Daytime Activities

Whether campers are mastering a skill all week or sampling something new for an afternoon, every activity is another chance to explore, grow, and make the most of their time at camp. 

On this page, you’ll see each activity labeled with a Specialty tag, a Village tag, or sometimes both:

Specialty Activities are chosen before camp and take place each morning. Campers participate in the same Specialty Activity all week, giving them time to build skills, gain confidence, and dive deeper into something they’re excited to learn and practice.

Village Activities take place in the afternoons and are chosen once campers arrive at camp. Each day they’ll pick between two options making it the perfect opportunity to try classic camp activities or revisit old favorites with friends from their village.

Adventure Activities

Archery

SpecialtyVillage

Ready, aim, bullseye! Spend time at our outdoor archery ranges learning how to handle your bow, nock your arrows, and practice the techniques that will send them flying straight and true. Every shot brings you closer to hitting the target!

Challenge Course

Village

Build trust and teamwork on our challenge course! Work together with your group to tackle our elements like Nitro Crossing, Swapping Log, Traverse Wall, and the Spider’s Web. These activities require communication, cooperation, and creativity, and the sense of accomplishment when your team succeeds is unbeatable.

Explorer’s Lab

Specialty

Step into the world of scientific discovery with Explorers Lab, where each day sparks curiosity and innovation! Join us for a thrilling journey through hands-on experiments designed to ignite young minds and encourage them to embark on a thrilling adventure of exploration and questioning, discovering the wonders of STEM along the way.

Firebuilding

Village

Master the art of firebuilding by learning the fire triangle: oxygen, heat, and fuel. Campers will gather materials, construct their own fires, and see if they can get their flames roaring!

High Ropes

SpecialtyVillage

Challenge yourself at our ropes course and discover what you’re capable of! Take on elements like the Pamper Pole, Eagle’s Walk, and Giant’s Ladder as you climb, balance, and leap your way out of your comfort zone. Juniors can try High Ropes as a Specialty Activity in a smaller group to “learn the ropes,” while Seniors take over the course for the afternoon as a Village Activity.

Mountain Boarding

SpecialtyVillage

The ultimate camp adrenaline rush for all ages, mountain boarding is an exciting cross between snowboarding and skateboarding. Grab your board and take on Overlook Hill with all its challenging mounds and dips!

Orienteering

Village

Grab a compass and venture into the woods on a real navigation adventure! Campers will learn how to read a compass, navigate using maps, and find their way through the forest in search of hidden treasure. As their skills grow, they’ll become true explorers, maybe even setting their own routes and leading the way.

Wilderness Survival

Specialty

Think you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Learn all the skills you’ll need to thrive in the great outdoors, including fire building, constructing shelters, and more. This activity will prepare you for adventure and leave you feeling ready for anything nature throws your way!

Aquatics Activities

Aqua Aerobics

SpecialtyVillage

Can’t get enough of the pool or dance class? Aqua Aerobics is a high energy, low impact activity that allows you to dance along to popular, fist-pumping music while doing easy-to-master exercises. Suitable for all fitness levels, you’ll get a great workout without ever breaking a sweat!

Boating

Village

Hit the water at Friendship Lake for paddling fun! Campers can try their hand at canoeing, paddle boarding, and kayaking, making it a great way to experience all the boats camp has to offer while exploring the lake. It’s the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a beautiful summer day.

Canoeing

Specialty

Get the chance to explore the entirety of Friendship Lake as a team with your canoe partner and practice a variety of strokes to help you navigate around the docks and bridges. You’ll learn how to control the canoe from various positions and play awesome canoe games that are bound to have you coming back for more.

Diving

Specialty

Make a splash and learn to dive!  Perfect for beginners, participants will be introduced to a range of dives, progressing from pool-edge plunges to confident leaps off the diving board. Through guidance and hands-on practice, they’ll hone their precision and confidence while learning essential diving techniques – and having a ton of fun!

Fishing

SpecialtyVillage

Are you hooked? You’ll have the chance to catch-and-release Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish and Catfish at Friendship Lake. Plus you’re sure to see a turtle or two while you wait for the Big One!

Kayaking

Specialty

Race around Friendship Lake in your very own kayak this summer, passing under the bridges, swerving around the floating docks and splashing through the water fountain. Kayakers will learn the proper techniques and safety practices through fun and challenging games that encourage individual skill development.

Two campers and a counselor paddle-boarding at Friendship Lake summer camp

Paddleboarding

Specialty

Master the art of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) this summer – the latest craze in water sports. Learn how to balance, paddle, steer and race around the lake. You can even test your balancing skills with some Paddleboard Yoga.

Water Polo

SpecialtyVillage

Have fun learning the ins and outs of this popular, fast-paced water sport. You’ll learn how to handle the ball, and practice different passing and communication techniques. You’ll get the chance to put all your new skills to the test in mini-matches. (Must be in Senior Village)

Art Activities

A female counselor helps a junior camper with their arts and crafts project during our overnight camp sessions.

Arts & Crafts

SpecialtyVillage

It’s time to get creative in Arts & Crafts! Each day presents a new opportunity for you to express yourself through art. There’s tie-dye, beadwork, candle making, dream catchers, nature crafts and more. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Dance Performance

Specialty

Learn to express yourself through movement and have loads of fun in the process! All levels and styles are welcome. Campers can try their hand at choreographing pieces of their group’s dance and work towards a performance at closing campfire.

Drama & Improv Games

Village

Take the stage at our drama theater and let your imagination run wild! Through games like Statues and Bus Stop, campers will build confidence, practice their improvisation skills, and discover the joys of creative expression. No scripts required, just bring your silliest voices and boldest characters!

Drama Performance

Specialty

Calling all actors, comedians, and rising stars! Through improv games and scene work, you’ll develop your talents and discover new ones in this fun drama activity. Learn acting tips, play off your fellow campers, and get the opportunity for a show-stopping moment on stage at Campfire on Friday night. The spotlight is waiting for you!

Drawing & Painting

Specialty

Get inspired by your beautiful surroundings and enjoy the relaxing art of drawing and painting. Learn how to make use of color, shading and proportion with acrylics, pastels, watercolors, charcoal sticks and pencils.Whether it’s a scenic painting or a self-portrait, your creation is sure to remind you of summer camp!

young camper making a friendship bracelet at summer camp

Friendship Bracelet Making

SpecialtyVillage

We are Camp Friendship and friendship bracelet making is what we do! This class is the perfect opportunity to try out different patterns, color combinations and techniques. Make a ton of awesome friendship bracelets to give to your friends.

Jewelry Making

Specialty

Design and create your own accessories in Jewelry Making! Turn simple materials into wearable art using beadwork, clay elements, charms, and your own creative touch. With endless styles to explore, you’ll leave camp with a collection of jewelry that’s uniquely yours.

Knitting & Crochet

Specialty

Get ready to stitch up something special in Kitting & Crochet! Whether you’re brand new to yarn crafts or already a pro, this cozy activity all about creativity and relaxation. You’ll learn how to use kitting needles or a crochet hook, try out fun patterns, and make everything from friendship squares to fun accessories. Your imagination is the only limit to what you can make!

Off Broadway

Specialty

Whether you’re an aspiring performer or just love the magic of musical theater, Off Broadway is the perfect activity for you! You’ll learn and practice the fundamentals of musical theater, from acting and singing to dancing and stage production. You’ll have the chance to showcase your skills at Campfire and perform songs from hit shows, while building your confidence and having a blast!

Campers working on pottery at an overnight summer camp in Virginia

Pottery

Specialty

Get ready to unleash your creativity at our pottery classes! Seniors can spin clay into bowls and mugs on the pottery wheel, while juniors mold their own creations in Pottery Flat. Add your personal touch with vibrant glazes and paints and take home your masterpiece to enjoy!

