Nestled in the picturesque region of the Adirondack Mountains by Lake Champlain, Camp Dudley is not only the oldest continuously operating boys’ camp in the United States but also a place where young men have come to build character, foster community, and create lifelong friendships since its establishment in 1885. Located in Westport, New York, the camp boasts a scenic backdrop that includes historic landmarks such as the majestic Adirondack mountains and the serene Lake Champlain, making it an ideal setting for adventure and reflection.

Camp Dudley operates with a mission rooted deeply in developing moral, personal, and physical growth through outdoor activities, artistic pursuits, and community living. Their philosophy is encapsulated in their motto: “The Other Fellow First.” This guiding principle encourages all campers to consider the needs and happiness of others as a priority, an ethos that enhances their sense of responsibility and compassion.

As a boys’ camp, they welcome campers aged 10 to 15, offering them a diverse range of programs that include everything from sports and arts to wilderness trips and leadership training. Their programs are designed to cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring that every camper finds something that excites and challenges them.

Join us at Camp Dudley to experience a summer of growth, learning, and unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful settings in the country.

Programs Offered by Camp Dudley

At Camp Dudley, they provide a diverse range of programs designed to engage, challenge, and develop young boys into well-rounded individuals. Each program is carefully crafted to ensure that campers experience a balanced mix of education, recreation, and personal growth.

Description of Programs

Camp Dudley offers several session lengths to accommodate different family needs and preferences. Their campers can choose from:

Two-week sessions: Ideal for first-time campers or those looking for a short but impactful experience.
Four-week sessions: These provide a deeper, more immersive experience with a chance to participate in all camp activities and build stronger community ties.
Full summer sessions: The ultimate Camp Dudley experience, allowing for full personal development and participation in special events and traditions.

Specialty Programs

They offer a range of specialty programs designed to cater to various interests and talents:

Arts: Includes theater, music, fine arts, and crafts, allowing campers to explore their creativity under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Sports: Features a wide array of sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and swimming, emphasizing teamwork, skill development, and healthy competition.
Outdoor Adventures: Focuses on wilderness skills, hiking, camping, and environmental education, taking full advantage of their unique location in the Adirondacks.
Leadership Development: Designed for older campers, this program focuses on building leadership skills that are applicable both at camp and in the wider world.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Camp Dudley is structured to provide a mix of activities, personal time, and community interactions:

Morning: After waking up, campers gather for a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a hearty breakfast. The morning is typically filled with scheduled activities or specialty program sessions.
Afternoon: After lunch, campers enjoy a rest period before heading back out for more activities. The afternoon might include free time for campers to choose activities that interest them, such as boating, fishing, or playing sports.
Evening: Dinners are community-oriented, and evenings often feature camp-wide games, talent shows, or quiet reflection time around the campfire.
Nighttime: The day concludes with a cabin chat, where campers and counselors discuss the day and bond over shared experiences before lights out.

Each day is thoughtfully planned to ensure that every camper enjoys a fulfilling, fun, and enriching experience, reflective of Camp Dudley’s mission and values.

Accommodations in Camp Dudley

At Camp Dudley, they prioritize comfort and community in their accommodation options, ensuring that every camper feels at home while experiencing the camaraderie of camp life.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Campers reside in traditional wooden cabins that are designed to foster a sense of community and teamwork. Each cabin houses between 8 to 12 campers along with 2 counselors, ensuring close supervision and a familial atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings, providing a comfortable and rustic living experience.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: At Camp Dudley, they understand that nutrition is key to maintaining energy and enthusiasm throughout a busy camp day. They offer three well-balanced meals daily, served in their communal dining hall where campers and staff eat together, reinforcing their community-centric ethos.
Dietary Accommodations: They are committed to catering to the dietary needs of all their campers. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary requirements are accommodated to ensure that every camper enjoys nutritious and delicious meals. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle various dietary needs carefully and thoughtfully.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each group of cabins is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities located conveniently nearby. These facilities are separated by gender and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Showers offer privacy and ample space, designed to make daily routines as comfortable as possible.

These accommodations are part of their effort to create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment that allows campers to focus on growth, learning, and fun during their time at Camp Dudley.

Activities in Camp Dudley

Camp Dudley offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers in both fun and educational experiences. Each activity is structured to promote personal growth, teamwork, and skill development.

