If your family values outdoor adventure, community living, and character growth, North Country Camps in the Adirondack Mountains is an ideal choice. Camp Lincoln for boys and Camp Whippoorwill for girls have a century of experience guiding children aged 8-15 through a summer of fun, friendship and adventure. North Country Camps focus on kindness and leadership in a simple, natural setting where children can thrive, unplug and truly be themselves.

North Country Camps–Camp Lincoln for boys and Camp Whippoorwill for girls—combine over 100 years of tradition with a deep commitment to community, simplicity and outdoor adventure. Located in the edge of the Adirondack Park in New York, campers live unplugged, surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains, developing confidence, independence and friendships through genuine experiences in nature. Our program blends freedom, structure and character development, helping every camper grow through real adventure and shared responsibility.

Camp Lincoln was founded in 1920 and Camp Whippoorwill in 1931 by Colba F. “Chief” Gucker. For over a century the North Country Camps have helped generations of children discover confidence, resilience and friendship through outdoor living in the Adirondack Mountains. The camps are now operated by the nonprofit North Country Camps Foundation, preserving their values for future generations. Click here to learn more about our heritage.

Our mission is to offer campers and counselors an extended opportunity to live simply, safely, and purposefully in healthy outdoor surroundings. We create a community where children can explore, learn and grow at their own pace; building skills, confidence and friendships without unnecessary competition. Adventure is real, yet carefully supervised and learning comes through participation, cooperation and connection with the natural world.

We welcome campers ages 8 to 15. Campers live in small cabin groups of 3–8 peers with a counselor, forming close-knit communities within age-based sections. This structure helps every child feel supported, known and part of the larger camp community.

Each day balances structure and free time. After breakfast and cabin cleanup, campers join morning activities chosen weekly, such as sailing, woodworking, climbing or drama. Afternoons include free swim, rest hour, and daily-chosen activities in sports, skills based outdoor activities and arts & crafts. Evenings bring games, campfires and music. Weekends feature all-camp events and Sunday council fires under the stars. Days are full, active, and joyful—unplugged from technology and immersed in nature.

Campers select two week-long morning activities each Sunday and choose afternoon activities daily at lunch. This mix of planning and spontaneity lets campers pursue passions while trying new things. Counselors guide choices to ensure balance, challenge and safety. By choosing their own schedule, campers practice independence and learn to take ownership of their experiences.

Campers choose from dozens of land and water activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, challenge course, rock climbing, archery, tennis, woodworking, arts, music and team sports. Every activity emphasizes skill development, creativity and teamwork. Each program is designed to build confidence, independence and respect for others and the environment. We encourage older campers to progress to leadership roles as they pass on their own knowledge and enthusiasm to younger campers. Click here to view the variety of activities offered at North Country Camps.

Camp Lincoln for boys and Camp Whippoorwill for girls are brother-sister camps for children aged 8-15, under the organization North Country Camps. Separated by a mile of lake front near Keeseville, New York, the camps have separate dining, sleeping and program facilities. Each camp has its own traditions and daily rhythm, yet they share the same philosophy, leadership team and activities. The camp programs are separate but campers come together a few times each week for specific activities, mixed events and social occasions creating a shared community across both camps.

In a world that moves too fast, sleepaway summer camp offers children something rare: time. Time to make friends slowly, to discover strengths through challenges, to fail safely, to laugh endlessly, and to live without the constant noise of technology. At North Country Camps, children spend three, five or seven weeks immersed in nature, surrounded by mentors who see and value them. 

The length of the summer allows friendships to deepen and self-understanding to bloom in ways a short program can’t. Living together this long builds real community, where kindness, responsibility and respect grow naturally. Campers learn to care for themselves and their cabinmates, to lead and to listen, to persevere when things get hard, and to find joy in simplicity. The result is confidence, resilience and friendships that feel more like family.

Children return home more grounded, more capable, and more themselves. Parents often say their child comes home taller, not just in height, but in spirit. That’s the gift of a true summer camp experience: it doesn’t just fill the summer; it shapes who they are becoming.

