. We will continue to follow CDC guidance and work with Achievement First, our university facility partner, and the local department of health to maintain the highest level of safety at camp.
What is the cost of AF Camp?
AF Camp’s tuition is discounted to $100 per camper if you enroll by February 29, 2024. If you enroll after February 29, the regular camp tuition is $150 per camper. This tuition covers the full two-week program, including transportation, meals, lodging, field trips, and AF Camp apparel. If paying camp tuition is an issue or concern, please choose the “pay later option” when enrolling. All families are required to make a $25 deposit upon enrollment. Campers will be considered tentatively enrolled until deposit payment is received.
What is the goal of AF Camp?
The goal of camp is for campers to:
Gain independence;
Increase their curiosity;
Become more responsible for themselves and each other; and
Grow confidence in their abilities by challenging themselves to explore new opportunities.