My son has been to several summer camps at the Middlebury Studio School. He was fully engaged in…read moreeach camp he attended. He loved going in the morning, and when I picked him up he looked forward to what they would do the following day. I thought his teacher was fantastic. She kept the kids thinking and creating all week and I always felt that my son's experience was fully about him, and not about finishing something to be brought home to a parent. Now, he did bring home amazing creations, but they were completely from his imagination (not from a pre-packed arts and crafts dealer!). This year summer classes were offered at St. Mary's School in Middlebury. We loved the location and much preferred it to the Gailer School, where they were offered last year.

My 14 year old son has been an every other year camper at Farm & Wilderness's Camp Timberlake, and…read morehas reported having a great experience each time. He got familiar with animals and barn duties in his first year, hiking for long treks (16 and 26 miles in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks!) in his second year, and bouldering in nature in his third, all the while making strong bonds with fellow campers and counselors. He looks forward to coming back as a counselor one year, and I couldn't be more excited for him. My 9 year old daughter had the opportunity of attending Firefly Song for her first time this year. She came home with wonderful memories of the camp community, and revealed in describing to us her daily routine -which included chores, Quaker inspired silent meetings and songs, and swimming in the lake every single day! She can't wait to keep going back.

After one good summer at Timberlake, we uncovered the ugly underbelly at Farm & Wilderness…read more In 2023, when other camps had moved on from all Covid protocols, F & W insisted on three days of covid testing from their campers at the outset. When they finally extracted a positive test from a cabin mate of my twin boys, the 5 remaining cabin kids were separated from the camp, made to wear masks indoors and out for 10 days. About half of their session. Despite testing negative consistently. When asked why in the year 2023 they were going well beyond CDC guidelines with their policy, there were no good answers. "Unfortunately, Covid isn't behind us yet, but we gave your cabin an oreo cheesecake and they loved it." Farm and Wilderness could be a great version of itself, outdoors and unplugged and accepting and spirited, but unfortunately they are entangled in a strange ideology where they think they can control what is not controllable. Predictably it backfired. Every kid ended up with a debilitating case of norovirus at the end of the session and my twins came back upset from a summer of isolation and pariah-like exclusion from the campers. Lasting bonds weren't made and refunds weren't offered. It's their policy to make, obviously, it's just not grounded in the child's actual experience. It's grounded in fear.

Greatest summer camp in the country! Has one of the best climbing programs, with many campers…read morehiking all Adirondack 46 (4,000 ft mountains). Camp is owned by the same family dating back to 1904. Rich in tradition and outdoor activities, this camp is ideal for campers looking to experience new adventures.

From the owner: Pok-O-MacCready Camps is a co-ed Adirondack summer camp in New York for boys and girls ages 6-16…read more It is located on a beautiful lake in New York's Adirondack Mountains. Family-owned since 1905, Camp Pok-O-Moonshine for Boys and Camp MacCready for Girls provide a traditional Adirondack summer camp experience that mixes exciting summer adventures and new opportunities with great friends in a picturesque natural setting.

I went to camp Echo Lake for a work weekend. There was about 40 of us coming from all over. We…read morestayed in the cabins and utilized every aspect of the entire camp. The cabins were really nice and clean upon arrival. There were bathrooms and sinks in the cabins which was awesome. A small bathhouse was not far away with really nice showers. The only thing I could say was they were advertised as heated and defenitly were not! The kitchen staff was incredible in serving up three meals a day with snacks in between. They were amazing at catering to vegan and vegetarian's as well! The camp staff in general was awesome. We had several classes including mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and yoga. The staff helped set up materials and walked us through how to properly use them every step of the way. The staff even set up an area for Olympic games and transported water as well. This camp had such a great set up, so many things to do and see, and a staff that made a huge difference in making things run smoothly!

From the owner: Camp Echo Lake Is a full season co-ed sleep away camp in New York's Adirondack Mountains.read more

My friends and I had an amazing time touring the farm. Katie was so friendly and kind and we loved…read moremeeting all the animals. We got to meet and feed the Alpacas, pet the horses, and hold the baby bunnies. It was such an amazing and unique experience if you have the opportunity when visiting the area definitely worth it. Also the views on her property were breathtaking.

