Summer Camp - The Healthiest Place on Earth

Kids health is important to us. Health and wellness experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Peter Attia have emphasized the importance of key lifestyle habits for longevity and overall well-being. From prioritizing quality sleep to getting ample daylight exposure, limiting screen time, and regular exercise, their recommendations outline the foundation for a healthy, balanced life. Now, imagine a place where all of these principles naturally come together every single day.

That’s exactly what summer camp offers. Adirondack Camp provides an environment where boys and girls not only thrive but also effortlessly embrace the habits that health experts agree are essential for long-term wellness. Could summer camp be the ultimate recipe for a healthy lifestyle? Let’s explore why camp might just be the healthiest place on earth.

Daylight and Sunlight

Experts recommend spending 2–10 minutes in natural sunlight each morning to jumpstart the day. At Adirondack Camp, waking up in our open-air cabins means you’re naturally greeted by the gentle morning light every day. With the majority of our activities taking place outdoors, it’s nearly impossible to go even an hour at camp without soaking up plenty of daylight. This exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and even improves sleep quality.

Exercise

Kids are always on the move at camp, throughout the day they are walking from one activity to the next, swimming in our beautiful Lake George, or running around with friends during free time. Whether it’s going on hikes through our trips program, selecting sports as part of their weekly schedule, or joining in evening activities like Blue/White events or the camp dance, exercise is seamlessly woven into every day. With health experts recommending 30–60 minutes of physical activity daily, kids at camp easily exceed that in a way that feels fun and easy.

Nutrition

At Adirondack Camp, meals are served at consistent times—breakfast at 8 AM and dinner at 6 PM—falling almost perfectly within the recommended 8 AM to 6 PM eating window. Snacking is limited to an afternoon cookie break, ensuring that most eating happens during structured mealtimes. We also prioritize healthier options, with two salad bars available at lunch and dinner, stocked with fresh vegetables, greens, and a variety of pre-made salads. Staying hydrated is equally important—boys and girls start their day with a full water bottle before heading to activities, and are encouraged to refill it regularly throughout the day.

Social and Emotional Health

Health experts agree that daily, in-person interactions with peers are essential for long-term well-being. At camp, these connections help campers develop a deeper understanding of navigating interpersonal relationships, getting to know themselves better, and managing their own emotions. In this supportive environment, our dedicated staff are here to listen and provide guidance, fostering personal growth and ensuring that each camper feels seen, heard, and valued.

A Digital Detox

At camp there is zero screen time for kids, and staff are limited to using their phones only during their evenings or days off. This intentional disconnect from stimulating media allows everyone to fully embrace the present moment. This means downtime and rest hours at camp are spent reading, journaling, writing letters home, chatting with friends, or simply relaxing and soaking in the serenity of Lake George. This break from screens fosters deeper connections and a sense of mindfulness that can be hard to prioritize in today’s world, but unfolds so naturally at sleepaway camp.

Sleep

Health experts recommend maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, and getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. At Adirondack Camp, a consistent sleep schedule is built into daily life, with campers easily getting over 9 hours each night. After a full day of activities, staff and campers alike are delightfully tired in the best possible way, making sleep come easy. This routine helps campers recharge, ensuring they wake up refreshed, embracing the daylight and ready to start back over again.