50 All-Star Family Camps

You wake up in the morning because the birds are chirping. So you go outside, and take a deep breath of really fresh air. Over pancakes at breakfast, you learn the day's activities: ropes course, arts and crafts, windsurfing, climbing wall . . . . It doesn't matter what you do, because you know you'll have serious fun. Then you hear the bugle call: Time for the flag ceremony, followed by dinner--barbecue and bug juice! You mellow out afterward at the campfire sing-along. Look! A shooting star! Then you head to your bunk bed, sleep like a log, and do it all over again.

ARIZONA
YMCA Camp Sky-Y, Prescott
At 6,800 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains. Canoeing on Goldwater Lake, paintball, overnight camping, arts and crafts, archery. Families participate in the World Service Carnival (with games and face painting); proceeds help children at a YMCA in Mexico. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins with shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; weekly cookouts, such as a cowboy breakfast with morning hayride. CONTACT: July 29-Aug. 4; $1,600; 800/660-1385, azycamps.org.

YMCA Chauncey Ranch, Mayer
A 5,000-acre high-desert ranch on the banks of the Agua Fria River. Equestrian focus: riding lessons, trail rides, and helping with grooming, saddling, and feeding. Fishing, skeet shooting. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins that have evaporative coolers and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; rooms in the Cowboy Barn with shared indoor bathroom sleep six on bunks; private ranch house sleeps 25. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; cowboy barbecue cookout ride. CONTACT: July 29-Aug. 4; $1,395; 800/660-1385, azycamps.org.

CALIFORNIA
Berkeley Tuolumne Family Camp, Groveland
On the south fork of the Tuolumne River, seven miles from Yosemite National Park. Ranger-led workshops for kids (making pine-needle baskets and leaf-print shirts), artist-in-residence program for adults (pottery, woodworking, and more). Themed Thursdays. LODGING: Canvas-and-wood cabins (some with electricity), with shared bathhouse, sleep 4 to 10 on cots; tent sites. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; Saturday barbecue lunch, Sunday turkey dinner. CONTACT: June 23-Aug. 26; $2,037; 510/981-5140, berkeleycamps.com.

Catalina Island Camps, Catalina Island
On Catalina's western edge, 22 miles offshore from L.A. Hosted by Jean-Michel Cousteau. Nature walks, tide-pool exploration, science programs, snorkeling to a kelp bed. Evening presentations by Cousteau on his work with the Ocean Futures Society. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; moorings available for rent. FOOD: Three buffets daily; nightly social hour before dinner with beer and wine for adults. CONTACT: Aug. 22-26; $2,900 (includes ferry ride from the mainland); 800/696-2267, catalinaislandcamps.com.

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, Cazadero
Surrounded by redwoods in Sonoma County, with classes in music, circus arts, dance, theater, and more. Performances in the outdoor amphitheater. LODGING: Canvas tents with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep six on cots; dorm rooms with shared bathroom sleep three to six on cots; tent sites. FOOD: Three buffets daily with snacks throughout the day. CONTACT: Aug. 6-12, Aug. 13-19; $2,510 (10 percent discount if you bring a tent, share a tent with another family, or have six people in one tent); 510/527-7500, cazadero.org.

Emandal--A Farm on a River, Willits
On the banks of the Eel River at the base of Mount Sanhedrin. Pitch in on the farm: Gather eggs, milk cows, pick vegetables, bake cookies. LODGING: Wood cabins with electricity, cold water, and shared bathhouse sleep eight; two farmhouse rooms with private bath sleep two. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; most veggies come from the garden. CONTACT: June 20-24, July 18-Aug. 25, Aug. 30-Sept. 3; $2,326; 707/459-5439, emandal.com.

Family Camp on the Bar 717 Ranch, Hayfork
Former working ranch on 450 acres in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Milk cows, feed goats, collect hay. Horseback riding, overnight camping rides, ropes course, swimming hole, archery. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins open on one side (without electricity) with sink, toilet, and shared shower house sleep 10; six hotel-style rooms sleep two to six. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily. CONTACT: Aug.12-18, Aug. 19-25; $2,385; 530/628-5992, bar717.com.

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, Idyllwild
Creative camp at 5,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. Classes on digital photography, wood carving, yoga, painting, and creative writing. Kids rehearse and perform a musical. LODGING: Dorm rooms with private bathrooms sleep four on bunks. FOOD: Three buffets daily. CONTACT: June 30-July 6; $2,900; 951/659-2171 ext. 2365, idyllwildarts.org.

