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Southwest Summer Camps > Hiking and Backpacking Summer Camps
SOAR, Inc.
Wilderness adventure program
For over 30 years, SOAR has provided multi-length, adventure programs for youth diagnosed with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. Recognizing the outdoors provides an ideal classroom where relevant learning can occur and life skills can be taught, emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence, social skills, and problem solving techniques. Courses are co-ed, and are developed for youth ages 8 - 18 with average or above average intelligence and physical aptitude. Staff to student ratio is low, and instructors are hired for qualities of maturity and caring, enabling them to relate to students and enhance their adventure experience.
Activities vary by location and range from snorkeling and kayaking in the Florida Keys; backpacking, and whitewater rafting in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; surfing and sea kayaking along the California Coast; and horsepacking and fishing in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and much more. Specialty courses include a trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, learning to whitewater kayak and even participating in a western rodeo! New programs incude a Northern California Expedition and a traditional camp model in sunny Florida.
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Wellspring Hawaii
Residential Coed Fitness and Weight Loss Camp
Wellspring Hawaii is the world's most effective fitness and weight loss program in paradise. With lush rainforests, diverse marine life, active volcanoes and world renowned surf, Hawaii is a unique experience for all. Young men and women ages 11-24 from Asia, Australia, and North America convene with experienced staff for a summer of success and memories to last a lifetime. College age campers enjoy Wellspring Hawaii's separate Upper Camp program.
Nutrition and culinary classes paired with the delicious food served in the dining hall guarantee knowledge of and love for new foods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a "BC" (Behavioral Coach) in group and individual sessions knits these elements together into comprehensive lifestyle change for rapid weight loss and long-term weight control.
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AAVE - All About Visiting Earth
Adventure Travel Programs
The worldwide leader in adventure travel since 1976! If you are interested in fun, community service, cultural and language immersion, adventure and travel then this is the camp for you. Zip-line through towering jungle trees, raft world class rivers, climb peaks, dive the Great Barrier Reef, hike the great wall of China, visit Machu Picchu or surf the warm blue waters of Hawaii!
AAVE has something for everyone, from beginner to expert! Our leaders are the best in the industry with over 80+ hours of backcountry first aid and extensive experience working with students. Their first priority is safety and the second is FUN! The goal of AAVE is to teach skills which will lead to a lifetime of exploration, friendship and enjoyment.
Walton's Grizzly Lodge Summer Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Founded in 1926 by Mom and Pop Walton, Walton's Grizzly Lodge is currently under the guidance of third generation owners and fourth generation directors. We believe in providing a structured program for children that emphasizes a feeling of family, friendship and belonging and encourages active participation in a variety of experiences.
Our private lake is ideal for water skiing, wake boarding, windsurfing, sailing, fishing and swimming. Horseback riding. Extensive ropes courses. Variety of craft programs. Wide range of athletics. Out of camp trips. One and two week sessions available. Ages 7-14. One hour from Reno!
Rock-N-Water Christian Adventure Camps
Coed Christian adventure programsRock-N-Water is a Christian adventure camp in California for church youth groups, individuals, families, retreats, and summer camps. We use adventures like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and backpacking to build team work and help youth realize God through adventures in His Creation.
Activities include: Whitewater Rafting, Outdoor Rock Climbing, Backpacking, Canyoneering, Team Challenges, White Water Inflatable Kayaking and more.
Camp Glorieta for Girls
Residential girls' summer camp
Camp Glorieta for Girls is a residential summer camp designed for individual attention, safety, and adventure. Our well trained staff facilitates camper growth in a fun environment, one-on-one relationships and God being placed first in all that we do. Also, see Camp Glorieta for Boys.
Activities include: Adventure Challenge, Basketball, Bible Study, Canoeing, Cheerleading, Choir, Crafts, Disc Sports, Horsemanship, Mountain Biking, Outdoor Living, Riflery, Sign Language, Team Building and much more! Sessions: one or two weeks. Ages 7 to 16.
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Wellspring California
Residential Coed Fitness and Weight Loss Camp
If you're looking for a fun-in-the-sun and an amazing variety of mountain and beach activities, Wellspring California is the place for you. Campers 11 - 18 years old take advantage of the wonderful sunshine, refreshing local waters, and fantastic campus facilities, campers participate in a variety of outdoor activities and watersports. Then, we cool off back on campus in extensive fitness and recreation facilities, including training and aerobic areas, weight rooms, gyms, and swimming pool. Campers share modern, comfortable, air-conditioned dorms as well as dining and common areas.
Nutrition and culinary classes paired with the delicious food served in the dining hall guarantee knowledge of and love for new foods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a "BC" (Behavioral Coach) in group and individual sessions knits these elements together into comprehensive lifestyle change for rapid weight loss and long-term weight control.
