Experience The Brant Lake Way

Helping To Shape the Men Our Boys Will Become

Max Gersten, Director of Brant Lake Camp in New York

KEY STAFF

At Brant Lake “Key Staff” is our name for the problem solvers. We are extremely proud of the quality, quantity, and longevity of our Key Staff members. Most of our Key Staff come from an educational background and our collective experience as educators guides everything we do – from the supervision and guidance of our campers, to our program and structure, to our training of counselors and staff, as well as our approach to instruction.

MINI-CAMP SYSTEM >

Our Mini-Camp approach creates a small camp feel within a larger camp community, while also ensuring all programming and equipment is age-appropriate. Each Mini-Camp is designated by grade and has its own set of facilities and equipment. Key Staff, counselors, and instructors are always best suited for each age division. Even the schedules of camp vary greatly. The youngest boys wake up early and eat breakfast at 7:50am but are asleep by 9pm. Meanwhile the Seniors wake up late but may still be playing under the lights at 10pm.

This allows boys to get the individualized attention and age-appropriate schedule they need as part of a small and closely knit group, while still getting the benefits of a larger camp family.

Camper/Staff Relationships

Unique Counselor Utilization

The number one job of a counselor at Brant Lake Camp is developing positive relationships within the bunk and age group. Acting as a big-brother and role model for those boys is essential to our community. This model is greatly aided by only asking our counselors to be problem recognizers. When problems arise, counselors report to Key Staff members to resolve issues. 

In order to maximize the development of strong relationships, we have very few counselors designated as ‘specialists’. Instead, even counselors especially skilled at teaching a specific sport spend their entire day within the same age group, eating meals, going to the lake, and hanging out during rest period with the same group of boys. 

This system helps develop strong relationships but also creates a better environment for instruction. Instead of a counselor spending 8-9 hours a day teaching a single sport to every age group in camp, they only teach in their area of expertise about three hours a day, when their age group has sports instruction. This keeps our instructors from getting burned out over the course of the summer and instead excited when it comes time each day to demonstrate their skill and knowledge. 

Additionally, instructors really know their kids; they’ve spent each day swimming, eating, and playing with them. They know not just each camper’s name, but also who they work well/poorly with, how to best motivate them, and when to push or have a lighter session.

Read More
Show Less

Sports Done Right

Our approach towards competition starts with the core belief that sports can teach great values. We also recognize the potential of doing harm to a boy’s development if not done thoughtfully.  Therefore, at Brant Lake, we apply the best lessons of sports and competition and reward sportsmanship, character and leadership.

Unrivaled Setting >

Brant Lake is nestled in a stunning Adirondack mountain setting only three and a half hours from New York City. We are located on a pristine six-mile, crystal clear, sandy-bottom lake with our own private waterfront and beaches. We believe that our campus and facilities are among the finest anywhere – and the perfect place for a boy to enjoy the best summers of his life.

Now and Forever:

100 Years of Spirit and Tradition

Brant Lake Camp is truly a unique and special place for boys to enjoy a summer steeped in tradition and fun.  Founded in 1916, BLC is one of the oldest privately-owned camps in the United States with over 100 years and 4 generations of single family ownership. 

Brant Lake has over 100 summers of tradition to build upon – for example, our annual Green and Gray week-long competition. Once assigned a team, campers remain Green or Gray for life. This event is unsurpassed in excitement and passion in the camp world.

While we take great pride in our history, BLC consistently adapts to changes and improves and refines our program.  Brant Lake Camp operates with a “Quick and Nimble” approach, knowing that each day presents a unique opportunity. Camp traditions are a staple of our program, but so are new and fresh activities. Each day is planned carefully, with our campers’ needs at heart.

Paramount to us, Brant Lake Camp is a place where kids are happy, safe, carefree, and comfortable, which allows them to have fun and form friendships that often last a lifetime. It also gives our campers the freedom to come out of their comfort zone which is an important part of their journey to becoming healthy, responsible, and mature adults.

Next: