Welcome, Tapawingo Parents!
We know sending your loved one to camp is a big step — and we want you to feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way. Below you’ll find what you need to prepare for your daughter’s time on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Policies
-
Island Camp and TAP Adventure run in week-long sessions. Campers may attend a maximum of two weeks at Tapawingo. Those staying for two weeks can have laundry done for a small fee.
-
Reservation & Payment Policy
· A $110 deposit is required at the time of booking and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
· Families who book multiple sessions to hold spots and leave their options open, will not be refunded for the $110.00 deposit upon cancellation.
· Final payment is due by May 1st. If full payment is not received by May 1st, the reservation will be canceled and all deposits forfeited.
· Reservations made after May 1st must be paid in full at the time of booking.
· Date or program changes to an existing registration may be made by calling the Tapawingo Office or emailing tapawingo@cotw.org. Before May 1st, your registration may be transferred to another open week at no charge.
· No refunds will be given for late arrivals or early departures.Deposits may be transferred to new session dates if:
· The change is requested before May 1st.
· The reservation is held by the same member.
· The registration is scheduled for the same summer season. -
We’re part of the CAMP-of-the-WOODS family, a ministry that’s been welcoming guests for over 125 years. Located just across the water from us, they host activities we enjoy—like tennis, the challenge course, and the climbing wall—and provide a legacy of faith that we’re proud to continue at Tapawingo. CAMP-of-the-WOODS is owned and operated by Gospel Volunteers, Inc.
-
Cabin assignments are based primarily on age. Each camper may request one friend to be in her cabin. To honor a request, the friend must be the same age (within 18 months or one school grade), and both campers must list each other when registering. If you would like to add a friend request after registering, email tapawingo@cotw.org.
We do our best to honor one cabin request per camper. However, there are times when we may be unable to honor requests due to factors such as age and available space.
Our goal is to create a welcoming cabin environment where every camper can form new friendships. For this reason, we generally do not place girls who come together as a group (4+) in one cabin. We appreciate your understanding!
-
The swim test will assess your camper’s ability to swim using various strokes, tread water, float, bob, and climb into a rowboat from the water. The test lasts 15-20 minutes and is designed to determine the water activities your camper can safely participate in.
Based on the results, campers will receive a bracelet that corresponds to their swim level. Some campers may be designated as "non-swimmers," meaning they will only be able to participate in swimming activities and will not be eligible for other water sports.
Life at Camp
Travel, Check-In, & Packing
-
Sundays, 1:00–3:00 pm at CAMP-of-the-WOODS pavilion. Long-distance parents may book CAMP-of-the-WOODS lodging (518-548-4311 ext. 0).
-
Fly into Albany International (ALB). Arrive Sunday 9:00 am–12:00 pm; depart Saturday 10:00 am–2:00 pm.
Airport transport is $150 each way (+$20/additional passenger).
Schedule one week ahead by emailing tapawingo@cotw.org and confirm by phone 24 hours prior.
-
Camper parents may visit on drop-off Sunday only; no mid-session visits allowed.
-
Download the packing list below based on the program your daughter is attending.
$50–$75 recommended. Covers crafts, store, snacks, laundry, and incidentals. Refunds issued for unused balances.
Health & Communication
-
We are a nut-free island and accommodate medical diets. Campers with allergies must bring an EpiPen. Health form with doctor’s signature due May 1.
-
We encourage letter writing; please provide pre-addressed/stamped envelopes for younger campers. Outgoing mail leaves daily after breakfast.
-
You can send mail to your camper while she is at Tapawingo:
Mailing Address:
Tapawingo
Camper’s Name & Cabin
P.O. Box 250, Speculator, NY 12164
Note about packages: No nuts, cash, homemade food, gum, or “Do Not Pack” items in packages.
