Over the last 50 years, French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts has become famous for its summer programs in music, theater, dance and the performing arts.  The bedrock of the program is an all-encompassing schedule of  80 theater productions, including shows that are fresh off Broadway, along with other favorites, classics, and forgotten jewels from the last century of musical theater. On top of that, Broadway stars, professional musicians, conductors, composers and playwrights as well as members of internationally recognized orchestras will visit French Woods during the summer and offer their mastery as coaches to the campers. Additionally, the instrumental program collaborates with the theater program with the use of live full orchestrations for the musicals. This raises the quality of the performance as well as the experience for performers and their audiences.

Every summer, campers and staff brainstorm about what shows to select for the next season and then the process of negotiating for rights begins. Because of French Woods long history and connections in the theater world, often they have access to new releases that are difficult to come by. Anne McAlexander, who runs the French Woods Theater Department says,  “We always try to find shows that the kids are excited about. We can tell by the new songs they sing in auditions and while they walk around camp, what has the most ‘buzz.' Then we look at our enrollment population and select shows that will be right for the various age groups, as well as a mix of leads and roles that match well with the demographics we will have at camp.” French Woods divides their theater productions into 5 age groups; 7-9, 9-11, 12, 11-14, and 11-17, with some overlap to allow for age differences as they did for last summer’s closing show, Matilda, a show that requires a young cast and an older cast simultaneously.

Ron Schaefer, French Woods Founder, and current New York Pops PopsEd Honoree for his contributions to musical and theatrical education and enrichment adds, “We also put shows into the schedule for their educational benefit, and to challenge the kids with material they are probably not exposed to in school. This summer, we are excited about new shows like The Other Josh Cohen, Stop Kiss, Big Fish, Silent Sky, and an exciting first production of a new Broadway title that we can’t talk about yet through our yearly partnership with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. I’m especially excited about some new shows that will be very exciting for our youngest campers, like the young@part version of We Will Rock You, and Moana Jr.”

For the instrumental performers, guest conductors include Larry Livingston and Steven Reineke, master classes and performance opportunities with members of the New York Pops and other renowned Orchestras. In what French Woods calls Side By Side concerts that also feature Broadway stars including Norm Lewis and Andrea Burns for the upcoming summer. Brian Worsdale, creative director and director of the music program offers, “French Woods creates a positive life changing experience for the children that attend our camp. They are exposed to some wonderful opportunities to create learning experiences, be challenged and have fun in one of the most nurturing atmospheres around."

Beyond that, French woods has created a community of passionate staff members and campers who come to French Woods to do what they love and to share their excitement with others who share their enthusiasm. 

Every child who attends French Woods is their own person, with their own individual wants and needs. This is reflected not only in the community that embraces each and every child, but in the structure of the program itself. 

Unlike a traditional camp structure, where children are arranged into groups, and the groups are together night and day, a camper at French Woods is able to plan their own summer, depending on their own interests and passions. Sharing the same cabin, you might easily find both a child who rehearses all day long – shows, circus, music – and a child who goes the whole summer without setting foot on a stage, instead preferring to spend time swimming, horseback riding, and making things in visual arts. From one extreme to the other, and any combination in between, the individualized program at French Woods allows a child to make choices and shape their own camp experience. No matter the needs of the child, no matter how quirky the interests or the personality, French Woods has something to engage every child – and a community in which to delight and grow. 

Through the French Woods experience children can explore their interests and try new things - all in one of the most educational and loving environments possible. Give your child the opportunity to shine, call 1-800-634-1703 or visit frenchwoods.com to learn more.

A Typical Day
Each camper chooses their own schedule from a very large number of options. Kids who like similiar things do activities together, making it easy to make friends and connections.

There are six activities per day; three of these periods are called majors and three are called minors.

Majors are chosen at the beginning of each session and are maintained for the three weeks. Minors are chosen daily at breakfast. This lets you concentrate on the things that interest you, while giving you the chance to try something new every day.

