What People Are Saying
Learn more about what people have to say about The Wayfinder Experience and Our Partners List by using the quick links below!
What Parents Say About Us
Parent Testimonials
“As a teacher of writing, it’s thrilling to see kids involved in the art of
narrative. As a parent, it’s great to see kids find a place to work out deeper issues of the psyche…Through this process, a great sense of self-esteem and confidence in kids seems to emerge…they meet new peers, forge new friendships…learn to work together. The Wayfinder Staff…brings a unique strength and eclectic talent…as a group they maintain an amazing clarity of vision: being a part of a team that helps create something magic for our children, that encourages this incredible community…the staff absolutely and completely respects each kid for whom he/she really is. They really give the kids the responsibility to make choices; they honor each child’s individuality.”
– A.W. Langley, Parent
“My son has been captivated by Wayfinder; by the sheer potential for creative expression, by the intelligence and rich complexity of the stories, by the joy of losing himself in character, and by the broad sweep of personalities participating. Mind you, he is a cynical kid, not given to spontaneous creative expression. He fell in love with the inclusiveness and expressive spirit of everyone involved in Wayfinder events.”
– Julianna Targan, Parent
“Thank you (Wayfinder) for the magic you add to people’s lives and for nourishing and encouraging active imaginations!”
– Tanya Jurcic, Parent
“I must say my son…had a life-altering experience with Wayfinder. I am not saying that lightly. He was really affected by the activities…and I thank you.”
– Andrea Kretchmer, Parent
“It’s difficult to do written justice to the way that Wayfinder has changed his life. When he first started going, he was a bundle of pent up loneliness and anxiety–neurodiverse, dealing with divorce, being bullied at school, and no friends to speak of. And then, suddenly, foam sword in hand, he found a way to connect with other people and exorcise his feelings through the language of imagination and play.”
– Anonymous, Parent
I really can’t say enough about how wonderful Wayfinder is! My children have been attending the summer camps for a few years now, we hired them to come to our house for a birthday party, and both kids have gone to the all day Saturday experiences as well. Each and every experience, my kids have returned joyful and excited, and so enthusiastic about their time spent at Wayfinder. The staff are extremely professional and kind, and they create an environment of inclusion and mindful community at every event. I am so so grateful to have these events in our area.
– Sarah Rosenthal, Parent
What Kids Say About Us
Kid Testimonials
Eloise, age 16: “Wayfinder has quite literally changed my life for the
better. The adventure games are simply magical experiences, but the community is where Wayfinder really shines. All of my closest friends are from this amazing community for so many reasons, namely just having people who share similar and strong interests, but also everyone just being so consistently friendly and welcoming to everyone, new friends and old!”
Adelaide, age 17: “Wayfinder so easily creates a safe and welcoming environment for campers and staff. All who attend Wayfinder are empowered with bravery and assurance in who they are as people. This is not something you get at any summer camp.”
Vaiel, age 15: “I genuinely don’t have the words to express how incredible it is at Wayfinder, I came for overnight week one as an experimental camp that I honestly expected to be a one and done experience, but Wednesday night I was already asking my parents if I could stay another week. I think I found my niche here and it’s the best larp experience I’ve ever had, on top of making some really strong connections.”
Mythea, age 15: “Inspired. Wayfinder staff are role models for me and are adults I look up to.”
Lowell, age 8: “The most fun I’ve ever had!”
Bill, age 15: “The camp, or experience, rather, teaches love, repect, adoration of peers, and allows for a positive environment in which anyone and everyone can feel free to be themselves, without inhibition, at all times.”
Garrett, age 12: “The Wayfinder community are probably the most caring, nonjudgmental, and interesting people I have ever met. This community has helped me mature as a person and for that I am forever grateful.”
Rene, age 11: “People here make me feel special.”
Jesse, age 16: “The Wayfinder Experience is by far the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. In less than two weeks I have made friends that I will have for the rest of my life… Trust me. Going will be the best decision of your life.”
Cutler, age 15: “Thank you to everyone from Wayfinder, whether it be a camper or counselor. The week I spent at Immersion camp 2016 was amazing, in and out of game I got to make amazing friends and was really able to connect with everyone. Everyone’s comradery and friendship was inspiring and hopeful to me. I absolutely hope I can come back next summer. Thank you guys for that one-of-a-kind love that only, from what I believe, this camp can bring.”
James, age 11: Thursday night before camp ended, “I don’t want to go to bed because when I wake up this will all be over.”
Dan, age 16: “The whole week was great. I wish I was coming back next week, and the week after that, and the week after that!”
Mikko, age 16: “These last 5 days here have made my outlook on life better.”
Lemon: “Just got back from Wayfinder and I am actually crying right now because I had no idea how profound of an impact two weeks could make on my life. I have never found a community more innately accepting and kind and supportive of all who enter it.”
Gaby, age 11: “You start to lose your imagination after a while. You can come here to get it back. Its almost like one huge kind of family.”
