We are so happy you are here! At Camp Tuku, our mission is to provide a mindfulness approach to the camp experience for kids; a program designed to integrate the mind, body, and heart, giving kids skills early in life to help them nurture inner resilience. With a focus on developing mindfulness skills, our unique summer camp experience offers a great opportunity for kids to learn and practice simple, fun tools for the development of self-awareness, as well as practices that will enable them to respond more effectively to the inevitable stress of every-day life. At Camp Tuku, we aim to nurture the mind, body, and heart.
From the time campers wake up to the time they hit the pillow at night, each day at Camp Tuku is designed to allow children time and space to connect their inner worlds to nature through fun and mindful activities. Here is a sample schedule of a day at Camp Tuku:
7:30am – Wake up
8:00am – Breakfast & Setting Intentions
8:30am – Cabin Cleanup
9:00am – Mindfulness Practice & Yoga
10:00am – Camp Tuku Activity
11:00am – Camp Tuku Activity
12:30pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Rest Period
2:00pm – Camp Tuku Activity
3:00pm – Camp Tuku Activity
4:00pm – Camp Tuku Activity
5:15pm – Shower Hour
6:15pm – Dinner & Reflection and Gratitude Practice
7:30pm – Evening Activity
9:00-10:00pm – Bedtime
Why Camp Tuku?
We offer a camp experience like no other. We focus on nurturing young minds and building life skills while campers build special friendships and participating in fun camp activities.
After their time at Camp Tuku, your children will:
- KNOW: how to manage stress and be resilient, enabling them to be happier and healthier.
- HAVE: simple, proven techniques that kids can apply at any time to help manage their emotional state, tap into their creativity, and be even more resourceful in overcoming obstacles in their lives.
- FEEL: happy and excited about the connections made with new friends and the fun activities they have enjoyed together.
How can I tell my child is ready for camp? What if my child gets homesick?
Our campers range from 6 to 17 years of age. We encourage you to speak with your child about his/her willingness and readiness for camp. You can help a child who says they are ready by letting them know you are confident that they can succeed and have a great time at camp. Most campers adjust quickly to camp life, others may need a day or so. Sometimes a camper may feel a bit unsettled at first, especially the first night. We understand that this may happen and work hard to make the first days extra special. Our mindfulness practices will also help them understand their emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and fear. We firmly believe that once your camper is involved, engaged, and getting to know their bunk mates and staff, their outlook on camp will be positive and enthusiastic.
What do the lodging and bunk arrangements look like?
Camp Tuku offers cabins or “bunks” in NY, and a combination of dormitory and cabins in AZ. Regardless of the style of lodging, we incorporate the comforts of home with the rustic nature of camping. The bunk is where your child’s memories of camp are born. Your camper will laugh and swap stories with his/her bunkmates and counselor.
Our overall ratio of staff to camper is 1:6.
Your child may find that they know some kids from their neighborhood, school, or recreational activities. Many children will come to camp for the first time without knowing anyone at all, but this will change very quickly. We will arrange for kids by gender and within similar age groups to bunk together. If you request to have your child bunk with a friend of a similar age group, we will do our best to accommodate you. Your child’s bunk counselor will be living with him/her the entire session. The counselor will be there to see that the cabin runs smoothly, this includes helping the cabin mates get along and become good friends.
Do you have healthcare staff on site?
Yes, we have licensed medical professional onsite 24/7. The Infirmary is air-conditioned with a bathroom and washing station. In addition, we have 4 staff members that are certified in CPR and First Aid to care for our campers and staff.
How can I communicate with my child at Camp Tuku?
There are a lot of ways you can communicate with your child while at camp. We still encourage the old-fashioned letter. Campers love receiving letters in the mail! You will also have the ability to e-mail your child (we print out emails daily and distribute them with the regular mail). However, campers are not allowed to send e-mails.
Do you post photos of the children while camp is in session?
Our photographer will post photos to our camp management software (CRM). We are excited to announce that our CRM tool has just rolled out photo and video blogs capabilities! You will have access to your child’s precious moments at camp through the secure Parent Dashboard. Sign on and look for “Camp Today!” where you will also be able to download pictures, watch videos, and even grant access to extended family members.
What is the policy regarding cell phones and other electronic devices?
The only electronic device allowed at camp are music-only iPod that does not have access to the internet or Gizmo watches.
Can you accommodate food allergies at camp?
We strongly believe that a food allergy should not be a barrier to enjoying camp. We accommodate special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. We will also accommodate campers with wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, egg, fish, and nut allergies.
Cancellation Policy
- Camp Tuku requires a non-refundable deposit at the time of registration to secure a session space at the time of registration ($300).
- In the event of cancellation on or before March 31st, an additional $150 cancellation fee/per camper/per session will be assessed.
- Cancellations made between April 1st, 2024, and April 31st, 2024 will be assessed a $250 cancellation fee per camper/per session.
- No refunds will be offered for cancellations after May 1st, 2024.
Please understand that our camps are kept small to provide 1-1 support, and many fill up quickly. Last-minute cancellations keep other campers from enjoying our camps. Thank you for your understanding.
Sometimes, Campers leave camp early due to homesickness, failure to meet behavioral expectations, or illness. In these events we are unable to provide refunds.
We encourage families to look into third-party camp insurance to cover these possibilities.
Additionally, if your child is unable to attend camp, please consider converting all or part of your registration fees into a donation or scholarship to assist families in need. Your donation will be fully tax-deductible.
Please email info@camptuku.org request a refund, make a donation, or address any other questions you may have. Email is the quickest way to reach us during this time.