Camp Dark Waters

Medford, NJ

About Camp Dark Waters

Archery program — three levels including camper-named top level

The Archery program here at camp is comprised of three levels: Bullseye, Hawkeye, and a third level whose namesake is determined by the camper who can achieve it that summer. You'll spend your time learning about the arching equipment and its care, practicing your accuracy, and helping other campers with their arching skills.

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At a glance

Address
26 New Freedom Rd., Medford, NJ 08055-0263
Camp type
overnight
Setting
Outdoor camp on a creek in Medford, NJ (South Jersey). The creek water is brown due to tannins from cedar and juniper roots — natural to South Jersey waterways.
Cabins
Most cabins house 10 people (8 campers + 2 counselors); a few larger cabins exist. Most beds are bunk-beds; campers choose their own spot on arrival.
Ages
7–14
Enrollment
Coed
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association

Activities

Waterfront

  • Canoeing
  • Fishing

Land Sports

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Archery
  • Volleyball
  • Softball
  • Lacrosse

Outdoor Adventure

  • Hiking
  • Rock climbing
  • Mountain biking

Clues to fit

Camper Rights — anti-bullying and belonging

I have the right to be happy and to be treated with kindness. This means that no one will laugh at me, ignore me or deliberately hurt my feelings. I have the right to be myself. This means that no one will treat me unfairly because of my size, ability, race, gender, sexuality, religion, or any part of my identity. I have the right to be safe. This means that no one will hit me, kick me, push me or pinch me. I will be free from physical and verbal threats.

Setting — the brown water explained

The creek is lined with lots of evergreen trees like cedar and juniper. The roots of these trees sit in the water and release a chemical called tannin, which turns the water brown, sort of like a tea bag in a mug of hot water. Most of the water in South Jersey waterways looks like that.

Explore on the camp’s websiteSetting — the brown water explained

Traditions & shared moments

Quaker meeting for worship — weekly tradition

In keeping with the testimony of Peace, camp will host a weekly meeting for worship during the camp season. Camp will foster ties to the local Quaker community and will offer discounted prices for Friends.

Programs & camp life

Canoeing program — oldest program at CDW, three levels

The canoeing program is the oldest program here at camp, where campers are challenged to hone and perfect their canoeing skills through the three levels of the program. These levels are Bowman, Sternman and Master Canoer. Each level comes with new skills to learn, and gained privileges at the CDW waterfront. Master Canoers earn themselves a spot on the coveted Masters canoe trip that happens at the end of each summer.

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Daily life — assemblies, free time, and Evening Activity

Every day there are assemblies, where you'll have a chance to pick the activity you want to do. Each assembly has a variety of things to choose. Maybe a sport, like softball, soccer, or a camp favorite — waterball. Arts and crafts are popular, you could make a bracelet out of string, or make a bead alligator we call a lizigator. You could make a candle, learn to shoot a bow and arrow, or build sand castles. During free time, you could go fishing, play tetherball, or just hang out with friends. Then in the evening there's an activity that the whole camp gets to do together. We call it "Evening Activity." Then off to spend time with your cabin mates before bed.

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Reviews & ratings

CampRatingz rating: 4.5 / 5 · 7 ratings

Historical reviews from CampRatingz.

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