Adirondack Woodcraft Camps

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Adirondack Woodcraft Camps

Adirondack Woodcraft Camp is set on nearly 300 acres of forests, fields, and pristine lakes in Old Forge, New York. The camp boasts three miles of unspoiled shoreline, 1.5 miles of wilderness river frontage, and direct access to a unique system of trails and overnight camping sites in Adirondack Park. Founded in 1925, Adirondack Woodcraft Camps is one of the longest-running camp programs in the United States. With more than 80 years of history, many of AWC’s traditions still stand strong as campers embark on summer journeys today.

With a focus on individual instruction, campers work towards a series of achievement badges throughout their time at AWC. Campers can earn badges in every field from swimming to wilderness skills. Because some achievements take several years to complete, the staff keeps an on-going record of progress from year-to-year. Every time a camper earns a new badge an announcement is made in front of the entire camp, giving the camper an unmatched sense of pride and achievement.

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps features a traditional summer camp program with an emphasis on outdoor and wilderness skills. The non-competitive, comfortable atmosphere is a great backdrop for first-time campers eager to explore Adirondack rivers, lakes, and trails. The camp boasts a high camper return rate and an intensely loyal alumni following. Adirondack Woodcraft Camp is a great choice for campers who love exploring the outdoors and look forward to connecting with all elements of nature.

Program Description

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps features a structured program with opportunities for free-choice activities. Each morning, the AWC staff publishes a schedule of each age group’s activities for the day. In the afternoon, campers get to choose one elective activity where they want to spend extra time.

Each Wednesday, AWC offers a free choice trip program called Hike Day. In the morning, campers choose a day-long trip or hike that will include different age groups and genders. Trips include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, and more. When campers return to AWC, they get to participate in a free-choice elective to end the day.

Sunday is a special themed day at Adirondack Woodcraft Camps. Free choice activities are offered in the morning and the entire camp participates in an event during the afternoon. These events include inter-camp games, performances, and more. Sunday night activities are concluded with a camp-wide campfire where campers and staff have a chance to share stories, perform skits, and sing songs.

Staff Overview

With a large, dedicated alumni base, more than half of Adirondack Woodcraft Camps’ counselors have been former campers. The loyal staff and internal recruitment are a testament to the bonds and relationships formed at the camp.

While most counselors are college-age, AWC also employs professional educators, some of whom have worked at the camp for more than 20 years. The average staff age is 21. With a fine group of committed camp professionals, campers can expect to see familiar faces year after year.

Setting & Accommodations

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps is located on nearly 300 acres of private wilderness in Old Forge, New York. Included on the site are two private lakes and more than a mile of river frontage on the pristine Moose River. The camp is located in the Adirondack mountains approximately 2 hours north of Syracuse and 3 hours north of Albany.

Campers live in traditional camp cabins with 4-5 other campers and 1 counselor. Bathrooms and showers are communal and located just a few steps from each cabins. All cabins have electricity.

At breakfast there is a main course (like eggs, waffles or pancakes) plus a cereal, yogurt and fruit bar. At lunch, main courses include tacos, BLTS, grilled cheese, and chicken patties; plus there is always a large salad bar. Dinners may include pizza, chicken, lasagna, turkey or beef dinner. There is always a vegetarian choice at each meal as well as special choices for dietary restrictions. There is also a selection of whole fresh fruit available for campers anytime throughout the day.

Safety Standards

At Adirondack Woodcraft Camps, a full-time registered nurse is always in residence. A doctor and dentist are always on call and located just a few minutes from camp.

Every staff member who leads an off-site trip is certified in first aid and CPR. All water related trips are accompanied by an American Red Cross certified lifeguard. In addition, one of the camp’s owners is a certified EMT.

Adirondack Woodcraft Camp is certified by the New York State Department of Health which conducts inspections of the camp twice each summer.

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Seven Week Session	6/27/13-8/14/13	6-13	$5,740
Seven Week Session	6/27/13-7/14/13	14-15	$5,950
Four Week Session	6/27/13-7/24/13	6-13	$4,102
Four Week Session	6/27/13-7/24/13	14-15	$4,207
Three Week Session	7/25/13-8/14/13	6-13	$3,753
Three Week Session	7/25/13-8/14/13	14-15	$3,858