Antonia Steinberg, a young and ambitious camp director, faced a troubling situation when two kids failed to show up for the camp’s curfew. She immediately took action and went searching for them. Buck’s Rock, a unique camp in New Milford, Connecticut, is known for its unconventional approach that allows campers to have freedom and make their own choices. However, the “put-to-bed” curfew is the only rule that cannot be negotiated.
After a long search, the missing campers were found outside the actors’ studio, and one of them ran into the woods. The camper eventually stopped running and went home for a week to regroup. Ms. Steinberg expressed the overwhelming feeling of managing numerous tasks simultaneously. She admitted that sometimes it feels impossible to bear the weight of all the responsibilities.
Ms. Steinberg’s connection to Buck’s Rock goes back to her childhood when she first attended the camp at the age of 10. She was attracted to the camp’s emphasis on arts and its Montessori approach. Notably, Buck’s Rock has been attended by famous alumni such as Paz de la Huerta, Ezra Koenig, and Ben Cohen.
Being part of a wealthy and renowned family, Ms. Steinberg has always been mindful of the privileges that come with her background. She acknowledges the truth of her family’s buying power and believes it would be disingenuous to deny it. In fact, she views it as an opportunity to make a positive impact and help others. This mindset led her to transform Buck’s Rock into a nonprofit organization two years ago. Currently, 43% of the campers receive partial or full scholarships, allowing them to experience summers at the camp like Ms. Steinberg did.
The origins of Buck’s Rock trace back to 1941 when Dalton, a private all-girls school in Manhattan, bought the land in New Milford as an emergency safe haven for students in case of German bombings. However, the property later fell into the hands of Ilse and Ernst Bulova, Austrian refugees who transformed it into a summer camp. The couple adopted a unique approach, different from the strict military-style camps that were common at the time. At Buck’s Rock, campers engaged in activities such as growing vegetables, taking care of animals, and helping with meal preparation.
Famous writer Molly Jong-Fast, who attended Buck’s Rock in the 1990s, expressed her happiness and sense of belonging at the camp. Her mother, Erica Jong, also attended Buck’s Rock when it was still a “socialist work camp.” Over the years, Buck’s Rock shifted its focus to the arts, allowing campers to explore various creative outlets such as drawing, batik, writing for the newspaper, and more.
Renowned novelist Lionel Shriver, who worked as a counselor at Buck’s Rock in the 1980s, described the camp as having serious aspirations and a commitment to visual arts. Buck’s Rock stood out from other camps that merely provided basic arts and crafts activities. The camp prioritized fostering creativity and talent in its campers.
As the summer camp prepared to open for another season, Ms. Steinberg oversaw the final tasks alongside counselors and counselor-in-training (C.I.T.s). She often found solace outside the wood shop, reminiscing about her time there as a camper. Despite her young age, 23, Ms. Steinberg took on the role of president and managed her employees, many of whom had known her since she was a child. Establishing authority was challenging for her, but she was determined to gain respect through her actions and leadership.
Ms. Steinberg had a nomadic upbringing, attending multiple schools and experiencing different educational environments. However, Buck’s Rock remained a constant in her life every summer. The camp allowed campers to freely explore various creative disciplines, including glassblowing, ceramics, painting, music, dance, and more. During her time as a camper, Ms. Steinberg developed a diverse artistic portfolio, which she later used in her application to Rhode Island School of Design, where she graduated in 2022.
The opportunity to take over Buck’s Rock came when the previous owner, Noah Salzman, approached Ms. Steinberg’s mother about a potential sale. The camp industry was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing Buck’s Rock to remain closed for the first time in its history. Mr. Salzman, realizing that the camp might permanently shut down, reached out to Ms. Steinberg. While initially daunting, Ms. Steinberg’s involvement in a philanthropic training program and her supportive family encouraged her to take on the challenge. By purchasing the camp and transforming it into a nonprofit, she aimed to make the camp more accessible to a wider range of campers.
Despite the privileges that come with her family background, Ms. Steinberg is fully aware of her position and the responsibilities that come with it. She believes in using her influence and experiences to make a positive impact. Opening day at Buck’s Rock was a testament to the camp’s inclusive and democratic atmosphere. Ms. Steinberg greeted campers and their parents as they checked in. The campers arrived, ready with their belongings, from portable fans to musical instruments. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, even as notable figures like Ethan Hawke were spotted.
Returning camper Jacob Abramovich expressed his love for sculpture and metalwork, while another former camper, Heather Bancroft, arrived to revisit the camp that had been a significant part of her life. Under Ms. Steinberg’s leadership and guidance, Buck’s Rock continued its legacy as a place for campers to explore their creativity freely and passionately. Ms. Steinberg’s journey from camper to president is a testament to her commitment to the camp and her determination to preserve its unique spirit.
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