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At Greenwood Trails Sleepaway Camp, We Want Kids To Fail!

Posted on by Owen Langbart

Say what??? Ok, hear me out. As the director of Greenwood Trails, a premier sleepaway camp in the Berkshires in Connecticut, I’ve seen how transformative the sleepaway camp experience is for kids. In today’s fast-paced world, children face constant pressure to succeed, often fearing making mistakes and failing. But camp offers kids a rare and invaluable opportunity: the chance to fail, learn, and grow in a safe and supportive environment. We believe that FAIL stands for “First Attempt In Learning”—and learning through setbacks is a crucial part of growth and one of the most valuable life lessons we can give our campers.

At Greenwood Trails, kids come for sessions ranging from 2 weeks to 7 weeks, immersing themselves in adventure, personal growth, and community. During their time at summer camp, they develop resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges, a skill that benefits them far beyond their summer in the Berkshires.

Why Resilience Matters

Life is full of challenges and ups and downs. The ability to navigate disappointment, adapt to change, and keep pushing forward is key to long-term success. Kids who learn resilience at summer camp are better prepared for the future. Studies show that resilient kids have higher self-esteem, are better equipped to handle stress, and approach life with a positive mindset.

At Greenwood Trails, resilience isn’t just a lesson—it’s built into the camp experience. Here’s how:

1. Encouraging Kids to Try New Things

From high ropes courses and flying trapeze to creative arts and sports, campers constantly step outside their comfort zones. The first attempt might not be perfect—but that’s okay. Counselors and friends cheer them on, helping them build confidence and a growth mindset.

2. Teaching Perseverance in a Supportive Community

Campers might struggle at first to hit a target in archery, start a campfire, or get the stitch right on their friendship bracelet. But with guidance from our experienced staff and encouragement from their bunkmates, they learn that persistence leads to success.

3. Fostering Independence and Problem-Solving

At Greenwood Trails, campers make decisions on their own, from choosing their daily activities to handling social situations. This independence fosters resilience by teaching kids how to navigate challenges without immediate help from mom and dad.

4. Helping Kids Handle Disappointment Positively

Not every camper wins the big sleepaway camp Color War competition or scores the winning goal in soccer. But at Greenwood Trails, we teach that learning from setbacks is just as important as celebrating victories. Campers gain emotional strength and discover that resilience leads to long-term success.

The Greenwood Trails Experience: A Foundation for Life

The resilience that campers build at Greenwood Trails doesn’t end when summer does. It follows them home, helping them in school, sports, relationships, and even future careers. Our Connecticut sleepaway camp provides an environment where kids can grow, explore, and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges head-on. They learn that setbacks don’t define them—how they respond does. Here’s a helpful article about raising resilient kids:  RAISING RESILIENT KIDS

So, when your child comes home from camp talking about the challenges they faced, the moments they struggled, and the times they failed, celebrate those stories. Those experiences are what make camp so powerful. They’re the building blocks of resilience—the key to helping kids grow into confident, capable, and courageous adults.

At Greenwood Trails, we don’t shield kids from failure. We embrace it. Because we know that every stumble, every challenge, and every “First Attempt In Learning” is a step toward something greater – an opportunity to grow and become their best self. And that’s what makes camp more than just a summer experience—it’s a foundation for life.

-Owen

Flying Trapeze
Keep reaching, keep trying!

New Year’s Resolutions for Kids: Building Confidence and Character

Posted on by Owen Langbart

As the clock resets and a new year begins, we often think about ways to improve ourselves. While adults focus on resolutions like eating healthier or exercising more, the new year is also a fantastic opportunity for kids to reflect on their growth and set meaningful goals. At Greenwood Trails, our summer sleepaway camp in the beautiful Berkshires of Connecticut, we see the incredible potential in every child—and the new year is the perfect time to nurture that potential at home.