Your counselors, head counselors and the program office staff will work with you to help you choose a program that's right for you. French Woods festival offers a broader range of activities at higher levels than anywhere else in camping, while still being open to beginners.

Room
Campers live in spacious, modern, comfortable cabins with electricity, showers and toilet facilities. Campers and counselors sleep in cozy wooden bunk beds. The Bathrooms have private stalls and showers. Campers tidy their own spaces, and a professional cleaning staff cleans the toilets and showers daily. There are ten campers supervised by three counselors in each bunk.

Our youngest campers live in our Junior Lodges, which are special cabins that combine three bunks under one roof to enhance cooperative learning and peer relationships. These cabins have a common center room for games and other social activities. Many of the cabins feature bunk beds with plenty of open space in the center of the cabin, and electrical outlets so that campers can plug in fans, alarm clocks, radios, or recharge small electronics.

The campers leave the bunk every morning and go out and learn and achieve at various activities. Many times, they are with various members of their bunk, sometimes their interests separate them from their bunkmates. But at the end of the day, and at every meal they reunite with their “bunk”; it’s their secure sanctuary, it’s their support, it’s their best friends, it’s like coming home and knowing that your “family” is there to share in your successes and comfort you when needed. The bunk is the core of each campers existence, just like with their family at home. One thing that stands out at French Woods is the tremendous support that the campers give to one another. The professional connections, bonds, and friendships that campers and staff form at French Woods can influence their lives forever.

Food
We take a great pride in our ability to offer a great tasting, varied and healthy diet to our campers.  At every meal we offer a hot entree, a hot vegetarian entree and several hot side dishes. We have eight hot serving stations, so there are never long lines. Our salad bar is a very popular area, providing a huge selection of freshly made salads, seasonal fruits and raw vegetables. Our chefs prepare most of our food in house to ensure the very best quality and nutritional content. In addition to our main menu items we also have a grill room which is open at breakfast offering pancakes and at lunch for hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, veggie-burgers and cold cuts.

After evening activities our canteen offers free pizza, milkshakes, fruit, cookies and ice cream.

Our two dining rooms are spacious and air conditioned. We are able to cater to a wide variety of dietary needs. If your child has food allergies or a particular need please let us know. Our chef is available to answer any questions you may have. French Woods is nut-free.

Health
We have a Dr. and 7 or 8 nurses on staff each session, in a fully supplied, air-conditioned wellness center that caters to our staff and campers.

Other
Nearly everything is included in our tuition, music and voice lessons, horseback riding, etc, so your campers don’t need to worry about which programs you have signed them up for, they can choose any activity they like.

There are six activities per day; three of these periods are called majors and three are called minors.

Majors are chosen at the beginning of each session and are maintained for the three weeks. Minors are chosen daily at breakfast. This lets you concentrate on the things that interest you, while giving you the chance to try something new every day.

Your counselors, head counselors and the program office staff will work with you to help you choose a program that's right for you. French Woods festival offers a broader range of activities at higher levels than anywhere else in camping, while still being open to beginners.

Music
Music is in our DNA. The music department supports campers at all points of entry and abilities. There is instruction from theory and composition to electronic music, from private lessons with every instrument in the orchestra plus piano and voice, Our programs, classes and performance opportunities create an unrivaled environment. Special event’s in music, teaching guest artists and performances complete our program. 

Theater
Theater is at the heart of our program. Performance opportunities abound in our five theaters where we produce more than 80 full-scale productions every summer . You can be in shows, work in tech, costuming, sound or lighting, play in a pit orchestra, take classes and workshops or do some of each. 

Art
Explore your passion and create a masterpiece. French Woods encouages you to develop your skills by exploring new media or old favorites, including drawing and painting, woodworking, ceramics, screen printing, fiber arts, leathercraft, ceramics, 3 different kinds of jewelry, graphic and game design, studio art and others.

Dance
French Woods welcomes dancers at any level, from the novice to the advanced. You’ll auditions for class placement by skill and age level in whatever style of dance you choose. We offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern, Work on technique and choreography in our five air conditioned studios. Plus, dancers can perform in our musical theater and circus programs.

