Welcome to
Sibling Camp!

We’re so excited to welcome you to Camp Casco!

Whether it’s your child’s first time joining us or their tenth, we’re here to help you feel fully prepared and at ease before your child’s camp session.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know—from packing tips and drop-off details to health policies and communication while your child is away. And if you still have questions, we’re just a call or email away!

QUICK LINKS:

Where & When

Monday August 3 - Saturday August 8
Berkshire Lake Camp, 822 Peru Road, Hinsdale, MA
Drop-off and pick-up times depend on your child's mode of transportation. See Transportation section below for specifics.

 

Transportation

Sibling Camp families have the flexibility to either drop off your child at the campsite in Hinsdale or use our complimentary coach bus from Medfield.

Details for all drop-off and pick-up options are outlined below.

Getting To Camp:
Monday, August 3

  • NEW LOCATION: Dale Street School, 45 Adams St, Medfield, MA (click for map)

    • Note: Memorial School is under construction, so we’ve shifted our bus site to the nearby Dale Street School.

    Check-in: Monday, August 3, 8:00 AM

  • Location: Berkshire Lake Camp, Hinsdale, MA

    Check-in: Monday, August 3, 11:00 AM

Picking Up From Camp:
Saturday, August 8

  • NEW LOCATION: Dale Street School, 45 Adams St, Medfield, MA (click for map)

    • Note: Memorial School is under construction, so we’ve shifted our bus site to the nearby Dale Street School.

    Pick-up: Saturday, August 8, 12:30 PM

  • Location: Berkshire Lake Camp, Hinsdale, MA

    Pick-up: Saturday, August 8, 10:30 AM

Want to check or update your child’s mode of transportation to camp? Use the link below to log into the Parent Portal to update your Transportation form, or reach out to a member of our team.

What To Pack

Packing for camp doesn't have to be stressful! We've put together simple checklists to help your camper feel comfortable and prepared, whether they’re sleeping at camp or heading home each evening.

Download your checklist below:


A few quick tips:

  • Be sure to label everything with your camper’s name

  • Pack together so your child knows where everything is

  • Don’t worry about fancy clothes—camp is all about comfort!


🚫 Please leave these at home:

  • Cell phones, cameras, electronics, and valuables

  • Food, candy, or gum

  • Weapons or anything unsafe


Camp Casco reserves the right to inspect camper bags if there is reason to believe that prohibited or unsafe items have been packed.

Health & Safety

Your child’s health and safety are our top priority. We’re proud to have a full team of licensed medical professionals onsite 24/7.

Read on for everything you need to know for a safe and healthy week of camp!

  • At Camp Casco, your child’s health is in trusted hands. Our experienced medical team carefully manages and administers all camper medications to ensure they’re safe, supported, and able to fully enjoy the camp experience.


    What We Can Administer At Camp:

    • Medications, vitamins, and supplements from home provided in original containers with original labels

    • Over-the-counter medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) with parent approval if needed

    🚫 What We Can’t Administer At Camp:

    • We are not allowed to administer any type of medication that is not in its original packaging

    • We do not administer IV medications

    • We do not administer cannabis or THC products

    👩‍⚕️ How We Manage Medications At Camp:

    • Medication schedules are submitted by families prior to camp via the Parent Portal, and confirmed at camp check-in

    • Parents can approve or decline over-the-counter medications prior to camp in the Health History Form in the Parent Portal

    • Medications are only administered by members of our Med Shed, all of whom are licensed medical professionals

    • Administration of any medication to a camper in the camp setting is noted in our camper’s health logs

    • Medications are stored securely in our Med Shed. Dedicated refrigerators are also available for cold meds.

    For more information, our Medication Administration policies are available here.

  • To protect all members of our community, Camp Casco follows Massachusetts state health regulations and may adopt additional safety measures as needed (e.g. during outbreaks of contagious illness).

