Blue Mountain Cross Country Camp
Sunday 8/17/25 - Saturday 8/23/25
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FAQs below will answer your common questions for any year at camp.

For additional info like theme days and bus schedules specific to a particular year - go to the info hub dedicated to your year (under the FAQ header at the top of the page)
To read what our BMXC families have to say about us: please read our Google Reviews and Facebook Reviews
For a rundown of what a full day at camp looks like - check out the full day example schedule

Registration / Teams / Individuals

When does registration open? Registration opens on January 1st at 12:01am.  See the registration tab for more information.
How many kids and teams are at BMXC? It varies. Usually around 300 campers and ~70 teams represented.
How many individuals and how many full teams are at BMXC? It varies.  Usually about half the camp is larger groups of 7+ teammates and the other half is smaller groups.  There are a lot of individuals every year.
What ages / grades are allowed at camp? We accept campers entering grades 6-12 (typically ages 12-18)
If I'm paying via check, where do I mail it who do I make it out to? Checks can be made out to BMXC or Blue Mountain XC Camp.  Put the camper's name and DOB in the memo.  Checks can be mailed to
    BMXC
    207 Richmond Ave
    Buffalo, NY 14222

If I'm paying via mail-in check, do I still register online?  Yes, all registrations are done online regardless of payment method.

Deposits / Cancellations / Refunds

How does the deposit work?  Your non-refundable deposit guarantees your spot at BMXC.  Registering early gives you the best pricing option and reserves your spot before any waitlists start.
What if I have to cancel?  We're always sad when there's a cancellation but we know it happens.  If you cancel before the end of June, only the non-refundable deposit is kept and anything beyond the deposit will be refunded.
What is the refund policy?  If you cancel before the end of June, only the non-refundable deposit is kept and anything beyond the deposit will be refunded.  If you cancel after June the entire camp fee is non-refundable.
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Do you allow transfers?  We don't process transfers.  

Sell out / waitlist

​Does camp sell out? Yes, we are usually 80% full by early May and the camp waitlist starts in May / June
Do buses sell out? Yes, each bus is a little different but we are usually 80% full by early April and bus waitlists start in April / May
How do the a waitlists work?  Once something sells out, we start a waitlist.  There is no guarantee that a spot will open up, but the the earlier you're on the waitlist - the better your chances are.  We strive to make major waitlist decisions by end of June but there is always a chance for last minute spots to open at camp and on buses through July and even early August. 

Camp Dates

​Do you offer more than 1 week of camp? No.  We only offer the one week.  But if you're at camp with us, it's the best week ever!
Can you change your camp dates?  No.  Once our camp date is announced it is fixed.  As you can imagine there are a lot of factors that go into scheduling a camp.
What if camp conflicts with my team's practices?  Our goal is to never conflict with official team practices.  With that said, every state is different and sometimes we do conflict the first week of official team practices.  In cases of conflict, many coaches still allow their campers to attend BMXC and we are happy to work with coaches to ensure they are comfortable with their athletes attending BMXC in place of official practices.  We also fully understand that some coaches make their practices a requirement - the team aspect of our sport and your coach's long term training plan is really important!  We would never condone a camper coming to BMXC against their coach's desire.

