Ages 4–12: When registering, please pick the appropriate age group for your child (4–5, 6–9, or 10–12).
Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm each day
2026 Dates:
Cottonwood Week 1 — June 22–26
Cottonwood Week 2— June 29–July 3
Cottonwood Week 3 — July 6–10
Cottonwood Week 4 — July 27–31
Cottonwood Week 5 — August 3–7
Cottonwood Week 6 — August 10–14
Location: East Chatham, NY. Get directions here.
Tuition: $490 — payment plan available; first installment is one-third of full tuition.
Sibling Discount: Get a 5% discount when you register siblings for Cottonwood Camp. Use coupon code SUMMER5 at checkout.
Please read our cancellation policy before registering.
Cottonwood Camps are currently full, but we encourage you to add a name to as many waitlists as you wish—there’s no charge and no obligation! We’ll contact you if a spot opens up.
We strive to make summer camp available for all who wish to attend, through generous financial assistance. To apply, choose the Financial Assistance tuition option ($25 per week) when registering, and we’ll send you the application questions AFTER you register.
Cottonwood Camp lies at the heart and soul of Flying Deer. It’s an exciting day camp for children who love to spend time outdoors with friends, learning about the forest and all its valuable teachings: mysterious animal tracks, delicious edible plants, curious insects, shelter, primitive fire-making, and other wilderness skills, not to mention fun songs, games, and stories!
Our oldest age-based group, for kids aged 10 to 12, offers a step up in connection to self, community, and the earth. They work on more advanced naturalist and survival skills while taking a step toward leadership and role modeling.
View and download the Summer Camp Welcome Letter with a supplies list, camp schedule, and more.
“Thank you SO MUCH for making camp possible this summer for my son and the rest of the campers! It was a truly life-changing experience for him. He grew immensely and learned to love the landscape I grew up in. It was a joy to watch how happy he was at Flying Deer! I genuinely cannot express how much we appreciate the experience that you all provided, it exceeded all my expectations and we will be signing up again for next year as soon as we can. I now totally understand why so many of the counselors are Flying Deer are former campers. It is truly a magical place.”
Ann S., Valatie, New York