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Frequently Asked Questions about Camp Unleashed
1) How can I send my dog to camp?
Camp Unleashed is for dogs AND their people. You can't just send your dog.
2) Is camp right for my dog and me?
Camp Unleashed is for people whose idea of fun is doing something enjoyable with their dog and for dogs who are well socialized and friendly toward other dogs and people. Your dog should be responsive to recall and it helps if you are comfortable with your dog being off leash most of the time, though it is not a requirement. We welcome dogs of all sizes, shapes and varieties including seniors, differently-abled dogs and dogs not athletically inclined. If you have concerns or questions about whether Camp Unleashed is right for you or your dog, please read our Camp Rules and contact us. We may consult with one of our camp trainers, in order to determine if a particular dog should attend camp.
3) Does my dog have to be off leash the entire time?
While it is not mandatory to have your dog off leash, our focus at camp is to offer the dogs as natural and free an environment as possible and one that is also safe. If you keep your dog on leash, you will need to be watchful of dog interactions as mixing on-leash and off-leash dogs can cause stress in the leashed dogs, which may lead to aggression.
4) Is camp mainly for large dogs?
Small dogs are more than welcome as long as they have been socialized around other dogs.
5) Where do the dogs sleep?
Your dog sleeps in your cabin, room, or tent with you. Either on your bed or along side it, the choice is yours. If there's an extra bed and it's available, the dog may claim it. In cabins where there are multiple dogs, campers will determine among themselves what works best for everyone. If you have concerns about your dog wandering or interacting during the night, you might want to bring a baby gate to fence him/her in. If your dog is used to sleeping/resting in a crate, definitely bring it along.
6) Who runs the camp?
Annie Brody is the Founder and CWO (Chief Woof Officer) of Camp Unleashed, as well as being Director of Camp Berkshires. She has overall responsibility for all programs, activities, and operations. However, dog professionals lead all activities and workshops.
7) Who is on the staff?
Staff members are carefully selected, knowledgeable professionals highly respected in their field, with years of experience working with both dogs and humans. They all share our respect for dog nature and use only positive reinforcement for teaching and communicating with your dog.
8) What are the cabins like?
All accommodations are clean, casual, and functional. However, camp is for people willing to "ruff" it with their dogs for a few days in the country. The rustic charm of the cabins makes them ideal for the dogs and minimizes concern about dog damage and dirt. At Camp Berkshires, cabins do not have electricity or indoor plumbing; however there are rooms available in a dormitory style lodge (Gibson Hall) with electricity and indoor wash rooms with showers. At Camp Asheville, all cabins have electricity and semi-private bathrooms (shared with adjacent cabin). At Camp Sequoia cabins have electricity and campers share nearby modern facilities with indoor showers.
9) What is the food like?
We serve three healthy adult meals each day, plus snacks, all included in your camp fee. Every meal will include options for vegetarians and a salad bar. Food is way far above standard "camp" fare and we strive to incorporate local and fresh ingredients when possible. Our campers rave about the food.
10) Do I bring my own dog food?
Yes. Because dogs have individually tailored diets, we are unable to provide meals for them.
11) My dog is on the Bones & Raw Food Diet. Is refrigeration available?
Yes. Campers who feed their dogs raw or home cooked food may use the cold storage unit in the dining hall kitchen.
12) My dog and I are beginners in these activities, may we still participate?
Absolutely. Beginners are welcome and will receive instruction at all activities. Camp is all about fun and not serious sports competition or obedience training. Our goal is for you and your dog to discover each other more fully and deepen your connection.
13) I have an older dog who can't participate in many of the sports. Are there other activities for us?
Older dogs or dogs who are physically challenged in some way will enjoy the freedom at camp, being in a beautiful, quiet natural setting with a pack, and the easy access to the lake for wading in the water. Also, there are always other options scheduled at the same time as our active sports for less athletic dogs to enjoy such as Scent Games or canoeing.
14) What kind of behavior training does camp offer?
Camp Unleashed is for well-behaved dogs. We use positive reinforcement training methods, rewarding dogs with treats, more play and/or attention. Our core value is respect for each dog's own nature.
15) What if it rains?
In case of rain, activities continue as scheduled at Camp Unleashed unless there is a thunderstorm. Many of our sport activities have secondary indoor locations.
16) How many people come to camp? How many dogs?
Camp is limited to 50 dogs and their people. The small group size of our camp allows for a more personable and relaxed experience.
17) What if I'm alone, but want a roommate?