At Greenwood Trails, kids set goals to achieve during their time at camp, whether it’s a 2-week session, 3-week session, 5-week session, or the full 7 weeks. Here are some resolutions to inspire your kids to build confidence, character, and a sense of adventure the rest of the year in 2025:

1. Try Something New

The new year is a chance to step out of our comfort zones! Encourage your child to try a new activity, hobby, or skill they’ve been curious about—whether it’s trying a new sport, taking a dance class, or learning to cook. At Greenwood Trails, kids learn that taking risks in a supportive environment helps them discover hidden talents and build resilience. Whether they’re coming to camp for a 2 week session, 3 week session, 5 week session, or 7 week session, kids are learning and growing tremendously every summer. Let’s bring that sense of adventure into the year ahead!

2. Practice Gratitude

Teaching kids to focus on what they’re grateful for can have a profound impact on their mindset. A simple habit, like writing down three things they’re thankful for each day, can help them cultivate positivity. At our summer camp in the Berkshires, we see how gratitude—for nature, for friends, for shared moments—enhances the camp experience. Let’s make it a part of everyday life, too.

3. Be a Better Friend

Social connections are essential for a child’s development. Encourage your child to set friendship goals—whether it’s reaching out to someone new at school, being a better listener, or resolving conflicts with kindness. At Greenwood Trails, we teach kids how to build meaningful relationships, and these skills can thrive year-round.

4. Help Out at Home

Campers take pride in contributing to their cabin and camp community. They do this by keeping their bunks clean during kapers, tidying up outside areas during rooster squads, helping set and clear their tables in the dining hall, and lots of other things throughout camp. Bring that same spirit of teamwork home! Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities like feeding a pet, helping with dinner, or organizing their own space. It’s a resolution that builds independence and a sense of accomplishment.

5. Spend More Time Outdoors

In a world full of screens, a little outdoor time can do wonders for kids. Set a goal to explore nature as a family, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply playing outside. At Greenwood Trails, kids thrive in the great outdoors of Connecticut, and we’ve seen how time in nature helps them recharge, spark creativity, and stay active.

6. Be Kind to Yourself

Kids can be hard on themselves, especially when they’re learning something new. Teach them to embrace a growth mindset by setting goals like, “I’ll keep trying even if I’m not perfect,” or, “I’ll celebrate my progress instead of focusing on mistakes.” Campers at Greenwood Trails often surprise themselves with what they’re capable of when they stop saying, “I can’t” and start believing they can. We always teach kids that FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning, and it’s a good lesson to remember year-round.

7. Give Back

Acts of kindness can make a big impact, no matter how small. Encourage your child to set a resolution to help others—whether it’s volunteering, donating toys, or mentoring younger students. At Greenwood Trails, we emphasize the importance of community, and the new year is a great time to carry those lessons forward.

Helping Kids Stick to Their Resolutions

Kids thrive when they feel supported, so make these resolutions fun and achievable! Here are a few tips to keep them motivated:

  • Be a Role Model: Share your own resolutions and work on them alongside your child.
  • Celebrate Success: Acknowledge progress and celebrate milestones, no matter how small.
  • Make it Visual: Create a chart or vision board where your child can track their goals.
  • Focus on Fun: Keep resolutions lighthearted and enjoyable, so they feel like an opportunity rather than a chore.

At Greenwood Trails, our summer sleepaway camp in the Berkshires of Connecticut, we’ve witnessed how kids grow into their best selves when they feel empowered to take on challenges, try new things, and connect with others. New Year’s resolutions are an extension of the lessons we teach at camp, and they’re an amazing way for families to stay connected as they grow together.

Here’s to a year of growth, adventure, and joy for your family in 2025! What resolutions will you and your kids be making this year? Feel free to share your ideas—we’d love to hear them!

Campfully,

Owen

P.S. – Here’s an article with some more tips on setting New Year’s resolutions with kids: HEALTHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

Camp-Style Activities to Enjoy with Your Kids Over Holiday Break

Posted on by Owen Langbart

I’ve seen firsthand how camp activities bring out creativity, confidence, and connection in kids every summer at Greenwood Trails, as we enjoy our time together in our sleepaway camp oasis in the beautiful Berkshires. But the magic of camp doesn’t have to end when summer does! Holiday breaks are the perfect time to bring camp-style fun into your home. These fun, camp-style activities will keep your kids engaged and create meaningful memories during the winter months.

