Fully Elective

Activities

From Flying Trapeze to Equestrian, Basketball to Wakeboarding, Visual Arts to Dance, with everything in between. French Woods has a huge range of activities to keep our campers having fun while allowing them to explore new talents.

Two campers with tennis rackets on the tennis court

Sports & Recreation

Girl on the archery field
Campers playing a basketball game
boy swinging golf club at driving range
Campers playing a soccer game
girl smiling after catching softball
Camper getting ready to hit a ball with a baseball bat
girl swinging golf club
Camper about to kick a soccer ball
girl in sand from diving in volleyball
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Athletics

Sports & Recreation

Our Sports Program attracts athletes from all over the USA and abroad. Top coaches and professional players support each camper to improve their game and learn new skills.

Training is focused but FUN and all sports are open to all skill levels. Campers can explore a new sport, play just for fun, and join a team to compete against other camps. Serious athletes are provided with instruction, support, physical and mental conditioning, and the confidence needed to succeed.

French Woods Sports and Arts has top sporting facilities and equipment including a very impressive full-size indoor basketball gymnasium, outdoor basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, baseball diamond, fitness center and weight room, indoor and outdoor volleyball courts, gymnastics center, a cross country running course, archery range, and golf driving range.

What we offer
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Volleyball
  • Golf
  • Archery
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
Campers painting a mural

Visual Arts

Camper drawing on a bench outside
Campers molding their faces for masks
Camper concentrated on his drawing
Camper leaning over a table and drawing
Camper holding up a shirt she is tie dying
A bunch of shirts being tie died
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Creative Arts

Visual Arts

If you love art you are going to love everything about this program. Our Art Studios are so impressive it’s easy to be inspired to create! The Visual Arts department offers a variety of classes and activities in many fine art and creative craft disciplines.

Each art studio is fully equipped with everything you need to complete your project, including mature and accomplished artistic staff to teach and assist you. With a combination of imagination and creative instruction, campers truly grow and develop as artists.

Art activities as majors work towards 2-week completion projects to exhibit on Visiting Day when each studio is transformed into an art gallery.

What we offer
  • Painting & Drawing
  • Stained Glass
  • Paper Mache
  • Graffiti Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Mural Painting
  • Tie Die
  • Jewelry Making
  • Ceramics
  • Leather Craft
  • Sculpture
  • Mask Making
  • Puppetry
  • Creative Crafts
Camper sitting in a ring hanging in the air

Circus

Camper doing a trapeze stunt
Instructor catching camper doing a trapeze stunt
Camper hanging upside down on stage
Camper swinging on a trapeze swing
Two campers unicycling together
Trapeze setup at sunset
man performing in circus
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Performing Arts

Circus

Our circus program fosters passion, creativity, and a high level of skill in its campers, many of whom become recognized as aspiring circus artists. With exceptional staff of professional circus trainers from all over the globe, we deliver innovative training and skills development to campers at all levels of experience and talent.

What we offer
  • Acrobatics
  • Aerials
  • Diabolo
  • Flying Trapeze
  • Juggling
  • Lyra
  • Mini Trampoline
  • Rolla Bolla
  • Silk
  • Spanish Web
  • Static Trapeze
  • Tightwire
  • Unicycle
Boy camper playing the electric guitar outside

Rock Music

Girl camper playing the guitar on stage in a band
Campers recording someone singing
Girl camper singing on stage
Girl camper playing the piano on stage
Girl camper singing and playing guitar on stage outside
Campers playing in a band on stage
woman singing at microphone
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Performing Arts

Rock Music

All bands rehearse in climate-controlled studios that are fully equipped and ready to just plug in and rock out.

Campers have the opportunity to play live in various venues around camp which include half-time at tournament games, evening activities, talent shows, canteen, special events, and Visiting Day. Form a band and experience the concert environment and jam with friends who have the same musical interests and who are at the same skill level. Record your music in our recording studio. Play covers or write and perform original pieces. For campers who just want to learn an instrument or improve and practice their instrument, lessons are available daily.

FACT. French Woods started the original ROCK MUSIC PROGRAM in American summer camps. Maroon 5, and many other famous groups and artists started here. Our program is often imitated but never replicated.

What we offer
  • Rockband
  • Keyboard
  • Voice
  • Song Writing
  • Guitar
  • Bass
  • Drums
Camper kneeboarding

Water Sports

Campers on the banana boat
Camper wakeboarding
Camper kayaking
Three campers on a tube
Camper on a stand up paddle board
Camper waiting in the water with waterskis
Two girls lounging in the pool
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Athletics

Water Sports

Lake. Experience the rush and excitement of our Watersports Program on the French Woods 80-acre private lake. Qualified lifeguards supervise the instruction, safety, and thrill of getting up on skis or a wakeboard or helping to improve and develop skills. Tubing and banana boating is offered every day providing an adrenaline rush and lots of laughs. Our ski boats are fully equipped to handle all levels of skiers/boarders and of course any world champion banana boat rider.

