Watch our Promotional Video, or see more video on our Videos page
Picking the right sleep-away camp for your child is important. Get to know us better by meeting our owners and some of our integral staff, watching an interactive presentation and asking questions!
Upcoming Information Sessions:
Sunday, October 27th at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, October 30th at 7pm ET
Sunday, November 3rd at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, November 6th at 7pm ET
Sunday, November 10th at 12 noon ET
Campers are able to focus on one particular area, or choose to select a variety of activities. We celebrate diversity and provide a safe environment for children to try new things.
French Woods is a co-ed sleepaway performing arts summer camp for children aged 7 to 17. Campers come from every state and over 40 countries. Internationally recognized as a premiere program in the performing arts, we feature options in music, art, theater, dance, circus, magic and horseback. In addition to our core activities, all the programs of a traditional summer camp and more are included in our offerings. Younger campers have additional guidance and supervision, while older campers can participate in community service and legacy projects in addition to college prep courses. We are located on over 1000 acres of hills, fields and woods bordering a private lake in the town of Hancock, New York in the Catskill Mountains.
Music is in our DNA. The music department supports campers at all points of entry and abilities. There is instruction from theory and composition to electronic music, from private lessons with every instrument in the orchestra plus piano and voice, Our programs, classes and performance opportunities create an unrivaled environment. Special event’s in music, teaching guest artists and performances complete our program. (more)
Theater is at the heart of our performing arts program. Performance opportunities abound in our five theaters where we produce more than 80 full-scale productions every summer . You can be in shows, work in tech, costuming, sound or lighting, play in a pit orchestra, take classes and workshops or do some of each. (more)
Explore your passion and create a masterpiece. French Woods encourages you to develop your skills by exploring new media or old favorites, including drawing and painting, woodworking, ceramics, screen printing, fiber arts, leathercraft, ceramics, 3 different kinds of jewelry, graphic and game design, studio art and others.
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French Woods welcomes dancers at any level, from the novice to the advanced. You’ll auditions for class placement by skill and age level in whatever style of dance you choose. We offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern, Work on technique and choreography in our five air conditioned studios. Plus, dancers can perform in our musical theater and circus programs.
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Dazzle, entertain and amaze your friends. All the skills, pageantry and artistry of the circus can be found at French Woods. We are the largest and most comprehensive children’s circus training program in the world. Whether you’re on the flying trapeze, silks, lyra, web, cloud swing or any of the other acts, French Woods showcases its performing artists. Catch the action in our main circus show, our Jr. Circus show, and the spectacle our late night fire fly show. (more)
Abracadabra! Make your wildest dreams materialize before your very own eyes. Discover the secret and cut someone in half and then put them back together. Practice close up magic, slight of hand, stage illusions and card magic; Build confidence and presentation skills as you amaze your friends, and family. (more)
It doesn't matter if you wish to get Red Cross certification or just get wet; both the lake and the pool are there for your use. The lake, which is not only private, but over 80 acres allows you to learn to water-ski, swim, sail, canoe or wind surf. Come play on our floating trampoline or slide or take a ride on the banana boat. (more)
Whether playing on the fields, in our fully enclosed 30,000 square foot multi-purpose field house or just cheering from the sidelines, French Woods brings out the sporting spirit in everyone. Good sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play form the fundamental core of our sports programs. World class coaching provides instruction in our lifetime sports and comprehensive fitness programs.
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Put on your helmet, saddle up and ride! We offer instruction in English and Western styles of riding. Highly qualified equestrian instructors teach lead line work for beginners and progress to trail riding, jumping and dressage. We have our own stables with 32 horses, indoor and outdoor arenas and miles of wooded riding trails.. (more)
The French Woods Rock Shop offers lessons in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and other rock-and-roll instruments, as well as song-writing. You can form bands, write your own songs and even record them in our state of the art recording studio. (more)
Learn the basics or perfect your skills with our group or private lessons. Facilities include 15 all weather and 1 indoor court. Our dynamic and accomplished professional instructors will guide you through a progressive tennis curriculum from beginner to advanced. So, grab your racquet and head to the courts. It’s your serve!
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Take control of the microphone! You’ll never forget sitting down at our radio station, surrounded by state-of-the-art media equipment. Whether you are announcing or working behind the scenes, French Woods Radio is carried over the internet so your audience includes friends and family. Live interviews, camp bulletins and recorded songs all make the cut. Explore recording and creating audio components for media using our consoles and control surfaces just like the pros. You’re on the air in five! (more)
The French Woods Challenge Course includes a 500 foot Dual Zipline, a 3-sided Climbing wall for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, sky bridges, all with a great view of camp... (more)
Step into the world of our miniature railroad and fast paced multilane slot car track. Or build and launch a model rocket. Our world of make believe will satisfy your desire for a quick escape from the traditional “track” of activities. Watch your step… excitement and fun just ahead.
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From designing a customized workout regimen to supporting fitness motivation, our “Motivation Center” is always in the zone. Classes are geared to interest and flow through a series of movements and devices to increase flexibility, balance and strength. From cycling to yoga, from zumba to kickbox, the “Mo” rivals most professional fitness centers. Maximize your results and crush the cardio. It’s time to make your body work.
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Our theater program is supported by a very rich technical theater department. Campers are involved in every aspect of stagecraft, from costuming and make-up, to lighting, sound, props and set design and construction.
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Campers can take part in our short film program, where campers, write, direct, produce and edit short films which are played in our film festival every session.
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Come see camp during the summer, meet other kids, and see the staff in action.
Schedule a Tour
call (607) 637-8400
We offer a week long session in August for first timers and younger campers