1. Get Crafty with DIY Projects

At Greenwood Trails, campers love expressing their creativity through arts and crafts. Bring that same energy home by making winter-themed decorations, designing friendship bracelets, or even a gratitude jar to reflect on the highlights of the year. Use materials you already have at home and let imaginations run wild!

2. Outdoor Adventures, Winter Style

The Berkshires are known for their natural beauty, and you can channel that at home by organizing outdoor activities. Bundle up for a hike, build a snow fort (assuming we get any), or have a backyard scavenger hunt. Even in winter, being in nature is refreshing and fun.

3. Cook Together Like at Outdoor Cooking and Campfires

Food is always a highlight at camp! Recreate the magic by making campfire-inspired treats like s’mores in the oven or mini personal pizzas using biscuit dough. Let the kids take charge of assembling their own meals—it’s fun and teaches independence.

4. Host a Family Game Night

Team-building and group fun are central to camp life. Turn your living room into a “camp cabin” for the evening and play board games, charades, or trivia. Include some camp classics like a talent show or storytelling session to keep things exciting.

5. Practice Gratitude Together

At Greenwood Trails, we often emphasize personal growth and gratitude. Set aside time during the holiday break to reflect on what you’re thankful for as a family. Create a gratitude jar where everyone can add notes throughout the week, then read them together to end the season on a positive note.

6. Learn New Skills

The holidays are a great time to explore new interests, just like campers do at Greenwood Trails. Try out something fun and unique—whether it’s learning a musical instrument, painting, or trying an easy survival skill like knot-tying.

At Greenwood Trails, we believe that fun, friendship, and personal growth are the foundation of every great experience, whether it’s summer or winter. By bringing camp-style activities into your holiday break, it’s an opportunity to bring some summer magic to your winter and create some wonderful family memories. These activities foster creativity, connection, and joy, and are just plain fun!

Happy Holidays from our camp family to yours!

Happily and Jollily,

Owen

Living with Gratitude: A Lesson Every Child Learns at Sleepaway Camp

Posted on by Owen Langbart

Gratitude is one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children (and ourselves), and summer camp is the perfect environment for it to flourish. In the rush of everyday life, kids often overlook the small, meaningful moments that make their days brighter. At Greenwood Trails, surrounded by nature and a supportive community, they learn to pause, reflect, and appreciate the world around them. Whether it’s thanking a friend for lending a hand, appreciating a counselor who assists them with a problem, recognizing the effort of the kitchen staff behind a warm meal in the dining hall, or soaking in the glow of the fire as we celebrate community at our opening and closing campfires, gratitude becomes a natural part of their summer camp experience.

Camp fosters gratitude through simple yet profound moments. Shared chores teach kids to value teamwork and others’ contributions. Nightly cabin debriefs/chats encourage them to reflect on the day’s highlights and express appreciation for friends and counselors. Immersion in nature helps them develop awe for the world’s wonders, inspiring thankfulness for the beauty that surrounds them in our wooded oasis in the Connecticut Berkshires. These experiences help children develop a mindset of gratitude they carry far beyond the camp gates, shaping how they approach challenges, relationships, and the world.

At camp, gratitude isn’t taught through lectures or rules; it’s learned through living. By practicing gratitude every day, children discover how small acts of thankfulness can lead to big feelings of connection and joy. As a camp director, I am honored to witness this transformation each summer, knowing these lessons will stay with campers for a lifetime.

Here’s a nice article about ways to foster gratitude in children and in our own lives: SEVEN WAYS TO FOSTER GRATITUDE IN KIDS

 

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, warmth and  love!

 

With Gratitude,

Owen

Greenwood Trails Partnering with Parents

Posted on by Owen Langbart

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

At Greenwood Trails Summer Camp in the beautiful Berkshires of Connecticut, we strive to give boys and girls ages 7-16 the best summer of their lives. Whether they come for a two-week session, three-week session, five-week session, or seven-week session, children get an amazing and full summer sleepaway camp experience.

