Whether a child is heading off to Chestnut Lake Camp for the very first time or returning after many summers spent with us in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, preparation and planning are a big part of a successful summer. Our camp leaders spend over 300 days getting their staff team, programming, facilities, and every detail ready for a spectacular season of fun and friendship. Still, the support from and partnership with our camp families throughout the way can make a difference, too. Throughout the off-season, we tour families on-site, spend countless hours on Zoom and phone calls, and introduce and gather our campers and families. We also share updates and resources, require forms and registrations for various camp services, and continuously look for ways to help campers get excited and prepped for a terrific experience.

One key element of camp prep and family support is our comprehensive Camp Handbook.

The Handbook does not cover everything under the sun, but it does cover many elements of the summer program and critical considerations for parents and campers before the summer. We are asking all parents to review the Handbook as soon as possible. We will also add more information to the Handbook before the summer, and when we do, we will notify families.

Click Here to View/Download/Print the 2026 Handbook

If you are the parent of a Discovery Camp participant (our 5-day "taste of camp" program), please refer to your Handbook available in your MyCLC account.