Campers’ Week at Pinewoods Camp

It’s right there in the name! Campers’ Week is a week like no other—not just for campers, but by campers, who join a small-but-mighty staff in offering classes, leading dances, playing in the band, performing at gatherings, teaching crafts, decorating for the ball, hosting parties, and sharing whatever talent they’d like. If you love helping to make the magic happen, and you’re between the ages of 0 and 187, this is the session for you! Bring your parents, your best friend, your neighbor, your siblings, your kids, your cousins, your spouse, your fiancé, your grandkids, or just yourself (if you’re over 18) for a week of multi-generational, camper-enhanced family fun.

What do we love? At morning and evening gatherings, people of all ages share a tune, tell a story, showcase a skill, sing, laugh, and dance together. During the day, kids under 13 gather twice with their peers—who may well become lifelong friends—to learn new dances, sing, craft, or what have you. Teens have their own class session (don’t worry, it’s not first thing in the morning) and all campers age 13+ can join in daily staff-led contra and English dance classes. There’s also ritual dance instruction, a community band, callers’ workshop, plus whatever delights campers offer. When it’s time to give those dancing feet a rest, you can swim, sun, or canoe in a pond, or find a chair on one of the many porches to craft, sing, jam, or just relax and chat with friends new and old. 

Festivities continue after dinner with a musical procession through the woods to the all-ages dance, which kicks off evening gathering. After the youngest campers head to bed, talented staff lead a vibrant mix of English, contras, squares, and a few surprises, with the help of the camper band—a delightful mélange of professional musicians, talented dabblers, and enthusiastic neophytes—and guest callers. (Want to call a dance? Let us know.)

Afterwards, the party moves to the Camp House, where a pub sing, auction, skit night, jams, or impromptu low-key gatherings continue into the night… including whatever merriment intrepid campers incite. (Will Kerry sets return this year? Late night English favorites? Nonstop Rory O’More?  If you want it, make it happen!)

Whether you grew up here and never left, or are joining for the very first time, Campers’ Week welcomes all ages, all skill levels, all talents, all everything. So pack your instrument (even your ukulele!), your voice, your dance shoes, your ball costume, your crafting supplies, your joy, and your sense of adventure. We hope to see you there.