As a camp owner and director, I believe that creating a meaningful and enjoyable camp experience starts with a strong partnership between our camp and parents. We recognize that you know your child best, and we rely on open communication with you to ensure your child’s time at camp is positive and enriching. Whether it’s sharing important information about your child’s needs or providing feedback during and after camp, your involvement helps us create an environment where your child can thrive, feel safe, have fun, and build lasting memories.

Parenting is hard, and we want to be as helpful as possible both during the summer and year-round. With this in mind, I’ll be sharing articles and resources from time to time that I believe are useful for all of us as we navigate this parenting journey. It takes a village. Here’s an article from Psychology Today about strategies to help children build resilience:  5 STRATEGIES TO HELP CHILDREN BUILD RESILIENCE

By working together, we can help your child have a fantastic camp experience that strengthens their skills, increases their confidence and helps them build resilience. We look forward to partnering with you!

Skill building at Greenwood Trails: How 21st century skills grow here each summer

Posted on by Blake Sunshine

Every year, new innovations change the way we live, work, and experience the world around us. As our children grow up in a world of constant growth and technological advances, it’s more important than ever that they learn skills that will help them adapt to change. In fact, many colleges and employers are now naming soft, adaptable skills like grit, creativity, communication, and collaboration as their top choices for successful leaders.

At Greenwood Trails, we know how important it is to give each child a meaningful summer camp experience. One where they can unplug, make face-to-face connections, and learn skills they wouldn’t normally gain from sitting in a classroom.  Here are a few of the ways we are helping campers gain 21st Century Skills every summer.

Choose Your Own Trail

At the core of our fun summer program is the ability to choose. Every camper is encouraged to make their own choices on what they would like to focus on during the summer, whether that is something in athletics, arts, adventure, or aquatics activities. This helps us instill a deep sense of individuality and personal growth in each camper as they dive into passions that inspire them.

Each camper is given the choice of two weekly majors where they can really learn and grow in something that interests them. Our focused program allows campers to explore their interests in a way that they may not normally have the time for during the school year. This encourages campers to think seriously about their passions and strengths on their own terms while at summer camp.

Building Resilience

Our dynamic program is accentuated by our Trails Program, which gives campers the option to reach specific goals during the summer. This program helps campers actualize their potential and be rewarded for all their hard work at camp. In our technological world, many children are being taught that they should receive immediate satisfaction from every task. Video games, social media, and other forms of technology encourage this behavior even though it does not translate in college or the workplace.

Our Trails Program instead rewards campers for working hard and building up the courage to complete their goals. Within each of our four trails – athletics, adventure, arts, and aquatics – there are a series of benchmarks for campers to achieve. For example, to complete the adventure trail, they need to climb all sides of the climbing tower; build and light a campfire without assistance; and successfully navigate three elements of the low ropes course, among other things. When campers fully complete a trail, they are recognized in front of the entire camp for their hard work.

Becoming Great Communicators

In every career path and goal, we know one thing to be true: communication is key! Communication skills can help children excel in a variety of areas in school and beyond, but researchers are noticing that these skills are being stunted by the very technology that is driving progress in other areas. At camp, children are challenged to unplug and build face-to-face connections with one another. Not only does this foster great friendships, it also helps children overcome feelings of shyness and stage fright. Breaking down these barriers can help children learn how to present ideas and find the confidence to be great leaders and innovators.

Resolving Issues

As our campers possess all types of colorful personalities, it’s normal for disagreements to happen every once and awhile. However, these moments quickly become learning experiences for campers as they use their camp values and communications skills to resolve issues themselves. Our counselors act as great role models and meditators, teaching campers how to find solutions to disagreements and establish respect for one another. This helps us build a rich family community at Greenwood Trails that inspires so many of our new campers to return for many more summers.

No matter what activity your child chooses, all trails lead to an uplifting summer of growth and exploration! The unique experiences at Greenwood Trails help campers stand out among their peers and build their futures in a meaningful way. While they are having the time of their lives, they are also growing into the best versions of themselves every day at Greenwood Trails.

We Hear You!

Posted on by Kate Tucci

Parent and Camper Surveys: You Spoke and We Listened!

Over the summer, we ask both parents and campers for feedback about the Greenwood Trails Summer Camp experience. Campers filled out surveys at the end of each session, and parents filled out online surveys and, in some cases, had phone calls with a member of the leadership team. We received an incredible amount of helpful feedback from these surveys and calls.