Pool. Our heated pool is used for swim instruction, competitive swimming, open swim, pool games, water aerobics, pool parties, and afternoon BBQs. It’s a great place to keep fit by swimming, be active by just having fun in the water, or to relax in an Adirondack chair and chill with your friends.

What we offer
  • Lake
  • Heated Pool
  • Kneeboarding
  • Fly Fishing
  • Tubing
  • Banana Boat
  • Waterskiing
  • Kayaking
  • Wakeboarding
boy working creatively on laptop.

Communications

Campers recording someone singing
Camper in the radio studio
Camper DJing
Camper speaking into a microphone in a radio studio
Camper DJing
kids working on computer
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Creative Arts

Communications

Video tops our Communications Program as the most popular activity. Learn the process of music video production, film making, editing, and special effects, or television/radio commercial production. Become a radio DJ personality, create original beats in the digital music production studio, or create a mix in the recording studio as an aspiring club DJ.

FWC Radio Station transmits both in camp and to home via the internet. Each session we publish a camp magazine which is a group effort of many classes combined. Music videos, daily shows, and ongoing projects are presented every day at meals to the whole camp.

What we offer
  • Film Making
  • Writing
  • Animation
  • Music Video
  • Radio
  • Digital Music Production
  • Creative Writing
  • Graphic Design
  • Green Screen
  • News Casting
  • Claymation
  • Recording Studio
  • DJ
boy riding horse having fun

Equestrian

Camper riding a horse
Boy camper smiling next to a horse
Camper giving a horse a kiss
Camper painting a horse
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Athletics

Equestrian

The French Woods Equestrian Center includes 15 horses, a large barn, tack and feed buildings, an impressive outdoor arena, a variety of jumps, and hundreds of acres of trails.

We designed a well-rounded Equestrian Program in an environment in which horse lovers can experience various riding disciplines. Skilled staff work with campers at all levels from beginners who have never been on a horse before through to advanced riders capable of trail riding, jumping, and dressage. No matter your ability our staff will tailor your lessons and trail rides to suit.

For the horse enthusiast who wants maximum time at the barn, there are also activities to help care for the horses. You can help assist with grooming, tacking, watering, feeding, cleaning up, first aid, and mucking out.

Horseback Riding and instruction are included in our camp tuition.

French Woods is a proud Professional Member of the United States Pony Club.

What we offer
  • Trail Riding
  • Horse Care
  • Barn Management
  • Western
  • English
  • Dressage
  • Jumping
Camper climbing the rock wall

Challenge Course

Camper climbing the rock wall
Camper at the top of the rock wall on the challenge course
Camper climbing the rock wall
Camper walking across a bridge on the challenge course
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Athletics

Challenge Course

If you love action and adventure you are going to love our Challenge Course. This thrill-seeking course will take you through zip lines, climbing walls, and high ropes course elements. This exciting aerial experience has been expertly designed and built to challenge all campers no matter what your level. ADVENTURE AWAITS!

What we offer
  • Zip lines
  • Climbing Walls
  • High Ropes Course
Camper working on a computer

Technology

Girl camper working on the computer
Boy playing a game on the computer
Two boys playing on the computer next to each other
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Creative Arts

Technology

The Technology Program provides an opportunity for campers to explore the world of computers, technology, gaming, and ESports.

Campers work on 2-week incremental projects that can include app development, coding, game design, programming, and more. Technology at camp reaches way beyond the computer screen – build a robot controlled by an iPhone, bring your creative designs to life with 3D printers, or create a world in Minecraft animation. Our Technology Program is unique in that it offers everything a Tech-Only camp would offer, but we also have hundreds of other activity options to enjoy as well.

What we offer
  • 3D Design & Printing
  • Programming
  • Coding
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Model Building
  • Robotics
  • App Development
  • Web Technologies & Web Design
  • Game Design
  • Esports
Camper riding down the half pipe on a skateboard

Extreme Sports

Camper riding the half pipe on a scooter
Camper mountain biking
Camper riding down the half pipe on a skateboard
close up of skateboard footwork
Girl camper skateboarding
Camper about to skateboard down a half pipe ramp
Camper boarding down a grassy hill
Camper about to skateboard down a half pipe ramp
Two campers walking with their boards
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Athletics

Extreme Sports

The French Woods Skate Park hosts skateboarders, bladers, BMX riders, ripstickers, and even freestyle unicyclers. The skate park includes ramps, half-pipes, quarter pipes, and grind rails.

We also offer mountain biking, mountain boarding, and BMX. No matter what your riding level is our staff will help you to improve your extreme sports skills.

Safety is top priority in this program. All campers must wear kneepads, elbow pads, a helmet, and in some cases gloves.

