Camp Unleashed

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I send my dog to camp?
Where do the dogs sleep?
Who runs the camp?
Who is on the staff?
What are the cabins like?
What is the food like?
Do I bring my own dog food?
I've never heard of some of these activities. Can my dog and I still participate?
What kind of behavior training does camp offer?
What happens if it rains?
How many people come to camp? How many dogs?
Is camp right for my dog and me?
What if I'm alone, but want a roommate?
What is your vaccination policy?
Are there any additional fees?
Where are you located?
Do you take credit cards?
Can I see a schedule?
I still have some questions. How can I get more information?

How can I send my dog to camp? You can't just send your dog. Camp Unleashed is for you AND your dog, together.
Where do the dogs sleep? Your dog sleeps in your cabin 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 for his or her own. 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.
Who runs the camp? Camp Unleashed was started by Annie Brody, a former New Yorker, who moved from the 29th floor of a Manhattan apartment building to a cottage on a dirt road in Upstate New York five years ago, in order to be in the country with her dog. Annie has overall responsibility for all programs and operations. However, expert Dog Professionals lead all activities and workshops.
Who is on the staff? Each carefully selected staff member is a knowledgeable professional highly respected in her or his field of expertise, has years of experience working with both dogs and humans, and is passionate about dogs.
What are the cabins like? The cabins aren't very chic, but they're clean and spacious with large screened windows and high ceilings. Fresh towels will be provided, but campers need to bring their own linens, sleeping pillow and blanket. Each group of cabins has its own wash house with private toilets and shower stalls, sinks, electrical outlets, lights and hot and cold running water.
What is the food like? Three healthy and abundant meals, plus snacks, are provided for people and are included in your camp fee. Every meal will include options for vegetarians and a salad bar.
Do I bring my own dog food? Yes. Because dogs have individually tailored diets, we are unable to provide meals for them. Campers who feed their dogs raw food may use the cold storage unit in the dining hall kitchen.
I've never even heard of some of these activities. Can my dog and I still take part? Absolutely. This is not a "Rah-Rah!" camp with color teams and silly prizes. Activities at camp are for fun, exercise and building better communication between your dog and you. Beginners are welcome and will receive instruction.
What kind of behavior training does camp offer? We only use positive training methods, by rewarding dogs with treats, more play and/or attention. Our core value is respect for each dog's own nature. We prefer not even using the word "obedience", although we know that having a "well-behaved" dog enables him to be included in more aspects of our routine daily life.
What if it rains? We're dog people — if it rains a little, we'll get wet. If it pours, we'll conduct activities indoors, as the camp has many facilities that can be used for that purpose. We will also prepare some special "rainy day" activities, just in case.
How many people come to camp? How many dogs? Camp is limited to 50 people. This allows for a more personable and relaxed experience of being in a community of dog people. It is expected that some campers will bring two dogs, so the dog population may be slightly higher.
Is camp right for my dog and me? Camp Unleashed is for people whose idea of fun is doing something enjoyable with their dog. It is also for people willing to rough it for a few days in the country. Dogs need to be well socialized and friendly toward other dogs and people. It also helps if they are responsive to recall and you are comfortable with them being off leash most of the time, though it is NOT a requirement. If you have concerns or questions about whether Camp Unleashed is right for you or your dog, please contact me to discuss it. If needed, we can consult with one of our camp trainers, in order to determine if a particular dog should attend camp.
What if I'm alone, but want a roommate? Most cabins are set up to house multiple campers. We are happy to match you with suitable roommates, if you'd like. Just indicate your preference on your reservation form and we'll take care of it.
What is your vaccination policy? Because there is controversy surrounding vaccinations and the consequences of their potential overuse, we only require an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Also, we recommend some form of tick prevention prior to camp.
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.
Where are you located? Camp is located in western Massachusetts near the town of Becket, in New England's famous Berkshire Mountains, within three hours from New York City and less from Boston. We are within easy reach of the New York State Thruway and the Massachusetts Turnpike, and only 39 miles northwest of Springfield, 121 miles west of Boston, and 150 miles from New York City. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 410, West Stockbridge, MA 01266.
Do you take credit cards? No. Please make your payment in the form of a personal check or money order, payable to Camp Unleashed and mail it in.
Can I see a schedule? Because of a number of variables, we won't have a finalized schedule until just before camp. However, the sample day's schedule, which you can download, is a good indication of a typical day. You do not need to sign up in advance for activities you plan to participate in. Click here to download sample day's schedule.
I still have some questions. How can I get more information? How can I get more information? Please call 518-781-0446 or e-mail me at annie@campunleashed.com. Also, once your reservation is received, you will be sent a comprehensive packet of information, including more details about program activities and other important particulars, such as suggested things to bring.