List of Activities Offered

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and water polo are popular choices among campers, facilitated by their prime location on Lake Champlain.
Land Sports: Soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and volleyball are available, with facilities to cater to all levels of skill and interest.
Adventure and Nature: Hiking, rock climbing, and camping expeditions take advantage of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, while nature walks and environmental studies foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Arts and Crafts: Campers can explore their creative sides through painting, sculpture, woodworking, and various crafting sessions.
Performing Arts: Drama and music programs allow campers to perform in plays, learn musical instruments, or sing in the camp choir.
Leadership and Team-Building: Older campers can engage in leadership training sessions and team-building exercises that prepare them for roles within and beyond the camp.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Dudley is rich in traditions that build a strong camp spirit and foster lifelong memories:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
Campfires: Regular campfire gatherings encourage storytelling, songs, and camaraderie among campers and staff.
Color Wars: This multi-day event splits the camp into teams that compete in various athletic and artistic challenges, promoting spirit, teamwork, and fun.
Regatta Day: A festive day dedicated to water-based competitions and activities.
Talent Shows: Campers showcase their skills and interests, whether it be in music, dance, magic, or comedy.

Skill Development Opportunities

Personal Skills: Activities at Camp Dudley are designed to enhance confidence, independence, and self-awareness.
Social Skills: Living and working in a community setting helps campers develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Physical Skills: Regular participation in sports and adventure activities improves physical health and coordination.
Creative Skills: Arts and crafts, along with performing arts programs, cultivate creativity and artistic expression.

The diverse range of activities at Camp Dudley ensures that every camper can find something they enjoy while gaining valuable skills and making unforgettable memories.

The staff of Camp Dudley

At Camp Dudley, they pride themselves on having a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate staff team that plays a crucial role in delivering a safe, educational, and fun camp experience. Here’s an overview of their staff structure, qualifications, and training protocols.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

To ensure individual attention and high-quality supervision, Camp Dudley maintains an optimal staff-to-camper ratio of approximately 1:4. This ratio allows their counselors and staff to effectively oversee, mentor, and interact personally with each camper, enhancing the camp experience and ensuring safety.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: Potential staff members undergo a rigorous selection process that includes thorough background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks. They seek individuals who are not only skilled in their specific activity areas but also embody the camp’s values and have a genuine passion for working with youth.
Staff Qualifications: They prioritize hiring staff with experience in child development, education, or related fields. Many of their staff members are former campers or have been part of the Camp Dudley community for several years, which helps in maintaining the continuity and ethos of the camp.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the arrival of campers, all staff participate in an intensive pre-camp training session. This training covers camp policies, child behavior management techniques, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and specific activity training.
Certifications: All staff are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff involved in specific activities such as swimming, boating, and climbing are required to have relevant certifications, such as lifeguarding or specific coaching credentials, to ensure the highest safety standards are upheld.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, they conduct regular training sessions to refresh skills, discuss scenarios that might arise, and continuously improve their practices based on ongoing experiences and feedback.

The commitment to a highly qualified and well-trained staff ensures that Camp Dudley not only meets but exceeds industry standards for safety, care, and quality programming, creating an environment where campers can thrive and explore their potential in the safest possible setting.

Safety and Health in Camp Dudley

Camp Dudley is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and health of all campers and staff. They have established comprehensive protocols and procedures, maintained well-equipped health facilities, and developed clear policies for handling emergencies to create a secure environment.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: Camp Dudley conducts regular safety drills, including fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to act in case of an emergency.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity area, especially those involving physical risks like swimming, climbing, or boating, follows strict safety guidelines and is supervised by staff with specialized training and certifications.
Equipment and Facilities: All equipment used in activities is regularly inspected and maintained, and their facilities are designed to meet all safety standards, ensuring a secure environment for all campers and staff.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Dudley has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and a visiting physician. The health center is equipped to handle routine healthcare needs and minor emergencies.
Health Staff: Their health staff are available 24/7 to provide care and ensure that the health needs of campers and staff are met promptly and efficiently. All medical personnel are trained to handle a range of medical situations that could arise in a camp setting.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Dudley has a detailed emergency response plan that outlines specific procedures for different types of emergencies, from medical incidents to natural disasters. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new safety standards and technologies.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, Camp Dudley has a clear communication protocol to inform parents and guardians. They ensure that all communication is timely, clear, and conducted in a manner that maintains calm and provides assurance.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: They maintain strong relationships with local emergency services, such as the fire department, police, and hospitals. These relationships ensure a quick and coordinated response should a situation require external intervention.

The safety and health measures at Camp Dudley are designed to ensure that campers can enjoy their time without undue risk, and parents can feel confident in the care and oversight provided by the camp.

Cost and Registration in Camp Dudley

Camp Dudley aims to be transparent and accommodating in its registration and payment policies, ensuring families are well-informed and supported in the process. Below are the details regarding the cost of attendance, the registration process, and the financial support options available.

Cost of Attendance

Cost Details: The cost of attending Camp Dudley varies depending on the length of the session chosen. Prices typically cover all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, equipment, and program materials. Transportation to and from the camp is generally not included but can be arranged for an additional fee.
What It Includes: The fees include full board (three meals a day), accommodation, all scheduled activities, 24/7 medical care, and supervision. Special outings or trips off-camp premises may incur additional costs, which will be communicated in advance.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration Process: Registration for Camp Dudley is conducted online through their website. New families are encouraged to create an account in their registration system, where they can fill out all necessary forms, choose session dates, and submit any required health and dietary information for their camper.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in the fall for the following summer sessions. Due to high demand and limited slots, early registration is recommended. Specific deadlines for registration are clearly stated on their website, along with reminder emails sent to families who have expressed interest.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that families have different financial capabilities, Camp Dudley offers structured payment plans that allow for installment payments leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellation: Their cancellation policy allows for a partial refund up until a specified date before the camp session begins, except for a non-refundable deposit. Detailed information about the refund percentages and critical dates are provided during registration.
Cancellations due to Illness or Emergency: Special considerations are taken into account for cancellations due to significant illness or family emergencies, with potential for exceptions to their standard refund policy on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Availability of Scholarships: Camp Dudley is committed to making camp accessible to as many boys as possible, regardless of financial background. They offer a variety of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
Application for Financial Support: Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application process involves submitting a financial aid form, available on their registration portal, along with the required supporting documents.

At Camp Dudley, they strive to make the registration and payment process as smooth and inclusive as possible, ensuring that every boy has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of summer camp.

Camp Dudley in Westport, NY utilizes a tiered pricing system for summer camp fees. Here’s a breakdown of their fees:

Tiered Tuition: They offer a range of prices depending on their assessment of a family’s financial need.
- Tier 1: $7,250 (Full Season) – This tier reflects the closest to the true cost of the camp experience.
- Tier 2: $6,250 (Full Season) – $11,500 (One Session)
- Tier 3: $5,250 (Full Season) – This tier reflects a more heavily subsidized rate.
- Tier 4: $4,250 (Full Season) – This tier reflects a deeply discounted rate.
- Tier 5: $3,250 (Full Season) – This tier allows families to potentially forego traditional financial aid.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Dudley

To ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling camp experience, Camp Dudley provides detailed guidance on preparation for both campers and their parents. Below are the essential packing lists, rules and policies, and some helpful tips for first-time campers and their families.

Packing List

Preparing the right items is crucial for a comfortable stay at camp. Here’s a recommended packing list for Camp Dudley:

Clothing: Pack enough for about two weeks, including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sweatshirts, and plenty of underwear and socks. Include a swimsuit, a rain jacket, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (check if beds are twin or cot size), a pillow, and a sleeping mat if desired for certain activities.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo, sunscreen, bug spray, and a small first aid kit.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, laundry bag, hats, sunglasses, and any necessary personal items.
Optional: Musical instruments, cameras (non-smartphone), books, and stationary for writing home.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Dudley promotes a technology-free environment to help campers fully engage with their surroundings and peers. Smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices are not allowed. Cameras that are not part of a smartphone are permitted to capture memories.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruptions and maintain the camp schedule and dynamics. All visits should be pre-scheduled with the camp administration.
General Conduct: Respect for others, positive behavior, and participation in scheduled activities are expected from all campers. Specific rules and guidelines will be provided to ensure everyone understands and adheres to camp standards.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Engage positively and try new things. Camp is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends.
- Communicate openly with your counselors; they are there to help you have the best experience possible.
For Parents:
- Discuss what camp will be like well before departure to help manage expectations and alleviate any anxiety.
- Send your child with pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards to encourage communication.
- Trust the process. Camp staff are experienced and passionate about providing a safe and enriching environment for your child.

By following these guidelines and preparations, parents can help ensure that their campers have a joyful and enriching experience at Camp Dudley.

Camp Dudley in Westport, New York, stands out as a premier destination for young boys to experience a summer filled with growth, adventure, and learning. With its rich history and stunning natural setting, the camp provides a unique environment where campers can engage in a wide array of activities, from water sports and hiking in the Adirondacks to arts and leadership development. The commitment to the camp’s philosophy, “The Other Fellow First,” fosters a nurturing community that emphasizes respect, empathy, and personal growth.

At Camp Dudley, safety and supervision are paramount, ensuring a secure environment where parents can feel confident about their child’s well-being. The diverse programs, dedicated staff, and robust facilities cater to all interests and needs, allowing each camper to explore his potential and build lasting friendships. Whether it’s through challenging outdoor activities, creative arts, or team sports, Camp Dudley offers an enriching experience that shapes young lives in profound and positive ways.