Greenwood Trails FAQs

Where is Greenwood Trails located?

We’re about 2 hours from NYC, Boston, Albany, Long Island and New Jersey. Click here for driving directions. GWT is located on over 100 wooded acres in the beautiful Berkshires of Northwest Connecticut, less than 10 minutes off of CT Route 8.

How long are the camp sessions?

We are a seven-week camp with two-week session options. Campers can come for two, three, five or seven weeks. While we would love to share the entire summer with every camper, we understand seven weeks is not the right fit for every family, so we offer the flexibility of shorter sessions. Often campers will come for a two-week session their first year, and then for three, five or seven weeks after that.

Campers also have the option of extending for additional sessions once they’re at camp if there’s availability.

If my child goes for two weeks, will they only be getting part of a program?

Absolutely not! Each two-week session is all-inclusive with a distinct opening and closing to the session and its own special events. Of course, the longer a camper attends the more things they will experience, but each two weeks is a complete session.

Is each two-week session the same?

No way! While each two-week session is all-inclusive, we offer different special events and activities each session so campers will experience new things throughout the summer. Variety also comes with our unique major & minor-based program. Campers get to choose most of their schedule each week, and can experience many different things.

Do you have visiting days?

Yes. Visiting days are after each of the first two sessions.

Where are most of the campers from?

Most of the campers come the Northeast (CT, NY, NJ, MA, RI). However, we also have campers from all over the country and around the world. In fact over 35 countries have been represented at camp!

Is it true that Greenwood Trails is awesome?

Yes, yes we are. Thanks for asking.

Are you accredited?

Yes. Greenwood Trails is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and a member of the Connecticut Camping Association. We voluntarily adhere to over 300 rigorous standards regarding health, safety, staffing and program quality. In addition, Owen serves as a Standards Visitors for the ACA because we strongly believe in the value of camp for every child.

What are the counselors like?

The best! Our counselors are hand-picked after going through an extensive interview process. We make sure that all counselors are warm and friendly with an outgoing personality and a genuine love of working with kids. We also make it a point to have a healthy representation of international staff at camp, which enhances the overall camper experience. A good staff is key to the success of any summer program. The staff at Greenwood Trails is second to none!

How are bunks assigned?

The bunks are assigned by age and gender.

What are the cabins like?

Our “camp-like” cabins are all clean and comfortable with electricity, bathrooms, and showers with hot & cold running water.

How big is your camp?

We pride ourselves on being a small, close-knit camp of no more than 180 campers. Each cabin has between 8-15 campers with 2-3 counselors.

What do campers do at night?

We have an evening activity every night, such as campfires, plays, scavenger hunts, talent shows and wacky special events.  Before bedtime, each bunk has a “cabin chat” where they debrief the day, talk about important issues and set their goals for the next day.

How is the food?

Awesome! Click here for a sample menu.

How do you handle allergies at camp?

We do not serve any products with peanuts or tree nuts.  Our medical staff also screens camper medical forms and informs the kitchen and bunk counselors of information they need to know regarding each camper.  In addition, we are happy to accommodate campers with special dietary needs.

Do you have a canteen?

Yes. Campers get a snack and drink each afternoon. They can also purchase additional items which are deducted from an account set up before the summer.

Can I send a care package?

Parents are welcome to send their children care packages, however we ask you to follow certain guidelines. If you decide to send a package, please keep it reasonable and please do not send any food. We want to avoid “care package competitions” amongst campers, and because we are a nut-free camp, we do not allow any outside food on the premises for the safety reasons.

What do you do about laundry?

Laundry is done once a week by an outside service. The cost is included in the tuition.

How can I communicate with my child?

You can send letters to camp by snail mail or email via our one way email service, which we will print out and give to campers during mail call. After the first week, campers also are permitted one weekly phone call home which you can set up through our online system.

Do you update your website for camp photos of the kids?

Our photo hosting website (waldo.com) is updated frequently with pictures from each day. This is a great way for parents to be able to check up on what’s happening at camp and see the children in action.

What is a typical day like?

We have six daily activity periods and an evening activity after dinner. Click here for the schedule of a typical day at camp

What are rainy days like?

Since we can’t control Mother Nature just yet, we’re always prepared for rain. Depending on the severity and length of the rain, we have a number of indoor activities, both large group and small group, that can be done during rainy periods either in the camper’s bunks, the social hall, or at one of our other indoor facilities. And sometimes we just dance in the rain!

Are you a uniform camp?

No, campers do not have to wear a uniform at camp. One rationale behind uniform camps is that it eliminates “clothing competition.” We don’t have that issue at Greenwood Trails, as we are a relaxed camp with down-to-earth campers. Campers should wear comfortable and casual “camp clothes” that they don’t mind getting dirty. We will send a packing list before camp starts with recommended items.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is a common occurrence at sleepaway camp (reportedly 95% of campers experience homesickness to some degree). The best cure for homesickness is being active, so we make sure to keep campers busy through the day! And when the “missing home” feelings occur, our caring staff are there to help in an understanding fashion. Getting over homesickness is an important part of the camp experience and helps campers build their self esteem and develop a sense of independence.

How do campers get there?

Parents are welcome to drop off their children at camp. We also provide coach bus transportation from certain areas for an additional fee. Campers arriving by airplane will have transportation provided from the airport for an additional fee.

How do we get there?

Click here for directions to camp.

What if my child needs medical care?

We have a physician on call and our Health Center is staffed 24/7 by a licensed registered nurse.  In the event of a more serious situation, we’re 5 minutes from the Hartford Health Urgent Care and 15 minutes from Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.  We contact parents immediately in the event of an accident or injury.

Parents are always called when a child stays overnight in the Health Center, needs to see a specialist or needs to take prescription medication.  Our RNs dispense all medications to campers as prescribed by your family doctor.

What do you do for camper birthdays?

We will serve a birthday cake and sing the Greenwood Trails Birthday Song in the dining hall. Also, a special birthday party with the camper’s cabin can be arranged for an additional fee by signing up through your MyGWT account. You will of course also receive a Birthday phone call from your camper.

What is your policy on technology (cell phones, tablets, etc.) at camp?

We pride ourselves on being an unplugged camp, which means we do not allow devices with screens. At camp, we want children to be engaged with each other and with the outdoors; we want them to form genuine relationships and have meaningful interactions; we want campers to learn life skills and communication skills. All that doesn’t happen if everyone is lost in their own little screen.

If there is an emergency, how can I reach my child?

The camp will always get in touch with parents, and parents can always get in touch with their child by calling the camp office. If a parent needs to reach the camp outside of regular office hours, they can call a 24 hour emergency phone number.

Is there a religious outlook at camp?

No. Greenwood Trails is a non-sectarian camp. We welcome campers from all backgrounds, religions, faiths and perspectives.

Why should we choose your camp?

If you want your child to have an authentic camp experience, grow as an individual and have tons of fun in a relaxed, yet spirited family atmosphere, then GWT is the right choice for you. We help campers become their best selves.

How do I get more information?

We’d love to hear from you!

• For general contact info, or to schedule a tour, please CLICK HERE and someone will get back to you ASAP!

• You can receive more information by calling us at 516-353-6910 in the winter or 860-379-6517 in the summer.