Circus

Dazzle, entertain and amaze your friends. All the skills, pageantry and artistry of the circus can be found at French Woods. We are the largest and most comprehensive children’s circus training program in the world. Whether you’re on the flying trapeze, silks, lyra, web, cloud swing or any of the other acts, French Woods showcases its performing artists. Catch the action in our main circus show, our Jr. Circus show, and  the spectacle our late night fire fly show.

Magic
Abracadabra! Make your wildest dreams materialize before your very own eyes. Discover the secret and cut someone in half and then put them back together. Practice close up magic, slight of hand, stage illusions and card magic;  Build confidence and presentation skills as you amaze your friends, and family.

Waterfront
It doesn't matter if you wish to get Red Cross certification or just get wet; both the lake and the pool are there for your use. The lake, which is not only private, but over 80 acres allows you to learn to water-ski, swim, sail, canoe or wind surf. Come play on our floating trampoline or slide or take a ride on the banana boat. 

Sports

Whether playing on the fields, in our fully enclosed 30,000 square foot multi-purpose field house or just cheering from the sidelines, French Woods brings out the sporting spirit in everyone. Good sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play form the fundamental core of our sports programs. World class coaching provides instruction in our lifetime sports and comprehensive fitness programs. 

Horseback
Put on your helmet, saddle up and ride! We offer instruction in English and Western styles of riding. Highly qualified equestrian instructors teach lead line work for beginners and progress to trail riding, jumping and dressage. We have our own stables with 32 horses, indoor and outdoor arenas and miles of wooded riding trails..

Rock and Roll
The French Woods Rock Shop offers lessons in acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and other rock-and-roll instruments, as well as song-writing. You can form bands, write your own songs and even record them in our state of the art recording studio. 

Skatepark
Our Skate board camp includes a beginner area dedicated to novice riders who are looking for one on one, or group style instruction, as well as challenging courses for enthusiasts and skilled skateboarders. 

Tennis
Learn the basics or perfect your skills with our group or private lessons. Facilities include 15 all weather and 1 indoor court. Our dynamic and accomplished professional instructors will guide you through a progressive tennis curriculum from beginner to advanced. So, grab your racquet and head to the courts. It’s your serve!

Radio and Music Production

Take control of the microphone! You’ll never forget sitting down at our radio station, surrounded by state-of-the-art media equipment. Whether you are announcing or working behind the scenes, French Woods Radio is carried over the internet so your audience includes friends and family. Live interviews, camp bulletins and recorded songs all make the cut. Explore recording and creating audio components for media using our consoles and control surfaces just like the pros. You’re on the air in five!

Challenge Course and Zip Line

The French Woods Challenge Course includes a 500 foot Dual Zipline, a 3-sided Climbing wall for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, sky bridges, all with a great view of camp... 

Model Hobbies

Step into the world of our miniature railroad and fast paced multilane slot car track. Or build and launch a model rocket. Our world of make believe will satisfy your desire for a quick escape from the traditional “track” of activities. Watch your step… excitement and fun just ahead.

DJ

Learn about beats and how to mix music on a computer and DJ deck, and how to run dj lighting to make the dance floor exciting. Then run the show at one of our nightly dances and see if you can get everyone dancing.

Cooking

Cooking is one of the most popular activities at French Woods. Planning and preparing thematic culinary feasts and cooking international regional cuisines as well as making luscious desserts are a key part of the program.

Fitness

From designing a customized workout regimen to supporting fitness motivation, our “Motivation Center” is always in the zone. Classes are geared to interest and flow through a series of movements and devices to increase flexibility, balance and strength. From cycling to yoga, from zumba to kickbox, the “Mo” rivals most professional fitness centers. Maximize your results and crush the cardio. It’s time to make your body work.

Tech Theater

Our theater program is supported by a very rich technical theater department. Campers are involved in every aspect of stagecraft, from costuming and make-up, to lighting, sound, props and set design and construction.

Video and FIlm

Campers can take part in our short film program, where campers, write, direct, produce and edit short films which are played in our film festival every session.