    We currently require the following up-to-date vaccines to attend Camp Casco as a camper:

    • MMR - 2 doses

    • Polio - 4 doses

    • DTaP - 5 doses

    • Td or Tdap - 1 dose

    • Hepatitis B - 3 doses

    • Varicella - 2 doses

    • Meningitis B -

      • For campers in grades 7-10: 1 dose

      • For campers in grades 11-12: 2 doses

    We currently recommend the following immunizations to attend Camp Casco as a camper:

    • COVID-19

    Exceptions:

    • All requests for exceptions are subject to review and approval by Camp Casco’s medical team. In situations when one or more cases of a vaccine-preventable or any other communicable disease are present in a camp, all susceptible children, including those with medical or religious exemptions, are subject to exclusion. Exceptions will be considered in the following circumstances:

      • Medical Contraindication:

        • Immunizations may be waived with certification by a physician that he or she has examined the individual and that in the physician’s opinion the physical condition of the individual is such that his or her health would be endangered by such immunization.

      • Revaccination or Delayed Vaccination Related To Treatment:

        • Immunization requirements may be waived for children who require revaccination or delayed vaccination but have not been able to complete the series due to their medical condition and/or the timing of their treatment. Documentation from the child’s physician explaining the reason for delayed vaccination will be required.

      • Religious Exemptions

        • If a camper has religious objections to physical examinations or immunizations, the parent or guardian shall submit a written and signed statement, in a form acceptable to Camp Casco, to the effect that the camper is in good health, attesting to the family’s sincerely held religious belief, and providing the contact information for at least one religious leader who can verify the family’s religious belief.

    Camp Casco reserves the right to approve or deny religious exceptions for the safety of its vulnerable population, in its sole discretion. For more information, our immunization policies are available here.

  • We take every precaution to keep our camp community healthy and safe. Here are a few of the ways we help prevent the spread of illness:

    • 🌡️ Health Screenings

      • All volunteers and campers undergo health screenings upon arrival to camp. This includes the following, all done discreetly from the privacy of your vehicle upon arrival to camp:

        • Temperature screening

        • Symptom screening

        • Lice checks

        • COVID-19 rapid antigen test

    • 🫧 Daily Hygiene Practices

      • Campers wash hands regularly throughout the day

      • Twice-a-day tooth brushing and daily showers are required at all sleepaway camps

      • Hand sanitizer is available throughout camp

      • Common areas are cleaned regularly with disinfectant

    • ☀️ Outdoor Safety

      • Spray-on sunscreen is always available throughout camp, and campers are reminded to apply it regularly

      • Campers are encouraged to wear protective clothing like wide-brim hats, long sleeves, and long pants when needed

      • Lip balm with SPF is recommended to protect sensitive skin

      • DEET-free bug spray is available and encouraged regularly throughout the day, especially prior to evening activities. If there is another type of bug spray you would prefer your child use, please send it from home and notify us in writing, and we’ll be sure to encourage your child to use their personal spray.

    To help keep our entire camp community safe, we ask that all campers arrive in good health and ready to participate. We may require documentation—such as a negative COVID-19 test—to ensure a safe camp session. Camp Casco may delay or deny participation for any camper showing signs of illness or unable to complete necessary health screenings, in order to protect the well-being of all participants.

    For more details, please refer to our Daily Health Supervision policies.

  • Our staff and medical team are trained to respond quickly, compassionately, and professionally when a camper isn't feeling their best. Here's how we care for campers when illness or injury arises:

    • 🤧 Mild Illness or Discomfort

      • Camp counselors monitor campers closely for early signs of illness, dehydration, or fatigue.

      • If a camper doesn't feel well, they’ll be brought to the Med Shed for evaluation by our medical team.

      • Campers with mild symptoms (like a sore throat or cough without a fever) may rest in a quiet space, receive supportive care, and be monitored closely.

      • Over-the-counter medications may be given if appropriate and approved in advance—every dose is documented by our medical team.

      • If mild symptoms persist, parents will be contacted to decide next steps together.

    • 🌡️ Fever or Communicable Illness

      • Campers with a fever of 100.5°F or higher or signs of a communicable disease will be cared for in a designated isolation space and their parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.

      • Isolation spaces are quiet, separate from cabins, and supervised by trained staff.

      • We will work closely with you to arrange pick-up or additional care if needed.

    • 🚑 Serious Illness or Injury

      • For any significant medical concern, our team will contact you right away and determine the best plan together.

