Iroquois Springs provides a warm and nurturing environment that enables campers to build confidence and find personal success. Campers participate in a wide variety of fun and challenging
activities that help them discover new interests and build skills. A look inside Iroquois Springs will show just how beautiful our facilities are, and how amazing our atmosphere of teamwork, friendship, and enthusiasm for camp life can be.
Why 6 weeks?
Iroquois Springs offers a unique and flexible program of 3 or 6 week sessions to campers of all ages. We believe that a 6-week camp experience is the perfect amount of time for campers to explore new activities, improve skills and develop lifelong friendships and memories. Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience and still have time for family vacations or other summertime obligations.
Room
At the center of the Iroquois Springs experience is bunk life. The cabin is the place campers’ call home, where the day begins and ends, with friendships, traditions and memories made along the way.
Campers live in modern, spacious quarters with 10-13 bunkmates and 3-4 counselors. Every cabin is staffed with both cabin specialists, who travel with campers throughout the day, and activity specialist, who work in their area of expertise during the day, and live, eat and participate in evening activities with the group. We believe this provides the best of both worlds, with counselors traveling with campers throughout the day and additional staff to support and enrich the cabin experience. Campers live in single beds with plenty of personal space for their belongings. Every cabin is equipped with 2 private bathroom stalls, multiple showers and sinks, with running hot & cold water and electricity. Laundry is done one time per-week at our on-site laundry facility.
Cabins are made up of campers entering the same grade in school. Cabin placement at Iroquois Springs is made with careful consideration to a camper’s interest and personality. We thoughtfully review all camper information, and place campers in the bunk they will find the greatest success. We take the same careful consideration with staff placement and deciding which age group staff members are placed. We know the value of bunk life, and work hard to ensure the best possible living situation for our entire camp community.
The traditional semi-circle layout of bunks, on both boys and girls side of camp, encourages interaction of all age groups and helps to foster a strong sense of community. This arrangement brings camp together around the flagpole to develop strong bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.
Food
Our spacious, newly renovated kitchen and dining hall is where we gather three times a day to eat and connect as a community. Campers and counselors sit with their group at round tables, dining on family style served meals. This spirited family environment is a perfect place to unite, eat and refuel for the day.
Campers are given choices, and counselors are present to encourage and model healthy eating habits. Our head chef prepares daily homemade fresh soup and a great variety of wholesome kid-friendly meals that appeal to all appetites. We provide a fresh salad bar at lunch and dinner, filled with vegetables, fruits and grains, as well as bagels and yogurt at breakfast. We accommodate almost every dietary need, including, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, and provide a “peanut aware” environment.
In addition to meal time, campers have a mid-afternoon snack and evening snack at our canteen. We know the value of coming together as a family to share meal time and having delicious healthy options to choose from is important to parents and camper alike.
Health
Our modern, well equipped health center is staffed with six registered nurses, a health center administrator and an on-site doctor 24/7, throughout the camp season. The campus is located less than 1 mile from a modern urgent care facility which is able to accommodate a majority of our off-site medical needs. The health center is air conditioned and has enough space to accommodate campers who may need an overnight stay. These comfortable private spaces are equipped with televisions, and our nurturing medical staff provides the best care to all campers visiting the health center.
We use a third party company to pre-package medications for campers who take prescription medication during their stay at camp. This method is the safest and most efficient way for our health center to administer medications. Medications are given in a discreet way during mealtimes and evenings, and are administered only by our nursing staff. All medications, both prescription and non-prescription are stored in the health center, keeping camper bunks safe for everyone.
The program at Iroquois Springs is power-packed and diverse. Campers participate in a wide variety of activities, many of which they may never have tried before! In all our activities, the instruction and supervision is hands-on. Campers are encouraged to try everything, give it their best shot and have a lot of fun doing it! This allows each camper to progress and improve their skill development at their own pace, giving him or her self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, while allowing for spontaneity.
Outdoor Adventure
The Outdoor Adventure program at Iroquois Springs is designed on the premise of “challenge by choice.” Campers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and learn about teamwork, communication and trust building through our high and low ropes course, state of the art Aerial Tree-Top Park and our Ninja Warrior Course! What better thrill is there then swinging through the course on our Zip Lines, Giant Swing, Aerial Playground, Climbing Wall, Leap of Faith, Sky Walk, Tension Traverse, Stump Bridge and much more!
Additionally, programs such as Mountain Biking, Archery and Outdoor Cooking round out our outdoor adventure program. One of the best parts of being at camp is an overnight experience, sleeping under the stars in a tent or spending the night in our tree-house with all your bunkmates, roasting marshmallows over the campfire and simply bonding with campers and staff.
Outdoor Adventure has something for everyone; we know you are going to love participating in the variety of programs we have to offer.
