Choosing the Right Camp Session: One Week, Two Weeks, or Four?
For many new campers, attending camp for the first time is a big step. It’s an exciting opportunity to grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Whether for one, two, or four weeks, the camp experience is packed with benefits that help young people develop independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Here’s why camp is such a valuable experience:
Camp provides a safe environment for campers to try new things, make decisions for themselves, and take responsibility for their daily routines. Whether it’s choosing whatever activity they want to try, taking on the tree climb, or riding a horse, campers gain confidence in their abilities and grow more independent. This ability to succeed outside of their comfort zones creates a deep sense of achievement too. With their counselors and co-campers cheering them on, campers are encouraged to push their limits and take on new challenges. While some obstacles may feel daunting at first, the supportive camp environment helps them overcome fears, build resilience, and achieve things they never thought possible.
Finally, camp is a much-needed break from screens. Instead of texting or gaming, campers engage in hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and face-to-face conversations, allowing them to be present in the moment and fully enjoy their surroundings. Through these shared experiences and connections, campers feel a lasting sense of belonging while at camp and beyond. Oftentimes campers leave feeling like camp is their second home.
Farm Camp offers a unique blend of hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and a close-knit community that fosters personal growth. So, the question isn’t whether Farm Camp is right for my child; the question is, which session length is right for my child?
Why One Week is Great
A one-week camp session is a perfect introduction to camp life. It provides a taste of everything: the chance to try different activities, make new friends, and experience a level of independence. A one-week session is an exciting introduction to camp, allowing campers to explore new activities, build friendships, and experience a sense of independence.
One camper’s parent stated that their camper had “a positive first week away from parents, leaving her excited to go longer next year. She solved problems and figured out how to resolve conflicts away from home. She made a few wonderful friends and plans to see them after camp”. While one week offers a taste of everything, campers may only get to experience one chore and won’t have enough time to try every activity camp has to offer.
Why Two Weeks is the Sweet Spot
The most popular choice among campers, a two-week session allows for a deeper, more immersive experience. Campers will participate in a special program like International Day or CILT Games, have the chance to experience multiple activities, and have time to complete all the hikes they wish.
With two week sessions, campers often leave feeling very fulfilled, “my son really has a new sense of independence and confidence in himself — the change is subtle, but definitely there. It really felt like an accomplishment, for him, to be away from home for two weeks”.
With two different chores, reflection time, unit day, special programming and a growing sense of community, two weeks often makes camp really feel like a home away from home. Most campers find very few downsides to this option.
Why Four Weeks is Incredible
A four-week session is the ultimate camp experience. Campers become part of a close-knit community, take on leadership roles, and enjoy special programming such as the variety show and beach bake. One four week camper stated, “I really enjoyed getting to know all the other campers and new councilors while still meeting up with people from last year. All the activities were unique to the area which makes them amazing. Such a beautiful location cannot be matched by any other camp. I can easily say that these were some of the best 4 weeks of my life.” Four week campers get to try four different chores and fully immerse themselves in the camp lifestyle. However, being away from home for an entire month can be a challenge, making it a better fit for campers ready for a long-term adventure.
No matter the length of stay, camp is a transformative experience. It fosters independence, confidence, friendships, and a connection to nature, all while providing a fun and supportive environment. As one camper’s parent stated, “allowing (my camper) to escape the pressures of daily life and fully immerse herself in a technology-free world among nature provides us all with the gift of a “reset” before the school year starts again. Choosing a camp for your child can seem daunting with all of the options out there, but there is truly nothing else like Farm Camp. Sending your child here is truly a gift.” Whether for one week, two weeks, or a full month, camp is a place where young people grow, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Check out which sessions are still available here!
