Greetings, Camp Community!  Spring is a season of growth and new possibilities – a time that we look forward to the excitement of things to come.  May begins graduation season – a time that we celebrate achievements, explore future potential and dream big about the next chapter.  In May, the Camp Dudley and Kiniya Board of Trustees gathered at Camp Kiniya for a spring meeting of thoughtful conversations in which we challenged ourselves to think big about the future of our Camps. Each Board weekend is meaningful, as we gather together to share ideas and fulfil our fiduciary duties as stewards of our Camps. This May’s Board weekend was particularly meaningful as we came together with members of the Camp Dudley Foundation Board for productive and inspiring conversations about our shared purpose to ensure the long-term strength, sustainability and positive impacts of our Camps. Our joint sessions on Friday were full of creative energy, camaraderie and collaboration, as we strategized about near-term and long-term opportunities, emerging challenges, and potential capital priorities for our Camps. 

As we engage in our work, the Board of Trustees is committed to shaping a future for our Camps that is both ambitious and grounded in thoughtful stewardship. In this time of rising costs and broader financial uncertainty, we are engaged in careful financial planning while continuing to maintain the highest-quality and safest Camp experience for our community. The Board remains focused on enrollment efforts and supporting the Directors in strengthening the recruitment pipelines for both Camps. 

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our mission. I am deeply grateful for the Camp community and optimistic about all that lies ahead for our Camps. Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya will soon be filled with the laughter, friendship and traditions that make our Camps such extraordinary places.  Thank you to the Directors, staff and leaders at Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya who are ready to give our campers another summer of fellowship and fun. 

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It’s fair to say that Camp shapes us in ways that we don’t always realize. Those feelings that we experience as both campers and beyond are ones that we chase into adulthood in hopes that we might bring them forth into the world and find moments outside its gates to recapture some of the magic that makes Dudley so special.

In June of 2024, I started making book-related content on social media simply as a creative outlet — a way to engage more deeply with something I loved and, hopefully, to connect with a few like-minded people in the process. I had no expectation that it would grow into anything larger, let alone that it might help others rediscover a love of reading or rethink how they spend their personal time.

For about a year, it stayed small. The posts were mostly for me, as well as a modest circle of people in my life.

One day, quite off-handedly before I ran out for some Saturday errands, I recorded a video that opened with: “Five books for the fellas out there who want to read, but don’t know where to start.”

With that simple little hook, and the five books that followed, the page took on an entirely different life. On the day I posted that video, May 3rd 2025, I had 603 followers. Today, the page has over 120,000.

What has come from that post has been rewarding in ways I never could have imagined.

For nearly a decade, I didn’t read at all. While reading is almost universally understood as a healthy habit — one that reduces screen time, expands perspective, exercises the mind, and deepens our understanding of the world — I had completely lost touch with the reader I once was.

As a camper at Dudley I remember reading Harry Potter and Holes in my bunk. Years later, I read The Stand as a leader in Cornell Cabin in 2009, but shortly thereafter, I went nearly ten years without cracking open a single book.

When I eventually reconnected with reading, it had a profound effect on me — not just on what I read, but on how I chose to spend my time.

In the months following that post, messages started pouring in.

Men told me they’d wanted to get back into reading for years, and that this finally gave them a way in. One wrote that he hadn’t read a book in twelve years, but had already finished six since finding my page. A mother reached out to tell me her son, who never reads, had been sitting quietly in his room for an hour with a book I’d recommended, and that it felt like something in their household had shifted.

Unexpectedly, the page became a connector in another way, too. As someone who often wears a Dudley shirt, I began receiving messages from alumni and camp folks across the country — quick notes, shared memories, a “Yoha,” or simply, “Is that a Camp Dudley shirt?!”

My time as a leader at Dudley mattered in ways that are hard to put into words. Outside of camp, I wasn’t always living up to my potential, but for five summers I returned to Dudley and did something good. I showed up. I had a positive impact on the boys I was lucky enough to spend that time with. Those summers gave me a sense of purpose and filled me with memories and experiences that shaped who I am to this day.