Lark Camp, Mendocino
On 700 acres in Mendocino Woodlands State Park. More than 100 daily workshops in world music and dance, from Cajun accordion to Renaissance madrigals. LODGING: Redwood cabins (with no electricity) with shared bathhouse sleep four; RV and tent sites. FOOD: Three cafeteria-style meals daily (with à la carte options); 24-hour coffeehouse. CONTACT: July 27-Aug. 4; $2,768; 707/964-4826, larkcamp.com.

Montecito Sequoia Family Vacation Camp, Sequoia National Forest
At 7,500 feet, between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Watercolor classes, tennis, archery, riflery, swimming pool, horseback riding, waterskiing on private lake. Theme nights (luau, Western roundup, etc.). LODGING: Lodge rooms with private bath sleep 2 to 11; wood cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep four to eight. FOOD: Three buffets daily; weekly prime rib and king crab dinner; full bar nightly. CONTACT: June 18-Sept. 3; $3,570; 800/227-9900, mslodge.com.

Shady Creek Family Camp, Nevada City
On 130 acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills. High and low ropes course, excursions to a historic gold mine, basketball and volleyball taught by university coaches. Limbo contest, treasure hunt, outdoor movie night, wine tasting, talent show. LODGING: Wood cabins with electricity, decks, and shared bathhouse sleep four; adobe-dome cabins with electricity, patio, and shared bathhouse sleep four; lodge rooms with shared bathroom sleep two to six. FOOD: Three buffets daily (vegetarian meals available); steak cookouts. CONTACT: June 17-Aug. 25; $2,650; 800/826-7310, shadycreekcamp.com.

Wonder Valley Family Camp, Sanger
In the foothills of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Petting zoo, skateboard park, go-kart and minibike tracks. Sailing, waterskiing, horseback riding, tennis, ropes course. ACA accredited. LODGING: Hotel-style rooms sleep seven. FOOD: Three buffets daily; Thursday is parents' night, with child care and themes such as prime rib dinner. CONTACT: Aug. 5-11, Aug. 12-18; $4,766; 800/821-2801, wondervalleyfamilycamp.com.

COLORADO
Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park
Two camps adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest, at 8,000 feet. Horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, skit nights, talent show, archery, riflery. ACA accredited. LODGING: Thirty-two covered wagons sleep four; shared bathhouse. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; snacks throughout the day. CONTACT: Aug. 7-12; $2,700; 800/226-7386, cheley.com.

Colorado Heritage Camps, Denver
Ten camps for multicultural families with internationally adopted children. Each camp celebrates a different culture, from African/Caribbean to Vietnamese. Teachers and counselors are the same ethnicity as the kids. LODGING: Lodge rooms with private bath sleep six on bunks; cabins with kitchen and shared bath sleep 7 to 12; RV and tent sites. FOOD: Buffet breakfasts and dinners; culture-specific cafeteria lunches. CONTACT: June 21-Sept. 3; $680; 303/320-4234, heritagecamps.org.

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Cortez
Near Mesa Verde National Park. Excavate Pueblo Indian artifacts alongside archaeologists, learn Native American history, throw traditional Pueblo spears. LODGING: Navajo-style log cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep up to five. FOOD: Three cafeteria-style meals daily (vegetarian options). CONTACT: Aug. 12-18; $3,800 (plus $85 membership fee; kids must be 12 or older); 800/422-8975, crowcanyon.org.

CONNECTICUT
Club Getaway, Kent
On 300 acres in the foothills of the Berkshires. Waterskiing, water trampoline, sailing, and banana-boat rides. Fitness program, wine tasting, cooking classes, golf, trapeze, mountain biking, rock climbing. Movie theater. LODGING: Wood cabins with A/C and private bath sleep two to four; towels and linens provided (housekeepers clean rooms and change linens). FOOD: Breakfast and lunch buffets and restaurant-style dinner (with wine); full bar. CONTACT: Aug. 20-23, Aug. 24-26; $2,412; 877/746-7529, clubgetaway.com.

HAWAII
YMCA Camp Erdman, Oahu
On the North Shore. Double-decker ropes course, river kayaking, arts-and-crafts classes such as bookmaking and painting. Child care available. ACA accredited. LODGING: Bunkhouses with electricity and private bathrooms sleep 8 to 16; tent sites. FOOD: Three buffets daily. CONTACT: May 11-13, June 29-July 1, Oct. 26-28; $380 (kids 3 and under are free); 808/637-4615, camperdman.net.