Songwriting

SpecialtyVillage

Get ready to unleash your inner songwriter and let your creativity soar! In this activity, you’ll be guided through a fun and interactive songwriting process that will have you crafting your own original music and lyrics in no time. And not to mention the chance to perform them in front of a camp-wide audience at closing campfire!

Tie Dye

Village

Get ready to make a colorful mess! Twist, fold, and dye your way to a one-of-a-kind wearable creation. Learn different techniques to create spirals, hearts, and bursts of colors that are as unique as you.

Sports Activities

Badminton

SpecialtyVillage

Roll on up to play this fun, fast-paced racket sport! Learn the rules as well as how to serve and smash that birdie around the court!

Basketball

SpecialtyVillage

Hit the courts and show us what you’ve got! Learn all the skills of the game: passing, shooting, dribbling, and maybe even dunking. It’s all about good times, teamwork, and having a blast on the court!

Dodgeball

Village

Duck and dodge your way to victory in this camp classic! Campers will work together as a team and have a blast trying to be the last one standing. The competition is fierce and the fun is endless!

Counselor teaching a camper about football at Camp Friendship in Virginia

Flag Football

SpecialtyVillage

Touchdown! Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a complete beginner, this activity will have you running, dodging, catching, throwing and scoring as part of a team. See how many flags you can grab!

Gaga Ball

Village

The ultimate Camp Friendship classic! Step into our gaga ball pit for this intense, action-packed game that’s easy to learn but impossible to stop. Players use their hands to hit the ball towards the others, while everyone jumps and dodges to avoid getting out. Once you start playing, you’ll see why our campers can’t get enough!

Kickball

Village

Step up to the plate for a classic playground game! Whether you’re booting it over the wall for a home run or making a catch, kickball always brings a huge level of excitement. Round the bases and bring your team home the victory!

Pickleball

SpecialtyVillage

Ready to hit the court? Pickleball is a fast, fun game that combines the best parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong! Whether your brand new or already know how to serve and smash, you’ll learn the rules, practice your skills, and play exciting matches with friends. Whether you’re serving or scoring, every game is a chance to grow.

Soccer

SpecialtyVillage

Learn to master the most popular sport in the world on Camp Friendship’s athletic fields! Campers learn the techniques of shooting, dribbling and passing through enjoyable drills and games. You will also practice skills in mini-matches throughout the week.

Tennis

SpecialtyVillage

Grab a racket and get ready to serve, volley, and rally! Our ace tennis team will help you develop your game based on your individual strengths while working on stroke, footwork, tactics, and match preparation. From first-time players to future competitors the court is calling your name.

A group of seniors jump for a high disc for the winning point on our camp friendship lower field.

Ultimate Frisbee

SpecialtyVillage

Combine American football, lacrosse and frisbee – what do you get? This exciting game is far more than just run, catch, throw, repeat. With endless possibilities to get creative by running, jumping, diving or sliding to make that all-important catch, Ultimate Frisbee is an ultra-fun team sport to play with friends!

Volleyball

SpecialtyVillage

Have a shot at serving, bumping, setting and spiking on our beach volleyball courts. You’ll learn a new skill or improve current skills and get practice working as a team player.

A counselor leads a group of junior and teen campers in a yoga stance on colored mats in our Camp Friendship dance pavilion.

Yoga

SpecialtyVillage

Take a moment to be mindful. Yoga is a great way to start or end your daily activities and helps regenerate your body, mind and soul. Our fun poses work on strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga offers a relaxing way to work out, unwind and streeeetch!

Camp-Wide Evening Activities

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! Different activities are offered each evening, where campers get to know each other and have fun together at the end of the day.

  • Campfire
  • Capture the Flag
  • Chip Cup
  • Cookout
  • Noodle Hockey
  • Pool Party
  • Powder Fairies
  • Lip Sync Battle
  • Themed Dances
  • Project Funway Fashion Show
  • …and more!