      • If your child requires emergency care, they will be safely transported to the nearest medical facility and accompanied by a trusted member of our camp team until you're able to meet them.

    • 📞 Keeping You Informed

      • We’ll always call you if we’re concerned about your child’s health or if a situation isn’t improving.

      • If we can’t reach you, we’ll use the emergency contacts listed in your health forms.

      • All contact attempts and health updates are carefully documented.

    Every child is different, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your child’s needs and how we can best care for them in the camp setting. We are committed to working closely with you to make sure your child receives top-notch care throughout their time at camp.

    For more information, please see our policies on Daily Health Supervision and Medical Emergencies & Accidents.

  • Questions? Reach out to our team anytime to learn more or request a full copy of our health policies.

What To Expect at Check-In and Pick-Up

We’re here to make check-in and pick-up smooth, safe, and welcoming for both campers and parents! Learn more about what to expect below.

Check-In

  • Option 1: Campsite Check-In

    • 📅 Monday, August 3

    • ⏰ 11:00 AM

    • 📍 Berkshire Lake Camp, Hinsdale, MA (click for map)

    Option 2: Bus Site Check-In

    • 📅 Monday, August 3

    • ⏰ 8:00 AM

    • 📍 Dale Street School, 45 Adams St, Medfield, MA (click for map)

      • Note: Our prior bus site, Memorial School, is under construction, so we’ve shifted our bus site to the nearby Dale Street School.

  • We’re so excited to welcome your child to Camp Casco! Here's what to expect when you arrive:

    • ⛺️ Look for our Camp Casco tent—a friendly team member will greet you and guide you to a parking spot marked with a cone.

    • 🕛 If you arrive a few minutes early, please wait in the parking lot until a team member comes to greet you.

    • 🚗 Check-in is done entirely in your vehicle! Members of our team will come to your child to discreetly conduct:

      • A brief communicable disease screening and COVID-19 test

      • A head lice check

      • A medication check-in

    • 🙏 Please remain in your vehicle until a camp representative confirms your child’s check-in is complete. This helps us keep the process smooth and safe for everyone!

    • 👩‍⚕️ Our medical team will be onsite to answer any last-minute questions and collect medications.

    • ⚡️ For a faster check-in, have your child’s medications out and ready, separate from their luggage, and make sure they match what’s been entered into your child’s medication list in the Parent Portal!

Pick-Up

  • Option 1: Campsite Pick-Up

    • 📅 Saturday, August 8

    • ⏰ 10:30 AM

    • 📍 Berkshire Lake Camp, Hinsdale, MA (click for map)

    Option 2: Bus Site Pick-Up

    • 📅 Saturday, August 8

    • ⏰ 12:30 PM

    • 📍 Dale Street School, 45 Adams St, Medfield, MA (click for map)

      • Note: Our prior bus site, Memorial School, is under construction, so we’ve shifted our bus site to the nearby Dale Street School.

  • We’re so excited to reunite you with your camper after an amazing week at Camp Casco! Here's what to expect when you arrive:

    • ⛺️ Look for our Camp Casco signs— whether you’re picking up from the campsite or the bus site, it will be the same place you checked in on Monday!

    • 🚌 Heads up! Our camper bus departs the campsite at 10 AM. Our parking lot is very small, so the bus will temporarily block the entrance. If you are picking up your child from the campsite and arrive a few minutes early, we recommend waiting nearby rather than pulling into the parking lot before 10:30.

    • 👩‍💼 At your scheduled pick-up time, a friendly Camp Casco team member will greet you and guide you through the process.

    • 🪪 Please have your photo ID ready for pick-up. Once we confirm your identity, we will call your camper to come meet you!

    • 💊 Medications are returned separately from luggage. We’ll ask you to sign a quick form confirming you’ve received your child’s medications.

    We’re here to help every step of the way—if you have questions or need assistance, just ask anyone with a Camp Casco name tag!

    • 🪪 Photo ID: For everyone’s safety, we check photo IDs before releasing campers—even if you’ve picked up before. Please bring a government-issued photo ID with you.

    • 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 An Authorized Grown-Up: We can only release campers to the authorized adults listed in your child’s camp forms. Need to check or update your child’s authorized adults? Visit the Parent Portal anytime!

