Camp Activities

We strive to give campers the agency to choose their activities as much as the schedule allows. Full-week campers or more can choose all aspects of the meal they make at their cookout one night a week from a predetermined meal list – including dessert! Program staff make the schedule one week in advance and select activities for programs based on the theme of the week, the program description, or popular activities past campers have enjoyed. Campers may also have the chance to choose the specific activity they complete at a program area, such as choosing the type of arts & crafts activity.

Every full day of camp (weather permitting), campers will go swimming at the pool, then take showers right after. During their first time at the pool, all campers have a short swim test before they can enter the pool’s middle and deep areas. The swim test has criteria that campers must meet based on activities, pool size & capacity. A color-coded system is utilized to provide lifeguards with a quick visual reference of each camper’s swimming ability. There is no pass or fail for the swim “tests.” This is just a chance for campers to show camp aquatic staff how comfortable they are in the water and how well they swim.

All campers visit Ridge Lodge (the arts & crafts building) at least once during their stay at camp to tie-dye a camp t-shirt we provide to them. Units may visit Ridge again later in the week to do camper-chosen arts & crafts activities such as painting, drawing, bracelet making, and more.

All campers get to try out at least one target sport while they're at camp. We have a slingshot range, archery range, and a range for tomahawk, hatchet, and knife throwing. Older campers in grades 6 and above can participate in all target sports, and campers in grades 2-5 can participate in archery and slingshots. Our youngest campers start their target sports progression at the slingshot range.

Camp Potomac Woods has many wonderful natural features, including the Peace Creek, the Potomac River, and many wooded areas. Campers enjoy nature and STEM activities where they learn more about the ecosystem and environment of Potomac Woods. Campers may take a hike on the RiverWalk trail, learn about animals at camp, or explore their senses in the dark on a night hike.

A favorite camper area is the Greenbrier hammock site! Campers and staff alike love to relax and enjoy the restorative benefits of nature with some quiet time in a hammock. The hammock site is available as a packout lunch location, a sleepout location at night, or just a great place to relax during the day.

Every Wednesday night, full-week campers get to cook the meal they voted on earlier in the week. Staff empower campers by guiding them through building the fire, constructing their pizza bagel, taco, or foil packet, and heating up their meal on the campfire. Don't forget - dessert in the form of s'mores, banana boats, or doughboys comes afterwards.

Camp is pretty large - it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from the Potomac River to the entrance, so anytime you walk around camp, it might be considered a hike! We have a few hiking trails at camp that give you a more scenic view of camp, like the Peace Creek Trail, and Priscilla's Trail.

We believe in the healing power of nature and try to promote mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, and forest bathing at camp. Camp can be a stressful and busy place, so it's important for campers and staff alike to take part in mindfulness activities at camp.