Friendly Pines Camp
Residential coed summer camp
High in the tall, cool pines near historic Prescott, Arizona, Friendly Pines offers 30+ activities to choose from. Activities include English & Western riding, pony driving, swimming, tennis, waterskiing, rock climbing, ropes course, archery, arts, fishing, sports, hiking, pets, outdoor living skills, & more.
Excellent camper to staff ratios. We conduct professional background checks and drug tests on all staff. 65 years of experience. Coed, ages 6-13. An Arizona tradition!
River Way Ranch Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Nestled in California's scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, near majestic Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, River Way Ranch Camp has established itself over the last 41 years as one of the most premier residential summer camps in the country. Offering campers, ages 7-16, the chance of a lifetime, River Way strives to create an unforgettable experience in which campers become immersed in a fantastically supportive environment. With a highly trained staff bringing enthusiasm, energy and encouragement to every aspect of their stay, our campers break through their personal barriers as they branch out and try many of our 65 different activities.
Facilities at River Way set the standard for the camping industry, offering campers air-conditioned, resort-style accommodations. Utilizing activities such as waterskiing, waverunners, horseback riding, a high ropes challenge course, performing arts, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, paintball, geocaching, diva days mini-bikes, go carts, and white water rafting, counselors encourage campers to challenge themselves with new experiences, allowing them to discover hidden talents and increase their sense of accomplishment and self esteem. River Way consistently is viewed as a leader in the summer camp industry. For more information, please visit our web site or call us for a brochure and video.
Camp Trinity on The Bar 717 Ranch
Residential coed summer camp
The Bar 717 Ranch/Camp Trinity offers children ages 8 to 16 the opportunity to spend the summer on a beautiful mountain ranch. The Bar 717 Ranch /Camp Trinity teaches responsibility for oneself and others in a noncompetitive, supportive environment. We are located in northern California on 450 acres which is surrounded by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. We offer 2, 3, and 4 week sessions.
Activities include: horsemanship, backpacking, river swimming, music, arts & crafts, ceramics, blacksmithing, gardening.
Wellspring Academy of California Summer Session
Residential Coed Fitness and Weight Loss Camp
Wellspring Academy of California, the premier treatment program for adolescent obesity and the first boarding school for weight loss, welcomes students for summer session. Wellspring Academy is the only summer weight loss program or camp where students earn academic credit, lose weight and catch up or accelerate academically this summer at Wellspring Academy.
Wellspring Academy of California offers 3 different summer programs, ages 11-24. High School Summer Academic Program: Earn summer credits while participating in Wellspring's renowned weight loss and fitness program, Wellspring Academy of California Summer College Program: Academic option with online or local college curriculum and Wellspring Academy of California Adventure Program: incorporates a series of off-campus adventure trips and on-campus activities. Enrollment is open year-round.
Nutrition and culinary classes paired with the delicious food served in the dining hall guarantee knowledge of and love for new foods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a "BC" (Behavioral Coach) in group and individual sessions knits these elements together into comprehensive lifestyle change for rapid weight loss and long-term weight control.
Kennolyn Camps
Coed Camp with Residential & Day Camp Sessions
Kennolyn Camps has a wide range of summer camp options. From one week of Day Camp to four weeks of Resident Camp. From our specialized Equestrian Camp to our Family Camp over Labor Day weekend. Make Kennolyn Camps a part of your summer!
35 activities to choose from for boys and girls ages 6-14, including extensive ropes courses for all ages, horseback riding and more. Located on 300 acres in California's beautiful Redwoods, five miles from Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean.
Adventure Treks
Wilderness adventure program for Teens
Join other teenagers from all over the U.S. for fun and exciting summer adventures in western North America's amazing wilderness. Besides an amazing amount of fun, you'll see incredible scenery, experience the benefits of being a member of a close community, learn many new outdoor skills, become a stronger leader, and gain self-confidence.
Exciting 16 - 28 day wilderness adventures for 13 - 18 year olds in Washington, Oregon, California, Canada, Montana, Alaska, North Carolina & New Hampshire.. A 1:4 instructor:student ratio with a focus on community and growth. Activities include backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, canoeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, sailing, canyoneering and whitewater rafting.
Camp Whittier
Residential coed summer campNestled among the hills of the Los Padres National Forest, the private, tucked-away 55 acre resident camp is bounded by hiking trails and hosts an abundance of wildlife in an oak woodland area. Cachuma Lake and its amenities are within easy walking distance. Programs include: Ropes Challenge Course, Swimming, Drama, Archery, Music, Arts & Crafts, Campfires and more. ACA accredited camp.
5 day sessions in July. Scholarships are available. Campers are between the ages of 6 and 13 years old. CIT'S (counselor in training) program available ages 14-17.
