My daughter loved this place so much! The staff, counselors, and campers were all amazing. Where else can do two types of dance, musical theatre AND flying trapeze? Her bunkmates sobbed when I took her away.
Great summer camp. A/C, spacious, beautiful views, amazing activities you will not find at the standard camp, well kept and beautiful buildings and grounds. The kids learn a great deal, and have fun doing it. My children were able to take equestrian lessons daily. They host an impressive visiting day, with high talent performances, it was such fun. The counselors were lovely and engaging with the children. They were superb models for high level social skills. The kids are allowed access to their phones at night, which I loved. My children felt safe, well fed, and entertained. I will send them next year, without hesitation, if they like.
Fair warning...I did not think they were entirely up front with their fees. After the base price, there were required fees for medication management, a t-shirt, a movie trip that was supposed to be optional and was not. They also strongly suggest accounts for the kids for an on site store, which has little for practical use, and lets the kids buy sweatshirts and candy that have no marked prices. The store has no basics like shampoo, deodorant, etc.. I would hesitate to fund that account again. They will also expect you to leave cash for the kids, which mine spent on beverages that were up to near $5 a piece, and to tip the counselors a specific fee for each session.
Nigel and the team at FWSA are all wonderful, and run a fantastic program! We send students from our nonprofit program to French Woods Sports and Arts each summer and they all return home with rave reviews and can not wait to go back to camp the next summer. This is a great program for teens as it pulls all the best elements from traditional summer camp but modernizes the experience as well, so campers can grow within the program. The programming, staff, facilities and atmosphere make French Woods Sports and Arts such a special experience. Thank you Nigel & everyone at Sports and Arts!
Can't believe I've never written a review for my favorite place on Earth! I don't know where I would be if I never went to French Woods Sports and Arts. I am happiest when I'm there. Best teen camp ever!!
This camp is the BEST EVER!! It literally feels like a family and everyone here is so accepting. We have the best food, and so many different things to do here! Definitely enroll!!
My daughter loved it so much here that she extended from 2 weeks to 4 weeks. The director and staff were warm, friendly, and created an environment that allowed her to really shine. They also offer some activities (lyra, trapeze) that she really enjoys, and she hopes to return and try some other options.
My daughter has spent three summers at French Woods and can’t wait each year to go back. Nigel
runs such a warm and welcoming camp and is always available to answer any questions/concerns. I am overly confident with the way the camp is run and love that my daughter has so many options to choose from each session. She is already talking about going back next year. I would highly recommend this camp for teens looking for an overnight camp!
An amazing theater camp for anyone! With top of the line facilities they give you a real professional workspace, and also have many other options such as doing the tech, horseback riding, visual arts, or sports you never have to step on stage!(I didn't)
HOWEVER while they are accepting of queer individuals regarding sexual orientation they often(and the time they didn't they had to switch to an older bunk due to not being accepted) put people in the bunk corresponding with their birth gender regardless of how transitioned they are. A particular girl bunk had to live with a guy who was born a girl, and because they actually see him as a boy they have complained about discomfort from living with him, that coupled with their gendered activities (boys vs girls) and certain counselors enforcing gender roles makes this not the best place for trans people, however I have seen them thrive here
This camp has a wonderful variety of activities for the campers. They seem genuinely happy to be there and never ready to leave! The staff have wonderful attitudes and interact very well with the campers. Great food selection, nut free camp, no overindulgence in junk food. Beautiful surrounding landscape.
I love French Woods Sports & Arts - Mallory & Nigel work hard to make sure that every camper has the best summer ever. This is a great place to spend your summer!
Wi-Fi was in and out but overall it was a fun time being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Outside is beautiful and very peaceful. I approve!
My son loves this camp! It is his second home, his favorite place in the world! The counselors are all topnotch! Nigel chooses the best people from all around the world. Evan has had the opportunity to experience the most amazing activities. A few of his favorites have been trapeze, photography, music videos, and film making. I don't know of anywhere else where you could experience all of this and so much more over the course of a two week session! French Woods Sports and Arts has helped shape my son into an incredible young man! I can't thank the counselors and staff enough for all they have done for him!
