07 Mar Camp Treetops

Since 1921, Camp Treetops has strived to nurture an inclusive community with an emphasis on values that remain vital to this day—child-centered education, the fostering of self-reliance and confidence, living in harmony with nature, and preserving a child’s world through a summer unplugged.

Our rustic Adirondack setting and unhurried pace provide children, ages 8-14, the space and time for childhood. Our 220+ acre property includes a working farm with barnyard animals, organic gardens, and a lake free of motorboats. Free from the pull of cell phones, video games, and social media, children come to appreciate their own imaginations, the company of others, and the endless wonders of the natural world. Over our 4-week (available to first-time 8-11 year-olds), and 7-week sessions, campers engage with their peers face to face. These moments of connection deepen into strong bonds of lasting friendship and a robust community. Whether making their own canoe paddle, creating an intricate weaving, hiking one of the Adirondacks’ high peaks, or sailing on Lower Saranac Lake, campers not only establish lasting friendships, but gain values and skills that form a foundation of confidence, resilience, and compassion.

Since the 1920s, campers have helped in caring for barnyard animals and with the growing and harvesting of food. Farm animals include: 12-15 horses for our riding program, sheep, turkeys, pigs, and several varieties of chicken. Through this work, children recognize the importance of their contributions to the functioning of our community; they develop a strong connection to the natural world, and an interest in protecting it. While working in our 5+ acres of gardens, campers harvest a wide variety of vegetables for use in our meals. Working in our farm & garden helps campers gain a sense of the life cycle of plants and animals, and the interconnectedness of all organisms.

Round Lake is another beloved feature of our campus. In addition to daily swim lessons, there are many other lakefront activities. Campers may gather at bedtime to watch the sunset, sketch the view from the lakehill, or observe loons during an early morning swim. In addition, Treetops’ robust boating program boasts numerous types of watercraft including a fleet of sailboats, row boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Treetops campers are also encouraged daily to celebrate the arts. In our craft shops we encourage children to explore their creativity as they learn new skills in weaving, woodworking, pottery, felting, painting, drawing, knitting, beading, papermaking, and more. A canoe paddle made in the woodshop, a wall hanging woven on the floor loom, or a bowl thrown on a potter’s wheel all instill in children a sense of confidence in their abilities.

In addition to the plethora of on-campus activities, campers also venture off-campus into the surrounding mountains for a hike or rock climbing trip, or to a nearby lake or river for a sail or paddle. Campers practice necessary skills on-campus, and have the chance to challenge themselves on these off-campus trips.

Location:

Camp Treetops
4382 Cascade Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946

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