Runs / Running Groups

Are running groups supervised?  Yes, always.  If we leave campus the running group stays together with their assigned COACH (or COACHES) and we have road support cars out on the route.  If we stay on campus, the group's COACH may be assigned elsewhere but the run is still supervised.
Will I get to run with my teammates?  If you are at a very, very similar ability level: yes!  But remember that there will be hundreds of other campers so even if you run with a teammate at every school practice - BMXC will have about a dozen or more campers at your ability level and we do split campers up based on ability level.  It is not uncommon for you to run with all new people at BMXC but that is part of the great experience we offer all of our campers.
How do you make the running groups?  We collect your training data right before camp so we have an accurate view of your training and fitness, and we create groups based on that data.
How many miles will I run at camp?  It varies depending on what you're ready for.  We collect your training data right before camp and put you in a group that aligns with the summer training that you've been doing leading up to camp - with the added bonus of some new hills and some new training partners that BMXC always provides.
How many runs will I go on at camp?  It varies depending on what you're ready for.  The most advanced athletes will run twice each full day at camp.  Some groups may take a day off from running altogether to cross train.
How long will my runs be? / What pace will I run at?  It varies depending on what you're ready for (are you sensing a trend yet?).  The majority of our camp runs are at a conversational or moderate pace.  There are a couple days where we run at an increased effort level where the paces will get a little faster, but still controlled.  Our week culminates with a run up the biggest hill around the camp - it's a big one!
What terrain will I run on?  It varies.  We use a a combination of winding dirt roads, sprawling grass fields, smooth paved roads, and a long 
cinder path.  Camp is in Pocono Mountains so we get some good climbing in but also have some flat routes.
Will we use a track or do intervals?  There is no track at summer camp.  As part of our training system we do not due measured intervals - it's early in the season and your school coach hopefully has a specialized long term plan that includes more exact interval work.  At camp we will run faster at times to get some additional stimulus and to practice at paces that are faster than easy/moderate paces.
What if my running group is too easy or too hard?  We know the groups are never perfect and encourage every camper to talk with their running group COACH about changing groups.  We collect feedback after every run so that we can assess and make changes if a camper needs to run easier or run harder.
Can I run with headphones / ear buds?  No.  Campers need to be able to hear their COACH and their surroundings at all times.
What if my training plan has very specific goals?  Let us know about it!  We are always able to accommodate your training needs, especially if we know know about them in advance.  Sometimes we get creative and make small compromises, other times your training needs will align perfectly with your running group.
Can I request a particular running group COACH?  No.  We often rotate to give returning campers a new experience.

Food / Water / Kitchen / Cafeteria / Allergies

Is the food any good?  Yes, it's really good!  Even though it's summer camp, you will still eat well.  We have a chef and a kitchen staff that make incredible food for us at every meal.
I'm a picky eater, what will I eat?  We have always been able to find something that even the pickiest eaters enjoy.  We ask questions during registration so that we can have discussions with our campers and their parents before camp if there are any concerns about the food options.
I have a food allergy, what will I eat?  We have campers with allergies all time time!  Our kitchen makes special meals that are allergen free for almost all allergies - they are prepared and served separately when needed.  We ask detailed questions about your allergy during registration so that we can have discussions with our campers and their parents before camp if there are any concerns about food allergies.  The camp chef is dedicated to ensuring our campers get safe and proper nutrition and there is always something to eat for every camper.
I'm a vegan or vegetarian, what will I eat?  Our kitchen makes meals for everyone - our chef has successfully fed tens of thousands of campers including vegans and vegetarians and ensures that you get a healthy meal to sustain the demands of a week of running
What if I get hungry at a time when there isn't a meal?  You are allowed to bring individual snacks to keep in your cabin.  The "Canteen" is also open some nights and campers can buy sugary snacks and treats  - they are $1-3 each (cash only).
Are there water bottle refill stations? Yes, bring your reusable water bottle.  Do not bring packs of water.  
Should I bring water besides my full reusable water bottles?  Not unless you have a medical reason to do so.
Should I bring other fluids besides water?  It's not uncommon to want an electrolyte drink when you're at BMXC - but it's often easier if you bring a powder packet or liquid concentrate rather than bottles of premade drinks

Cabins / Bathrooms

Are cabins co-ed?  No.  Cabins are single sex.
​Do I need to email a request for who will be in my cabin?  No.  Campers will be assigned to the same cabin as their teammates.  Individuals and small teams will be grouped together by age and other factors so that everyone has a great cabin experience.  If your camper has a special circumstance, we will contact you for more information in July.
Does the time when I register affect what cabin I'm in?  No.  Campers will be assigned to the same cabin as their teammates regardles of when they sign up.  Individuals and small teams will be grouped together as well so that everyone has a great cabin experience.  If your camper has a special circumstance, we will contact you for more information in July.
Can I request a particular cabin or counselor by name?  No.  We often rotate to give returning campers a new experience.
What are the bathrooms like? Each cabin has a big bathroom and we supply the toilet paper.  Shower and bathroom stalls are single person use, and each bathroom has multiple shower stalls and multiple bathroom stalls.  Each bathroom has multiple sinks that are shared.  The bathrooms have lots of cubbies that each camper can claim and use.  Each cabin is a little different, but on average there is 1 shower and 1 toilet for every 6 campers.  Occasionally the hot water runs out needs a little time to refill before you shower - especially during peak shower times.  This is summer camp after all!
When is showering allowed?  The cabin bathrooms can be used by its residents during any free time.  Campers have opportunities to take showers before and after every meal, after each run, and during any other any time there isn't a required meal, run, or meeting.
Is there heat or AC?  No.  We recommend that everyone check the weather forecast right before camp starts so that they bring appropriate clothes and bedding.  Refer to the packing list for all recommended items.  The cabins are not insulated, they do have screened windows, and there are a couple ceiling fans in each bedroom.  
What are the amenities and accommodations like?  Outside of what's answered above - BMXC prides itself on providing a traditional summer camp experience.  Each cabin is a little different from the next and each cabin changes a little from year to year.  Some cabins have one large bedroom with 30 beds, some cabins have 8 bedrooms with ~8 beds each, and many cabins have 2 bedrooms with 10-20 beds each.  Regardless of which cabin you end up in we supply each camper with an individual bed with a mattress, a shelf and small area for their personal items, and an electrical outlet (3-prong, no USB receptacles).  Occasionally your bed might be elevated / bunked.  Everyone gets a mattress that isn't as comfy as your bed at home, but is great for camp especially when you're tired from a full day of activities.
Are cabins supervised?  Yes, every cabin has a staff member assigned to it.  Cabins with more campers get more staff.  While staff members are not always in their cabin during the daytime they take care of overall supervision of the cabin for the week.
Is there laundry?  No.  Bring enough clothes to make it through the week and plan to bring your dirty clothes home with you.  Of course in an emergency we can get access to laundry but it is for emergencies only​.
Is there locked storage?  No.  If your camper has an item that must be safeguarded, consider leaving it at home if it isn't necessary.  If an item is necessary to have at camp but your camper is very young or you don't trust your camper with the item - please contact the camp directors to discuss options for having the cabin counselor or camp directors take temporary possession of the item.  We always find a workable solution.
Can I bring a plug in fan?  Do not bring a standard 20" box fan - there isn't space for it.  If you have a small fan, you can consider bringing it to set up on your shelf, but most campers do not bring one

Packing list / Luggage / Shoes / Spikes

What should I bring?  Refer to the packing list for all recommended items.
What should I pack my gear into?  Duffle bags and luggage are both acceptable
How many pairs of shoes should I bring?  Refer to the packing list for all recommended items.  We recommend bringing at least 2 pairs of running shoes because one is bound to get wet.  It can't hurt to have 3 pairs.  It's also recommended to that you bring sandals (or water shoes) for the shower and the waterfront.  Don't forget to pack newspaper to help dry out your shoes when they get wet!
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Do I need to bring XC spikes?  No.  Refer to the packing list for all recommended items.  We don't wear spikes for any of our runs or workouts.

Discounts 

Are there team discounts?  No.  We pride ourselves on offering everyone (teams and individuals) the same low price options regardless of team status.  There are no dedicated team discounts but everyone has access to early bird pricing until it ends.  See the registration tab for more information.
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Are there any other discounts besides team discounts?  Yes, while everyone does get access to the same low price options regardless of team status, we do also offer an added discount for siblings.  See the registration tab for more information.

