Deep Woods: The Challenge
DEEP WOODS challenges each and every boy to learn more about himself--to discover his abilities and to use that newfound self awareness to develop the full potential that he possesses. DEEP WOODS challenges a boy to venture into new areas of experience, and thus to broaden his horizons far beyond those limits imposed by convention. DEEP WOODS challenges a boy to move from the easy to the difficult, to reach out for accomplishment, and to know the feeling of success.
The DEEP WOODS challenge extends to the parents, also, to make this investment in their son with an eye toward the rest of his life. DEEP WOODS is more than simply a summer of fun and adventure: it is a meaningful and valuable experience by which a boy learns that he is able to make of himself whatever sort of man he wishes to become. Parents make the investment; DEEP WOODS unlocks a boy's potential; and the dividends are lifetime value in our most precious resource--People.
Campers and Rangers
CAMPERS: Boys 10 through 14 comprise the camper group for the summer. For the shorter session, campers are 10 through 14, while the longer sessions are open to boys 12 through 14. All sessions open to Rangers. The age range is divided into cabin groups by age, each with a program suited to the abilities and desires of its boys. The programs are designed to encourage boys to learn new skills and to use these skills to meet the challenges of the trips. Our campers are not pushed into competition with other boys, but are encouraged to compete with themselves in expanding their own capabilities.
RANGERS: The Ranger Program is open, by invitation only, to boys who have been campers before at DEEP WOODS. This group includes boys 15, 16, and 17 years old. Rangers are Counselor Trainees--they pay a reduced fee and they have duties and responsibilities both in camp and out on trips. This program gives them a taste of the counselor's job, while at the same time giving the Director a look at their abilities and suitability for future staff jobs. In addition to their duties and responsibilities, Rangers have their own program of trips. They explore the untrailed mountains and canoe the most challenging rivers. Theirs are the challenges of the mountains--met and mastered.
Cabin Groups
Cabin assignments are made according to age. Campers live seven to the cabin with one Counselor. Rangers have their own cabin and Counselor, and accompany each cabin group on trips out of camp.
Each cabin group functions as a unit throughout the session. The Counselor is with his boys in all their activities. Campers quickly get to know their cabin mates and, because of small enrollment, the boys soon know everyone in camp. All campers share the dining hall, sitting one cabin group to each table.
Our Application has a space to indicate a request for a cabin mate. We make every effort to grant this request except in a case where parents request otherwise.
Each cabin usually has a mixture of returning boys and new boys. Boys new to DEEP WOODS need not be concerned about their lack of experience--we find this mixture of old and new is a valuable factor in creating a workable ability level.
Special Equipment
The DEEP WOODS uniform is Old Clothes. Due to the active nature of our summer, clothes which are new at the start of a session will most surely be old by the session's end. Clothes and all personal gear should be clearly and indelibly marked.
Each camper should have a sturdy backpack with a padded hipbelt, a lightweight sleeping bag, a poncho, and comfortable, lightweight hiking boots. Parents who have any doubt about proper equipment, or who have difficulty finding gear, are encouraged to seek camp help. We are happy to advise, and we do have available at reasonable cost both backpacks and sleeping bags.