Our Trip Program is at the heart of the North Country Camps experience. Campers venture into the Adirondack Mountains to hike, canoe, climb and camp in the wilderness.  We believe deeply in the value of living simply outdoors and embracing life in the natural environment. Trips are structured to be progressive: campers begin with short day trips and have the option to advance to multi-day expeditions that test their stamina, skills and resilience. Campers take on meaningful responsibilities such as planning routes, carrying gear, navigating, preparing meals, setting up campsites, and supporting each other in all conditions. Adventure is real yet carefully supervised, led by trained staff who ensure safety and fun. The result is a sense of accomplishment that lasts long after the trip ends.

Campers explore the Adirondack Mountains through a wide range of wilderness trips that grow with their experience and confidence. Hiking and Canoeing are at the heart of our trip program- campers have the opportunity to climb both high peaks (those over 4,000 ft tall) and lesser peaks, as well as canoe across dozens of Adirondack lakes.  We also lead trips in sailing on Lake Champlain on our 25ft sailboat, the Orion II, rock climbing, kayaking, biking and horseback riding.

Safety is our top priority. Our trip leaders all participate in a comprehensive training program, hold Wilderness First Aid, CPR and Lifeguard certifications, and carry satellite phones for communication. All campers wear Coast Guard–approved life jackets for water activities, and helmets for biking, riding and rock climbing. Routes, weather and group readiness are reviewed before every trip, and the camp maintains close contact with trip leaders while they’re away. Every adventure is designed to be challenging but never unsafe.

Preparation begins with daily camp life - learning responsibility, teamwork and respect for nature. Before the trip season begins, younger and first time campers take part in cookouts and local overnights where they learn essential trip skills like tent pitching, map and compass, fire building, and route finding.  Campers start with short local trips, and progress to multi-day journeys that challenge and inspire. Each adventure builds on the last, helping campers gain confidence and competence at their own pace. Click here to view a range of our camping and wilderness trips.

Respect for nature is woven into every part of camp life at North Country Camps. Campers learn to “Leave No Trace” by packing out what they bring in, minimizing fire impact, respecting wildlife, and caring for trails and campsites. Through hands-on learning and example, they discover that living simply and responsibly in nature isn’t just a rule, it’s a value. By summer’s end, campers carry that respect for the environment home with them.

Health and safety are woven into every part of camp life. Each camp has a fully staffed health center with registered nurses on site and access to nearby hospitals and urgent care. Our directors and trip leaders are trained in first aid, CPR and emergency procedures. We plan thoroughly, communicate clearly and respond quickly when needed. Safety doesn’t replace adventure - it makes it possible.

Homesickness is natural, especially during the first days away from home. In cases of homesickness we like to partner with families to provide the support that best suits each child. Our counselors are trained to support campers with empathy and encouragement. We help children stay busy, connect with friends and feel proud of each small success. Letter writing helps them stay connected without interrupting the rhythm of camp life. Most campers adjust quickly and soon feel right at home. We have many more tears as campers say goodbye at the end of camp than at the beginning.

We believe every camper deserves to feel safe, valued and respected. Counselors and directors set clear expectations and address issues immediately with empathy and fairness. Campers learn to solve conflicts through conversation, not exclusion. Bullying, harassment or cruelty of any kind are not tolerated. Our goal is to help children learn accountability and care for their community.

Yes. Each camp has a health center staffed by experienced nurses with current New York State nursing licenses. They provide daily care, manage medications and coordinate with local doctors if needed. We’re 25 minutes from hospital and urgent care facilities and maintain direct communication with them throughout the summer. Parents are contacted if their child needs to see a doctor or stay overnight in the health center.

We take each camper’s health needs seriously. Our kitchen provides nutritious meals with options that account for known allergies, most dietary restrictions (Vegetarian, Dairy Free, Gluten Free) and other medical requirements. Health staff work closely with families before camp to ensure every child’s physical and mental health needs are understood and met. Medications are stored and administered by our nurses, and communication with families is prompt and personal whenever health questions arise.

Our small size allows us to know every camper well. Each cabin includes one counselor for every 3 to 8 campers, and additional program staff lead activities and trips. This close supervision ensures safety while allowing room for independence and personal growth. Campers are surrounded by caring adults who model responsibility and kindness.

We are proudly and deliberately a screen-free camp. North Country Camps is one of the few places where children can truly step away from the noise of the online world. Campers may not bring cell phones, smartwatches or any internet-enabled devices. A few simple music players are allowed, but everything else stays at home.

