An Intentional Camp Community
Jump in, try new things, make friends, and explore the outdoors –
all in a place where you belong!
Camp Wawenock has always been guided by professional educators who believe that camp should be both joyful and purposeful. From the very beginning, campers are encouraged to be active, caring members of a welcoming community – one where they build skills, form meaningful relationships, and develop a deep connection to the natural world around them.
Finding Joy in Simple Things
Unplug, laugh with friends, and discover the magic in every camp moment!
Today, campers and parents alike tell us that summers at Wawenock offer a refreshing break from the pressures of busy schedules and constant screens. Here, girls live at a different pace – one that allows space for friendship, creativity, and reflection.
Campers spend their days connecting face-to-face, strengthening existing passions, discovering new interests, and savoring simple pleasures: relaxing by the lake, laughing with friends, and searching the night sky for shooting stars.
A Welcoming Camp Family
From day one, you’re part of the Wawenock family!
At Wawenock, we strive to ensure that every member of our camp family feels welcome, valued, and a true sense of belonging. Our goal is for every person at Camp to feel comfortable being themselves – respected, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Our camp family includes girls from different backgrounds, from across the country and around the world, creating a community where campers grow more culturally aware, open-minded, and connected.
New campers are warmly welcomed from the moment they arrive. Cabin groups are thoughtfully mixed to help first-time campers feel included at any age and to encourage girls to build strong relationships across their peer group over time. Shared traditions – meals together, team activities, and our Big & Little Sister program – help campers form meaningful connections that span age groups and often last long after camp ends.
A Program Built on Values
Be kind, brave, and yourself – live Wawenock Spirit every day!
Over the years, Camp Wawenock has defined and embraced ten core values known as Wawenock Spirit: Honesty, Thoughtfulness, Respect for Others, Cooperation, Effort and Initiative, Loyalty, Friendliness, Sportsmanship, Love of the Natural World, and Tolerance.
These values are not just words; they are lived and celebrated daily. Spanning and uniting generations of campers and staff, Wawenock Spirit guides us throughout each season. We are grateful for a camp family that strives to live these values every day, in both small moments and meaningful choices.
The impact of this thoughtful community reaches far beyond our lakeshore. The ripple effect of a summer lived with intention and care continues as campers and staff bring these values home with them, shaping their relationships, schools, and communities around the world.
Building Skills for Life
Try new things, level up your skills, and leave camp feeling unstoppable!
Camp is about more than a single summer – it’s about helping young women develop skills and confidence that carry into their lives beyond Wawenock. This growth doesn’t happen by chance. It’s supported by an intentional philosophy and a consistent, thoughtfully designed camp structure. Here are some of the ways this takes shape at Wawenock:
Developing Leadership
I learned to speak up in front of a crowd – and realized I could lead with confidence.
At Wawenock, leadership is built into every camper’s experience. Whether helping newcomers find their way, leading service projects, sharing traditions, or teaching activity skills, girls of all ages are encouraged to step up, take responsibility, and lead in ways that match their age and abilities. Our oldest campers participate in a summer-long Leadership Training Program, building and practicing skills that extend beyond camp – to school, community, college, and careers. These progressively structured opportunities help campers develop the tools they need to lead with empathy, creativity, and confidence. Read More: Discover How Girls Become Leaders at Wawenock
Longer Sessions
More time at camp = more friends, more skills, and more fun!
Meaningful friendships and tangible skill development take time. Research shows that traditional, longer camp sessions are especially effective in supporting growth in social, emotional, activity, and leadership development.
Camp Uniform
No fuss, no stress – just friends, fun, and being you!
Our simple daily uniform removes pressure around clothing and appearance, helping girls focus on friendships rather than comparisons. It also creates a sense of belonging and ensures equity for campers from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Stewardship and Service
Help out and make the world a better place – starting at Camp!
Care for the land, the lake, and appreciation of nature is part of daily life at Camp. Every camper participates in at least one service project – many with environmental impact – and interested campers can join our Green Team to help Camp operate more sustainably. Learn more about Camp Service and Leadership.
And Yes – FUN
Laugh, play, and make memories you’ll never forget!
At Wawenock, fun is everywhere, but it’s not the reason we exist. Instead, fun is the natural result of a safe, supportive, and values-driven community. When girls feel secure, respected, and connected, they are free to laugh, try new things, and fully be themselves.
That shared sense of community is what makes the fun at Wawenock inclusive, meaningful, and lasting.
“Wawenock is a loyal and loving community that values, respects, and cares for every person involved. Wawenock and the Wawenock family will be my home and my family for life.”
– Elizabeth, Alumna