Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to be or become a member of the organization to participate?
No. Santa Camp is open to anyone interested in learning more about taking on the role of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Elf or other characters. While not required, you are welcome to become a member of New England Santa Society at any time. Members do receive a $50 discount off the registration fee. Click on Become a Member menu above for information and to join.
How do I sign up to attend?
Go to the Calendar of Events – Santa Camp listing. Purchase the deposit ticket for the class you want to attend. Prior to July 1, you can make a deposit to reserve your spot with the balance paid in two equal payments on July 1 and August 1. After July 1st, full payment is required to make a reservation. Be sure to order a separate ticket for each person attending. An invoice will be emailed to you reflecting all discounts and adjustments.
Can my Mrs. Claus, spouse, assistant, elf, helper or partner come to Santa Camp too?
Yes, they are most welcome. The “Companion” option ticket covers all meals, lodging, use of camp amenities and social events. Attending classes is not included.
For partners who both want to attend a program, a $25 discount on both fees is provided for a $50 total savings. Discounts will be applied to the balance invoice which will be sent.
What can I do if the options I want are sold out?
Email us with a request to be put on the Waiting List for the session. Additional spaces may open up and you’ll be the first in line for them. You can also sign up for another course to attend camp. Then add a note at the end of the registration form regarding your interest in attending a different course if a space opens up.
I am coming from a distance and prefer not to drive. What suggestions do you have? Is there an airport nearby? What about train options? Is ground transportation available?
The best option for flying is the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (www.flymanchester.com/) in Manchester, NH. It is served by American Airlines, Southwest, United and others. It’s about an hour drive from Santa Camp.
Logan International Airport in Boston, MA, is about a 90 minute drive from Santa Camp. It has a large number of airlines to choose from.
Amtrak offers train travel from Virginia north on Northeast Regional into Boston South Station. Or you can take The Vermonter from Washington, DC, up to Brattleboro, VT, about an hour drive from Santa Camp.
There is excellent bus service (www.bostonexpressbus.com/) running regularly from Logan Airport and South Station to North Londonderry, NH (near Manchester). Less regular service goes to Nashua, Manchester and Concord, NH.
We should be able to arrange ground transportation from and to North Londonderry, Manchester, Nashua, Concord, NH, or Brattleboro, VT. There’s a chance we can get you a ride from and to Boston, MA. We have a number of members who can provide a ride to and from Santa Camp depending on your schedule.
As you plan your itinerary, take travel time into consideration. Since the courses present a coordinated curriculum, it’s important you be present at all class sessions. The session begins at noon on Friday and ends around 3:00 pm on Sunday.
If a Thursday arrival is necessary, we can arrange a stay at Santa Camp that day. The extra cost for three meals and overnight is $195. Or you can stay somewhere else and we can pick you up Friday morning.
We can arrange transportation on Sunday at the end of the sessions. You may not have the option of staying over at Santa Camp that night, but we can take you to a hotel near your departure point.
When you are ready to book your transportation, feel free to discuss the options with us so we can help you plan the most convenient and affordable options.
What requirements are there for being Santa Claus? Do I need a real beard? Should I have experience working with children? Is there an age requirement?
It’s not what you look like but what’s in your heart that qualifies you to be Santa. The only common requirement for serving as Santa (and other characters) is passing a criminal background check.
While most think of Santa as an older man with a real white beard and big jelly belly, those are not prerequisites to playing the role. Physical attributes of the traditional Santa are a plus, but everyone can learn to look the part. That’s one of the things taught in the course.
Since interacting with children is often a big part of Santa’s role, being comfortable working with kids is helpful. Teachers, coaches, grandparents, etc., are great candidates for the role. However, there are many events where working with children is not even part of the job.
We are restricting participation in this event to 21 and over. However, elves, helpers and even Santa and Mrs. Claus could be any age.
What are the requirements for attending the Advanced programs?
Due to the advanced nature of the programs, applicants should have completed Preparing for the Sleigh or an introductory Santa/Mrs. Claus course of some kind and have experience with numerous appearances as Santa/Mrs. Claus. If space allows, those with less experience may be allowed to participate.
If you don’t meet the prerequisites but want to attend an advanced course, email us with your interest and experience. Or register for another course and send an email with your interest in the other course.
How are rooms assigned?
Room assignments will be made in the order of registration date.
There is limited lodging available. There are 24 lodge rooms that sleep two (could sleep 3 or 4 if wanted). A number of them are handicap accessible. The ten adult cabins can sleep up to four each. Standard cabins have at least four bunk beds. However, only the bottom bunks will be assigned for Santa Camp.
Couples will most likely be assigned lodge rooms to allow flexibility for the cabins. Consideration will be given to those with mobility issues or needing accessible rooms in the lodges.
In the case of the cabins, same sex assignments of up to four will be made starting with adult-friendly cabins. Once the adult-friendly cabins are filled, standard cabins will be used. Couples who could not be assigned to the lodge, will be provided a cabin to themselves if possible.
If all lodging fills up, we may be able to offer other group cabin options. Details on area lodging will be provided as an option if everything on site sells out.
Can I have my own room and not have to share?
Due to the demand for lodging, single rooms will not be available. Feel free to email your interest in a single room if they come available. There is an upcharge of $275 for a single. Or you can book at a nearby hotel and sign up for the Commuter Option.
Do I need to find my own roommate? Or will you match me up?
If you already have someone to room with, let us know on the registration information sheet you will receive. We will know to match you up in the same room or cabin. If you register individually, just comment at the end of the registration form who you want as a roommate. Or email us with the name of the people you want us to match together. Otherwise we will assign roommates.
Are there any options for camping, RVs or pop-up campers?
For the first time, very limited spaces (5) may be available for self-contained RV or pop-up campers parking. No hook-ups are available. No open fires are allowed. Bathroom and shower facilities will be available if needed. When registering, indicate if you’d like one of the spots.
Can I attend the school without staying at the Conference Center?
Yes Registrations options are available for commuters. Since all aspects of the program are important, including open time, meals, social activities and evening programming, it is important that everyone be available and participate. When you register, select the appropriate ticket for the course you want to attend PLUS choose the Commuter Option free ticket as well. An invoice reflecting the commuter discount from the balance due will be sent. After July 1, full payment of the $450 fee will be required. All meals and class materials are included in the price.
Do I need to attend the whole weekend? Can I attend individual days?
Since the programs are comprehensive courses, it’s important participants are there for the entire program. Individual day tickets are not available.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
The best way to reach us is send an email to NewEnglandSantaSociety@gmail.com.
Is my registration/ticket transferable?
Yes. Just be sure to notify us who will be taking your place.
What is the refund policy?
Refund of the full amount paid will be given to anyone who cancels by June 1. Up to August1, a refund of the total amount paid minus the registration fee will be given. Otherwise refunds will not be given unless there is someone on the wait list to purchase your spot. Your reservation can be transferred to someone else.