Staff FAQs

Our Staff Frequently Asked Questions

A typical day at Hillcroft

A day at Hillcroft is very structured and varied with over 30 different activities. We believe a campers day should include swimming and both physical and creative experiences. Group staff participate in all of the activities that the children are involved in during the typical day.

4-7 year olds

Each morning there are 3 activity periods for the campers, each lasting 50 minutes.
one period will take place at one of our 3 swimming pools, either an instructional swim lesson or free swim.
Another period will be sport orientated, for example team sports, gymnastics, dance,
 (tennis, fencing, archery or climbing are offered to the 7-8 year olds) and the other period will be dedicated to more creative activities such as ceramics, arts and crafts, woodshop, and weaving.

Lunch is served at 11:45 am, followed by a half hour of rest/quiet play time. In the afternoon there are again 3 periods of varied activities. One of them is a swim and campers also enjoy activities such as farm, nature, outdoor adventure and cooking. At the end of the day the campers sit down for snack and counselors help them pack their bags before dismissing at 4:30pm.

8-12 year olds

The philosophy behind our programming for this age group is based on the simple fact
that these campers need and thrive in a choice based curriculum. Therefore, each period offers at least 4 different choices for the campers to choose from. The only mandatory activities are instructional swim, free swim and team sports. The campers have to swim twice a day and participate in team sports approximately 4 times a week. In the morning there are 4 periods and the choices offered are age appropriate and stimulating (see our section on activities).

  • Lunch is served at 12:40pm
  • In the afternoon there are 3 periods, again based on choice.
  • Snack is at 3:45pm followed by dismissal at 4:30pm.
  • Daily lunch included
  • Yes, we are peanut free

Our unique 8th and 9th grade program

Our teenage program and day has been specifically formatted to appeal to this age group. As well as choosing their own activities from within our master schedule, our teenagers also go on weekly day trips, such as bowling, water parks, ice skating etc…. The highlight of our first session is a 2-day/1-overnight trip to Boston or Baltimore… this is very much enjoyed by all.

We also offer special activities for our older campers where they can try their hand at being an assistant with some of our younger campers or they can choose to participate in activities that are not part of our regular schedule, for example golf with a golf pro, horseback riding, jewelry making etc… We are very proud of this program which appeals to our teenagers and is enjoyed by all.

Different team events and swimming races wearing specially designed t-shirts from our very own graphics studio. Campers are involved in designing and helping too.