IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING 

Camp Dogwood is bringing back Winter Camp in 2026. The dates are Friday, January 16 - Sunday, January 18.  Winter Camp is a bit more "getaway" style - smaller group, more intimate, more socializing and relaxing, and a range of activities (many indoors due to the weather) but not as many activities as a fall or spring camp.

For Winter Camp, the following meals are included: Friday/Saturday dinner and Saturday/Sunday breakfast.  Lunch will be on your own (all meals including food you bring in CAN be eaten in the dining hall this camp).  At previous camps, people have coordinated carry out orders for lunch and ate together, which can be nice. Friday night dinner will be pizza, Saturday night dinner is TBD. We will not be utilizing the facility's food-service, so the dining hall can be used to enjoy any food or beverages. We will be using disposable utensils, cups, plates, etc and everyone will need to pitch in to keep the Dining Hall tidy.    

As far as programming goes, we can expect the following (and likely more):

• Our traditional Sock Exchange (think White Elephant gift exchange meets gifting new pairs of socks)
• Special Craft activities (hopefully we will be doing leather stamping - think custom bracelets, keychains, purse charms and possibly a cool frame decorating project)
• Iphone Photography Class
• Canine Circus School
• Movement Puzzles
• Nosework
• Tresa Laferty will be joining us for her first Winter Camp and has some wonderful ideas for sessions (example: Vino & Visions - goal setting for the New Year)
• Hikes
• Enjoying the 700 acres of camp property all to ourselves
• Endless campfires (and traditional Fireball shot)
• Endless hot chocolate, hot teas, and goodies in the lower lodge (BYOM - bring your own mug)
• Dog sledding (to be confirmed, the instructor may still be recovering from knee surgery)

As it gets closer to camp, more details will follow regarding specific happenings and what to bring.  A Facebook group for attendees will be created to help with planning, etc. 

Camp Check-In will begin on Friday at 11:00AM, camp will end Sunday at Noon. 

A maximum of 2 dogs per human will be strictly enforced this camp. Given the confines of indoor activities, only 1 dog will be able to participate at a time for some activities. 

There will be no Dogwood Canteen at the Winter Getaway, but a pre-order sweatshirt will soon be available.  There will be no raffle or charity fundraising.

The program fee is non-refundable and non-transferable unless the program gets cancelled due to not meeting the minimum number of participants or some other unforeseeable event. The cancellation and refund policy for this camp will be strictly enforced. Also, this camp does not count towards the camper recognition program for number of times attending camp, only Spring and Fall Camp are part of that program.  Alumni patches will be available for second time campers.

Initial rates are $545 per person, after November 28th rates will increase to $595 per person.

INITIAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH, in order determine if there are enough participants to move forward. If there are, then the final deadline is December 12th so there will be enough time for ordering camp supplies and goodies.

Camp Rules & Guidelines

Camp Dogwood’s Rules & Regulations are designed to make the camp experience positive and safe for everyone. If you have any questions about our policies, please contact the camp office for further details.

• Human Participants must be at least 18 years old.
• Puppies must be at least 3 months old.
• 2 dogs per person. 
• Dogs must be reasonably well socialized, potty-trained and non-aggressive towards people. If your dog has been aggressive towards people or dogs in the past, please do not bring him/her to camp. Dogs who need more “space” must wear an orange bandanna in order to prevent unwanted situations between dogs at camp.
• No dogs in heat. If your dog comes into heat while at camp, you will be asked to leave immediately without refund.
• Dogs must be in good health, free of contagious diseases and fleas.
• Proof of vaccines will be required prior to camp. Forms will be sent with your pre-camp packet to verify these requirements.
• Participants are required to “Scoop the Poop” immediately and consistently while on camp property. Trash cans are placed abundantly around camp for added convenience.
• Dogs need to be leashed during classes, sessions, and all-camp activities. Dogs are allowed off leash on the large empty fields, the beach, the trails, and in other less populated areas at camp. Full details of our on/off leash rules will be provided at camp.
• Smoking is not permitted in any building at camp. Smokers must do so outdoors, on the parking lot, and dispose of cigarette butts properly.
• In order for Camp Dogwood to be welcome at the facility where we hold camp sessions, dogs must be kept in a crate or small pen when left unattended in your room or cabin if they may cause damage otherwise. When the temperature is cool enough, dogs can also be left in your car.  If your dog is not crate trained, please call us to discuss this rule. If your dog is left loose and unattended, and as a result causes damage to your room, you will be responsible for paying for such damages (i.e. chews up the furniture, scratches the door).
• Your dog will be around many dogs and many people while at camp. If your dog demonstrates aggressive or other disruptive behavior at camp that is negatively impacting the camp experience for other people or dogs, Camp Dogwood reserves the right to expel you and your dog(s) from camp without notice or refund. Although camp can be a great environment to work on some negative behaviors/traits, some of these issues can be aggravated in a camp setting. If you have concerns about your dog’s ability to “get along with others” at camp, please contact the Camp Dogwood office so we can discuss your individual situation.