This break from screens is a gift. It lets campers form real friendships, live in the moment and discover who they are without judgment or comparison. Away from social media they learn to listen, laugh and grow together — fully present and fully themselves. Leadership staff carry cell phones for communication, but the majority of staff are asked to be cell phone free except during their free time away from campers. We use radios for internal communication and safety. 

North Country Camps welcomes every child with respect and compassion. We support campers in being their authentic selves and ensure that each one feels seen and valued at the camp they wish to attend. Our staff receive training on inclusivity and gender awareness, and we work closely with families to understand each camper’s needs. Our focus is simple: creating a community where everyone belongs.

Our small size allows us to know every camper well and to notice when something feels off. Staff are carefully screened, trained and supported throughout the season to uphold high standards of care. We maintain clear policies on behavior, supervision and communication, and we respond quickly to concerns. Campers learn that safety isn’t just about rules, it’s about trust, respect and caring for one another.

Respect and empathy grow through daily life at camp. Living closely together teaches patience, cooperation and understanding. Counselors model listening, fairness and kindness, guiding campers to see situations from another’s point of view. Section meetings and evening check-ins give space to talk about challenges and celebrate successes. Over time, campers learn that empathy builds stronger friendships, and that caring for others is what truly holds our community together.

Caring for the natural world is central to our mission. We teach campers to live lightly on the land, to reuse, recycle and reduce waste wherever possible. Meals are served family-style to limit excess, and trips follow Leave No Trace principles. Our programs encourage curiosity about ecology, respect for wildlife and gratitude for the wilderness that surrounds us. 

Directors are available by phone or email throughout the summer. Updated phone numbers are shared with families in June along with details about the best times to call. For emergencies, directors can always be reached on their cell phones. We also send weekly updates to families with stories, photos and reflections from camp so you can share in the summer experience from afar.

We encourage families to stay connected through letters and postcards. Campers are required to write home every Sunday and many write more often. Parents can send letters to the camp address listed in our handbook, and we recommend including pre-addressed and stamped envelopes to make it easier for younger campers. Letters give children time to reflect, share their experiences and stay connected without breaking the rhythm of camp life.

We have one visiting day on the Saturday at the end of the 5th week of camp. Families are invited to spend the day with their camper, watch morning activities, and take them out for lunch in the afternoon. Families are welcome to return to camp for a swim, to share an evening cookout, and take part in an all camp council fire. We are sure to provide special activities for campers who are not being visited, so no one feels left out. Click here to read more about visiting day.

We do not offer email communication for campers, unless they are from outside of the United States. Handwritten letters remain the heart of our connection between home and camp. We welcome small, thoughtful packages such as books or magazines that come in a flat envelope, but ask that bigger packages along with food, candy and gum not be sent. 

Except in special circumstances, we restrict phone calls until the end of the 2nd week of camp.  Hearing a parent’s voice can sometimes make the adjustment to camp harder, even when children are doing well. If you’re concerned about your child, we encourage you to call a director to touch base. We’ll check in with your camper and provide an honest update before connecting a call if it’s truly needed. Directors or Nurses will contact families promptly if any concern arises on our end.

Most campers arrive by car or by our chartered bus from New York City and Albany. Families can also arrange for their child to fly into Burlington, Albany, Plattsburgh or Montreal, where camp staff provide airport pickup. 

A chartered bus leaves the New York City area on Opening Day and travels north with directors on board. Campers who live in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey can also join along the route near Rockland County or Albany. The bus returns at the end of the season following the same route. Reservations are arranged through CampInTouch. Travel details will be provided closer to the start of camp. 

Yes. We provide escorted airport pickup and drop-off for campers flying to or from Burlington, Albany, Montreal or Plattsburgh. There is no charge for pickups in Plattsburgh, and a small transportation fee applies to other airports. We also assist with unaccompanied minor arrangements for younger flyers. Families should share flight details well in advance so we can coordinate arrival plans.

Families driving to camp should plan to arrive between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. on Opening Day. Staff will meet you at the entrance to help with luggage and check-in. We ask parents to allow campers to unpack independently so that everyone starts on equal footing. The best goodbye is a confident one — cheerful, brief and filled with excitement for what lies ahead.