The following are Evan's thoughts:
French Woods Sports and Arts Center is my favorite place on earth. It is so gorgeous there, the buildings are so nice and accommodating. The staff, especially Nigel, are the nicest, most helpful, and loving people you will ever get the pleasure of staying with! The activities are endless and they are so fun. The counselors that run them are professional and they never fail to make it fun! FWC is my home away from home! I feel safe there, I am surrounded by the most loving and caring people in the world. I never go a day without having fun while I am there. If you want to send your child to camp or are thinking of going, just know that we will welcome you with open arms and that you too can be a part of the FWC Family!
My grandson went for 8 weeks and it was the best 8 weeks of his life. Steven came home a different person - mature and self-confident! The campers and staff are from all over the world and it was an incredible experience for a 15 year old boy. Every day Steven communicates with his friends from all over! Nigel (the director) is amazing and the activities at camp are beyond belief! Steven is going back next summer and can't wait! French Woods Sports and Arts Center is the best!!!
My daughter went to French Woods Sports and Arts reluctantly. After two weeks there, she didn't want to come home! She had an amazing time, she loved the counselors, she made great friends and she learned so much. Part of her initial reluctance was due to her celiac, and her dietary needs (gluten free). The chef 100% took care of her. All of her food was prepared separately, and she loved it. And more importantly, she never got sick. She can't wait to go back next year ?
Made the best friends and had the best experience. All the counsellors are amazing and become your best friend. The atmosphere, the people and the facility made it the best summer ever. Thank you FWC!!!!!
I love camp!! It was probably my favorite thing I've done over the summer ever! One problem: I couldn't rate it more than five stars!! Yes, it's THAT good. Ever since I've come back, I've pleaded with my parents to sign me up for more than just one session (two weeks), told everyone I possibly could about how amazing French Woods Sports and Arts is, and have still stayed connected to almost every girl in bunk. For one: the people are awesome. No matter counselor or camper or camp director, you will make life-long friends with everyone. Another pitch perfect thing about camp is that it's not a huge camp, so it gives you a chance to meet everyone and make a connection with each person. Also, and I'm not kidding, the food is great! I promise no one will go hungry (especially on Chinese food night ;)). If I could, I would happily write a five page essay on camp, but simply, I'll just say I hope to see you in the basketball gym (whoop, whoop!).
“French Woods Sports and Arts Center has been such a fantastic experience for my daughter and she can't wait to go back this coming summer. It has really fostered her creativity and has enabled her to meet campers and counselors from all over the world and learn about so many different cultures. They have great activities – cooking, circus, water skiing, and so much more. Plus the food is fantastic! Nigel, Mallory and all of the staff are extremely caring and do everything that they can to make the campers feel welcome and included. A very positive environment.”
I had the best time of life at FWC its first year! I can't wait to go back this summer! The am staff is amazing, the buildings are pristine and everyone is loving and excepting of everyone! Of course Nigel makes it so much better than other camps. For 1 he knows each camper by name, he is funny and you can't beat his breakfast wake! "It's a beautiful day in the state of New York"
10-10
When we went to visit our daughter this past summer, we were thrilled to see ALL the HAPPY campers. Seriously, every kid was smiling.
Lunch was a great treat too. We were amazed to see that not only were there healthy choices for the campers, including vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options on the daily menu board, but the campers really were enjoying meal time and catching up with friends and siblings about their morning activities.
We were also given a full tour of the grounds and I could not believe the CLEAN, TIDY and AIR CONDITIONED DORMS that are even nicer than most University dorm rooms I've seen.
I love that the campers can enjoy lake activities but can also swim and play in the big state of the art pool.
The last part of the day, we watched one group perfecting their unicycle skills and then a bunch of boys and girls try (some for the first time) the Flying Trapeze. They were all attentive to the safety instructions and were encouraging one another in a way that only camp friends will do. In that one hour session, we witnessed strength and confidence soar!
I'm writing this review to let you know that if you are researching a camp that will fit your children's every desire, look no further...French Woods Sports and Arts Center under the direction of Nigel Watson and his trusty sidekick Mallory is the only place I would ever recommend.
Excellent staff and a beautiful facility! Call and within two rings Mallory or Nigel are answering and making you smile! Its truly a family atmosphere at FWC, and everyone is better for spending time there!
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