You will need to create a CampBrain account before you can begin your registration. The application should take about 20 minutes to complete and is completely online. Once you have been nominated by Summer Search, you will receive a discount code via email from Appel Farm which will allow you to bypass the required application deposit. Be sure to click “pay by check” if you have any difficulty with the code.

After submitting your application, check your email for a “Confirmation of Application” email from Appel Farm — this means your application was submitted successfully and your spot is reserved!

Please read the Camper Family Handbook carefully for more information.

Secondary paperwork for this program will include filling out a Camper Information Form, signing all agreements and waivers and a Transportation Form, providing behavioral and mental health history and a Camper Medical Form, uploading an insurance card, and submitting your class choices. These will be available through your Household Portal account.

There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience.

The program consists of a five-period day with a choice of one Major, two Minors, and a Free Choice period daily, Monday through Saturday. Instructors emphasize the creative process, hands-on learning, and collaboration during these classes. Free Choice options allow campers to explore other areas of the arts, take a dip in the pool, get in additional rehearsal time, or spend extra time with their friends.

Sundays are a time for campers to take a break from their routine to try new things and relax. Sundays are for choosing your own adventure! Appel Farm has a late optional breakfast, a full day’s schedule of different optional workshops and games happening all over camp, and a super fun all camp evening activity to top it all off. Campers can hang out with their friends, take a dip in the pool, or go to an Appel Farm workshop!

Camper Showcases are optional opportunities which can be livestreamed, recorded, and downloaded for use after the camp season.

Appel Farm offers comfortable, modern bunks that are all equipped with electricity, hot water, air conditioning and private bathrooms. Bunks in South (for ages 15-16) sleep 12-14 campers and 2 counselors. Each bunk in South has an ensuite bathroom with two sinks and two private showers, toilets, and changing areas. Counselors live in-bunk with campers and help keep campers safe, plan fun games and activities, and facilitate friendships.

Appel Farm is a radically supportive, gender-affirming, conscious community. Campers can choose one of three housing options in their bunk area: female-centered, male-centered, and gender inclusive. Click here to learn more!

Meals are served buffet-style and mid-afternoon and evening snacks are available. Appel Farm offers allergy-free, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options with every meal.

This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other! Appel Farm also includes students of varying ages.

You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at camp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.

You will have plenty of opportunities to write home via snail mail — be sure to pack pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelopes for this! Your family can send you care packages as well. Letters and care packages are distributed to campers Monday through Saturday during rest hour.

All first-time camper families will receive a phone call from your Bunk Head or counselor within 72 hours of your check-in. Parents and Guardians can send emails from the Parent Portal on the Appel Farm website. Appel Farm will also have a Camp Blog, where news, photos, and important information will be posted daily.

Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service.

Appel Farm offers convenient transportation from designated areas in New York City and West Orange, New Jersey — please indicate your transportation needs on your registration forms. Summer Search will cover any associated cost — register for transportation with us first, then with Appel Farm. A parent or guardian must be present at camper drop-off and present a government-issued photo ID at pickup.

The Appel Farm bus from Manhattan is tentatively scheduled to leave from 598 West 33rd Street, Manhattan, between 11th and 12th Avenues (next to the Javits Center parking lot). Please arrive at the pickup location no later than 10:30am on your Check-In Day. Appel Farm staff members will be stationed outside the bus and on the street corner at 11th Avenue & West 33rd Street. Please arrive at the Appel Farm Bus pickup location no later than 1:30pm on your Check-Out Day.

If you will be leaving from West Orange, the Appel Farm bus is tentatively scheduled to leave from 1 Rooney Circle, West Orange, NJ, 07052 (ShopRite). Please arrive no later than 11:30am on your Check-In Day. Appel Farm members will be stationed outside the bus. Please arrive at the Appel Farm pickup location no later than 12:00pm on your Check-Out Day.

While you may have been chaperoned as a sophomore, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the drop-off location. Program staff typically meet students at the station and travel with you to your final destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the train station/pick-up location.

No money, ATM cards, or credit cards may be kept in the bunk, so families will need to deposit money into a canteen account for you prior to Check-In Day. Appel Farm recommends $20 per week, but you may deposit as much as you like. Any unused money will be refunded.

This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!