What we offer
  • Skateboard
  • BMX
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Boarding
  • Skatepark
Camper playing a computer rpg

Role Playing Games

Campers playing a tabletop rpg
Group of boys playing a table top role playing game
Two boys playing a table top role playing game
Boy playing a table top role playing game
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Creative Arts

Role Playing Games

Role Playing Games (RPG) are where each participant assumes the role of a character, generally, in a fantasy or science fiction setting, that can interact within the game’s imaginary world. Create your character and let the campaign begin. Several forms of RPG are played including tabletop RPG, ‘live-action role-playing’ also known as LARP, and online RPG programs. Take part in epic live-action battles, play D&D, Magic the Gathering, Pathfinder, Betrayal at House on the Hill, Settlers of Catan, and other well-known games. Create your own characters, build your own world, and much more. We also have Magic Cards and Wargames.

What we offer
  • Card Games
  • Magic Cards
  • Live-Action Role Play (LARP)
  • Dungeons & Dragons
  • Video Games
Campers performing a scene on stage

Theater

Male camper performing a scene on stage
Camper in a blue dress with ensemble cast behind her on stage
Group of campers in a theater performance
Students during a theater performance on stage
Group of campers on stage performing
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Performing Arts

Theater

Our talented theater staff is passionate about performing arts and create a safe supportive environment for campers to express themselves. They will coach you and work with you each day to make you a star!

A variety of classes are offered and in each 2-week session, we produce either a musical, a play, a variety show, or a musical showcase. Everyone who auditions get a part. Campers who prefer to stay behind the scenes can learn set and costume design or technical theater which includes sound and lighting.

Campers have several opportunities to perform during their session(s) at camp leading up to the main performance on Visiting Day for family and friends. Our 500 seat theater is completely wired with professional lighting and sound systems.

What we offer
  • Musicals and Plays
  • Theatre Games
  • Acting
  • Stage Combat
  • Improv
  • Mime
  • Acapella & Voice
  • Technical Theatre
Camper holding up playing cards

Magic

Boy sitting at a table with a deck of cards
Boy shuffling cards
Girl holding up playing cards
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Performing Arts

Magic

Classes are offered for all levels of magicians by our in-house master magician/wizard. There is a concentration on Close up and Parlor magic including card tricks, coin tricks, illusions, and character development.

In our ‘drop-in’ trick of the day class, you can learn a new trick each day, purchase it if desired, take it home, perform the trick and become a star with your family and friends. Camper magicians get to perform frequently at camp along with all other performance based programs.

What we offer
  • Card Tricks
  • Coin Magic
  • Parlor
  • Stage Illusions
  • Escapes
  • Mind Reading
Dancers dancing during a performance on stage

Dance

Three campers dancing on stage
Campers stretching in dance class
Solo dancer on stage
Campers doing tap in dance studio
Group of dancers performing on stage
Dance class practicing in the mirror
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Performing Arts

Dance

Classes are available for beginners through advanced dancers in Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary. French Woods Sports and Arts Center has 3 professional dance studios.

With teachers trained in many styles of dance, choreography, and technique, we can guarantee that campers involved in this program will go home much more educated dancers and with an appreciation for new technique. It’s fun for beginners and with enough challenge for the advanced.

Many chances to perform are available so bring your dancing shoes!

What we offer
  • Hip Hop
  • Ballet
  • Jazz
  • Contemporary
  • Tap
Girls exercising on the elliptical machiens

Fitness

Boy weight training with a coach
Girls doing yoga
Boy working out with a trainer
Camper in dance class
Boys running on treadmills
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Athletics

Fitness

French Woods Sports and Arts Center encourages a healthy active lifestyle and provides the facilities, equipment, and staff to make this happen!

Our Fitness Program consists of three separate zones: Weight Room, Stretching-Yoga-Zumba Studio, and a state of the art Cross Training Gym.

Program equipment features the latest strength training machines, treadmills, ellipticals, interactive bicycles, a full range of free weights, an octagonal cross-training fitness rig, and a range of strength, training, and aerobic tools. A certified Professional Trainer will support and guide you through a customized workout program.

What we offer
  • Weight Training
  • Zumba
  • Yoga
  • Stretching
  • Flexibility
  • Running Club
Camper excitedly looking at measuring spoons

Cooking

two girls cooking in kitchen
girl rolling out dough for pizza
cheeseburgers cooking on grill
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Creative Arts

Cooking

Our Cooking Program is designed for the novice cook to prepare basic food and take care of themselves. Campers create menus and follow recipes, preparing (and eating) meals from scratch with only the finest ingredients. Many campers also enjoy our more advanced cooking class where cakes, desserts, seasonal and international meals, and other delicious delights are created.

French Woods Sports and Arts Center is nut-free.

What we offer
  • International Delights
  • Just Desserts
  • Healthy Treats
  • Basic & Seasonal Meals