Camp Chinqueka

Rundown, understaffed, and poorly run camp. Kids were packed into hot and dirty cabins and felt like their basic health and hygiene needs were not taken care of. My first time campers stuck it out for their whole two-week session, but 4 out of the other 12 girls in their cabin actually left early and the camp didn't seem to care. Interestingly, 3 out of the 4 who left were returning campers, and from what we understand, the camp has recently run into many financial difficulties and has cut back drastically on the quality of activities, facilities, and staff. So even those who may have enjoyed the camp in the past can no longer overlook the drastic decline. Activities were very basic with little to no instruction using rundown equipment / minimal materials. Cafeteria food was terrible, portion sizes were stingy, and the cafeteria often ran out of many food items. Hygiene essentials like soap and paper products were not refilled in a timely fashion. My girls' cabin went at least 3 days with no toilet paper, soap, and paper towels and so they had to walk to either the public bathroom or another cabin to use the bathroom (even late at night). Kids were required to shower in bathing suits bc the shower curtains were too flimsy and see-through to provide enough privacy and towels provided were not big enough to cover their bodies to and from the shower---so they said they never felt fully clean. There was a girl in their cabin that regularly stole things from other girls and the camp did not do much to discipline her or prevent her from continuing the behavior. There generally didn't seem to be much adult supervision and oversight. The kids seemed to mainly interact with teen counselors and it was very telling that even on pick-up and drop off days, we as parents did not get greeted or instructed on where to go by any kind of director or other adult. They allow the kids only a 5 min phone call each week, and though the kids are also allowed to write and receive both electronic and mailed letters, the camp loses track of a lot of mail and can fail to print electronic correspondences -- I know of at least 4 letters that the camp lost or did not print for my campers, who could have really benefitted from hearing from home during moments of homesickness. Two-week sessions are priced at $4800 per camper plus a sneaky $125 per kid non-refundable "canteen fee" which is supposedly for kids to purchase merchandise, but which the camp basically pockets since they do not make parents or kids well-aware that they need to use it or lose it. It really seems that the camp is trying to squeeze every cent out of families without any regard to quality of experience.

Fantastic place to send your kids during the summer. I had the privilege to attend camp as a camper, then as a counselor. An amazing place to develop leadership skills for life!

Our daughter has just spent 8 weeks at Camp Chinqueka and has had the most incredible summer! The amazing team of counsellors & administration, the beautiful location and activities/events - our daughter is already counting down to return for Summer 2024!

Camp Chinqueka has been such an amazing part of my life. After being a camper, volunteer and working making over 10 years, I couldn't recommend this camp more to anyone! It gives girls the chance to make friendships that last a lifetime, leaderships skills that will never be forgotten and to have so so much fun! In the future I will definitely be sending my children!

Going to Camp Chinqueka was the highlight of my childhood! I spent 6 amazing summers there (and always did the full 8 weeks!) There is truly no better way to spend your summer as a kid. The activities, the friends, the memories - it’s helped make me the person I am today. You get to experience so many activities you would never do at home, meet people from all over the world and learn independence! The camp director Amanda was a camper there from a young age so she knows exactly how to give campers what they want and need to have the best summer ever in a safe environment! Unlike most camps where there is a yearly color war and you’re on a new team every year - at Chinqueka there are three tribes and you’re on your tribe for life! It really bonds you with your fellow campers and Chinqueka forever! I would recommend everyone send their girls there if they are thinking about it. I wish I could go back!!