INDIANA
Flat Rock River YMCA Camp, St. Paul
On 240 acres along the Flat Rock River. Climbing on the 50-foot alpine tower, rappelling down a limestone quarry, fishing in a pond. Guided hikes, hayrides, archery, BB-gun range. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins with electricity and private bath sleep 12 on bunks; yurts with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks. FOOD: Three buffets in dining hall; snacks throughout the day. CONTACT: May 26-28, Sept. 1-3; $384; 888/828-9622, flatrockymca.org.

MAINE
Little Lyford Pond Camps, Greenville
Owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, on the Katahdin Iron Works property. Hiking to the waterfalls in Gulf Hagas gorge, canoeing on Lyford Ponds, fly-fishing lessons. Evening programs in local history, science, and nature. LODGING: Log cabins with a wood-burning stove, gas and kerosene lamps, running water, and shared bathhouse sleep two to six; bunkhouse with no electricity and shared bathhouse sleeps 12. FOOD: Buffet breakfast, trail lunch, and family-style dinner daily; evening cookout. CONTACT: July 15-20; $1,270 (7 percent discount for AMC members, $75 annual fee); 207/280-0708, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

Medawisla Wilderness Camps, Kokadjo
On the Second Roach Pond, between Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park. Owned and run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Search for lizards, salamanders, and newts around Emmit Brook; hike on local trails, including to Hinckley Logan to see an eagle's nest. Moose-watching trip. LODGING: Wood cabins sleep 2 to 10; private bathrooms, screened porches, and kitchens. FOOD: Buffet breakfast, trail lunch, and family-style dinner daily; cookout on the dock. CONTACT: July 8-13; $1,270 (7 percent discount for AMC members, $75 annual fee); 207/695-2690, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

Medomak Camp, Washington
A secular camp on Washington Pond since 1904. Sailing, tennis, field games. Yoga, knitter's retreat, women's wellness workshop, classes on ecology and conservation. Massage therapist on staff. ACA accredited. LODGING: Eleven pine cabins sleep six; private bathroom. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; coffee and tea throughout the day; beer and cheese tasting; lobster dinner once a week. CONTACT: June 24-Aug. 18; $3,050; 866/633-6625, medomakcamp.com.

MASSACHUSETTS
YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, Mount Washington
On 1,000 acres of protected Berkshires forest. Waterskiing, sailing, and kayaking on Plantain Pond. Hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Ropes courses, softball, basketball, soccer. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; lodge rooms with shared and private bathrooms sleep four to eight on bunks. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; Saturday beach cookout. CONTACT: Aug. 20-26, family weekends year-round; $1,000 (kids under 3 free); 413/528-1227, camphirock.com.

MICHIGAN
YMCA Camp Pendalouan, Montague
Adjacent to Manistee National Forest, on 150 wooded acres. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on Big Blue Lake. Climbing tower, skit nights, arts and crafts, archery, horseback riding. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 14 on bunks. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; cookout at Lake Michigan. CONTACT: June 30-July 3; $625; 231/894-4538, pendalouan.org.

YMCA Storer Camps, Jackson
On 1,200 wooded acres, next to Stony Lake. Talent show, pie baking, high ropes challenge course, climbing tower, arts and crafts. Theme nights: Kids learn about other cultures on Around the World in Eighty Days night. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins sleep 12 on bunks; shared bathhouse. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily. CONTACT: June 24-30, July 1-7; $1,146; 800/536-8607, ymcastorercamps.org.

MINNESOTA
Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji
Language and cultural immersion programs in six architecturally authentic facilities representing France, Germany, Norway, Finland, Russia, and the Spanish-speaking world. Activities simulate environment of each culture. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins with electricity, most with shared bath, sleep 16 on bunks. FOOD: Three family-style--and culturally appropriate--meals daily. CONTACT: Apr. 12-15, June 11-16, June 25-30, Aug. 13-18, Aug. 20-25, Aug. 26-31, Sept. 14-16; $1,950; 800/222-4750, concordialanguagevillages.com.

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland
On 2,000 wooded acres with 18 miles of hiking trails. Emphasis on environmental education; classes and activities on forest ecology, wildlife management, tree identification, birding, climate change, and more. LODGING: Rooms sleep eight on bunks; with private bathrooms. FOOD: Three cafeteria-style meals daily. CONTACT: July 23-28; $990; 218/353-7414, wolf-ridge.org.