In the years after leaving camp, I found my footing, but the desire to bring some good into the world never really leaves you. For me, that feeling has always been tied to camp. How do you get that back? How do you connect with people and offer something meaningful that goes beyond a job well done or a friendship maintained? Through this page, I’ve found an answer to that question, and I’m deeply grateful for it.

I’m now in conversations with local organizations about using this platform to help fund literacy programs in upstate New York. The hope is to extend the good that can be done through this work, and there’s no question that this desire, and these efforts, are rooted in my time at Camp Dudley and in the belief that its mission doesn’t end at the gates.

In the end, this work is just another way of carrying Camp with me and extending its mission to the world beyond in some small way.

@Headyreads

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For many parents, deciding whether to send their child to overnight camp can feel like a big step. For boys ages 10–14, this stage of development is especially important as they begin building independence, confidence, and social awareness. Overnight camp provides a structured yet adventurous environment where boys can grow in ways that go beyond the classroom. While the idea of being away from home may seem challenging at first, the long-term benefits often make the experience well worth it!

Building Independence & Responsibility

One of the most immediate and lasting benefits of overnight camp is the development of independence. Being away from home encourages boys to make decisions on their own, manage daily routines, and take responsibility for their belongings and actions.

Key Independence Benefits

• Learning to solve problems without relying on parents
• Managing time between activities and responsibilities
• Building confidence through small daily achievements
• Developing self-reliance in a supportive environment

These skills often carry over into school, sports, and everyday life.

Strengthening Social Skills & Friendships

Overnight camp brings together boys from different backgrounds, creating opportunities to form meaningful friendships. Without the distractions of technology, campers are encouraged to communicate, collaborate, and build connections face-to-face.

Social Growth Opportunities

• Developing teamwork and cooperation skills
• Learning to navigate new social environments
• Building lasting friendships through shared experiences
• Improving communication and conflict resolution

These social skills are essential during pre-teen and early teen years.

Encouraging Confidence & Personal Growth

Camp challenges boys to step outside of their comfort zones and try new activities. Whether it’s learning a new sport, performing in front of peers, or tackling outdoor adventures, each success helps build confidence.

• Overcoming fears and trying new things
• Gaining a sense of accomplishment
• Developing resilience through challenges
• Discovering new interests and talents

This growth often leads to greater self-esteem and a willingness to take on new challenges in other areas of life.

Promoting Physical Activity & Healthy Habits

Overnight camps are designed to keep kids active and engaged throughout the day. With a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities, boys develop healthy habits while having fun.

• Increased physical activity through sports and outdoor play
• Reduced screen time and digital distractions
• Exposure to nature and outdoor learning
• Encouragement of teamwork through group activities

These habits can have lasting positive effects on overall health and well-being.

Learn More About Our Overnight Camp Today

Overnight camp is more than just a summer activity—it’s an investment in your child’s growth and development. If you’re searching for an enriching overnight camp, don’t hesitate to contact one of the friendly representatives at Camp Dudley! Explore the activities offered at our Adirondacks summer camp, then learn more about our upcoming sessions.

The post Is Overnight Camp Worth It? Long-Term Benefits for Boys Ages 10–14 appeared first on Camp Dudley / Camp Kiniya.

From early morning wake-ups to late-night campfires, here’s a glimpse into the rhythm of camp life.

Morning: Wake-Up & Waterfront Adventures

The day begins early—usually with the sound of a bell, a whistle, or a cheerful counselor making rounds through the cabins.

Campers roll out of their bunks, get dressed, and head to breakfast in the dining hall. Expect hearty, kid-approved favorites like pancakes, eggs, fruit, and plenty of juice to fuel the day ahead. After breakfast, it’s time for one of camp’s biggest highlights: waterfront activities.

Depending on the schedule, campers might:

• Paddle out on the lake in canoes or kayaks
• Practice their strokes during swim lessons
• Try stand-up paddleboarding
• Jump off the dock during supervised free swim

The Adirondacks’ pristine lakes make these moments especially magical.

Late Morning: Skill Building & Exploration

As the sun climbs higher, campers transition into structured activities designed to build skills and confidence.

These often include:

• Archery target practice
• Arts and crafts (think friendship bracelets and nature-inspired projects)
• Hiking through wooded trails
• Team sports like soccer or kickball

Many camps allow campers to choose their activities, giving them a sense of independence while trying new things.

Midday: Lunch & Rest Hour

By lunchtime, everyone’s worked up an appetite. Meals are typically communal, encouraging campers to connect, laugh, and recharge.

After lunch comes a well-earned rest hour—a quieter period where campers can:

• Read in their bunks
• Write letters home
• Play low-key games with cabin mates

It’s a chance to slow down before the afternoon picks up again.

Afternoon: Adventure Time

Afternoons at an Adirondacks camp are all about adventure.

This might mean:

• Canoe trips across the lake
• Nature walks focused on local wildlife and ecology
• Ropes courses or climbing walls
• Group challenges that build teamwork and resilience

For older campers, some days include longer excursions—like half-day hikes or extended paddling trips—offering a deeper connection to the surrounding wilderness.

Evening: Dinner & Camp Traditions

As the day winds down, campers gather again for dinner—often followed by announcements, songs, or recognition of camper achievements.

Evenings are where camp traditions really shine:

• Themed nights and talent shows
• Group games with the entire camp
• Friendly competitions between cabins

There’s a strong sense of community that builds throughout the day and peaks during these shared experiences.

Night: Campfire & Connection

No Adirondacks camp day is complete without a campfire.

Campers gather under the stars to:

• Sing classic camp songs
• Roast marshmallows and make s’mores
• Share stories or reflect on the day

It’s a moment to unplug, connect, and simply enjoy being present. Afterward, campers head back to their cabins, winding down with quiet conversations before lights out.

Contact Our Traditional Summer Camp to Get Started

A day at an Adirondacks summer camp is more than just a schedule—it’s an experience filled with adventure, friendship, and personal growth.

From canoeing across serene lakes to laughing around a campfire, each moment helps create memories that last a lifetime. If you’re interested in learning more about one of the region’s top summer camps, we urge you to contact the friendly representatives at Camp Dudley. We help to provide an unforgettable experience for young campers across the Greenwich, CT and White Plains, NY areas!

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Away from daily routines and constant screen time, campers are encouraged to try new activities, work together, and discover their own strengths. Here are some of the most valuable skills children develop at a traditional summer camp in the Adirondacks.

Building Confidence

One of the first things many campers gain at an Adirondacks summer camp is confidence. Trying activities like swimming, hiking, canoeing, or team sports encourages kids to step outside their comfort zones. Each small success helps build a stronger sense of self-belief. At a traditional summer camp, campers are supported by counselors and peers who encourage them to keep trying. This positive environment helps children learn that challenges can be growth opportunities.

Developing Independence

Spending time away from home helps campers learn how to make decisions on their own. At a traditional summer camp, kids begin to manage small responsibilities, from organizing their belongings to following daily schedules. This independence builds maturity and self-reliance. Summer camp allows children to explore their abilities in a safe and structured setting while developing confidence in their choices.

Learning Teamwork

Many camp activities require cooperation. Whether it’s a group challenge, a team sport, or a cabin project, campers learn the value of working together. A traditional summer camp encourages collaboration and communication, enabling everyone to contribute to a shared goal. These experiences help campers understand how teamwork leads to stronger outcomes and lasting friendships.

Strengthening Leadership Skills

Leadership opportunities naturally develop at an Adirondacks summer camp. Older campers often mentor younger ones, helping them learn activities or guiding them through challenges. This traditional summer camp environment emphasizes responsibility, respect, and encouragement. These qualities help children become thoughtful leaders who support those around them.

Improving Communication

At camp, kids interact with peers from different backgrounds and communities. This creates opportunities to develop strong communication skills. Conversations, group discussions, and shared activities all encourage campers to listen, express themselves clearly, and understand others. Without constant digital distractions, a traditional summer camp helps kids rediscover the importance of real conversation and connection.

Developing Resilience

Not every challenge at camp is easy, and that’s part of the learning process. Whether it’s mastering a new sport or completing a difficult hike, campers learn how to keep going when things feel tough. An Adirondacks summer camp teaches children that persistence and determination can help them overcome obstacles.

Appreciation for Nature

One of the most unique benefits of attending an Adirondacks summer camp is daily exposure to nature. From mountain views to lakefront activities, campers gain a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. This encourages respect for the environment and fosters curiosity about the natural world.

Building Lifelong Friendships

Friendships formed at camp often become some of the strongest relationships kids experience. Sharing adventures, challenges, and laughter creates meaningful bonds. At a traditional summer camp, these friendships grow naturally as campers support one another and create memories together.

Learning Responsibility

Campers learn responsibility by caring for their space, following schedules, and participating in group tasks. A traditional summer camp encourages accountability while helping kids understand how their actions affect others. These lessons carry over into school, family life, and future experiences.

Creating Lasting Memories

Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of attending an Adirondacks summer camp is the collection of memories campers carry with them. The experiences, friendships, and personal growth gained during those weeks can shape confidence and character for years to come.

Contact Us to Learn More About Camp Dudley

Camp Dudley has been providing a meaningful traditional summer camp experience for generations. Located in the beautiful Adirondacks, our camp focuses on character development, community, and lifelong values that help young people grow into confident and compassionate individuals. As a trusted Adirondacks summer camp, we are committed to helping campers build skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Contact Camp Dudley today to learn more about our programs and how your child can experience the tradition and values that make our camp so special.

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Over the years, we’ve been blessed to welcome generations of campers through Dudley’s gates. As we look back 141 years, we realize we’ve lost touch with some of the campers who helped shape the spirit and traditions we still cherish today.

If you know any of the following people (Camp #, name, hometown during camper years) we would love to reconnect with them. This past year marked a special milestone, and we would be honored to present them with a 50-year pin.

Please help us spread the word and bring these alumni back into the Dudley family — once a camper, always a part of camp.

1975

11804  Rhen Alderman, New Canaan, CT

11797  Hunter J. Bahr, Snyder, NY

11724  Mark Bessire, Princeton, NJ

11802  Nick Boylan, Ridgewood, NJ

11808  Frederick Brandenburg, S. Weymouth, MA

11728  William R.G. Byers, Washington, DC

11685  Colin Campbell, Middletown, CT

11821  Robert Cantrell, Glens Falls, NY

11718  Andrew Carusone, Glens Falls, NY

11736  James S. Clark, Pennington, NJ

11695  Philip Diggs, Middlebury, CT

11775  James Fogerty, Berwyn, PA

11737  Andrew Friedman, Briarcliff Manor, NY

11864  Grant Getz, Lakewood, OH

11696  Geoffrey Goold, Wilton, CT

11745  Jeff D. Jamieson, Atlanta, GA

11799  David A Jansen, Bronxville, NY

11701  Hideto Kano, Scarsdale, NY

11703  Steven Kroll, Glens Falls, NY

11684  Jim Levin, Johnstown, NY

11746  Charles Long, Cincinnati, OH

11759  Tyler Louria, New Canaan, CT

11733  Billy Mauze, Summit, NJ

11739  Carlo Nicolau, Mexico

11800  Peter Nusbaum, Snyder, NY

11714  James R. O’Gara, Bala-Cynwyd, PA

11683  Will Ormsby, Greenwich, CT

11678  Steve Osgood, Wooster, MA

11743  James Orvis, Fairfield, CT

11776  Robert Philipp, Ridgewood, NJ

11721  William T. Reed, Princeton, NJ

11744  Reed Roeser, Poughkeepsie, NY

11798  Peter Schnatz, Buffalo, NY

11705  John C. Schwab, Wynnewood, PA

11724  Kimball Updike, Madison, WI

11719  Daniel Van Buskirk, East Peoria, IL

11732  William Widdoes, Pittsburgh, PA

11676  Matthew Gordon

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Warmest greetings! As I commence my second year as Board Chair, I am sincerely grateful for your trust as I continue my work alongside our dedicated Trustees, Directors and staff, as steadfast stewards of our Camps. It is a pleasure and privilege to serve Camps that have such rich histories and mean so much to all of us. 

In January, the Board met in Westport for our first meeting of the year.  The weekend was marked with the excitement of commencing our work for the new year and welcoming our new Board members. At Board orientation, we provided John Dempsey, Vanessa Johnson, Mike Maruca, Bill Phelan and Katie Grabowy (DKAA Co-President) with foundational information about our corporate governance structures, fiduciary responsibilities, and the culture of stewardship that defines service as a Trustee for Camp Dudley and Camp Kinya. I am appreciative of the talents, perspectives and energy that our new members bring to the Board and look forward to working alongside them in the years ahead.

Throughout the weekend, the Board engaged in thoughtful dialogue about the long-term strength and vitality of our camps – recognizing that decisions we make today shape the camper experience and institutional health of our Camps in the future. 

The Board and Directors had collaborative discussions about camper enrollment and retention trends, and the proactive role that we community members can play in recruiting new camp families by spreading the word about the positive Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya experiences that have benefitted our children. The Board remains committed to supporting the Directors and staff in strengthening our recruitment pipelines and ensuring that our Camps remain welcoming and attainable for families from a wide range of backgrounds.

Financial stewardship, development and strategic planning are central themes of each Board meeting. In January, we reviewed 2025’s strong financial results, including our continued success with the tiered pricing structure that supports Camp’s accessibility, the responsible cost-containment practices that kept us within budget, and our successful annual fundraising and endowment growth.  The Board reviewed 2026 draft budgeting and fundraising goals, discussing the importance of Board, alumni and parent engagement in supporting these efforts.  Our ongoing strategic and capital planning efforts will support the Directors in prioritizing investments in Camp facilities and infrastructure to support programming, environmental sustainability, camper safety and operational efficiency. Risk oversight is a core duty of the Board, and our assessment of key risks and review of related risk policies will support the Directors in keeping our campers, staff and leaders safe as they deliver another ‘best summer ever.’ 

I am excited about the year ahead and the Board’s ongoing work to thoughtfully invest in the future of our Camps while honoring our traditions, Mission, Core Values and Motto. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your continued engagement and generous support of Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya.

Erinn Harley-Lewis

#25368

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A Natural Playground Built for Summer Camp Life

The Adirondack Park spans over six million acres, making it the largest protected park in the contiguous United States. That scale matters. For a traditional summer camp, it means endless opportunities for outdoor adventure without distractions from busy roads, crowded cities, or constant technology.

Campers at an Adirondacks summer camp can spend their days:

• Canoeing and kayaking on pristine lakes
• Hiking forested trails and mountain paths
• Swimming in freshwater that’s clean, cool, and refreshing
• Learning outdoor skills surrounded by real wilderness

Children Can Enjoy Being ‘Unplugged’

One of the hallmarks of a traditional summer camp is the chance to unplug and the Adirondacks makes that easier. Limited cell service and the sheer remoteness of the region create the perfect setting for a tech-free experience. Without constant digital distractions, kids are more present, more engaged, and more open to trying new things, often discovering confidence they didn’t know they had.

A Rich History of Traditional Summer Camps

The Adirondacks has been home to traditional summer camps for well over a century. Many camps in the region are multigenerational, with alumni returning as counselors or even sending their own children decades later.

Strong Community and Camp Culture

Traditional summer camps thrive on a sense of belonging, and the Adirondacks naturally supports that. With camps often set on private lakes or expansive wooded properties, the camp community becomes a camper’s entire world for the summer in the best possible way. The slower pace and close-knit setting of an Adirondacks summer camp creates space for personal growth that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Perfect Balance of Adventure and Comfort

While the Adirondacks is undeniably wild, it’s also an ideal setting for structured, well-run traditional summer camps. Camps in the region balance adventure with safety, routine, and care, giving parents peace of mind and campers a sense of stability.

Camp Dudley is an Adirondacks Summer Camp of Choice

In a world that moves faster every year, the Adirondacks remain a place where summer still feels like summer. For families seeking a true traditional summer camp experience, an Adirondacks summer camp offers the perfect combination of nature, tradition, and transformation. Camp Dudley is an ideal option for those seeking a summer camp for their children in the White Plains and New York City, NY areas. To learn more about our summer camp program, contact us today!

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