Programs for Teens

- Parents Survival Guide -

Nervous about sending your child to camp?

link to blog post, tips for parents sending their children to camp

We are ACA accredited so we adhere to the highest standards for safety, operations, and program quality.

Adventure Program Ages 12-14

This special program for older campers focuses on developing outdoor living skills and includes a two-night on-site camp out on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

In addition to regular residential camping activities, Adventure campers learn fire building, orienteering, outdoor cooking, tent set-up and have the opportunity to go down the zip-line at high ropes.

During the campout, Adventure campers stay in a single-gender tent they learn to set-up themselves. They prepare and cook their own campfire meals.

Refer to our overnight camping page for details on costs, schedule, and availability. Learn more about our staff, food, and facilities.   

Trekker Program Ages 12-14

Trekkers participate in an over-night, off-site camp-out and trip that includes rock climbing at Pilot Mountain State Park and canoeing on the Dan River, a low-class rapid river. Parents are required to fill out the Trekker Consent Form in order for campers to participate in the program.

Prior to the trip, Trekkers learn advanced canoeing skills on Lake Hazel and climbing skills using our climbing wall and high ropes course. Trekkers leave Wednesday morning, spend the day canoeing on the Dan, and then camp-out at Pilot Mountain, ready for rock-climbing on Thursday morning. Trekkers return on Thursday in time to join the camp dance that evening. Trekkers learn how to set-up their own tents and cook their own meals over an open campfire. Tents are single-gender.

Trekkers spend much of their time at camp learning specialized skills in preparation for their trip so do not participate in many of the normal camp activities like horseback riding, crafts, etc.

The safety of all participants is our first priority and the center reserves the right to cancel trips in the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. The group is under the supervision of trained and experienced instructors at a ratio of 1:6. Off-site travel is provided by passenger vans.

Refer to our overnight camping page for details on costs, schedule, and availability. Learn more about our staff, food, and facilities.   

LIT (Leader-in-Training) Program Ages 15-17

The LIT program is designed to help older campers develop leadership skills. The program runs concurrently and intertwined with the weekly sleepaway summer camp.

There are 6 male and 6 female spaces available during each session of camp. Assigned to a staff mentor for the week, LITs spend part of their time working on program set-up and behind-the-scenes details. They also receive specialized training and participate in team-building activities, high ropes, and other leadership opportunities.

LITs must go through an application process prior to being accepted for the program. Applications for the 2024 season are now available. Learn more about our staff, food, and facilities.