Here at Incarnation Camp, we do things a little differently to other camps. And with good reason! We have been around over 135 years so we are pretty confident that the experience we offer is the best out there. Learn about what sets us apart, and why.

Our History

The roots of summer camp are as American as apple pie and important to our history as a camp. In the mid to late 1800’s there was a large movement of families leaving their farms and heading into the cities. Around this same time, the churches and synagogues of New York City began operating summer camp programs in the northeast. This was to allow children the opportunity to play in the fresh air of the great outdoors… something believed to be healthy for both the body and mind (imagine that!).

In 1886, The Church of the Incarnation, an Episcopal church in Manhattan, established Incarnation Camp. Over the next 125 years the camp has been lovingly known by a few names. Only a few camps founded in the 1880’s still exist and we are proud to be the oldest operating co-ed camp in the nation.

Our camp has always been very diverse. Campers and staff of all races, religions and cultures call Incarnation Camp their home away from home.

Our History

We believe that children should have the time to enjoy being kids. We believe in sleeping under the stars, getting dirt under your nails, friendship, cooking over a campfire, crafts, carnivals, sports, building community, molding clay, fishing, sliding down a water slide, canoeing, exploring our creativity, caring for our camp farm animals and all the fun little details that make up an awesome childhood summertime!



We are a tech-free environment. There are no cell phones, computers, gaming consoles, or anything else that needs to be plugged in at camp. For a few weeks, our campers get to disconnect from the virtual world and reconnect with the natural world around them. We provide an awesome atmosphere where campers are “in the moment” and enjoying those around them. 



Campers and staff join us each summer from all over the country and the world. Our community is home to folks who are neurodiverse as well as individuals spanning across both the gender & sexuality spectrums.



We’ve been working on our Green Goals for many, many years. As stewards of our beautiful 740 forested acres, and of our mile-long private lake, we are always mindful of how we interact with this place many call their “second home.” They experience the natural world through our farm, garden and nature activities as well. Here at incarnation, we house composting, recycling, farming and gardening programs.



The most unique aspect of our program is that we sleep in platform tents, which are less like pop-up camping tents and more like little canvas houses. Scaling over 16 feet long by 12 feet high, The sides come down at night and campers sleep on sturdy bunkbeds with thick mattresses. Living in tents plays a major role in being responsible and utilizing less energy. We have the magic of feeling like you are in a giant backyard!

What Makes Us Different?

SUMMERTIME FUN!

all natural approach

compass campers

all-green,all day

TENTS, TENTS, TENTS!

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Since 2021, Incarnation Camp has proudly collaborated with National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). Incarnation Camp and the center as a whole has steadfastly championed diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism initiatives through rigorous professional development programs for our staff and counselors. Our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels profoundly valued and embraced is unwavering. At Incarnation, we believe in creating a culture where everyone is acknowledged and respected, ensuring a community where dignity is inherent, and a sense of belonging is universal. This dedication to inclusivity and understanding permeates every aspect of our camp, making it a place where differences are celebrated, and every perspective is valued.  

National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) was established in 1927 as a human relations organization that promotes inclusion and acceptance by providing education and advocacy while building communities that are respectful and just for all. NCCJ celebrates the diversity of races, religions, cultures, class, genders, abilities, age, body size, and sexual orientations. NCCJ works towards advancing equality, promoting justice, and building community.








Incarnation Center’s commitment to achieving the goals of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is well expressed in the final vow of the Baptismal Covenant of our Episcopal tradition. That promise is to “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.” *

To accomplish these goals, we commit to the following actions:

- We will welcome, affirm, and support individuals of all abilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual
orientations, gender identities and expressions, religious or non-religious beliefs, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other category used by people to define themselves.

- We will continue to reach out to those who are marginalized or underserved in society to ensure equitable access to our programs.

- We will strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate and foster positive relationships.

- We will educate ourselves on historical systems of oppression, and we will act with intent to challenge bias and injustice in every aspect of our communal life.

The essence of our commitment is to ensure that all members of the Incarnation community may find a home in Incarnation Center, may know their own precious worth, and may hear a call to serve the common good and the dignity of all humanity.

* The Book of Common Prayer, at 305