Cash / Credit cards

Do I need money while at camp?  There are no extra charges for any camp activities.  You can get through the week without any extra money.  However there are two things that you might want to have cash for:
              BMXC merchandise (see "BMXC Merchandise / Apparel" section)
              late night snacks (see the "Food" section).

Is there an ATM at camp?  No.
Do you accept credit card while at camp?  Not for BMXC merchandise or for snacks, but if we partner with a shoe store for a pop-up shop they typically take credit cards.

BMXC Merchandise / Apparel

Can I preorder merchandise or buy it online?  Not at this time.  Merch is only available in-person at camp and we only accept cash.  See the "Cash / Credit Cards" section for other items for sale that are not BMXC merchandise / apparel
When / how / where is merch sold?  It will be sold at various times at camp and will always be announced.  Quantities, sizes, and styles are all limited and will be sold first-come-first-serve.  All sales are final and are cash-only.  We cannot accept pre-orders or reservations in advance of camp.
What do you sell and how much is it?  It varies a little each year.  We usually send out a preview with pricing before camp.  Our most iconic item is our blue hoodie - it has endured for decades and hasn't changed a bit.  But we also add unique items and do limited editions.  Our prices are pretty reasonable and items typically range from $15-40.  

Cell Phones / Wifi

Are cell phones allowed at camp?  Yes, cell phones are allowed at camp except in a couple designated areas and during certain times.  The rules are explained on the first day.  Phones must be silenced / completely silent / completely dark after lights-out at 11pm every night and cannot be used for anything during sleeping hours.
What if my camper doesn't have a phone?  That's okay!  Phones aren't required, and if a situation arises where a camper needs a phone they can use the nurse's landline or borrow the camp director's cell phone to make a call to the their parents. 
How good is the cell reception?  Cell reception can be spotty - phone calls may cut in and out.  There is no guaranteed wifi at camp so any internet / apps might need data.  
Is there wifi at camp?  Yes, and it has gotten more reliable over the years but it is not guaranteed.    We always encourage campers to put down their phones and enjoy all that camp has to offer.

Mail at Camp

Is camp mail-call still a thing?  Yes, we LOVE getting mail!  Why?  It's a summer camp tradition!  Campers may randomly have to sing, dance, or tell a joke to “earn” their mail.  A performance is *not* required to get your mail, but it’s a fun tradition that some campers and teams really embrace.
How does mail-call work?  Most days we get at least one piece of mail, some days we get 50.  Recipients are announced ahead of time so that campers can prepare their mini-performance.  If there is a lot of mail, you might not get picked to perform.  If you want to perform but don't get picked, you can usually request to perform.
When should I send the mail?  BMXC is in a remote area and mail service can be slow.  We recommend all mail be post-marked early because if it arrives after camp is over, there isn’t a way to recover it. 
What is the address?  If you wish to send mail to your camper please address it as follows:
             Camp Westmont
             ℅ Blue Mountain Cross Country Camp
             <Camper Name / Team Name / Cabin Name>
             81 Spruce Lake Road 
             Poyntelle, PA 18454
If I need to get something important to my camper, is there delivery service for that?  Yes, traditional delivery services do operate and overnight / confirmed delivery options are available.  All details must be provided by your delivery service provider.  See above for additional info about mail and if you have an important delivery: contact the camp directors to let them know about it.

Daily Schedule

What does a day at BMXC look like?  For a rundown of what a full day at camp looks like - check out the full day example schedule
How much free time is there at BMXC?  Check out the full day example schedule

Reviews

What do other BMXC families have to say about BMXC?  Please read our Google Reviews and Facebook Reviews
Sunday 8/17/25 - Saturday 8/23/25
Your best finish starts with us!
Please read our FAQ and if you still have questions: email Camp Directors Ken and Sarah!
To read what our BMXC families have to say about us: please read our Google Reviews and Facebook Reviews
directors@bluemountainxccamp.com
​585-694-5069