We continued our Learn About Camp Zoom series with a conversation about Wawenock’s Activity Program: how it is intentionally designed to foster growth, confidence, and self-discovery over time.
Here’s an overview:
Choice with Purpose
At Wawenock, campers shape their own experience. Girls create their summer schedule by selecting the activities they’re most excited about, building both agency and responsibility.
✨ “My daughter has tried everything – tennis, theater, even things she wasn’t sure about at first – and she’s had the freedom to explore and grow in her own way. That’s what makes Wawenock unique.”
— Liz, Parent
Progression Over Perfection
The Activity Program emphasizes persistence, patience, and skill development, rather than comparison or performance. Campers learn that real growth takes time and effort.
✨ “What struck me most was hearing my daughters talk about what they were working toward. Wawenock’s program isn’t about grades or perfection, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and making progress. It’s about demonstrating real competence over time. The achievement feels earned.”
— Kara, Parent
Intrinsic Motivation & Real Confidence
Girls set their own goals, build competence, and leave camp with more confidence.
✨ “The goals are self-driven. My daughter is working toward things because she cares, not because of outside pressure. Being able to really stay with something for an extended period of time, and then come back to it summer after summer, has been incredibly valuable for her.”
— Josh, Parent
Time, Depth, and the Gift of Staying With Something
Wawenock gives campers the time to truly engage, returning to activities day after day and summer after summer. As campers grow, so do their opportunities to lead, mentor, guide, and support others.
✨ “As an older camper, I moved into the Instructor’s Aide program, where I could take the activities I loved and had gotten good at and work alongside counselors I really looked up to. I got to help teach and learn from the other side, and that actually improved my own skills.”
— Haley, Alumna
Caring and Committed Staff
Wawenock activity counselors are relatable and fun. They are also invested in each camper’s growth. Staff plan classes and tailor instruction to match the skill level and meet the needs of each camper.
✨ “There’s something magical about children being mentored and taught by young adults. It’s a very different dynamic than learning from parents or teachers. The combination of skill building in activities and meaningful mentorship creates an environment where girls learn to persist, trust themselves, and rise to challenges in a way that really stays with them.”
— Dana, Alumna
The Balance of Structure and Freedom
Wawenock offers an important balance between focused activity time and unstructured, spontaneous moments. The space to slow down and choose how to spend downtime provides a unique opportunity for the development of a child’s autonomy.
✨ “Having time to feel a little bored – without a device filling every moment – is incredibly valuable. That space leads to creativity and resilience. In addition to all the activities my daughter loves and would never be able to do at home, that balance between doing and notdoing is something really special about Wawenock.”
— Anne, Parent
Skills for Life
The lessons of the Activity Program extend far beyond camp. Girls develop perseverance, leadership, adaptability, and confidence – skills that carry into school, work, and adult life.
✨ “As I’ve grown and entered the professional world, I’ve realized that much of what I’m best at in my career comes directly from my time as a camper and staff member at Wawenock. Camp didn’t just give me skills, it gave me confidence. I know I can take on hard things, navigate new challenges, and grow along the way. These lessons don’t stop when you leave camp; they carry into work, school, and life.”
— Lauren, Alumna
Across the conversation, one idea came through consistently: girls grow in powerful ways when they are trusted with choice, appropriately challenged, and given the time and support needed to pursue their goals. Wawenock’s Activity Program is designed with this belief at its core.
👉 Learn more and register for future sessions here