If you would like, there are references available to talk to about North Woods. To request one you can either call our New Hampshire office at (603)-569-2725, or e-mail us at campingservices@ymcaboston.org
Testimonials
"I tell people about Camp all the time. Family, friends, colleagues- I’ve babbled to them all, filling them in on the crazy stories, the ridiculous-yet-wonderful costume combinations, the dance moves, the spontaneous celebrations… all those small little things that made me want to fast-forward the school year and drive right back up to that silly, wonderful place.
Thinking of all the good things that have come into my life because I chose to go to Camp, I smile. It’s been a place where I’ve laughed, cried, and fallen in love. It’s where I’ve bonded with friends over late-night helpings of chocolate chip cookies, had the best “girl talks” of my life, and spent hours of fun creating overly-complicated ways to ensure we escaped wild animals in the dark.
At Camp, I wasn’t just a camper, or a counselor, or a member of Senior Staff. Instead, I think of my years at Camp as the days of a dancer, a full-time singer, a make-up artist, an outdoor chef, a sister, a friendly neighbour, and a jokester, all wrapped up in one. It’s been a place where I’ve not only learned to be myself, but I've learned what “being myself” actually means. At Camp, I’ve discovered what makes me happy, what’s important to me, and what I want out of life. I consider it to have been the most special gift, offering me some of the greatest moments, opportunities, and memories I could have imagined. 13, 19, 45, or 60 years old, Camp will always be nestled into my life, as full of its madness and crazy loves as ever, there to make me smile and laugh whenever I need it. In my own small, special way, I can be a kid forever. I can’t wait."
Michaelagh Shea, PVC Senior Staff Alumnae
“The counselors have done a fine job in teaching respect for other human beings and the environment. They also serve as wonderful role models for the campers. Hannah has told me so many stories about the events, competitions, and ceremonies. She has developed long term friendships with many fellow campers, all of whom are super young adults!”
Cynthia, PVC Mom
“To the whole Camp, I remember about 3 or 4 years ago when I first came to this wonderful place. I was in a cabin full of great people; I didn’t know how much fun was ahead of me. Well, now it’s the end of my fourth year at Camp, and I’ve become more and more attached to it each year (you don’t even want to know how camp sick I was last year), I’ve realized now, Camp isn’t about the games, the trampoline, the horses. It’s about the great people, from all over that you get to meet. Like I said, Camp is the BEST place in the word. Sometimes, I wish I could live there. Thanks to all the people who make the magic happen, and thanks SO MUCH, for making this the best two week of my life.”
Kristin, PVC Camper
“Camp is really fun it is a place where I can get away from being made fun of at school because kids don’t judge you by how rich you are or what you have wrong with you. So it is a place where I have true friends and that means a lot to me that kids don’t judge me here and they get to know me before they decide if they don’t like me and it’s good to know that my friends here aren’t going to ditch me or make fun of me any more because I am tired of it. I can trust that kids aren’t going to start rumors about me just because I’m different. So I think I’m going to come back next year, so I can take a break form the school life. It is also good to know I have true friends that don’t lie to me or talk behind my back because that happens a lot to me, but not at Camp so I love it here.”
Meghan, PVC Camper
“I have two children involved in both Northwoods and PVC and I continue to rave about what it has given them both over the years. The letters from campers touched a similar note to what I hear from both my children every time they come home…or I try to get them home. Ali and Zach have both felt like “it is family mom when I am there”/ and no parent could express how wonderful it feels that a choice was to send them to you. Zachary built even further on his experience at Northwoods by being a CIT and I can’t explain to you what it did for him, his confidence, his maturity and the exposure to people from all over, it could never be measured. My Children and I have told many about the wonders of these Camps and it still does not compare to what being there can do for the soul.”
Lori. NWC/PVC Mom
"After going though PVC’s C.I.T. Program last summer, I can tell you that it was my favorite summer (out of 7) at PVC! I loved being able to live in a cabin with all of my friends, while still having some responsibilities and freedoms. I really got a chance to bond with and help out the campers like I never have before.
I had one experience up at Chases' Platform with Pegasus (my baby cabin) 1st session when a girl I was sitting next to around the campfire got homesick and began to cry. I talked to her and comforted her for a couple of minutes, but she continued to cry. The Head Counselor of that cabin came over to calm the girl down and I was able to observe her handle and talk to the homesick camper. It was a wonderful, hands-on way of learning to work with homesickness. I was able to have multiple experiences such as that as a C.I.T. and I know I will learn even more as a Counselor."
Sara Gleason, PVC CIT/Staff Member
“I wanted to thank you and all of the staff at NW/PVC for all of your work with my kids. They have grown tremendously and I do believe that their experiences at NW and PVC have helped them to develop strength of character, self reliance and a sense of self assurance and confidence in themselves. What a treat it was to see Ty in a leadership role. While on vacation in Canada both Ty and Zoe spoke of their five year pins with pride and have a sense that they are part of the NW/PVC community. Both have said they want to participate in LGT and go on to be counselors. This demonstrates just how connected they feel. I think it’s great that they have had such positive role models in the camp counselors and staff, and I am highly appreciative that they have been cared for and safe these past five summers. They are truly coming into themselves now, and I feel so lucky that they have had NW/PVC’s valuable support and, I know, guidance.”
Donna, NWC/PVC Mom