We had the most amazing experience here. Katie, the farm owner, spent a good hour with us showing…read moreus all around the farm, introducing us to all of their animals. My boys adored the alpacas. The friendliest alpacas we've ever met, so sweet and curious! The boys got to pet the pony, hold/cuddle the rabbits, and play with the dogs. We had an incredible adventure and we are so grateful we got to come.

My three boys all LOVE Camp Chingachgook! There are great programs, outstanding supervision, and a…read moreprime location on beautiful Lake George. YMCA Camp Chingachgook is a wonderful place to build friendships, learn about nature and stewardship of our land, and develop wonderful new skills that will last a lifetime. Check out their wonderful family programs as well- we love the Labor Day Weekend Family Camp!

My parents asked me if I wanted to go to this camp I never heard of. I said sure, why not? It was…read moreone of the best decisions of my life. I was at Camp Chingachgook in the very late 50's or early 60's. Three years in all. The scenery was magnificent, the swimming lessons were helpful and the HUGE trampoline was a delight. The food was very good, too. But by far the two most memorable experiences were our overnight camping and canoeing trip on the lake and our lengthy and exhilarating hike up a mountainside on a steep incline ending up in a flowery meadow with incredible views, then back down through a forest. I'm considering a trip back. I would love to know the name and location of this trail. Camp Chingachgook will be a five-star memory for your kid.

The importance of Eagle Island in my life cannot be overstated. I spent many summers on this unique…read moreand beautiful private island (and national landmark) learning how to sail a boat, paddle a canoe, improve my swimming skills, learn songs and craft skills, live outdoors, appreciate unspoiled nature. But my greatest takeaway was in finding myself--building confidence, having strong women leaders, and coming away with an internal fortitude that has served me well into my adult life. My nieces will also be attending camp there and I could not be more thrilled for them and what they too will experience in this magical place.

From the owner: Youth Summer Day Camp for children entering grades 3-6…read moreGirls' Overnight Camp grades 5-9 Family Camp and more. . . An unplugged island experience. Located at a National Historic Landmark Adirondack Great Camp located on Upper Saranac Lake, New York

Kenwood & Evergreen has truly been our daughter's "home away from home" for the past two…read moresummers--and she's already counting down the days until she returns. The counselors are exceptionally well-trained, receiving a full week of preparation focused on safety, team-building, and camper connection before the kids even arrive. From counselors to campers to parents, everyone is welcomed like family. The camp places a strong emphasis on inclusion and encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and take pride in their accomplishments. We were initially nervous sending our daughter away for three weeks that first summer, but on her first phone call home, she BEGGED to stay the full six weeks. Camp has structure, but it's structure inside a framework that's different from home or school. At K&E, the kids have a safe space to grow in ways we didn't even realize were possible. Our daughter is creating lifelong friendships, learning the importance of teamwork, & having an absolute blast in the process--and for us, that's absolutely priceless.

Always a fun summer at K&E kids who attend have great challenges everyday and learning new…read moreactivities some out of the wheel house of things they have been doing at home and school, music, sports, Arts even Drama. Making new friends and learning from counselors and campers that come from all over the United States and other countries also.

Hosmer Point is a summer camp in craftsbury VT.The age group is 9-15. It is 52 acres. You can swim…read more There is a waterslide. There are very steep hills. I would recommend sunscreen and bug spray. I felt excited. I would recommend this place.-Parker 3rd grade Hosmer Point is a summer camp. It is located in Craftsbury, Vermont. They have good parking. They also have a cool waterfront. It is for ages 9-15. It is made up of 52 acres. They have a theater. They also have a garden, tennis court, basketball, gaga ball, soccer field and pizza. I did not like the lunch choices and there were not many lunch options either. I recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a change of clothes and bathing suit. When I went, I felt happy, excited, energized and silly. -Henry, 3rd grade.

From the owner: Hosmer Point's mission is to build confidence and community. With only 80 campers, and a…read morecamper/counselor ratio of 3:1, our emphasis on community builds mutual respect. Children direct their own schedules, fostering self confidence as they choose from activities such as: sculling, sailing, farming, furniture building, and mountain biking. Other highlights are delicious farm-to-table food, a focus on environmental stewardship, and an electronics-free campus. Tuition is on a sliding scale, with families paying $250-$1300 per week. We also offer a day camp for ages 5-8, and a wilderness adventure camp for teens. As an outdoor education and events facility, we provide programs that get participants outside, active, and engaged year-round.