YMCA Camp Du Nord, Ely
In the Northwoods along the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling in Burntside Lake, field games. LODGING: Modern cabins with kitchen and private bath sleep four to eight; wood cabins with kitchen and shared bathhouse sleep up to 18, some cabins with toilet; rustic cabins with shared bathhouse sleep four to eight; tent sites. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily (meal plan optional). CONTACT: June 16-Sept. 1; $1,500; 651/645-6605, dunord.org.

MISSOURI
YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi
Adjacent to Mark Twain National Forest, on 5,200 acres with a 360-acre private lake. Horse ranch with trail rides, hayrides, pony rides, and "cowboy camp"--a Saturday-morning program with roping, branding, and horseshoeing demonstrations. Geocaching, rocketry, climbing tower, golf course. ACA accredited. LODGING: Lake-view lodge rooms with private bathrooms sleep four; lake-view lodge suite with common room sleeps six; two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabins sleep 10. FOOD: Three buffets daily. CONTACT: Year-round; $2,107 (kids under 13 free September through May except Memorial Day weekend); 888/386-9622, ymcaoftheozarks.org.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Camp Takodah, Richmond
Open since 1921, on 500 wooded acres. Lots of activities, many led by the families: swimming and boating on Cass Pond, arts and crafts, storytelling and skit nights, hiking up Mount Monadnock, golf tournament. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins sleep 10 on bunks; shared bathhouse. FOOD: Three family-style meals served daily. CONTACT: Aug. 26-Sept. 1 (half-week options available); $1,600; 603/239-4781 (summer), 603/352-0447 (winter), camptakodah.org.

Cardigan Lodge & Reservation, Alexandria
On 5,000 acres in Mount Cardigan State Forest, and operated by the Appala-chian Mountain Club. Hike to Welton Falls and Mount Cardigan, take a day trip to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, catch frogs in a pond. Nature programs such as "Staying Found with Map and Compass." LODGING: Lodge rooms with private bathrooms sleep two to four; lodge rooms with shared bathroom sleep two to six on bunks. FOOD: Trail lunch and two family-style meals served daily. CONTACT: July 15-20, July 29-Aug. 3, Aug. 19-24; $1,270 (7 percent discount for AMC members, $75 annual fee); 603/744-8011, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

Highland Center at Crawford Notch, Bretton Woods
At 1,900 feet, next to the White Mountain National Forest. Owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Guided nature hikes to Ammonoosuc Lake and Mount Willard. Kayaking, canoeing, and fly-fishing on Saco Lake. Day trips to the Sugarloaf Mountains. Map-and-compass scavenger hunt, live animal show (with woodchucks, owls, and river otters), and an L.L. Bean gear room where you can borrow trekking poles, boots, hats, and other gear. LODGING: Lodge rooms with shared bathroom sleep two to six on bunks; private rooms with private bathroom sleep two to four. FOOD: Buffet breakfast, trail lunch or salad/sandwich bar, and family-style dinner daily; cookouts. CONTACT: July 1-6, Aug. 5-10, Aug. 19-24; $1,460 (14 percent discount for AMC members, $75 annual fee); 603/278-4459, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch, Gorham
Run by the Appalachian Mountain Club, in the White Mountain National Forest at the eastern base of Mount Washington. Nature interpretation (looking for animal tracks, forest ecology, and stream study). Night programs including stories from the stars and White Mountain weather. Moose-spotting excursion. LODGING: Lodge rooms with shared bath sleep two to five. FOOD: Buffet breakfast and family-style lunch and dinner daily; trail lunches available. CONTACT: July 8-13, July 22-27, Aug. 12-17; $1,270 (7 percent discount for AMC members, $75 annual fee); 603/466-2721, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

YMCA Sandy Island Family Camp, Sandy Island
On a 66-acre private island in Lake Winnipesaukee. Sailing, kayaking, waterskiing. Crafts programs such as beading, photography, and ceramics. Yoga, line dancing, storytelling in little red schoolhouse. LODGING: Waterfront cabins with electricity sleep 2 to 10; some have private bath. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; Sunday brunch and themed dinners such as Italian night. CONTACT: June 27-Sept. 3; $2,350; 603/253-4217 (summer), 603/569-2725 (winter), si.bostonycamps.org.

