Challenge Course Programs: Ropes Course Programs and summer camps with a Challenge Course as a major activity
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Southwest Summer Camps > Challenge and Ropes Course Programs

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9 locations in 6 states: California, Rhode Isand, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina

SuperCamp

Coed Residential Camp

SuperCamp is an academic and life skills camp that provides powerful, lifelong learning skills and builds motivation, confidence and self-esteem for students age 11-18. We help create a roadmap toward success that students take back to school after camp. SuperCamp is a place of nonstop work and play, learning and growing, classes and outdoor challenges.

Held at 9 prestigious U.S. school campuses: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA; UCLA and Loyola Marymount, Los Angeles, CA; Brown University, Providence, RI; Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL; Kent State, Kent, OH; University of South Floida, Tampa, FL; Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. 7-day programs are available for middle school students, 10-day programs for high school students and an 8-day program is available for current & incoming college students.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.SuperCamp.com
(760) 722-0072
Established in 1982

Two Harbors, California

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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.catalinaislandcamps.com
(800) 696-CAMP
Established in 1926

Johns Island, San Juan Island Archipelago, Washington

Camp Nor'wester

Residential coed summer camp

Less Technology - More Independence. Camp Nor'wester has provided memorable summers to 1000's of kids since 1935. Activities are considered traditional: arts and crafts, drama, archery, and ropes course, with lots of outdoor activities like sailing, kayaking, hiking and overnight camping trips. Living is cooperative - everyone helps with daily living needs like cleaning latrine and shower houses; clearing trails; gathering wood for shower house boilers, repairing fire circles, and serving food at meal times. We get outside, live with simple comforts, and do things that require personal effort.

Leaving the distractions of technology, media and commerce behind, campers discover new interests and friendships through simple, self- powered pleasures. Change takes time. Our four-week program allows campers to step out on their own, away from preconceived images or expectations held by family and school communities. They will encounter challenging experiences in a supportive, group living environment. They will learn to build relationships, share adventures and take on responsibilities.

Kids don't have to be the smartest, fastest, tallest or coolest to come to Nor'wester. They just have to be willing to leave the cushy life behind, unplug for a while, and try something out of the ordinary.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.norwester.org
(360) 468-2225
Established in 1935

Austin, Texas

Wellspring Texas

Residential Coed Fitness and Weight Loss Camp

Wellspring Texas campers are young males and females with a common goal: to lose weight while having fun. Boys and girls ages 11-18 enjoy an amazing summer of weight loss, fun, and friendships. Rapid and dramatic weight loss is achieved through a proven and comprehensive program provided by a staff of trained professionals. Set against the incredible backdrop of the Big Hill Country, on the sprawling 200-acre campus of San Marcos Baptist Academy outside of Austin, Texas.

Team sports like soccer, football, tennis, and kickball along with swimming, hiking, canoeing, biking, rafting, kayaking, climbing, and aerobics are just some of the activities that campers enjoy in a very supportive environment. 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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.wellspringcamptexas.com
(866) 364-0808
Established in 2004

Prescott, Arizona

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!

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.friendlypines.com
(888) 281-CAMP
Established in 1941

Portola, California

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!

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.grizzlylodge.com
(530) 274-9577
Established in 1926

La Jolla, California

Wellspring Camp La Jolla

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 Camp La Jolla is the place for you. Campers 11 - 25 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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.wellspringcalifornia.com
(866) 364-0808
Established in 2004

Programs in the Florida Keys; the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; the California Coast; the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming

SOAR, Inc.

Wilderness adventure program

SOAR has provided multi-length, high adventure programs for youth diagnosed with ADHD and/or learning disabilities for over 35 years. Recognizing that 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. Course are co-ed, and are dveloped for youth ages 8-25 with average to above average intelligence and physical ability. Staff to student ratio is low, and instructors are hired for qualities of maturity, caring and passion for working with our population in the outdoor setting.

Activities vary by location and range from snorkeling and fishing in the Florida keys; backpacking and rafting in the Blue Ridge mountains of NC; surfing and sea kayaking in California; horsepacking and fishing in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming; to canoeing and rock climbing in the Adirondack mountains of New York. Specialty courses include a trip tropical Belize, learning to whitewater kayak in North Carolina, earning SCUBA certifications in Florida, and even participating in a Wyoming Rodeo! Our Postgraduate program serves young adults ages 18-25.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.soarnc.org
(828) 456-3435
Established in 1977

Nevada City, California

Camp Augusta

Residential coed summer camp

Camp Augusta is an 80 acre, non-profit, residential summer camp located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California. We are a small camp with about 50 staff and 90 campers per session. We aim to help campers develop self-confidence, independence, social skills (emotional intelligence), creativity, activity skills, environmental awareness and appreciation, friendships, and healthy living skills while having FUN in a small, tight, true community set in a beautiful forest.

