Why Seven Weeks? 

We understand the anxiety many parents feel at the thought of a seven-week separation from a child. As parents ourselves, we empathize with the hesitation and uncertainty. However, the kind of transformative experience that Treetops offers simply cannot occur during a shorter session. Our goals for children include building a growing sense of independence, an ability to cope with challenges and fears, and the self-confidence to be oneself within a group. These do not happen quickly.

We also strive to help children develop a variety of skills and provide opportunities to test them in ambitious projects or outings away from Camp. The level of competence required for a camper to build an Adirondack chair, create an intricate weaving, hike the Great Range, or sail in a brisk wind on Lower Saranac Lake demands a good deal of practice, and that takes time.

Importantly, time also strengthens our sense of community. Children establish friendships and connections that continue as lifelong sources of strength. The depth of these relationships is what makes Treetops alumni such a remarkably devoted group. Large numbers of former Treetops campers return year after year as counselors, and we have many families whose Camp affiliations run two, three, even four generations deep. Sharing transformative experiences over time is what creates these lasting bonds.

"The essential experience Treetops offers is TIME. Time to walk up a hill, to look at the stars, to have a conversation, to notice the woods, and to watch a garden grow. I am so, so, so happy my son spent [the] summer with you."
                                         — Treetops parent