Camp Cayuga

Camp Cayuga's educational approach is experiential, centered around a vast elective activity program. Campers enjoy a free-choice system where they can select from over 60 activities daily, with instruction provided by trained specialists. The focus is on skill development, personal growth, and fun in areas like sports, arts, adventure, and wilderness activities. The camper-to-staff ratio is 1:4, ensuring personalized attention.

The base tuition covers the full camp experience: lodging in modern cabins, all meals (full board), comprehensive activity programs, professional instruction, supervision, and basic laundry service. Mandatory additional fees include a Canteen Fee (covering a t-shirt, laundry, snacks, and mailings). Optional extras include individual airport transportation, linen rental, private sports lessons, and certain special trips (e.g., rafting, theatre).

Campers reside in modern, comfortable cabins on two separate, age-specific campuses (Junior and Teen). Cabins feature electrical outlets, screened windows, and private bathroom facilities with showers and toilets. They are equipped with single and bunk beds, storage, and smoke detectors. Cabin supervision is 24/7, with 2-4 college-aged counselors living in each cabin. Each campus has its own Health Center with 24/7 medical staff. The setup ensures safety, security, and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Camp Cayuga provides a full board meal plan with three well-balanced, nutritious meals served daily in the campus dining halls. The menu rotates bi-weekly and uses high-quality ingredients. The kitchen caters to standard diets, vegetarians, and those who are lactose intolerant (pork and shellfish are not served). While not a nut-free or gluten-free camp, alternatives are available at the salad bar and leftovers counter. Campers are encouraged to eat as much as they like.

The camp offers an incredibly diverse and action-packed elective program with over 60 activities. These include athletics (basketball, tennis, soccer), water sports (swimming, boating, fishing), adventure (ropes course, zip line, rock climbing), creative arts (pottery, ceramics, crafts), performing arts (drama, dance, music), and unique specialties (flying trapeze, horseback riding, paintball, skateboarding). Evening activities, intercamp tournaments, and special events provide constant engagement, focusing on fun, skill-building, cultural exchange, and community bonding.

The 350-acre property boasts extensive, top-quality facilities. Highlights include a private 13-acre lake with a beach and boating, two swimming pools, an equestrian center with stables, tennis courts, skate parks, creative arts pavilions with pottery wheels and kilns, a high-flying trapeze rig, adventure ropes courses, sports fields, gymnasiums, and a performing arts center. Each campus is self-sufficient with its own dining hall, health center, and activity sites. The infrastructure is designed to support a comprehensive and safe camp experience.

With a history dating back to 1950 and under the continuous, caring direction of the Buynak family for over 60 years, Camp Cayuga boasts a legacy of quality and trusted childcare. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and non-sectarian, welcoming campers from diverse international backgrounds. The highly qualified staff—including professional educators, certified activity specialists, and carefully vetted college-aged counselors — undergo rigorous screening and training. The philosophy prioritizes individual attention, safety, and creating a "family atmosphere" where campers build confidence, skills, and memories that "last a lifetime."