We take all of your comments very seriously, as we’re dedicated to continuing to improve camp each summer. The leadership team has spent the fall discussing your comments and brainstorming the ways in which we can incorporate them into our programming for this summer. Here are some of the changes and improvements we’ll be making:

New Activities: We have some awesome new activities we’ll be introducing in 2017! These include podcasting, wilderness survival skills and digital photography. We love getting suggestions from campers and parents for new activities you want to see, so keep those suggestions coming!

Majors: We’re conducting an extensive review of all activities to ensure that each one provides campers the opportunity for personal growth and learning new skills, while always maintaining our fun spirit. There will be specific goals and outcomes for each, as well as opportunities for campers to showcase their talents if they so choose.

Swimming Instruction: A number of you said you’d like more swimming instruction for the Lenape campers (ages 8-12). We’re going to be enhancing instruction for Lenape campers, and will also have a time where it’s offered as an option to both Lenape and Delaware campers.

Food: According to our camper surveys, approximately 87% of the campers said they liked the food, 5% said they didn’t, and 8% said they sometimes liked it and sometimes didn’t. That’s a pretty good percentage when we’re serving so many kids with different tastes, however we want to do even better. We’ll be thoroughly evaluating our menu, bringing back all the favorites meals campers know and love, and will also be working with a professional nutrition expert to ensure that each meal is as healthy and balanced as possible. We’ll also be adding more options for vegetarian campers and staff.

Visiting Day: We’ll be keeping Visiting Day fun and relaxed, which is something many parents have mentioned that they particularly enjoy about it. But we will be adding a few details to highlight what some of your campers have been up to all summer, and to make sure parents have the opportunity to meet all their child’s counselors. In addition, we’ll have optional activities planned for children whose parents are unable to attend visiting day.

Thanks to all of you who took the time to fill out the surveys and participate in the end-of-summer phone calls. Your feedback is truly valuable and it only helps us to improve the camp experience for everyone. As always, if there’s ever anything you want to discuss, please reach out to Owen ([email protected]) or Kate ([email protected]).

2017 Reunion Was a Hit

Posted on by Kate Tucci

Camp friends make even the coldest of winters so much warmer. Over 70 Greenwood Trails campers attended our reunion on February 4th.  We are so thankful to have a chance to catch up with our campers during our off season.   If you attended our reunion, please complete our survey to help us make it even more awesome next year!

 

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Choosing Greenwood Trails part 2

Posted on by Kate Tucci

Why should you choose Greenwood Trails over another camp? We’ve got another answer for you in our blog series “Choosing Greenwood Trails.”

We want to make sure that our campers are able to control their lives at camp so we have created an autonomous environment at Greenwood Trails. Our motto is “Choose Your Own Trail,” which can be interpreted in a couple of different ways:

  • Our camp is choice based, which means that campers get to participate in activities that they choose.  Our younger campers will have a couple of activities scheduled for them during the day to ensure they bond with their cabinmates.  BUT even younger campers will have four activities a day that they choose. Our older campers will have 6 periods a day to choose.
  • Campers can be who they want to be at Greenwood Trails.  Choosing their own trail could mean that campers can choose to take risks that aren’t available in a school environment.  Because we encourage our campers to be their best selves, campers gain confidence to be the people they want to be… and that’s a powerful experience!

When campers get to choose who they are and what they want to do, we get to see kids breaking social barriers, being braver than they’ve ever been, and excelling in activities that they really enjoy.

You’re Invited to Our Reunion!

Posted on by Kate Tucci

We miss you so much and we can’t wait for the summer to see all of you again.

That’s why you’re invited to our reunion!

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When? Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 2pm-4pm
Where? Dave & Buster’s, 881 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, New York
Details: GWT has reserved a private room for catching up, eating snacks, and remembering amazing times with our GWT friends. Power cards will be provided to all 2016 campers for even more fun!

AND- FINGERS CROSSED!  You might also get to meet the NEW GWT puppy!!
RSVP by January 10 here: RSVP Sign Up