Camp Baco & Che-Na-Wah

All Boys, All Girls
Ages 7-16
Traditional

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Overview

Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Balfour in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Camps Baco (for boys, founded in 1951) and Che-Na-Wah (for girls, established in 1923) are warm, family-run sleepaway camps rooted in a century-plus tradition of genuine connection, spirited adventure, and character development.

Far from flashy high-tech programs, these beloved camps focus on core childhood experiences—swimming, friendship, outdoor play, and meaningful community rituals—where campers regularly reflect that the most valuable lessons are about being kind, working together, and thriving without screens. Year after year, generations of campers—and even former campers turned counselors—return, drawn by timeless traditions like Council Ring, the Bazaar, and campfires by the lake, all fostering lifelong friendships and unforgettable summers.

This is a Brother/Sister camp on one property. Boys and girls do things separately but share some coed experiences.

Unique Features

Both camps are operated together by the same family, creating a connected experience with opportunities for sibling closeness and shared traditions.
Both camps have been family-run for decades, fostering a warm, close-knit environment where traditions are preserved and alumni often send their own children back.
A hallmark of camp life where campers gather around the fire for stories, songs, and reflections—building community and passing down camp culture through generations.
Annual traditions such as the Bazaar bring campers together for games, festivities, and community bonding that make summers unforgettable.
The camps emphasize being present, outdoors, and unplugged, focusing on core values of friendship, cooperation, and growth away from digital distractions.