Our Program
At Southwoods, campers get the freedom to choose what they love, the encouragement to try something new, and the chance to experience age-appropriate outdoor adventures in the stunning Adirondack Mountains. We think of ourselves as a well-rounded camp with a strong outdoor focus. When campers aren’t out on the trails or off on one of our trips, they can explore a wide range of athletic, aquatic, creative, and adventure-based activities.
Our days are structured around three core activity types: Weekly Intensives, Daily Electives, and Cabin Activities.
Weekly Intensives
Campers will choose which activities they want to participate in for the week. These are skills-based activities with markable achievements. Lower and Upper camp both have (2) Weekly Electives.
Examples: Tennis, Gymnastics, Sailing, Ceramics
Daily Electives
Campers will choose these periods every single day! Daily Electives have variety, offering campers a chance to try new things and have fun with their friends.
Examples: Gaga, Arts & Crafts, Pick-up Basketball, Beach Party
Cabin Activities
Campers will also spend time in activities with just their cabin group, giving them the chance to build strong connections while trying new things and having fun together. Our youngest campers have more of these sessions built into their day, while older campers gradually have fewer.
Examples: Kickball, Tubing, Fishing, Fantastic Fungi
Lower Camp
Explorers
Rising 3rd & 4th grade
- Combination cabin and choice programming.
- On site traditional camping trips.
- Designated General Counselors for extra hands on help.
Trekkers
Rising 5th & 6th grade
- Combination cabin and choice programming.
- On site and off site camping trips.
- Off site hiking and canoeing adventures.
Upper Camp
Trailblazers
Rising 7th & 8th grade
- Mostly choice programming.
- Off site camping and portaging trips.
- Off site rock climbing, canoeing, rafting, and hiking adventures.
Mountaineers
Rising 9th & 10th grade
- Choice programming.
- Multi-day off site camping and portaging trips.
- Off site rock climbing, canoeing, rafting, and hiking adventures.
Learning the Southwoods Lingo
We gather for Line Up twice each day. In the morning, it’s all about setting campers up for success—sharing announcements, going over plans for the day, and reminding everyone to throw on sunscreen before heading out for another great day at Southwoods.
In the evening, Line Up shifts to celebration. We highlight camper achievements, from standing up on skis for the first time to hitting that first three-pointer. Just as importantly, we recognize the everyday moments that reflect the Southwoods Way—like a teenager helping a younger camper find their Crocs after swim lessons—celebrating kindness and character right alongside accomplishments.
Canteen time is when campers can visit the snack bar or pick up items from the camp store. Much like gathering around a watering hole, it’s a natural time to refuel, grab any essentials they may need, enjoy a treat, and—most importantly—spend time hanging out with friends.
Huddle Up is the most important part of the day. At home, bedtime routines are usually led by parents—but at camp, we take that time to come together. Each night ends with Huddle Up, where counselors guide a conversation and every camper has the chance to listen, share, and feel heard. It’s a simple way to get ahead of homesickness and build connection. Ask any camper, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Huddle Up is when friends start to feel like family.
When Lower Camp heads to canteen, Upper Camp gets Twilight. And what do teenagers want most? Time with other teenagers. Twilight is designed just for that—we open up select areas of camp so they can spend time with their peers. Counselors are there to supervise, but the focus is on giving them space to connect, laugh, and enjoy the added sense of trust that comes with growing up.
