French Woods Festival

Welcome to the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, a co-ed sleepaway performing arts summer camp for children aged 7 to 17. Our camp is located on over 1000 acres of hills, fields, and woods bordering a private lake in the town of Hancock, New York, in the Catskill Mountains.

Our campers come from every state and over 40 countries, and we celebrate diversity and provide a safe environment for children to try new things. French Woods is an internationally recognized program in the performing arts, featuring options in music, art, theater, dance, circus, magic, horseback riding, rock and roll, DJ, skatepark, fitness, cooking, and much more. In addition to our core activities, all the programs of a traditional summer camp and more are included in our offerings.

Our Philosophy

At French Woods, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire and empower children. Our camp is built on the principles of individual choice, allowing each child to focus on one particular area or choose a variety of activities that they love. We believe that this approach fosters creativity, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of the arts.

Music

Music is in our DNA. The music department supports campers at all points of entry and abilities. There is instruction from theory and composition to electronic music, from private lessons with every instrument in the orchestra plus piano and voice. Our programs, classes, and performance opportunities create an unrivaled environment. Special events in music, teaching guest artists, and performances complete our program.

Theater

Theater is at the heart of our performing arts program. Performance opportunities abound in our five theaters where we produce more than 80 full-scale productions every summer. You can be in shows, work in tech, costuming, sound or lighting, play in a pit orchestra, take classes and workshops, or do some of each.

Art

Explore your passion and create a masterpiece. French Woods encourages you to develop your skills by exploring new media or old favorites, such as painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture, printmaking, and more. Our art facilities are equipped with the latest technology and tools, and our staff is comprised of talented artists and educators who provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Younger Campers

Younger campers have additional guidance and supervision to ensure that they feel comfortable and supported throughout their stay at French Woods. We offer a variety of activities designed specifically for younger campers, including art projects, music lessons, and fun outdoor games.

Older Campers

Older campers can participate in community service and legacy projects in addition to college prep courses. These activities help to foster leadership skills, social responsibility, and academic achievement.

Community Service

French Woods is committed to giving back to our local community and the world at large. We offer a variety of community service projects that allow campers to make a positive impact while learning valuable skills and gaining a deeper understanding of social issues.

Legacy Projects

Our legacy projects are designed to leave a lasting impact on French Woods and the surrounding community. These projects may include creating public art installations, building community gardens, or participating in environmental conservation efforts.

College Prep Courses

For older campers, we offer college prep courses in a variety of subjects, including the arts, humanities, and STEM fields. These courses are designed to help campers prepare for the academic challenges of college while also fostering their passions and interests.

At French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop their talents, and make lifelong friends. Join us this summer and experience the magic of French Woods!