NEW JERSEY
Mohican Outdoor Center, Blairstown
Run by the Appalachian Mountain Club, within the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Speakers on black bear habitats, edible plants, and pond ecology. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail, weekly day trip to the Lakota Wolf Preserve, canoeing and swimming on Catfish Pond. LODGING: Lodge rooms with shared kitchen and bath sleep 18 on bunks; tent sites. FOOD: Two buffet meals and one trail lunch daily. CONTACT: Aug. 5-10, Aug. 12-17, Aug. 19-24; $1,090 (10 percent discount for AMC members, $75 annual fee); 908/362-5670, outdoors.org/adventure_camps.

NEW YORK
Camp Gorham, Eagle Bay
On 1,500 acres in the Adirondacks, with a 400-acre private lake. Square dancing (with a professional caller), limbo contest, talent show. Paddling trips on the Moose River, horseback riding, rock climbing. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cottages with electricity and private bathroom sleep up to 24, mostly on bunks; bunkhouse with kitchen and bath sleeps 48; Adirondack lean-to with electricity and shared bathhouse sleeps four on bunks. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; ice-cream social. CONTACT: Aug. 19-26; cottage $1,810 (YMCA members $1,740); 888/518-5671, campgorham.org.

Frost Valley, Claryville
In the Catskills on 6,000 wooded acres. Animation workshop, evening rodeo, live music, rowing on Lake Cole. Carnival with face painting, water-balloon games, and sack races. Families participate in the camp-run World Service Auction to benefit the needy. ACA accredited. LODGING: B&B-style castle; lake-view hotel-style rooms sleep six; hotel-style rooms sleep two; platform tents with shared bathhouse sleep eight; cabins with private bath sleep 10; dorm rooms sleep 6 to 12; lodge rooms with private bath sleep 10 on bunks. FOOD: Three buffets daily, with occasional themed meals. CONTACT: Aug. 25-31; $500; 845/985-2291, frostvalley.org.

NORTH CAROLINA
Blue Star Camps, Hendersonville
On 500 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed for Jewish families, but not exclusive. Hiking up Mount Pinnacle, white-water rafting, yoga, mountain biking, rock climbing, target sports, pottery, Slip 'n Slide. Free nanny service for kids 3 and under. Sabbath services. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins with private bathrooms sleep 14. FOOD: Three buffets served daily. CONTACT: Aug. 16-19; $1,180; 828/692-3591, bluestarcamps.com.

Green River Preserve, Cedar Mountain
Daily naturalist-led hikes throughout a 3,400-acre private wildlife preserve. Fly-fishing in trout stream, storytelling nights, photography, painting, pottery. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins divided into two sleeping dorms that sleep eight on bunks with a central bathroom; lodge rooms with private bath sleep four. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; most veggies served at camp are grown locally. CONTACT: Aug. 31-Sept. 3; $900; 828/698-8828, greenriverpreserve.org.

YMCA Camp Sea Gull/Camp Seafarer, Arapahoe
Water sports galore--waterskiing, motorboating, tubing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, windsurfing--on the Neuse River, as well as a zip line, climbing wall, field sports, riflery, tennis, and a pitch 'n' putt golf course. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins with porches sleep 14 on bunks with private bathroom. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; parents-only dinner cruise. CONTACT: May 25-27, Aug. 12-18, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, Sept. 21-23; $2,205; 252/249-1212, seagull-seafarer.org.

PENNSYLVANIA
Deer Valley YMCA Camp, Fort Hill
On 742 acres in the Laurel Highlands. Sailing regattas on 125-acre lake, white-water rafting in Ohiopyle State Park, biking across covered bridges, hikes up Mount Davis, rock climbing, horseback riding, bouldering. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins with private bathrooms and shared shower house sleep seven on double bed and bunks; private cottages with full bath sleep eight on double bed and bunks. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily; chuckwagon barbecue on Fridays. CONTACT: June 9-Aug. 25; $1,700 (family weekends year-round); 800/962-2386, deervalleyymca.org.

New Jersey 'Y' Camps, Milford
On 1,250 acres in the lower Poconos. Sailing, ropes course, zip line, climbing tower, field sports, tennis, archery, square dance. Optional Jewish services on Friday evening and weekend mornings. ACA accredited. LODGING: Cabins with electricity, porches, and private bathroom sleep 2 to 20 on bunks and cots. FOOD: Three cafeteria-style meals daily (vegetarian options); all food is kosher. CONTACT: June 15-17, Aug. 24-26, Aug. 31-Sept. 3 (grandparent and single-parent weekends available); $660 (kids under 4 free); 973/575-3333, njycamps.org.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center, Cleveland
On 1,800 acres in the Appalachian foothills, run by the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Belayed tree climbing, overnight camping, trout fishing. Outdoor worship. ACA accredited. LODGING: Concrete cabins with shared bathhouse sleep eight on bunks; lodge rooms with common area and shared bath sleep six on bunks. FOOD: Three family-style meals served daily. CONTACT: June 29-July 1, July 1-6 (weekends for fathers and sons, grandparents raising kids, and children with special needs available); $980; 864/836-3711, asburyhills.org.

