Hindu Heritage Summer Camp
India Community Center, Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about preparing for HHSC, life at camp, and what happens after the session ends.
PRE-CAMP
It is a very busy schedule! View the Typical Day PDF here.
Programs Open to Parents:
- Campfire (1st Mon, 7 PM)
- Devi Puja (1st Fri, 2nd Wed, 7 PM)
- Special Puja (Sat, 7 PM)
- Vedic Lunch (Sun, 12 PM)
- Talent Show (2nd Thu, 6:45 PM)
Schedule subject to change.
Please see our camp packing list and dress code policy.
- ๐ซ No Outside Food: To prevent infestations and manage life-threatening allergies.
- ๐ Bedding: Twin-sized mattresses (cabins are not climate controlled; see facilities for more details).
- ๐งบ Laundry: Parents should NOT do their child's laundry during camp; it is a key independence exercise.
See the transportation section in our fees & policies
Informed by years of camper and counselor surveys
Boys: Mixed age cabins where older boys act as role models and "brothers."
Girls: Organized by age (Younger, Middle, Older).
Cabin pal requests are only allowed for first-year campers.
3 Meals + 2 Snacks (Vegetarian & Nut-Free)
We accommodate non-dairy, eggless, gluten-free, and gelatin-free diets if noted on medical forms.
Example Meals
If your child has more complex dietary needs then please email us
We know it can be tough to determine if your child is ready for camp, but we hope the information below can help you make a decision.
- Benefits of Summer Camp (by the American Camp Association): Campers often develop greater self-confidence by making new friendships and tackling new challenges. We've even heard parents say things like "my child became a less picky eater" after attending!
- Homesickness Dos and Donโts for Parents Preparing for Camp(by the American Camp Association): We highly recommend doing some practice, like sleepovers, day camps, etc.
- Counselor Training & Safety: Please review our FAQ on this topic. Over our years (started in 1976), we have seen and cared for a variety of campers' needs.
Younger Campers (Age 8-10)
Clarity & Routine (30% of Campers)
We understand that they thrive on clear, simple instructions and consistent schedules. Patience is critical as they navigate new experiences and emotions.
Middle Campers (Age 11-12)
Choices & Reason (30% of Campers)
We understand they are transitioning and seek more independence so we offer controlled choices and explain the 'why' behind rules and decisions. We want to make sure they feel valued and that they are being treated as older, rather than younger, campers.
Older Campers (Age 13+)
Respect & Empowerment (40% of Campers)
We understand they are role models and respect them as young adults that need autonomy. We act as mentors who listen and guide rather than just direct.
Eligible for KYS Program.
Special Needs
We are not equipped to support campers with significant special needs at this time.
๐ก๏ธ Certified Staff: Our counselors and program teams complete rigorous training and certifications
- First AID/CPR Certified: Completed annually by all counselors
- NY Mandated Report Training: Completed annually by our program team
- Counselor Training Week (CTW): All counselors complete a one week in-person training right before camp covering camper scenarios (e.g., homesickness, conflict resolution, bullying) and escalation procedures
๐๏ธ Additional Adult Oversight: 2-3 Board Members, medical professionals, and parent volunteers are always present on the ground. During sleeping hours there is a night patrol in the cabin area.
Conflicts: If a camper cannot attend the full session, please apply next year. Missing days disrupts cabin bonding. Note if we realize a camper is not able to attend the full session then we will send them home without refund.
Withdrawal: Policy details can be found on in our fees & policies.
DURING CAMP
Sunday Drop-off
9AM - 1PM
Includes Lunch (12 PM) & Parent Orientation (1 PM)
Upon our arrival, our staff will guide you and your camper through the registration process (1) Cabin placement (2) Medical review (3) Cabin move-in and (4) New games
Saturday Pick-up
9AM - 1PM
Includes Parent Show (11 AM) and Lunch (11:30 AM)
Upon departure, please be sure to gather all belongings (including a camp puja book and any crafts projects) and sign out with our team
- ๐ต No-Phone Policy: Campers will be given a chance to call home 3 times during camp for up to 8 min. No video chat. Calling schedule will be posted
- ๐ง Homesickness: Phone calls can trigger homesickness. We recommend supportive language and avoiding "pickup clauses." See Homesickness Dos and Donโts
- โ๏ธ Written Mail: We highly encourage letters! Campers love receiving them.
Emergency Situations
If there is an emergency or major issue with your camper, then we will contact you. In the case of a family emergency that requires you to get in contact with your camper, please refer to the Contact Us page.
Care Packages: No individual care packages allowed. If you are interested in doing something special for the entire camp (e.g., ice cream sandwiches), then please email us directly.
Birthdays: We will reach out so you can donate cake for the entire camp to celebrate together!
1. Severe Homesickness: If it prevents staff from caring for others.
2. Misbehavior/Bullying: Actions that harm others' physical or emotional wellbeing.
3. Health & Wellbeing: Needs go beyond what our medical team is equipped to handle.
No Refunds
Please note that we do not offer any refunds for early dismissal.
POST-CAMP
Phones are returned Friday night. Campers exchange info then. Email us if you're looking for a specific contact!
Please email us at hhsc.register,com. Please share a description of the item. Hopefully, the item is labelled (i.e., tag has camper initials) and will be in our lost and found.
Mailing Costs
Depending on the item, we may require you to cover any mailing costs.
We do not offer school-year programs at this time. We encourage campers to continue practicing at their local Hindu temple.
Please note that this is just a beginner/starting guide. There are many more wonderful books available. We encourage you to explore others and share with us.