Adirondack Woodcraft Camps

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps: Summer Adventures for Kids

Established in 1925, Adirondack Woodcraft Camps has provided transformative outdoor experiences for generations of children aged 6 to 17. Our program emphasizes wilderness living skills, leadership development, and environmental stewardship through hands-on activities like hiking, canoeing, and camping. Located in the pristine Adirondack Mountains of Old Forge, NY, we combine 98 years of tradition with modern safety standards to foster confidence and resilience in campers.

Our directors, Doug and Christina Bartlett, personally oversee operations year-round, ensuring every child receives individualized attention. Testimonials consistently highlight our nurturing environment, skilled staff, and the profound personal growth campers achieve during their stay. With organized transportation options and flexible session lengths, we make accessing our programs convenient for families nationwide.

Services

Summer Camp Programs Outdoor Leadership Training Wilderness Survival Skills Waterfront Activities Hiking Expeditions Canoeing Trips Camping Experiences Badge Earning Programs Mountain Climbing Year-Round Rentals

Details

Year established: 1925

Highlights and features

We offer 98 years of experience in outdoor youth development programs
Our directors personally oversee all operations and camper safety
Specialized wilderness living skills curriculum developed over decades
Proven track record of fostering confidence and leadership in children
Convenient transportation options from major airports and train stations

What people say

Absolutely loved it Well rounded positive experience Significantly more self confident Fresh and delicious food Ecstatic post card descriptions

Website

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Services

Summer Camp Programs

Our summer camp programs provide immersive outdoor experiences for children aged 6-17 in the Adirondack Mountains. Campers develop leadership skills through wilderness activities while building lasting friendships in a technology-free environment. The structured program balances adventure with safety, offering personalized attention from experienced staff.

Outdoor Leadership Training

We offer comprehensive leadership training through wilderness challenges and team-building exercises. Participants learn navigation, survival skills, and group dynamics while developing confidence and decision-making abilities. Our approach combines traditional woodcraft with modern leadership principles in an authentic natural setting.

Waterfront Activities

Supervised waterfront activities include canoeing, swimming, and boating on private lakes. Certified lifeguards ensure safety while campers learn water safety skills and environmental stewardship. The program emphasizes both individual proficiency and cooperative teamwork in aquatic environments.

Hiking Expeditions

Guided hiking expeditions explore the Adirondack Mountains' trails and peaks. Campers learn map reading, trail navigation, and ecological awareness while experiencing the region's natural beauty. Each hike incorporates educational elements about local flora, fauna, and conservation practices.

Camping Experiences

Our camping programs teach wilderness living skills through hands-on experiences. Campers learn shelter building, fire making, and outdoor cooking while practicing Leave No Trace principles. The immersive experiences foster self-reliance and appreciation for nature's challenges and rewards.

People

Doug Bartlett

Camp Director & Owner

Doug Bartlett co-owns and directs Adirondack Woodcraft Camps with 25+ years of outdoor education experience. He personally oversees program development and safety protocols while maintaining year-round camp operations. His leadership emphasizes traditional woodcraft skills and character development.

Christina Bartlett

Camp Director & Owner

Christina Bartlett co-owns and directs the camp with expertise in youth development programs. She manages camper care and staff training while ensuring personalized attention for every child. Her approach combines nurturing support with challenging outdoor experiences to foster growth.

Questions

What age groups do you serve?

We accept campers aged 6-17 with age-appropriate programs including our Rookie program for first-time campers.

How do you ensure camper safety?

Our safety protocols include trained staff, structured activities, and constant supervision. Directors personally oversee all operations with emergency procedures in place.

What outdoor activities are available?

We offer hiking, canoeing, camping, mountain climbing, waterfront activities, and wilderness skill development in the Adirondacks.

Are transportation options available?

Yes, we provide organized pickups for campers arriving by air or train with specific dates and locations provided during registration.

Can parents visit the camp?

We welcome parent visits year-round by appointment. Directors Doug and Christina Bartlett personally conduct camp tours.

Videos

Reviews (7)

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Little But Fierce Photography

Aug 15, 2020 Report

Such a beautiful venue! Not what I would have expected from a summer camp but, it had so many stunning places for photos, a lovely arch for the ceremony and the room for the reception was spacious and had a great rustic feel. It was also peak fall so the foliage was amazing! It was a really lovely day!

Roger Zanes

Dec 17, 2019 Report

I was a camper here in 1965 and 1966 and have many special memories. But the one that stands out was when Bob Dylan visited one night in 1966, just before his accident. Our counsellor and Bob were boyhood friends in Hibbing, Minnesota, and Bob was living in Woodstock, NY then.

Dan Berman

Nov 24, 2019 Report

My son had a fantastic time here. He came back from came changed, more confident, stronger, and mature. He had many stories and wilderness advebtures
30 years ago I went to Woodcraft and my dad said the same things about me. This place offers an unparalleled experience

Jean S.

Jul 29, 2019 Report

This camp is a true gem. I sent my 12 year old daughter there for the first time this year and could not be happier with her experience. She learned to paddle the stern of a canoe, pitch a tent, make a camp fire and even squash a bug (which, trust me, is a big deal!) She made wonderful friends and found all kinds of new confidence and courage inside herself. Christina and Doug are amazing in the nurturing environment they've created and the attention they give to the individual camper. It was a definite growth experience for my daughter and she's looking forward to going back next year

Mb Barber

Jan 26, 2019 Report

Such a wonderful camp! Truly special and above and beyond my expectations. Our daughter went for the first time last year and it was delightful to see how much she grew and developed in her time there. She enjoyed it so much too! Doug and Christina are summer camp veterans with many years of experince as campers themseleves and also running various summer camps around the country. This camp is a lifelong project in the making, and your child will feel that level of attention to detail from activities, councillors, how the camp is organised, and how the campers are cared for - and cared about. Even

Thera Levi

Nov 13, 2018 Report

My 5 daughters and my grandson are all Woodcraft campers. This experience promotes independence, a sense of life as adventure, connection to this earth that we call home, and creates a global family of AWC alum. I have had the incredible pleasure of being on AWC Team Kitchen since 2001, can you smell the famous chocolate chip cookies and homemade cinnamon rolls of opening day? Also the most stunning place for a wedding!

David Wood

Oct 28, 2018 Report

Just got back from a weekend of touring the camp and meeting the staff. Wonderful camp in a beautiful setting. The staff is competent, knowledgeable and dedicated. Everything a summer camp should be.