TEXAS
Pine Cove Christian Camps, Tyler and Columbus
Three nondenominational camps: Bluffs and Woods, both near Tyler, and Crier Creek, near Columbus on 700 rolling acres. WaveRunners, horseback riding, adventure sports, and paintball. Daily worship, and Christian speakers on marriage, parenting, and scripture. LODGING: Wood cabins, lodge rooms, and hotel-style rooms with A/C and private bath sleep four to eight. FOOD: Three restaurant-style meals daily; adults-only banquet. Snacks nightly. CONTACT: June 3-Aug. 18; $1,600; 877/474-6326, pinecove.com.

VERMONT
Camp Common Ground, Starksboro
About 23 miles south of Burlington. Nontraditional families encouraged. Classes on nonviolent communication, photography, and paper arts, including pastel and watercolor. Chamber music instruction, glass-bead making, children's theatrical performance. LODGING: Cabins (with no electricity) with shared bathhouse sleep two to six; tent sites, some with platforms. FOOD: Three vegetarian buffets daily (vegan options); most food is organic and locally grown. CONTACT: July 28-Aug. 24; $1,950 (financial aid available); 800/430-2667, cgcvt.org.

Farm & Wilderness Camp, Plymouth
An organic farm on the Woodward Reservoir. Sign up for daily chores in the barn: Collect eggs; milk cows; feed goats, sheep, and pigs. Harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden, press cider from apples in the orchard, make ice cream from fresh milk. ACA accredited. LODGING: Three-sided cabins (some with no electricity) sleep 10 to 12 on bunks; shared bathhouse. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily. CONTACT: Aug. 21-26; $1,025; 802/422-3761, fandw.org.

WASHINGTON
Camp Burton, Vashon Island
Affiliated with the Washington Baptist Convention, accessible by ferry from West Seattle, Tacoma, or Kitsap Peninsula. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Day trip to Point Robinson Lighthouse on Maury Island with docent-led tour. Bible study and storytelling. ACA accredited. LODGING: Carpeted cabins with private bathroom sleep 10. FOOD: Three family-style meals daily. CONTACT: July 29-Aug. 4; $750; 206/463-2512, campburton.com.

WEST VIRGINIA
Camp Alleghany, Lewisburg
On the Greenbrier River, accessible by ferry or rowboat. Rifle range, skeet shooting, swimming, canoeing, archery, scavenger hunt, skit night, tennis. ACA accredited. LODGING: Platform tents with no electricity sleep four to six on cots; shared bathhouse. FOOD: Three buffets daily; barbecue cookout. CONTACT: Aug. 4-12; $1,680 (kids under 2 free); 540/898-4782, campalleghany.com.

WISCONSIN
Camp Nebagamon, Lake Nebagamon
Thirty miles southeast of Duluth, in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Canoeing and fishing in 1,000-acre Lake Nebagamon. Target sports, field games; talent show, game-show nights. ACA accredited. LODGING: Twenty-eight cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; lodge rooms with shared bathroom. FOOD: Buffet breakfast and lunch; family-style dinner. CONTACT: Aug. 14-21; $1,400; 763/476-7676, campnebagamon.com.

North Star Camp, Hayward
Lots of water sports including sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, and tubing. Bowling, talent show, storytelling in a tepee, zip line, field sports, archery, horseback riding. ACA accredited. LODGING: Wood cabins sleep 12; shared bathhouse. FOOD: Three family-style meals; happy hour daily with beer and wine. CONTACT: Aug. 11-17; $1,700; 715/462-3254 (summer), 520/577-7925 (winter), northstarcamp.com.

YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa, Lac du Flambeau
Fishing, field sports, boat and breakfast, potluck dinners. LODGING: Modern cabins with private bath and kitchen sleep four to eight; cabins with private bath and kitchen sleep six; rustic cabins with kitchen and shared bathhouse sleep four on bunks and futon; tent sites. FOOD: No food service (cookware provided in cabin kitchens; camp store sells some grocery items). CONTACT: June 2-Sept. 1; $600 (15 percent off for camps the first week of June and last week of August); 715/588-7422, nawakwa.com.