FAQs
We have answers!
- What sessions does Appel Farm offer?
Our sessions range from a one-week camp opportunity- perfect for the first time camper- to 2-week sessions focused on process based arts learning experiences; to a 4-week session combining process-based learning with a culminating showcase or performance. Our combinable sessions allow campers to stay for up to 5-weeks, and give your family maximum flexibility! To find the sessions that work best for your family, view our Dates & Rates.
- Where is Appel Farm?
Appel Farm Arts Camp is set on a 115-acre farm in Salem County, NJ. We are located 30 minutes south of Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York City and Washington D.C. on a beautiful, rural campus in southern New Jersey.
Appel Farm Arts Camp
457 Shirley Road
P.O. Box 888
Elmer, NJ 08318- Can I visit camp or meet the camp directors prior to registering my child?
We’d love to meet you, take you on a tour, and answer your questions about Camp!
Learn more about tour dates, times, and how to RSVP.
- How do I register my child for camp?
Registering your child for camp at Appel Farm is easy! You can register by phone, by mail or online with a $900 deposit to hold your child’s space.
- Call our Camp Directors at 856-358-6881, or
- Learn how to register online.
- What is the daily schedule like at Appel Farm?
Our dynamic learning program is based on a focused Major in the morning, two focused Minors in the afternoon, and a Free Choice period. Your child’s Majors and Minors will meet Monday through Saturday and focus on process-based learning in a specific discipline. Free Choice will allow your child to explore other areas of the arts each afternoon, take a dip in the pool, or hang-out with friends.
Sundays are a special time for campers to take a break from their normal routine to try new things, relax, and create their own schedule of varied workshops held throughout the day.
Learn more about our daily schedule.
Learn more about the program structure.
- Who are the staff members working with the campers?
Our experienced, mature counselors, all over the age of 19, are carefully chosen to be positive role models who will empower your child to gain self-confidence, awareness, and independence. With over 100 professional artists and arts educators from around the world, we offer a 1:6 staff to camper ratio, so campers are always sure to receive meaningful one-on-one instruction. Our extensive staff screening process includes personal interviews, reference checks, and a background check to ensure the safety of your camper.
- What is included in my camp tuition?
Camp tuition is all-inclusive, including all programming and instruction; basic supplies and equipment; meals and healthy snacks; laundry services; healthcare; summer mementos; and transportation to and from bus and train stations in Philadelphia, or Philadelphia International Airport. 4-week, 6-week, and CIT campers are charged a small “Trip Fee” for a special off-campus trip during their session. Appel Farm does not require camp uniforms, and we have a strict no tipping policy.
A bus is available for campers traveling from New York City and West Orange, NJ, for a small additional fee.
Campers will need a little spending money for personal use on off-camp trips or for the canteen. Spending money will be kept in a secure account and unused funds are returned at the end of the summer. Our canteen does not sell any food or drinks, just camp merchandise, stamps, and essentials like toothpaste and batteries.
- Is there any financial assistance for tuition?
Yes! Young people who would not otherwise have the resources to participate in Appel Farm Arts Camp may apply for this opportunity through our Scholarship Program.
- How do campers get to camp?
Most camp families bring their children to camp, but we have transportation options for campers traveling alone. Appel Farm offers a chartered, chaperoned bus, for a fee, to transport campers and their luggage between New York City, NY, West Orange, NJ and camp for each 2-week session. We will also pick-up campers at Philadelphia International Airport, Amtrak 30th Street Station, or the Philadelphia Greyhound Station for campers in all sessions.
- What happens if my child feels homesick?
Homesickness is common in campers of all ages, and the Appel Farm community works hard throughout each session to help campers adjust to being away from home and learn coping skills. Appel Farm staff members are trained experts for campers struggling with homesickness and will be sure to use proven strategies to nurture and empower campers to be successful away from home.
- Is there a day for families to visit during the camp session?
Families whose children are staying for 4 or 6 week sessions are invited to Visiting Day, held on a Sunday around the midpoint of your camper’s session. Visiting days are special opportunities for our campers to show their families around camp, participate in family workshops in the arts, and catch up on the news at home. Families are invited to join us for lunch or may opt to take their child off camp for the day.
- How do I keep in touch with my child during the summer?
Receiving news from home, fun emails, letters, and care packages is a highlight of being away at camp! Parents are encouraged to send letters and emails to their campers frequently throughout the session. Each day parent’s e-mails are printed out and distributed to campers with their regular mail during rest hour. Counselors encourage campers to write letters home often and we host “Letter Writing” parties occasionally to ensure all campers are motivated to keep in touch.
Of course, parents can keep track of their child throughout the summer at Appel Farm by checking in often at our website where we continually update hundreds of pictures of campers in action. Parents are also always welcome to contact a Camp Director with any concerns they are having or to check in on how their child is doing.
- In case of an emergency, how do I get in touch with my child?
We understand the importance of being able to contact your child in the event of an emergency. The Camp Directors live on-site and are available to help your family at all times. During business hours, (Weekdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) you can reach the directors by phone at (856) 358-2472 or (800) 394-8478, or you can email them at camp@appelfarm.org.
If it is after business hours, and you have an emergency that cannot wait until morning, please call the Infirmary at (856) 358-2476. Our nurses are available 24 hours a day and can best relay an urgent message to the Camp Directors after hours.
- How does laundry work at camp?
Campers staying for 1 week should plan to pack enough clothing to last their time here. We will provide you with a suggested packing list. For campers staying 2 weeks or more, we launder campers’ clothing and linens once per week. We ask that you put your camper’s name on everything! Mark all clothing and personal belongings. You can use iron-on transfers, indelible ink or securely sewn labels. Campers are asked to put their dirty clothes and linens into the bunk’s laundry bags, which will be picked up by our staff. Laundry is washed and dried and returned to the campers the next afternoon.
- What should we pack?
We will provide you with a suggested packing list via email before you arrive. You can also view the suggested packing list in the parent portal.
- What is the food like at Appel Farm?
A goal at Appel Farm is to make campers and staff more aware of the food we eat, the value of nutrition, and of larger concerns for the environment. Meals are a wonderful time when campers and staff enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as afternoon and evening snacks as a community. We always serve vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and are able to accommodate most special diets. Learn more about our food offerings.
- What happens if my child needs to take medication?
Medication is not a problem at Appel Farm. All medicine and healthcare are dispensed from the Health Center, which is staffed by two resident Camp Nurses, and a Physician who visit camp Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Campers visit the Health Center after meals or before bedtime to take their medications.
- How many people will live in my camper's bunk?
All of our bunks house 8-14 campers with at least 2 adult counselors. Typically, our bunks are organized by age and grade level, and campers are able to request bunkmates who are in their same age group.
Did we answer all of your questions? If not, email a Camp Director with your question, and we will get right back to you.