Trip Coach: March 13, 2007

David LaHuta: Hi there everyone. I'm here to take your questions about family camp so fire away!

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New York City: Can you suggest a family resort with kosher food withint a 3 hour drive of New York CIty?

David LaHuta: You're in luck! Try New Jersey "Y" Camps in Milford, Pa. It's under a two-hour drive from New York City, and it serves three Kosher meals a day (with vegetarian options available). The camp caters specifically to Jewish families so you can also expect optional Jewish services on Friday evening and weekend mornings as well. It's a wonderful program with lots of options--in addition to three weekend family camp sessions in June, August, and September, the camp also runs grandparent and single-parent weekends too. For more information, go to njycamps.org or call 973/575-3333.

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Boulder, CO: I've got two adopted sons from China. I love them with all of my heart but I'm concerned they might not fit in with the other kids. Are there any camps for families like mine? Terri

David LaHuta: While I'm sure your concern is genuine, I can assure you that the vast majority of people who attend family camp are an accepting bunch. That said there are specialized camps for families like yours (and luckily, a handful pretty darn close to Boulder). They're called Colorado Heritage Camps--ten separate properties in the Rockies and Denver for families with multicultural and internationally adopted children. Each camp focuses on a specific culture from African/Caribbean to Vietnamese. And not only will your kids be surrounded by other adoptive families, but the teachers and counselors who lead daily activity sessions are also of the same ethnic background (you're even fed culture-specific lunches!). It's a great camp and one I'm sure your family will love. For more information, check it out at heritagecamps.org or call 303/320-4234.

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Norwich, NY: Summer is a busy time for our family of 4 (sons aged 11 and 8). We own a business and find it difficult to get away for a full week. Are there family camps in the northeast that run for a long weekend?

David LaHuta: Fortunately many camps recognize the time constraints put on a typical family and the northeast is not without its options for a fun long weekend. About a three-and-a-half drive from Norwich is a camp called Club Getaway, in Kent, Ct. It's a beautiful property in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains and this summer it's offering two family camping sessions, both just two nights long: Aug. 20-23 and Aug. 24-26. The kids will love the camp's great waterfront activities (water trampoline, anyone?) and you and your significant other will enjoy wine tastings and more. For more information, check it out at clubgetaway.com or call 877/746-7529. Another option near you is YMCA Camp Hi-Rock in Mount Washington, Mass. From Norwich, it's just over three hours by car, and in addition to a family camp week in August, the camp offers family weekends year-round. For more, go to camphirock.com or call 413/528-1227.

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New York, NY: What's an often overlooked question that parents should ask a family camp?