Forms & Deadlines

To help us prepare the safest and most personalized experience for your child, we require the following forms on file for each camper:

  • ✅ Initial Application

  • 🩺 Physical Exam & Immunization Records

  • ❤️ Health History Form

  • ✍️ Consent Form

  • 🚌 Transportation Form

  • 🔁 Returner Update Forms (returning campers only)

All forms are due by March 15. If you have applied for camp after March 15, your forms are due 2 weeks from your application date in order to confirm your space.

You can review, update, or complete your forms anytime through the Parent Portal. This includes adding or changing medications, updating emergency contacts, and more.

Need help? Reach out anytime—we’re happy to walk you through it!

Preparing for Camp

FAQs

  • Our Sibling Camp is a great option for siblings of kids who have been diagnosed with cancer at any time. Their brother or sister who was diagnosed with cancer does not need to be a current Camp Casco camper, and does not need to be receiving active treatment.

    Participants should be ages 9-17 on the first day of camp, potty-trained, and have permission from their doctor to attend school or camp.

    We are used to working with children with unique needs. If your child has any special considerations, we’ll work with you prior to your camp session to make sure we understand your child’s needs and how we can best support them at camp.

  • No. Any brother or sister of a child who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, who meets all other eligibility criteria, is able to attend. Eligibility does not depend on the cancer patient/survivor’s participation or treatment status.

  • Yes. Any bereaved brother or sister of a child who was diagnosed with cancer, who meets our other eligibility criteria, is able to attend.

  • A well-fed camper is a happy camper. Food provides nutrition and energy, but it’s also an important source of comfort. It can be hard to be away from foods you’re used to eating and surrounded by new things.

    Fortunately, camp food is delicious, nutritious, and best of all, kid-friendly. Many of our campers are self-described “picky eaters”. This is a very common need that we’re happy to accommodate.

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served every day in the Dining Hall. Food is served buffet-style, making it easy to adapt to a camper's particular tastes. Campers may take as much or as little of each food item as they like. This allows our campers to see and smell each food before deciding if they'd like to try it, and makes it easy to go back for more. It also makes it easy to assemble food to each camper's liking (sauce on the side? No problem!).

    We also keep lots of nutritious snacks on hand in case campers get hungry between meals. Specific dietary preferences (like vegetarian, vegan, or kosher diets) and food allergies can also be accommodated. Please be sure to note any dietary preferences and food allergies on your camper application so that we may notify the camp kitchen promptly.

  • Please see Health and Safety above and refer to the Preventing Illness At Camp section!

  • Berkshire Lake Camp is a newly-built facility nestled along the shores of Lake Ashmere, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Berkshire Mountains.

    Our cabins feature electricity and bunk beds, with accessible indoor bathrooms. Equipped with a large sports field, a volleyball court, basketball court, waterfront with swimming beach and boating, brand-new cabins and both indoor and outdoor dining, this campsite is the perfect setting for siblings to unplug and unwind.

  • We stay in Berkshire Lake Camp’s beautiful updated cabins.

    Campers are assigned to sleeping quarters in groups by gender preference and age. All sleeping quarters are supervised by trained & background-checked cabin counselors. We use a Truddy System to ensure no two individuals are ever left alone, unless medically necessary.

    Our cabins feature electricity, indoor wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, hot water, and single or bunk beds. Campers may bring bedding from home or use a sleeping bag on their bed - whichever they prefer. If your child requires special accommodations overnight, please contact us to discuss.

  • During inclement weather, such as very warm or rainy days, we’ll move inside. On warmer days, we may provide cooling items such as a personal fan, and increase the number of water activities, to help keep kids comfortable. Be aware that in the case of lightning, swimming and boating will not permitted until deemed safe by our lifeguards.

  • In general, during the camp day, you can expect to receive a few updates via our Campanion app, a special app for smartphones that will allow you to receive photos throughout the day. General updates will also be made on our Facebook & Instagram pages, which we encourage you to follow. Finally, Program Director Krystin “Lo” Whitacre will be available Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM - 12 PM to answer any non-urgent communications.

    If your child needs additional support for any reason during the camp session, we will reach out to you right away.

  • Please visit this page for everything you need to know to submit your child’s camper application!