New Words, Timeless Values; Adirondack Camp's New Plaques
This summer at Adirondack Camp, we introduced a refreshed set of 12 plaques—a meaningful update to a tradition that has hung in our dining hall for decades. These new plaques reflect the core values we aim to inspire in every camper, staff member and alumni who calls our peninsula home:
Collaboration, Leadership, Courage, Integrity, Compassion, Growth, Respect, Creativity, Community, Spirit, Curiosity, and Independence.
These values are far from just words on the wall—they’re the guiding principles behind how we live, work, play, and grow at camp. While the specific language may have changed, we remain rooted in the same philosophy that’s shaped Adirondack Camp for over a century: to foster an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and inspired to be their truest selves.
Camp is about more than just scheduled activities—it’s about what happens in between. The laughter at mealtimes, spontaneous friendships in the bunk, the quiet courage it takes to try something new. That’s where these values come alive, often in ways campers don’t even realize at first. By the end of a session, they’ve not only learned how hit the target with an arrow or roll in a kayak—they’ve discovered more about who they are and who they can become. Our awards ceremony at the end of the session recognises those campers that embody these plaques and represent our different values across activities, cabin-life, Blue/White and camp life as a whole.
Ranger Plaque
C.I.T. Plaque
Best New Camper
Best Camper
We close out our awards ceremony in the presentation of Eagles, Adirondack Camp’s highest honor. This award has been part of our camp’s story for over 100 years, and is given to campers (and staff - usually at the end of session two) who embody every one of our values and act as a beacon to others in our camp community. To receive an Eagle is to be recognized as one who personifies the spirit of ADK and represents every plaque that hangs in our dining hall throughout every aspect of camp life. We honored five campers this session with Eagles, a huge congratulations to them for this incredible milestone.
Eagle Winners
