My 10 year old son had an incredible summer at GWT. He had been to another camp for the prior 2 summers and never loved it. He didn't hate it but I felt something was missing. I took a risk and tried another camp and it was the best parenting decision I have made. There is a warmth at GWT that is unrivaled in any camp I have attended, worked at, or sent my child. I grew up going to sleepaway camp and working as a bunk counselor so I have experience with several camps. The owner, director and head counselors are committed to making the summer special for each camper. The camp is small enough for them to make targeted interventions that will best support each camper. All of the staff seem happy and well cared for and this trickles down to the campers. My son is too young to articulate these things, but when he said "It seems like the counselors here know how to talk to kids," I know what he means. He had a unique and personal experience that larger camps might not have been able to provide, yet there is no sacrifice in the wide variety of activities offered. The camp has scores of activities highlighted by the flying trapeze and extensive ropes courses. Many campers play soccer and basketball much of the day but other campers may rarely play team sports. There is a place for every camper and they are all valued. Dungeons and dragons and Magic the Gathering are very popular activities that my son enjoyed. He built a game in coding class, played pickle ball, scaled climbing walls, and learned 9 square (a field game). One of his favorite activities was "Reading on the High Ropes." This is a sometimes offered "minor activity" where campers bring books to the incredible ropes course and get a chance to read books while suspended among the trees. Then they get to jump down (supervised, in a harness!!
This type of fun, creative activity is a microcosm of the camp. "Minor Activities" are a special part of the camp and one of many aspects that makes GWT such an incredible place. Each day after lunch, counselors get up in the dining hall and "sell their minors." The campers can choose from ~20 different activities twice a day. They range from traditional go karts or tennis, but can also include reading on the high ropes and the floor is lava. My son regales me with stories of how funny the woodshop counselor is in selling woodshop and other fun/silly activities.
The return rate for counselors is very high which helps ensures an experienced and excellent staff to support your child. While it is not a competitive camp, there is room for competition via the annual World Cup soccer tournament, Color War and other traditions. The beauty of the camp is that no one is forced to participate. But because of the energy and enthusiasm of the staff. most campers choose to participate, try new things, and develop existing passions.
The pool is recently renovated and heated. Some of the other facilities are not as newly renovated. If you are looking for a shiny, super fancy camp with a huge lake and water skiiing, this might not be the best place for you. But if you want an environment that is nurturing while also inspiring independence, GWT is unrivaled in any of the 5 camps where I have personal experience. I can't think of a camper who would not thrive here.
Reviews
My 10 year old son had an incredible summer at GWT. He had been to another camp for the prior 2 summers and never loved it. He didn't hate it but I felt something was missing. I took a risk and tried another camp and it was the best parenting decision I have made. There is a warmth at GWT that is unrivaled in any camp I have attended, worked at, or sent my child. I grew up going to sleepaway camp and working as a bunk counselor so I have experience with several camps. The owner, director and head counselors are committed to making the summer special for each camper. The camp is small enough for them to make targeted interventions that will best support each camper. All of the staff seem happy and well cared for and this trickles down to the campers. My son is too young to articulate these things, but when he said "It seems like the counselors here know how to talk to kids," I know what he means. He had a unique and personal experience that larger camps might not have been able to provide, yet there is no sacrifice in the wide variety of activities offered. The camp has scores of activities highlighted by the flying trapeze and extensive ropes courses. Many campers play soccer and basketball much of the day but other campers may rarely play team sports. There is a place for every camper and they are all valued. Dungeons and dragons and Magic the Gathering are very popular activities that my son enjoyed. He built a game in coding class, played pickle ball, scaled climbing walls, and learned 9 square (a field game). One of his favorite activities was "Reading on the High Ropes." This is a sometimes offered "minor activity" where campers bring books to the incredible ropes course and get a chance to read books while suspended among the trees. Then they get to jump down (supervised, in a harness!!
This type of fun, creative activity is a microcosm of the camp. "Minor Activities" are a special part of the camp and one of many aspects that makes GWT such an incredible place. Each day after lunch, counselors get up in the dining hall and "sell their minors." The campers can choose from ~20 different activities twice a day. They range from traditional go karts or tennis, but can also include reading on the high ropes and the floor is lava. My son regales me with stories of how funny the woodshop counselor is in selling woodshop and other fun/silly activities.
The return rate for counselors is very high which helps ensures an experienced and excellent staff to support your child. While it is not a competitive camp, there is room for competition via the annual World Cup soccer tournament, Color War and other traditions. The beauty of the camp is that no one is forced to participate. But because of the energy and enthusiasm of the staff. most campers choose to participate, try new things, and develop existing passions.
The pool is recently renovated and heated. Some of the other facilities are not as newly renovated. If you are looking for a shiny, super fancy camp with a huge lake and water skiiing, this might not be the best place for you. But if you want an environment that is nurturing while also inspiring independence, GWT is unrivaled in any of the 5 camps where I have personal experience. I can't think of a camper who would not thrive here.