- Aerial Tree-Top Adventure Park
- Climbing Wall
- High & Low Ropes Course
- Ninja Warrior Course
- Outdoor Cooking
- Tree-House
- Mountain Biking
- Overnights / Camp-Outs
- Hiking
Waterfront
Few things remind us of summer like swimming in the lake and pool. The centerpiece of our aquatics program is our Aqua-Playground that allows kids to splash around on our Giant Slide, Water Trampoline, Rope Swing, Jungle Gym, Rock It and more.
The water-ski program allows campers of all ages and abilities to learn to how to get up on skis for the first time or ride through the wake while knee-boarding, wake-boarding or tubing. Our well-trained, certified ski staff operate two programs that allow us to maximize the number of campers enjoying the action behind the ski boat each day.
At Iroquois Springs we believe swimming is one of the most important camp skills and we pride ourselves on teaching campers how to swim through the American Red Cross swim instruction program. Our 2 heated pools allow campers to progress at a comfortable pace under the watchful eyes of our well trained, certified lifeguard and water-safety instructors. Campers will also enjoy a daily “free-swim” where campers have the chance to shoot hoops, relax on a pool noodle or simply splash around with other campers and staff.
- Swim Instruction
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
- Knee-Boarding
- Tubing
- Water Trampoline
- Giant Slide
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boards
- Rock-It
- Jungle Gym
- Fishing
Fine & Performing Arts
Fine and Performing Arts has so much to offer and truly appeals to the entire camp community at Iroquois Springs with its program variety. Campers have the ability to be creative, think outside the box and explore in a way they may never have dreamed before. Each program area has skilled instructors who will work with campers to bring out their personal talents and help create an experience that is both inspiring and fun.
Hobbyville
Known for its variety of specific workshops, Hobbyville, as it’s referred to at camp, allows kids an endless amount of creative space through traditional Arts and Crafts, Jewelry Making, Ceramics, Woodworking, Digital Media / Photography, Model Rocketry, Wearable Arts, Film and You Build It. Our talented, specialized staff will guide campers in creating one of a kind keepsake to take with them.
Theater
The Iroquois Springs Playhouse performs 2 “Broadway style” musical productions each summer and allows campers to get up on stage and perform in a welcoming and supportive environment. All campers who would like to take part in theater have the opportunity; whether they choose to perform in the cast, work on the set or technical crew.
We are hoping campers take advantage of the wide variety of programs we offer in Fine and Performing Arts – it is a chance to develop new skills, find a new passion or continue building skills and interests a camper already has.
- Arts and Crafts
- Jewelry
- Ceramics
- Woodworking
- Digital Media / Photography
- Model Rocketry
- Wearable Arts
- You Build It
- Film
- Cooking
- Theater / Drama
- Dance
Land Sports
The athletics programs at Iroquois Springs are full of energy and enthusiasm and attract the most casual athlete to the competitive one. At the core of the program, we believe in skill development, participation and sportsmanship. Campers have a chance to build skills and knowledge of the game through quality instruction from our college coaches and athletes. Their focus is always on learning the core skills through exciting drills and exercises while simply having fun.
Our talented staff of coaches and college athletes provides a welcoming environment for campers of all age and abilities and allows campers an opportunity to take their game to the next level through tournament play in the Mountain Conference, a group of other local camps that Iroquois Springs competes against.
Clinics
For campers who just can’t get enough or really want to improve, we offer a 2-day intensive clinic in both soccer and lacrosse where campers can enjoy a half-day, action packed program that allows campers of all abilities to really fine tune their skills in a sport they are passionate about.
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Hockey
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Flag Football
- Ga-Ga
- Gymnastics
- Bubble Soccer
- Zumba & Pilates
- Fitness & Cardio
- Spin
- Yoga
- Speed & Agility
- Running
- Euro-Handball
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Fencing
- Archery
A Typical Day
Iroquois Springs offers a well-rounded, diverse and exciting program of activities in a safe and supportive environment. Our instructors provide guidance and supervision to help campers find personal success. Campers have the opportunity to participate in a large variety of activities and events they already enjoy, as well as activities they may be attempting for the first time. Campers are encouraged to try everything with the support of our hands-on instructors and experienced specialists. The program is set up to help campers develop and improve skills, build confidence and have a whole lot of fun along the way!
Iroquois Springs recognizes the importance of both the community experience and personal discovery, by combining a healthy mix of group and individually selected activities. Each day, campers participate in group-centered activities with their bunk, developing and strengthening the personal relationships, and also have the opportunity to choose personal electives and clubs. Having some choice in their schedule gives campers a sense of independence, empowerment and happiness doing what they may want to try for the first time or love most.
Our Daily Time Schedule
Time Activity
- 7:30 Wake-Up
- 8:00 Breakfast
- 8:35 Line-Up
- 9:00 Clean-Up / Clinic Call
- 9:40 Bunk Period # 1
- 10:40 Bunk Period # 2
- 11:40 Bunk Period # 3
- 12:40 Buffet Lunch
- 1:15 Rest Hour
- 2:00 Period # 4 (Electives)
- 3:00 Period # 5 (Electives)
- 4:00 Snack
- 4:15 Period # 6 (Free Swim)
- 5:05 Shower Hour
- 6:05 Dinner
- 6:45 Line-Up
- 7:15 Free Play / Clinic Call
- 8:00 Evening Activity
- 9:00 Canteen
- 9:30 Lights Out
If you do not find the date/time you are looking for or have a question, click above button to contact the provider.