Camp available for user group retreat rentals, challenge course & outdoor education programs year round.
Astrocamp
Residential coed summer camp
Explore the wonders of the universe with qualified instructor of the physical sciences. It's fun and educational. Traditional summer camp fun. Mountain bike, rock climb and hike in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California.
Traditional camp activities combined with astronomy, rocketry, space exploration, physical science activities and more. Camp season opens in June and ends in August. One and two week sessions, ages 8 to 17.
Wilderness Ventures
Wilderness adventure program
Since 1973, Wilderness Ventures has been introducing exciting outdoor expeditions to beginners and experienced young adults, ages 13 through 20. Our adventures visit a variety of wilderness environments in the Western United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, Central America, South America, and the South Pacific. Trips range from 16-42 days.
Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting & kayaking, mountaineering, biking, sailing, surfing, SCUBA, canoeing, sea kayaking, and community service.
Deer Hill Expeditions Inc.
Wilderness adventure and service program
Deer Hill Expeditions offers a unique and powerful blend of wilderness expeditions and community service programs in the Southwest United States and Costa Rica. Since 1984, Deer Hill's purpose has been to enhance an individual's appreciation of the natural world, teach the skills of living in the wilderness with minimum impact, promote stewardship of our Earth, and foster a tradition of service to our native lands and peoples. Deer Hill provides a safe, yet challenging atmosphere in which people can grow as individuals and be an integral member of a small group.
Students from the United States and the international community engage in activities, including whitewater rafting, backpacking, rock climbing, inflatable kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, surfing, leadership development, cross-cultural living with Native Americans, and conservation projects with the U.S. Forest Service. Spanish Language immersion is central to our Costa Rica expeditions. Field staff average 28-30 years of age and have extensive experience leading young people in the backcountry. Programs are specifically designed for 7th-8th grade introductory expeditions, as well as 9th-12th grade individuals. Our expeditions launch from our 128-acre base camp facility located near Durango, Colorado. Deer Hill is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. You don't need previous experience, and you can rent all the equipment you need from our outfitting store. As long as you are physically fit and eager to be part of a dynamic group, you'll have the adventure of a lifetime.
Catalina Island Camps
Residential coed summer camp
Catalina Island Camps is a Summer Resident Camp for boys and girls ages 7 through 15. The camp facilities are located at Howlands Landing on the California side of Catalina Island, 22 miles from Southern California. 150-180 boys and girls ages 7 to 15 participate in the camp's waterfront and land programs.
Activities include: sailing, skin diving, water-skiing, sea-kayaking, climbing wall, ropes course, and many others.
Gold Arrow Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Gold Arrow Camp is a traditional, resident summer camp for children on Huntington Lake in the Sierra National forest. Boys and girls, ages 6-14, enjoy rustic living and nightly campfires without the distractions of TV, computers, and telephones in a beautiful lakeside setting. Since 1933, children have returned year after year because of the feeling of tradition, community, and belonging that they experience. Through participation in a structured program of over twenty non-competitive watersports and traditional activities, campers are encouraged to try new things, build their skills, and take risks. The result is improved confidence and perseverance.
Campers participate in waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, motorboating, horseback riding, archery, riflery, mountain biking, rock climbing, and much more. Session lengths of 1-4 weeks run June through August. Gold Arrow Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps.
Camp Glorieta for Boys
Residential boys' summer camp
Camp Glorieta for Boys is a residential summer camp located in the mountains of Glorieta, New Mexico. Our camps are designed with the individual in mind, and our goal is to grow campers physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Open to campers ages 7 to 16, Glorieta provides a great outlet to make new friends, learn new skills, and grow in your relationship with Christ. With a camper to staff ratio of 4:1, we provide a safe environment for your children while they are away from home.
Camp Glorieta offers two different programs -- a starter camp for campers who have completed 1st through 5th grades and a 2 week program for those who have completed 1st through 10th grades.
Website:
SOAR, Inc.
Wilderness adventure program
For over 30 years, SOAR has provided multi-length, adventure programs for youth diagnosed with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. Recognizing the outdoors provides an ideal classroom where relevant learning can occur and life skills can be taught, emphasis is placed on developing self-confidence, social skills, and problem solving techniques. Courses are co-ed, and are developed for youth ages 8 - 18 with average or above average intelligence and physical aptitude. Staff to student ratio is low, and instructors are hired for qualities of maturity and caring, enabling them to relate to students and enhance their adventure experience.
Activities vary by location and range from snorkeling and kayaking in the Florida Keys; backpacking, and whitewater rafting in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; surfing and sea kayaking along the California Coast; and horsepacking and fishing in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and much more. Specialty courses include a trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, learning to whitewater kayak and even participating in a western rodeo! New programs incude a Northern California Expedition and a traditional camp model in sunny Florida.
