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This will be our second Stone's Throw Family Weekend! As we are at a new location and still working within a Pandemic, information is subject to change. If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to the Director, Steph, at Stonesthrowfamilyweekend@gmail.com.
CAN I SHARE A CABIN WITH OUR FRIENDS, COUSINS, OR EXTENDED FAMILY?
We ask that you bring with you the members of your household, generally restricted to those you have been living with for 2 weeks prior to the Weekend. If you have questions about this, please ask Steph.
Note that all ages are welcome, but activities will primarily be targeted at children and adults. We are limited in what we can provide for very young kids and those with mobility challenges (again, please talk to Steph for more details). Each family is expected to include at least one child aged 4-18 and at least one parent or caregiver (2 people minimum); if you have more than one adult in your family unit, or children who are older or younger than that range, they are also welcome!
CAN WE BRING OUR FAMILY PET?
Although we are very much dog and pet lovers we unfortunately cannot host them at Stone's Throw Family Weekend.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
Most of the cabins at Camp Bernie will house multiple families. Each family has its own sleeping room and own bathroom (with including toilet and showers), and there are doors between all spaces. So you will be under the same roof as the other family, but not in the same living space.
These cabins share a common area that may include a couch, fireplace, table, and some games. The two families may interact as much or as little as they like, but masks will be expected in the common areas.
Cabins are rustic, yet comfortable. EVERYONE will have a single sized bunk bed, and our cabins include electricity and running water. Families are expected to bring their own linens, including sheets, pillows, and towels. Expect nights to be cool at this time of year.
(These pictures ARE of Camp Bernie. But please remember that each cabin is different, and yours may not look exactly like the ones pictured.)
Examples of two cabins' common areas.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES THAT MAY BE OFFERED?
We plan to be outdoors as much as possible!
Of course, the weather may do things we don't want--a little rain won't stop most activities (so come prepared), but our goal is always to keep people safe, so activities may be changed.
Archery
Arts & Crafts
Basketball Shoot-Outs
Beading
Campfire
Canoeing
Group Games
Hiking/Nature Walks
Mindfulness/Stress Reduction Workshops
Slip 'n Slide
Team-building/Adventure Course/ High Ropes
Tie-Dye
Yoga
Zipline
(Unfortunately, are not be able to offer swimming this weekend. We are very sorry about this.)
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR MEAL TIME?
Details of meal service are still being worked out, but they will follow the same COVID-friendly protocols that Camp Bernie has been using all summer. We will likely hold all meals outside, with each family provided its own table to use throughout the weekend. The current plan is for meals to be served family-style.
Each meal includes popular family staples, such as spaghetti, tacos, or pizza, as well as fruit and salad. Please alert us to any allergies, intolerances, and other dietary restrictions as soon as possible.
Coffee and tea are available for adults.
Please note that we do not allow alcohol or smoking on property.
CAN I DO WORK DURING THE WEEKEND?
We encourage you to unplug as much as possible during your time at Stone's Throw.
Remember that we will be in the woods, and cell reception may be inconsistent.
DO WE HAVE TO WEAR MASKS/FACE COVERINGS ON PROPERTY?
Although our goal is to offer a respite from the world outside, it is still important to keep everyone safe. Therefore we ask for frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distance, and masks when appropriate.
All participants are expected to wear a mask when indoors, other than in their cabin with their own family. Some outdoor activities may require close physical proximity, and masks will be required to participate in those cases. Please be prepared to don masks when requested.
All activities and meals are held outside, with ample physical distancing, whenever possible. Our protocols may change and evolve as needed.
WHO IS ORGANIZING STONE'S THROW?
Stone's Throw is the creation of Stephanie Harmelin, a Licensed Social Worker (PA) who has been working in camps for nearly 20 years. Her background includes providing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in Philadelphia, serving as the Camp Director for the Children's Beach House in Lewes, DE, and ten summers volunteering with America's Camp, a week-long, free camp for children who lost a family member in the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Steph has been waiting all year for the opportunity to share the Stone's Throw experience with more families!
WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR STONE'S THROW FAMILY WEEKEND? WHY IS IT THREE NIGHTS?
Stone's Throw Family Weekend is being held from the evening of Friday, September 3rd, until the morning of Monday, September 6th; Labor Day Weekend.
Knowing that we are asking families to put their trust in us to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding weekend, and recognizing the stress of driving out of New York on a holiday weekend, we felt we could offer a more encompassing program and give you the most return for your time by holding it over three nights. This allows for two full days of programming on Saturday and Sunday, and will help you to really relax into a rhythm with us. Most families who participated in STFW2020 agreed that 3 nights was the perfect length; a few wished it had been longer!
Because the Weekend is only available to a small number of families, we do ask that you commit to attending the entire event.