FAQs
Where do I find the Camp FAQ’s?
The Camp FAQ is located in the Summer & Family Camps section.
If F&W is based on Quaker values, does that mean you are a religious camp?
No, F&W is not a religious camp. F&W was founded by Quakers, and all F&W programs have, at their core, the Quaker concept that “the light of the spirit is in every person." In practice, this translates to an environment of mutual respect and care for the unique qualities of each person. When we speak of nurturing the Inner Light, we mean that we want the F&W experience to awaken within each person that sense of truly being alive; a sense of purpose, connectedness and joy. F&W helps to remove the distractions of modern life so that each person can quiet themselves enough to listen to their own heart. We respect all religious faiths and spiritual beliefs.
What Quaker practices occur at F&W camps and programs?
The most regular Quaker-derived practice that occurs at the camps is “Silent Meeting” (read more below). At F&W, the Quaker values of Simplicity, Community and Service are embedded in the way of life. From our simple buildings and systems to the “unplugged” quality of our days, F&W is a step out of the modern world to a quieter and more reflective space. Every day, campers and staff act in service to their larger community through the sharing of daily chores, and participating in the farm and building work which keeps all at camp fed and housed. We also take our service outward to the larger community in the form of service projects.
What is Quaker “Silent Meeting”?
Each morning, campers and staff gather after breakfast for a period of reflective silence. “Silent Meeting” lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and is held outdoors, weather permitting. This F&W ritual is based on the Quaker spiritual practice called Meeting for Worship. Believing that the “Light of the Spirit” is in every person, Quakers do not have priests, ministers or clergy. Quakers believe that if one is quiet, the message of God can come directly to anyone, and that a person can be moved to speak (or to “minister”) to his or her community. Silent Meeting is structured in a similar way, but as a secular period of reflective silence for the camp community. Some Silent Meetings at F&W are truly silent, with each person lost in his or her own thoughts, or letting the senses fill with the natural world all around. In other meetings, many people are moved to speak. Between each speaker there is a period of silence, and those who speak do not address or respond directly to other speakers.
How can I learn more about Quakerism?
What are the demographics of the children and youth that F&W serves?
Our camp data from 2006 is fairly representative of other years. For the overnight camps, about 60% of our campers were returning and 40% were new. We had 270 males and 279 females. Campers self-identified as: Caucasian 67%, African American 5%, Multiracial 7%, Latino/Latina 3%, Asian American 2%, Native American 1%, Foreign 2%, other 3%, unknown 10%. The campers came from 31 states (NY-191, MA-119, VT-47, NJ-28, PA-19, CT-17, FL (15), ME-14, MD-12, NH-9 and six campers or less from an additional 21 states). Generally our campers came from the urban and suburban East Coast. We also had campers from nine foreign countries.
The Barn Day Camp had 65% returning and 35% new in 2006. 65% came from out of state (21 states and four foreign countries). 15% of our BDC campers were non-Caucasian.
Does F&W have a camp for adults?
Yes! There were so many parents that wished they could stay at camp with their kids that F&W started a Family Camp so that the whole family could participate. For more information, visit the Family Camp page.
Does F&W run programs year-round?
Yes! The F&W office is open year-round, and we operate Outdoor Education Programs in the Fall and Spring. For more information, visit the Education Programs page.
We also have periodic weekend work events for summer camp alumni during the year to help us maintain our facilities and run the farm. For more information, visit the Work Weekends page.
Does F&W rent cabins?
F&W does not rent individual cabins, but we do rent our facilities to groups seeking a quiet and reflective retreat space. For more information, visit our Facilities Rental page. Please note that F&W does not allow alcohol or drugs on our campus at any time.
Are F&W events open to the public?
In general, F&W events are not open to the general public. The exception to this is the Annual Fair, which occurs mid-August. As country fairs go, the F&W Fair is very small, low-key and non-commercial. The Fair is created and operated by campers and camp staff, and is the culmination of the summer’s activities. For more information, visit the F&W Annual Fair page.