Cabins are quite spacious as they are built to accommodate 12 or more child campers. If you choose shared accommodations, you will be in a cabin or room with at most two other people and their dogs. We are happy to match you with appropriate roommates. Just indicate your preference on your Registration Form and we'll take care of it.
Camp Unleashed is for dogs AND their people. You can't just send your dog.
2) Is camp right for my dog and me?
Camp Unleashed is for people whose idea of fun is doing something enjoyable with their dog and for dogs who are well socialized and friendly toward other dogs and people. Your dog should be responsive to recall and it helps if you are comfortable with your dog being off leash most of the time, though it is not a requirement. We welcome dogs of all sizes, shapes and varieties including seniors, differently-abled dogs and dogs not athletically inclined. If you have concerns or questions about whether Camp Unleashed is right for you or your dog, please read our Camp Rules and contact us. We may consult with one of our camp trainers, in order to determine if a particular dog should attend camp.
3) Does my dog have to be off leash the entire time?
While it is not mandatory to have your dog off leash, our focus at camp is to offer the dogs as natural and free an environment as possible and one that is also safe. If you keep your dog on leash, you will need to be watchful of dog interactions as mixing on-leash and off-leash dogs can cause stress in the leashed dogs, which may lead to aggression.
4) Is camp mainly for large dogs?
Small dogs are more than welcome as long as they have been socialized around other dogs.
5) Where do the dogs sleep?
Your dog sleeps in your cabin, room, or tent with you. Either on your bed or along side it, the choice is yours. If there's an extra bed and it's available, the dog may claim it. In cabins where there are multiple dogs, campers will determine among themselves what works best for everyone. If you have concerns about your dog wandering or interacting during the night, you might want to bring a baby gate to fence him/her in. If your dog is used to sleeping/resting in a crate, definitely bring it along.
6) Who runs the camp?
Annie Brody is the Founder and CWO (Chief Woof Officer) of Camp Unleashed, as well as being Director of Camp Berkshires. She has overall responsibility for all programs, activities, and operations. However, dog professionals lead all activities and workshops.
7) Who is on the staff?
Staff members are carefully selected, knowledgeable professionals highly respected in their field, with years of experience working with both dogs and humans. They all share our respect for dog nature and use only positive reinforcement for teaching and communicating with your dog.
8) What are the cabins like?
All accommodations are clean, casual, and functional. However, camp is for people willing to "ruff" it with their dogs for a few days in the country. The rustic charm of the cabins makes them ideal for the dogs and minimizes concern about dog damage and dirt. At Camp Berkshires, cabins do not have electricity or indoor plumbing; however there are rooms available in a dormitory style lodge (Gibson Hall) with electricity and indoor wash rooms with showers. At Camp Asheville, all cabins have electricity and semi-private bathrooms (shared with adjacent cabin). At Camp Sequoia cabins have electricity and campers share nearby modern facilities with indoor showers.
9) What is the food like?
We serve three healthy adult meals each day, plus snacks, all included in your camp fee. Every meal will include options for vegetarians and a salad bar. Food is way far above standard "camp" fare and we strive to incorporate local and fresh ingredients when possible. Our campers rave about the food.
10) Do I bring my own dog food?
Yes. Because dogs have individually tailored diets, we are unable to provide meals for them.
11) My dog is on the Bones & Raw Food Diet. Is refrigeration available?
Yes. Campers who feed their dogs raw or home cooked food may use the cold storage unit in the dining hall kitchen.
12) My dog and I are beginners in these activities, may we still participate?
Absolutely. Beginners are welcome and will receive instruction at all activities. Camp is all about fun and not serious sports competition or obedience training. Our goal is for you and your dog to discover each other more fully and deepen your connection.
13) I have an older dog who can't participate in many of the sports. Are there other activities for us?
Older dogs or dogs who are physically challenged in some way will enjoy the freedom at camp, being in a beautiful, quiet natural setting with a pack, and the easy access to the lake for wading in the water. Also, there are always other options scheduled at the same time as our active sports for less athletic dogs to enjoy such as Scent Games or canoeing.
14) What kind of behavior training does camp offer?
Camp Unleashed is for well-behaved dogs. We use positive reinforcement training methods, rewarding dogs with treats, more play and/or attention. Our core value is respect for each dog's own nature.
15) What if it rains?
In case of rain, activities continue as scheduled at Camp Unleashed unless there is a thunderstorm. Many of our sport activities have secondary indoor locations.
16) How many people come to camp? How many dogs?
Camp is limited to 50 dogs and their people. The small group size of our camp allows for a more personable and relaxed experience.
17) What if I'm alone, but want a roommate?
Cabins are quite spacious as they are built to accommodate 12 or more child campers. If you choose shared accommodations, you will be in a cabin or room with at most two other people and their dogs. We are happy to match you with appropriate roommates. Just indicate your preference on your Registration Form and we'll take care of it.
18) Can children come to camp?
No. We are not set up to accommodate children; the camp is set up for dogs. Young people over 12 who are comfortable around dogs may attend accompanied by a legal adult guardian.
19) What is your vaccination policy?
Because there is controversy surrounding vaccinations and the consequences of their potential overuse, we require only an up-to-date rabies vaccination. If your veterinarian has authorized a written waiver for your dog, a rabies antibody titer may be accepted and should accompany the waiver request. A signed Health Certificate from your veterinarian is also required. View a complete list of camp rules and requirements.
20) Are there any additional fees at camp?
All daily programming is included in the camp fees. However, there are some optional add-ons available, such as private therapeutic massage, private sittings for dog photography, etc. If you choose an optional service, you will need to pay the provider directly.
21) Do you take credit cards?
Yes. Deposits can be made via credit card through PayPal. If you would like to pay your balance via credit card, please let us know and we will send you a PayPal invoice. Otherwise you may make your payment in the form of a personal check or money order, payable to Camp Unleashed and mail it.
22) May I see a schedule?
Because of a number of variables, we won't have a finalized schedule until just before camp. However, we have a sample camp schedule, which is a good indication of a typical session. For the few activities where there is a limit to the number of dogs and people who can participate (e.g., CGC Test, Canoeing, and Dock Diving) you will be able to sign up at camp the day before the scheduled activity.
23) What time is check-in and what time is departure?
You may arrive the first day between 2:00 and 3:30 pm. Our first activity starts at 4:00 pm. On the last day, we finish at 3:00 pm.
24) How do I register?
5 easy steps to register for Camp Unleashed:
25) I have some other questions that aren't addressed here. Who can I contact?
Email annie@campunleashed.com or call us at 518-781-0446 and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions personally.
No. We are not set up to accommodate children; the camp is set up for dogs. Young people over 12 who are comfortable around dogs may attend accompanied by a legal adult guardian.
19) What is your vaccination policy?
Because there is controversy surrounding vaccinations and the consequences of their potential overuse, we require only an up-to-date rabies vaccination. If your veterinarian has authorized a written waiver for your dog, a rabies antibody titer may be accepted and should accompany the waiver request. A signed Health Certificate from your veterinarian is also required. View a complete list of camp rules and requirements.
20) Are there any additional fees at camp?
All daily programming is included in the camp fees. However, there are some optional add-ons available, such as private therapeutic massage, private sittings for dog photography, etc. If you choose an optional service, you will need to pay the provider directly.
21) Do you take credit cards?
Yes. Deposits can be made via credit card through PayPal. If you would like to pay your balance via credit card, please let us know and we will send you a PayPal invoice. Otherwise you may make your payment in the form of a personal check or money order, payable to Camp Unleashed and mail it.
22) May I see a schedule?
Because of a number of variables, we won't have a finalized schedule until just before camp. However, we have a sample camp schedule, which is a good indication of a typical session. For the few activities where there is a limit to the number of dogs and people who can participate (e.g., CGC Test, Canoeing, and Dock Diving) you will be able to sign up at camp the day before the scheduled activity.
23) What time is check-in and what time is departure?
You may arrive the first day between 2:00 and 3:30 pm. Our first activity starts at 4:00 pm. On the last day, we finish at 3:00 pm.
24) How do I register?
5 easy steps to register for Camp Unleashed:
1) Go to our online registration form and provide all the requested information.
2) Upon completion of the form you will be asked to use PayPal to pay a $200 per person deposit that holds your camp reservation.
3) Once your deposit has been received you will be sent a confirmation email with a link to our "About Your Dog" questionnaire. After you submit the questionnaire you will be notified as to your dog's acceptance to Camp Unleashed.
4) Approximately 6 weeks prior to your camp session start date you will receive an email requesting payment in full for the remainder of your fee.
5) You may either mail a check or use PayPal to pay the remainder of your fee.
25) I have some other questions that aren't addressed here. Who can I contact?
Email annie@campunleashed.com or call us at 518-781-0446 and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions personally.
