At Pok-O-MacCready, each camper has the opportunity to interact with campers of all ages and genders. We also believe that it’s important for children to form bonds with campers who are at similar stages of development, so that relationships will continue to grow over their years at camp. To facilitate these connections, we divide the camper population into age cohorts, which we call Sections. Each section has its own name, location, traditions, and dedicated staff, all of which allows them to create a cohesive group within the larger camp community.
Sections
Click on the for section descriptions and information.
Pioneer
Rising 1st to 4th grade boys
Our youngest campers play hard and go to sleep early. They are usually up for any challenge, but may need more supervision as they figure out how to brush their teeth and make their beds while away from home.
Key traditions: Gathering at Pioneer Rock, Sock Tag, Berry Picking and Kick The Can.
Housing: Large bunk house on the lake, divided into 3 rooms for sleeping, electricity, an attached bath, and a large playroom. Max of 24 campers, 5 counselors.
The Lodge
Rising 1st to 4th grade girls
The youngest girls at camp are closest to two key groups: camp administrators and horses!
Key traditions: Building faerie houses, Berry Picking, the Chocolate Game
Housing: Bunk house renovated in 2011, with 3 rooms for sleeping, an attached bath, electricity, and a large community room. Max of 19 campers, 4 counselors.
Pok-O Intermediate
Rising 5th to 7th grade boys
The biggest section at camp, this little village has numerous lake views, dueling tetherball courts, and the Sand Pit. Full of energy and opportunities for leadership from older kids.
Key traditions: Blackline, The Erosion Game, and so many frisbees.
Housing: 6 unique rustic cabins, and a large, modern bathhouse. Max of 44 campers, 8 counselors.
MacCready Intermediate
Rising 5th and 6th grades girls
This adventuresome section is geographically and culturally located between the younger Lodge and older Senior sections, but they carve a unique identity for themselves each year. Easy access to the sports fields, Pottery Room, and the largest fire ring at camp.
Key traditions: Gathering at the Rock Circle, Grease the Watermelon, Nuke ‘Em
Housing: Dual-winged bunk house attached to an 1885 farmhouse, leading to everyone calling their lodge “The Farmhouse”. 6 rooms, with a large attached bath, and electricity. Max of 33 campers, 7 counselors.
Pok-O Senior
Rising 8th and 9th grade boys
These campers strive to find the balance between leadership, community, and high energy fun. They take pride in enhanced responsibility, but may still need reminders to take showers before dances.
Key traditions: Polar Bear Dip, Senior/Highlander Hockey League, Rope Swing contests
Housing: 5 unique rustic cabins, and a large, modern bathhouse. Max of 38 campers, 6 counselors.
MacCready Senior
Rising 7th and 8th grade girls
Situated on the edge of the forest and the fields, these campers learn to navigate increasing responsibility and freedom.
Key traditions: Senior Spirits, performances at Vespers, Gold Rush
Housing: 5 unique rustic cabins, large detached bathhouse. Max of 32 campers, 6 counselors
Highlander
Rising 9th grade girls
This section is historically tight knit as campers squeeze the most of their last summer before transitioning into Counselors In Training.
Key traditions: Senior/Highlander Hockey League, Paint Wars, Knock-Out
Housing: 3 unique rustic cabins, detached rustic bathhouse. Max of 18 campers, 3 counselors.
ADV
Rising 10th and 11th grade boys
This name harkens back to a time when camp only included boys, and when Seniors wanted to come back, the “Advanced” section was created. Steeped in the tradition of long hikes and community projects, the ADV also spend time assisting younger campers and being mentored by staff to ensure they are ready to be well rounded staff members in the future
Key traditions: Hiking, European Handball, and pranking the CIT
Housing: large bunk house, 2 sleeping areas, large communal space, electricity, detached bath.
CIT
Rising 10th and 11th grade girls
Counselor In Training is a two-year program meant to give campers a holistic view of camp, with opportunities to shadow, teach, and create programs, all while maintaining the ability to choose off-camp adventures.
Key traditions: Visiting the coffee station, late night chats with On Duty staff, and pranking the ADV
Housing: large bunkhouse with 2 sleeping areas, a large communal space, electricity, and attached bath.
A Shared Experience
Although each section differs slightly, there are some commonalities to create throughlines in the camp experience:
- There are 6-8 campers per cabin, each with at least one counselor
- In addition to counselors, each age group has a Section Head who supervises and supports the cabin counselors
- Each section has a fire pit for nighttime stories and s’mores
- Nature and trees abound, providing shade and opportunities to test out the latest in hammock technology
- Areas are set aside for play. Tetherball courts, playing cards, LEGOs, volleyballs, and friendship bracelets can be found throughout camp, providing opportunities for unstructured, creative play