Smugglers Notch Adventure Rangers Camp

"Great First Camp Experience"

We recently spent 4 days at the resort to take in all that it had to offer. We could have spent more time
and still not been satisfied. The people operating the resort have taken so much into consideration to
help families have fun. There are a plethora of activities to take part in for kids, adults and families. You
cannot get bored here unless you want to.

While we were there, our kids were able to take part in the Adventure Ranger Camp. This camp is
directed at ages 7-10, but there are camps available for kids as young as 3 and as old as 17. For children
younger than 3, the on-site state of the art day care center, Treasures offers day care options. However,
the Adventure Camp is all about fun. Kids are outside and being active. They can choose a focus
or ‘minor’ in their camp which typically revolves around adventure, art/crafts, sound and stage or
nature. If staying for a whole week these minors culminate in a Friday mixture called the Great Race
where the Rangers meet up with the Notch Squad (teens). On this day, teams are challenged to use
what they have learned to solve riddles and win challenges. On the weekends, most are blended
together again to pick what most appeals to the campers.

The kids are kept busy the entire day and they have tons of fun. Our kids separated: two in one minor
group (adventure) and one (nature) alone. Although this was surprising to us, it worked out well. They
went swimming at the awesome swimming pools with slides and water features, played disc golf, took
part in field games and went hiking. Each day, they brought a packed lunch, but if for some reason they
forgot it the staff would make sure they had eaten, as fed kids are happy kids. These folks have got this
camp thing down. They have sun-screen readily available and remind the kids to reapply. They ask if the
camper has bug spray and lunch when you drop each day. Safety is a prime concern with the counselors
who ensure proper pick-ups and complete swim tests with all new campers. (I am paranoid to let my
kids swim without me and this let me know they were concerned as well.)

Truth be told, my kids had never been to a day camp before or, for that matter, a day care so this was a
bit of an odd feeling for us. However, the counselors make it so conducive to fun that it was a blast for
them to be independent of us and really probably a pretty good idea.

After their first day, we asked them if they wanted to go back for day 2 and it was a resounding yes.
They loved their counselors who seemed to very readily remember their names and personalities. If for
whatever reason we decided to not have them stay in camp all day, we could have just picked them up
after lunch. We never did that. We picked them up at 4pm when the camp day was done then enjoyed
some family time before dinner and more family time before bed. Their favorite activities included

races, mini-golf, and hiking.

While the kids were having fun at camp, Mom and Dad enjoyed some days spent hiking Mount
Madonna, touring the area, and relaxing. It was a rejuvenating experience.

If regular camp with a ‘minor ‘is not enough for your children, there are some more particular camp
specialties. Your child can sign up for High Adventure camp involving Via Ferrata, H2Awesome camp for
water worshippers, Survival camp or skateboarding camp to name a few. Cost and age restrictions vary.
They even offer an Adaptive Program for children with special needs and abilities so no one misses out
on the fun.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort Camps are a model for camp programs. They have the location, environment,
staff, and programming that come together to create a magical outdoor experience for your child. We
talked to people who come back year after year and wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.

Costs for the Adventure Ranger Program are $85/day with a $6 fee for hot lunch if needed.
Families Love:
Awesome kid-friendly counselors that remember names
Terrific games and events
Down time for parents
Minors that kids can pick for a more tailored camp experience
Attention to safety

Disclosure: My children were provided complementary access to the Adventure Rangers Camps as part
of my review of the Smugglers’ Notch Resort. I was not asked to submit a particular review and all
opinions are our own.