What Educators Say About Us
Educator Testimonials
“My boys’ aggressive interests are met with respect and then
channeled into creative conflict negotiation, a deeper understanding of their own natures… and a healthy understanding of ‘true warriorship’ … kids really understand this, love it and want to participate year after year.”
– Elizabeth Lesser, Co-Founder of the Omega Institute
“The moment The Wayfinders arrived at the town park, it was as if a spell as thick as the summer haze was cast over the children. This magical transformation was instantaneous and did not break even as Lyra, Mary Poppins, Professor Snape, Bilbo Baggins, Winnie the Pooh and Susan Pevensie wished us well and found their way back into reality. The literary scavenger hunt incorporated a little bit of story-telling, a little bit of role playing, and a whole lot of fun. Even the counselors and adults were taken into the magic that this cast of characters delivered straight from their books.”
– Caitlyn Decker, Head of the Hurley Rec Program, about our Literary Advenutres
“I see this (Wayfinder) experience for our teens as much more than ‘the most awesome thing ever’; I see it as an opportunity for them to gain the experiences that later will allow them to join that 4% of people who… can go on to do spiritual work. I see it as an opportunity for them to have a practical experience of who they really are.”
– Jane Martin, Member of the Princeton-Waldorf Parent Council
“Kristen Diedhiou’s Grade 5 class at J. Watson Bailey Middle School was transported into a world of pure creativity this March. The students had spent time dreaming up their very own mythology to bring to life through an interactive role-playing experience! When students arrived at their class, their classroom had been transformed into a magical island in peril–its power being drained by an evil wizard! That’s when the festivities began. The Queen of Magic herself appeared, making a thunderous entrance.She helped guide the students to use the magic of teamwork to break the wizard’s spell. What followed was a journey through imagination and problem-solving. The class split into character roles they had envisioned, donning homemade costumes and props. Their unique story and universe unfolded through improvisation and quick thinking. Riddles were solved, mythical beings came to life, and the evil wizard’s nefarious plans were eventually thwarted – all through the incredible ingenuity of these young myth masters. It was an epic adventure that had jaws dropping with every twist and turn. The teachers were pivotal in bringing this engaging lesson to life!”
– Teacher at J. Watson Bailey Middle School, Kingston NY
What The Press Says About Us
Hudson Valley Magazine’s Women in Business 2016 honorees
We Can Be Heroes
We Can Be Heroes is a 2024 documentary film directed by Carina Mia Wong and Alex Simmons. The film follows our campers! It premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival. It has been making the rounds at many film festivals and has won a number of awards:
- A Special Jury Award for Bravery and Empathy, at the SXSW Film Festival
- The Audience Award for Documentary, at the Woodstock Film Festival
- Best Documentary Feature at the Nevada City Film Festival
You can follow the film on their Instagram.
There are many reviews online; here is one from the Hollywood Reporter.
We are so appreciative for the whole experience, getting to know the amazing filmmakers, seeing the care they took with the film and attending a number of the screenings. We also went to express our gratitude for our community and say how impressed we were with the generosity of selve our campers gave during the week of filming. It is a joyous feeling for us to be able to share our community with the world.
Wayfinder’s Partner List
We’ve had the privilege to work with a large number of public and private schools, institutions and local businesses. Here is a list of those locations with links to their respective websites.
Public Schools
- Ellenville Elementary School
- J. Watson Bailey Middle School
- Marbletown Elementary School
- Phoenicia Elementary School
- Schenectady High School
- Rosendale Elementary School
- Woodstock Elementary School
Private Schools
- Flex School
- High Meadow School
- Zena Democratic School
- Hunter College Elementary School
- Millbrook School
- New York City Homeschool Education Association
- North Country School
- Oakwood Friends School
- Open Connections
- Poughkeepsie Day School
- Princeton Waldorf School
- Ross School
- Virginia Beach Friends School
- Woodstock Day School
Institutions
- Ashokan Field Campus
- Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp
- Chamounix Mansion Hostel
- Knightwatch Medieval at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
- East End Disability Associates, Inc.
- Eastern Cooperative Recreation School
- Frost Valley YMCA
- Holmes Camp and Retreat Center
- Kites Nest
- North Woods YMCA Camp
- The Omega Institute
- Stone Mountain Farm
- Taconic Retreat Center
- Trackers Bay
- Unison Arts Center
Libraries
- Beekman Library
- Clifton Park Public Library
- Desmond-Fish Public Library
- East Greenbush Library
- Esopus Library
- Howard Public Library
- Kinderhook Memorial Library
- Linden Public Library
- Olive Free Library
- Patterson Library
- Poughkeepsie Public Library District
- Saugerties Public Library
- Stone Ridge Public Library
- The Kingston Library
- The Pawling Library
- Woodstock Public Library District
Camps
- Golden Bridge Day Camp
- High Meadow Summer Camp
- Rondout Valley Summer Academy
- Rosendale Day Camp
- Woodstock Day School Summer Adventure
Festivals
- Beltane at SCC
- Good Vibes Festival
- Mountain Jam
- Worm Town Music Festival
