"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." -- Henry James
In a world where breathless summer fun is often gleaned from video games and movies, the idea of adventure summer camp may sound quaint, a vestige of an earlier time long gone. At Adirondack Camp in Upstate NY, one of the oldest summer camps in America, adventure summer camp experiences provide unique challenges and rewards for all campers that last long after the last camper returns home.
At Adirondack Camp on Lake George, the summer days are long - just like they used to be - when simple activities and self reliance were valued above "busy-ness". Fun and excitement in physical activity – learning something new, perhaps discovering a heretofore unknown ability - become part and parcel of earning the trust and friendship of others, and giving it in return.
Physical awareness through sports, the ability to explore individual interests and the sense of just being a kid are highly valued commodities at Adirondack Camp. Yes, there are traditional activities such as kickball, field hockey, tennis and archery , but kids especially know that true adventure means risk taking, whether through white water rafting, water skiing or wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking or snorkeling …even in something as simple as learning to swim. Our staff of experienced educators and childcare specialists along with an amazing group of skilled counselors (many of whom are Adirondack Camp alumni) provide the basis for a summer camp experience like no other.
Settling into a canoe or a kayak for the first time teaches not only balance and awareness, but patience. Climbing a rock face requires not only physical prowess, but courage and a learned ability to think ahead. Living, eating, sleeping and playing together with kids from all walks of life fosters not only the ability to 'get along', but also what it takes to give and take, resulting in the incredibly valuable ability to earn trust and maintain lifelong friendships.
Our campers come from locations all across the globe, with differing backgrounds and life experiences. During a four or eight-week summer camp session, they begin to discover the value of personal responsibility, learning leadership, independence and the joy in sharing their discoveries about themselves and the natural world around them. How do we know it works? Because three out of four eligible campers return to Adirondack Camp year after year. Whether it’s learning to snorkel, exploring the performing arts or other alternative sports and activities, setting and reaching goals may even include something as ambitious as climbing the 46 Adirondack peaks.
We believe that setting and realizing goals is as vital to building strong bodies and minds as any physical activity may be. And that finding a quiet spot and getting lost in a good book is not a relic of days gone by.
