Our Progressive Camping Philosophy
Yes, there is camping at our camp! Our camping program is progressive in the skills we teach and the trips on which we embark. Our very youngest campers learn basic camping skills and go on an ‘Almost Overnight’ on our campus. As skills increase and children get older campers go on more and more trips!
We believe camping builds confidence and resilience, cultivates group bonding, opens up new vistas and horizons (literally and figuratively), brings children closer to nature, and, in an un-plugged environment, gives them experiences they’ll never forget.
Our camping staff is certified, experienced, gentle and encouraging, following the ‘roughing it easy’ philosophy. We do not approach the outdoors with the idea that we are going out to ‘conquer’ something, but rather that we are going out to open up to something even greater than ourselves.
Let the Adventures Begin!
Almost Overnights
This is designed as an introduction to our camping program for our younger campers. The excitement these campers show building up to this event is amazing. To look at such a group about to head out to our field to set up tents, one would think that they were en route to a month-long expedition climbing the Himalayan peaks!
During an Almost Overnight campers learn what kind of gear to take and how to pack it, how to set up tents, collect appropriate firewood, learn fire safety and how to start a fire. They’ll also enjoy dinner together, an amazing display of fireflies, songs around the campfire and maybe even some ‘shooting stars’ overhead. Campers are picked up by parents early that evening. We want everyone to get home and in bed as quickly as possible, recognizing that this has been a long, tiring and great day!
On-Site Overnights
On-Site overnights are the perfect introduction to sleeping outdoors (in a tent of course!). Sleeping “close to home” pairs the exciting experience of spending the night outdoors with the familiarity of being on our campus. Besides getting to go on night hikes, see fireflies and shooting stars and sing around a campfire, campers will learn outdoor living skills. Campers, by staying the whole night, get involved with more of the cooking, learn some more advanced outdoor skills, learn how to go to the bathroom outdoors, practice using the tents properly and learn how to sleep warm (or cool) and dry in a sleeping bag. Older campers going on other trips later in the summer also participate in an On-Site overnight early in the season to learn some of ins-and-outs of minimal impact camping.
Canoeing
In a beautiful lake setting, campers learn the fundamentals of canoeing. Campers will build skills in various canoe strokes, steering, performing water rescues and a host of other paddling and water safety techniques all help to build independence and self-confidence.
After a day out on the water, campers enjoy a healthy meal, bond over their day around the campfire, and fall asleep in their tents under the stars.
