Teens Thrive at Adirondack Camp
Are you considering a Teen Camp program for your child? Adirondack Camp, the best summer camp in New York, is a place where lifelong friendships are formed, a connection with nature is established with a digital detox, and unforgettable memories are made. Camp is not just for the little ones; whether you’re an experienced camper or considering your first summer, Adirondack Camp has something incredible to offer every teen. Our Teen Camp has over 100 campers at any time and is for ages 13 through 16, with a Counselor-in-Training program for 17-year-olds. Every year there is a good mix of new and returning teens to ADK’s Teen Camp!
The Perks of Being a Senior Camper
Adirondack Camp is a welcoming place on our own peninsula, and as a senior camper in our Teen Camp, you’ll enjoy special privileges such as later bedtimes and your own time at the weekly dances. For some evening activities, the whole Teen Camp or Senior Line gets to hang out and socialise together at the senior campfire for “Senior Chill,” while the younger campers head to bed. There is also an opportunity to take advantage of more challenging Wilderness Trips.
Be a Role Model & Make Lifelong Friends
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a senior camper is becoming a role model. Younger campers look up to the seniors as their heroes, creating a unique opportunity to inspire and guide them like an older brother or sister. Even if you’re new to camp, Adirondack Camp fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where bonds form quickly, making it easy to build strong friendships. In fact, many campers start their Adirondack journey as seniors, and they are welcomed with open arms. It’s a place where everyone belongs, where everyone supports one another like family. As teenagers begin to develop a stronger sense of identity and self-awareness, their relationships with peers naturally deepen, leading to more meaningful and intentional connections and friendships that really do last a lifetime.
The Ranger Program
For our 16-year-olds, Adirondack Camp offers the Ranger Program, designed to develop leadership,independence,and responsibility. Rangers have a slightly different schedule, allowing them to take on leadership roles in a few chosen activities, plan camp-wide events, and run Awiskini (an Adirondack tradition). Rangers also get to enjoy exclusive privileges that make their final summer as campers unforgettable. They have their own uniform, do a special trip together, and have the honor of making waffles for the entire camp on Saturday mornings and running cookie break—a favorite camp tradition. While they take on more responsibility, Rangers still get to experience all the FUN of camp, making it the perfect way to close out their camper years.
ADK’s Rangers have opportunities for a lot of FUN and growth in the program. Some highlights have included (but were definitely not limited to): rock climbing, overnight trips to islands in Lake George, filming and editing a video of the Ranger experience, obtaining a CPR certification, and organizing a special day (the “Ranger Wrangle”) for the rest of Camp to enjoy.
The Ranger Program is guided by Adirondack Camp’s four pillars: Arts, Water, Land, and Trips. Throughout the summer, Rangers undertake four projects to develop a genuine and robust understanding of each pillar, and therefore of Adirondack Camp itself. These pillar-specific experiences support emotional intelligence, leadership development, and group collaboration. There are also opportunities for self reflection and individual development.
There’s no better way for teenagers to spend their summer than at Adirondack Camp—disconnected from screens but fully plugged in to a vibrant community. Here they live in close contact with a peers from around the globe and have an opportunity for signigicant personal growth, valued by college admissions much more than what is considered resume fluff. At ADK our teenagers develop leadership, independence, and the confidence to grow into remarkable young adults ready to take on the world.
