FAQs

  • The eligible ages vary based on camp:

    • Our overnight summer camp is for campers ages 9 - 16, though we have had 8-year-olds in the past who are emotionally mature enough to stay overnight on their own and hold conversations related to their identity.

  • We very intentionally chose to create a space for youth who trace their roots to the South Asian subcontinent - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka - regardless of their faith background, including children whose families identify as Indo-Caribbean or Indo-African. Our goal is to create an inclusive space that transcends the boundaries between the often divided countries and faiths in South Asia.

  • Yes, we will have a medical doctor and nurse on site for our overnight camps.

  • We take safety seriously at Camp Desi Roots. Below are the safety precautions we have in place:

    • All adults on site, including counselors and volunteers must complete their clearances to participate (child abuse, FBI, and background check);

    • All water activities and ropes courses are supervised by trained and certified camp personnel), including dedicated lifeguards for water sports;

    • Campers are never alone, out of sight of adults. If they are traveling to another part of the camp, they must be accompanied by either another camper of the or an adult.

    • Counselors either bunk with campers at night, or in rooms directly across from them with the doors open.

    • When campers are playing outside during choice time, there are counselors in each designated area supervising kids.

  • Yes, every meal has both a veggie and a non-veg entree, and there are separate entrees for campers with allergies, which we arrange in advance based on our campers’ needs. We are happy to accommodate your child’s dietary needs!

  • We are committed to providing this camp experience to all South Asian families, regardless of financial means. If your financial situation does not allow you to send your child to camp, please reach out to Prerna directly to discuss scholarship options - prerna@campdesiroots.com.

    We offer a sliding scale based on need, including both partial and full scholarships.

  • Yes, we have 2 discounts:

    • Regular camp fees are $1850, but the early discount is $200, bringing the fee down to $1650 for a limited time.

    • There is a 5% sibling discount.

  • The counselor to camper ratio for Camp Desi Roots overnight camps is 5:1, with a number of adult volunteers, instructors, and partners who also serve as mentors.

    Our counselors sleep in the same cabins as our campers, and check in with them on a daily basis, both in small groups, and 1:1.

  • A lot of families have expressed that they don’t think their children are ready for overnight camp. As desi parents ourselves, we understand this sentiment.

    We welcome parents to join as parent volunteers (we always need help!), as well as potentially offer their talents as workshop facilitators or instructors. Get in touch to learn how you can get involved! (prerna@campdesiroots.com)

    The last day of camp is also a family barbecue, where families will have a chance to meet each other, and campers will have the opportunity to showcase their “stories of self”!

  • You will receive a camper packing list for the overnight camps upon registration. Our overnight camp site does not provide sheets / blankets / towels / soap / toiletries, so campers will be expected to bring their own.

  • We believe in maintaining a technology free environment for our campers so they can fully immerse themselves in community, and get the most out of their experience. Campers will not have access to cellphones or any other internet enabled devices. However, we will be in touch and share photos, and counselors will be available if you need to get in touch re: urgent matters.

  • Camp starts at 2pm on August 2nd, and ends at 12pm on August 8th, though families are welcome to hang out longer for our barbecue, and get to know other families!