Click here to view our packing list. We recommend starting early, labeling everything and keeping items simple. Campers should bring sturdy footwear, a rain jacket, a warm layer, and a good flashlight or headlamp since most cabins don’t have electricity. Trunks are not permitted; soft duffels work best for storage and transport. 

We ask that all irreplaceable or fragile possessions stay at home. Camp is full of movement, laughter and the occasional muddy adventure. Simple, practical items are best. Campers are encouraged to bring things that help them feel comfortable: books, a small game, or photos from home, but not anything that would be heartbreaking to lose.

Yes. Many campers who attend a three- or five-week session choose to stay longer once they’ve settled in. Directors are in regular contact with families throughout the summer and will reach out if your child expresses interest in extending. We encourage these decisions to unfold naturally, giving each camper time to adjust before deciding.

Tuition varies by session length. We offer three, five, and seven week options, with all meals, lodging, activities and trips included in the fee. There are no hidden charges for instruction or basic equipment, and families are welcome to contact our Business Manager to discuss details or request an itemized breakdown. Click here to visit our dates and rates page.

Absolutely. Through the Gucker Campership Fund North Country Camps offers need-based financial assistance to help make camp accessible to more families. Each year we award camperships that cover a portion or all of tuition for qualifying families. Applications are simple and confidential, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. Click here to visit the Gucker Fund Scholarship website.

Yes. We’re happy to work with families to make camp more affordable. Monthly payment plans can be arranged, and can be spread over several installments. We encourage families to reach out early so we can design a schedule that fits comfortably within your budget.

Any family who feels that the cost of camp may be a barrier is welcome to apply. Aid is based on demonstrated financial need, not on merit or previous attendance. Returning and new families are both eligible. We believe every child deserves the chance to experience camp, regardless of financial circumstance. Applications are simple and confidential, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. 

Families can apply through the Gucker Campership Fund. You’ll be asked to complete an application that will ask for basic financial information. Once reviewed, they will contact you with funding decisions. The Gucker Campership Fund encourages early applications, as funds are limited and demand is high. Click here to visit the Gucker Fund website and learn more about applying for assistance.

Not at all. Financial aid is handled privately, and your child’s experience at camp is identical to that of every other camper. Our goal is to make sure every camper feels equally valued and fully part of our community. Click here to visit our dates and rates page which includes information about how to apply for financial assistance. 

If you love the outdoors and want to make a difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you. Applications open in the winter.  You will need to contact our staffing coordinator to begin the process. Once you apply, we will reach out to arrange an interview and gather references if your skills are a good match for our team. We look for warmth, responsibility and enthusiasm — people who have real commitment to working with children and who will help create a summer full of laughter, learning and growth. Click here to visit our jobs page.

We look for people who care deeply about working with children, love the outdoors and lead with kindness and integrity. Our counselors are role models who live alongside campers and teach a range of activities, guiding campers through challenges and celebrating their successes. Many are former campers who understand our traditions and values. We also welcome new staff who bring fresh energy, skills and perspectives that enrich the camp community. Most counselors are aged 19-25.

Applicants complete an online application, submit references and participate in interviews with our staffing coordinator. We look for maturity, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference in children’s lives. Each applicant is carefully reviewed to ensure they’re a good fit for our community. Returning staff are invited back based on performance, professionalism and the strength of their contribution to camp life.

All staff take part in a comprehensive pre-camp orientation focused on child development, skill development, leadership and safety. Training includes lifeguarding, first aid, trip leadership, activity instruction and team building. Throughout the summer, directors and section heads provide ongoing coaching and daily check-ins. We believe great counselors are made through mentorship, reflection and practice, not just experience.

Leadership development is at the heart of North Country Camps. We encourage staff to return over multiple seasons, building on their experience each year. As counselors grow in confidence and skill, we offer opportunities to take on greater responsibility — leading trips, mentoring younger staff or joining the leadership team. Growth comes through both experience and training. We provide professional development in youth leadership, communication and outdoor education so that each returning staff member continues to learn, contribute and lead with purpose. In some cases we can work with colleges to provide internship and college credit. 

Yes. We welcome staff from around the world through international camp staff placement programs. We believe that a diversity of background and experience adds richness to our community and gives campers the chance to meet role models from different cultures. International staff receive the same training, support and mentorship as all counselors and quickly become an integral part of camp life.