Located in the southern Catskill Mountains, just 90 miles from New York City, Iroquois Springs is a traditional coed summer camp that has been offering children an extraordinary camp experience since 1931. Owned and directed by Mark and Laura Newfield, Iroquois Springs is a place where campers build confidence, independence, resilience and lifelong friendships.
At Iroquois Springs campers enjoy an extensive variety of activities and healthy challenges that allow them to find personal success. But the real magic of Iroquois Springs is the people – our camp family of administration, staff, campers and alumni define who we are and why we call Iroquois Springs our “summer home”.
Iroquois Springs is the summer home to 225 boys and 225 girls, ranging from ages 7-16, and 250 staff members. Our camp family is at the heart of the Iroquois Springs experience, and the reason campers and staff return to their “summer home” year after year. Our traditional 3 and 6 week program is where lifelong friendships and cherished memories are made.
Iroquois Springs is located in the Southern Catskill Mountains, less than 90 minutes from New York City. Our property of almost 200 acres has a private spring-fed lake and scenic wooded trails surrounding our beautifully maintained facilities. Our outstanding facilities have improved and changed through the years, but our commitment to providing our camp family with a safe, nurturing, supportive and incredibly fun camp experience has remained the same. Our program is designed to help campers build confidence, take on healthy challenges, learn new skills and develop lifelong friendships. We offer a structured and elective program, giving campers the best of both worlds. Campers have the opportunity to try everything camp offers, as they attend morning activities with their bunk, as well as the freedom to choose afternoon electives and clubs to focus on activities they truly enjoy, or to try new things.
We know that camp is a place of discovery, fun, and friendship, and can make a difference in the lives of campers. Our staff of “Difference Makers” is dedicated to modeling behaviors of tolerance, cooperation, good sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive energy for camp life. This positive energy is all over camp, and what makes Iroquois Springs such a special and wonderful place to call home.
Our Directors
Mark and Laura Newfield have spent their entire lives in camping and are firm believers in the value of the camp experience. They know how powerful a successful camp experience can be and are committed to bringing that success to all Iroquois Springs campers and staff members. They are hands-on, involved in all aspects of camp, and truly care about everyone in their camp family.
Mark’s passion for camp dates back to his years as a camper. He worked through the ranks at the resident camp he attended, and became the Executive Director. Mark’s dream of owning his own camp was realized when he purchased Iroquois Springs in 2001. In addition to his work at Iroquois Springs, Mark has held several positions on the Board of Directors for the American Camp Association – NY/NJ section and has chaired committees including EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping), Resident Camp Conference and the Morry Stein Fall Management Conference. Mark earned his MA in School Psychology from St. John’s University and his BA from the State University at Albany where he played and captained the varsity soccer team.
Laura works closely with the counselors, medical team and our campers. Laura hails from Westchester County, where she attended Scarsdale High School and was a member of the varsity lacrosse and field hockey teams. Laura is a graduate of the State University at Albany where she was a founding member of the women’s lacrosse team and a graduate of Columbia University where she received her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. When she is not working at camp, her focus is on physical therapy in a school based setting working with children. At camp she can be found playing with all the campers and spending time with them prior to bedtime.
With two children of their own, ranging in age from middle school to high school, Laura and Mark know the love, dedication and passion it takes to raise healthy and happy children. They promote the values of integrity, loyalty, kindness and caring for others in every aspect of their personal and professional life.
Mark and Laura work with a year-round staff of administrators, facility staff, medical team and food service staff to insure that Iroquois Springs maintains the highest level of excellence in operating a safe, healthy and positive camp environment. They bring their knowledge and love to camp each summer.
Our Associate Director
Brian “Bubba” Cohen’s resident camp life began at the age of 7 as the youngest camper in camp. He continued to attend camp and work his way through many different leadership positions including counselor, group leader, head counselor and currently as the Associate Director. Brian has been working along with Mark and Laura since the beginning of Iroquois Springs and has grown up with Mark through camp since his early years as a camper.
Brian’s wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of camp makes him an integral part of Iroquois Springs. Brian spends the off-season recruiting staff and planning different program offerings, to ensure a wonderful summer for everyone at camp. He also facilitates our pre and post camp user groups.
Brian served on the steering committee for the Tri-State Camp Conference, takes an active role in many committees through the American Camp Association-NY/NJ Section, and is a Standards Visitor for ACA-NY/NJ. Brian received his BA in Public Relations and Advertising from Towson University.
Brian, along with his wife Rebecca and their two daughters, also call Iroquois Springs their summer home.
{{item.programName}}
