It is not easy for parents to make the decision to send their children away into the waiting arms of strangers who promise to take good care of them — people who promise to expose them to the arts and show them the wonders of nature, fun, new skills and friendships.

The world needs the next generation to be more tolerant of each other’s views, ideologies and beliefs. Summer camp is an opportunity for children to be exposed to the best of the human character. Carefully selected role models are dedicated to showing your child how to have fun, learn from others and make friends and communicate in person rather than online. Camp allows kids to meet people representing every race, culture, and socioeconomic level. French Woods is a second home to campers from all over the United States and beyond.

Most of us will be happy to forget the school year of virtual learning and the summer of 2020 when in the end camp was not even an option. Rediscovering camp in summer 2021 will be in-person and it will be safe! Camp is a gift we can give our children that they will benefit from and remember forever. If ever there was a time when the world needed a generation of future leaders who understood the intricacies of living in a community, having tolerance, and being open — that time is now. Additionally, every child out there, and dare I say every parent, needs camp now, more than ever.

Rose and I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and ask you to please stay in touch.

Integrating Entertainment for Change and IMPACT ARTIST™ into the FWF CIT PROGRAM

Jade Zaroff and Jenna Lichtman, both FWF ALUM, are the principals behind Entertainment for Change™, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides a platform that educates and empowers a community of young Impact Artists™ informed by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

They believe that creativity is the way in which young people can internalize feelings, to externalize action and create a lasting impact.

Their idea of the Impact Artist™️ is someone who uses their creative medium to empower others and create impact and that anyone can be an impact artist™. Lin Manuel Miranda, Adam Levine, Steven Schwartz, (alum) Max Schneider … YOU have something in common with these artists. An Impact Artist™ is someone who uses their creative medium to empower others and create sustainable change in the world.

Together, French Woods and Entertainment for Change, are certain that making an impact is accessible to anyone, with the arts and entertainment being the most powerful catalyst for change.

Nobody WANTS to leave camp to then have to immediately seek out internships and leadership opportunities, yet you do it because colleges look for that on applications. FWF represents a safe space where you get to connect to similar creatives and explore who you are, with no judgment. Access to this program as well as our new Impact Artist Major provides you an opportunity to hone in on your craft, and align it to a cause you are passionate about.

“We fundamentally believe that YOU are the generation that naturally leads with love and empathy. This is the foundation and WHY behind being the change because you believe that change is possible.” -- Jade Zaroff & Jenna Lichtman, FWF ALUM & EFC Founder / EFC Head of Marketing

How to get involved NOW:
You’ve waited over a year to see your camp friends. You don’t have to wait until next summer to hang out and create with them again! Any registered CIT can sign up for virtual classes now and for the summer with amazing #ImpactArtistAmbassadors and also get CIT hours. Just email cit@frenchwoods.com if you want to become part of this new program.

You can also follow Jade and Jenna @entertainmentforchange

Hi Frenchwoodites:

As the year draws to a close, I look back on a most extraordinary set of events. Who could have imagined what we all have gone through? If it wasn’t for your wonderful emails and cards, I don’t know how I would have coped.  I am so looking forward to next summer.

I would like to remind our high school students to register for our college admission classes offered throughout the summer. Representatives of UCLA, BOCO, Boston University, University of Florida, University of Kentucky, Indiana University and Carnegie Mellon will be conducting these classes. There is no additional cost but space is limited. Sign up now on CampIn Touch.

In the meantime, enjoy the holidays and above all, keep safe.

Ron & Barbara