Camp Augusta operates on a structure of flat hierarchy, consensus and intention with every action. We also have many activities that you are unlikely to find at other camps.

Coed Camp Website: www.campaugusta.org
(530) 265-3702
Established in 1931

Ferndale, New York; Rabun Gap, Georgia; Los Olivos, California

Shane Weight Loss Camps

Residential Coed Camp

Featured on The Tyra Show, MTV, 20/20, Dr. Phil and The Discovery Channel, Camp Shane has outstanding facilities and extensive activities. Portion controlled meals with classes in nutrition, dieting and cooking result in superb, proven weight losses. Fun, friendly and family run since 1968. You're going to look and feel great after a summer at Camp Shane. We're a weight loss camp with excellent results but dieting is only part of our awesome program. We don't make being overweight a bigger problem than it is. We're a lot of fun, very friendly and we really care about each other.

At Camp Shane you'll feel comfortable, welcome and good about yourself! We know exactly what you're going through and we're here to help you succeed and have the best time of your life. We have a highly supervised program with great tasting meals and an extensive list of activities from jet skis and dune buggies to dance and dramatics.

Coed Camp Website: www.campshane.com
(914) 271-4141
Established in 1968

Soquel, California

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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.kennolyncamps.com
(831) 479-6714
Established in 1946

Running Springs, California

Pali Overnight Adventures

Residential coed summer camp

THE CAMP OF CHOICE! Pali Adventures is a specialty summer experience, nestled nr Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. With Pali 16 unique specialties, Pali Adventures has a specialty to suit most campers.

Our custom-designed, one- and two-week residential specialties include Fashion, Film, Culinary and Broadcasting Institutes, Action Adventures like Secret Agent, Extreme Action, Hollywood Stunts, Motor sports and Girl Power Extreme, and creative pursuits like our Acting and Dance Academy's, Movie Make-up, Rock Star, Flying Trapeze and CIT/Leadership programs.

Pali's 100% free-choice afternoons allow campers to choose from over 50 activities ranging from arts and crafts to zip lines, adventure activities to watersports and so much more!

Our campers also choose their favorite evening activities upon arrival in camp from an array of incredible options with Casino nights, pandemonium, mimic mania, themed dances to name just a few of our camper's favorites. A world class staff, must attend an industry leading 14-day staff training (standard within the industry is 8 days), will make this summer camp experience one your child will never forget!

Pali has 74 scenic acres with great facilities, modern cabins equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities. Excellent food! GREAT FUN!

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.paliadventures.com
(909) 867-5743
Established in 1990

Wishon, California

Skylake Yosemite Camp

Residential coed summer camp

Skylake continues the traditions of a camp founded in 1945 while constantly being updated to be exciting and relevant for today's youth. Our cabins have no electricty as we find candles are much more fun, a lot of singing at campfires, and an atmosphere that creates friendships for a life time. Our schedule is open for the campers to chose the activites they find most appealing. All of the traditional camp activities such as horseback riding, lake swimming, climbing wall, crafts, sports, tennis, and water skiing are available along with special celebration days, Yosemite trips, and contests galore.

Skylake hosts 210 coed campers each session with a staff of 70 counselors. The counselors are primarily college students who have completed a week of on site staff training, cpr and lifesaving certifications, and a proven love of children. Campers come primarily from the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles areas. Charter buses to camp are available from these locations. Skylake also hosts many campers from the east coast and from international locations. Campers are greeted at the Fresno Airport by Skylake staff and driven to the mountain location. Visit our website or call the camp office for more information.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.skylake.com
(559) 642-3720
Established in 1945

Hayfork, California

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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.bar717.com
(530) 628-5992
Established in 1930

Reedley, California

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.

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Coed Camp Website: www.wellspringacademies.com
(866) 364-0808
Established in 2005

Agoura Hills, California

Camp Keystone Summer Day Camp

Coed Day Camp

Camp Keystone, a summer day camp in Agoura Hills, CA, is located on 30 acres with lush green grass and shady trees. With over 45 different activities including a 274' waterslide, 60' solar heated swimming pool, 3 zip lines, a state-of-the-art ropes course, go-carts, horses, giant interactive inflatables, archery, boating and fishing, and so much more, we are proud to offer a program unlike other camps.

With numerous pick-up points located throughout the San Fernando and Conejo Valley, we make getting to camp in our air-conditioned busses an enjoyable experience for your child.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.campkeystone.com
(818) 889 2224
Established in 1996

Idyllwild, California

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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.guideddiscoveries.org/
(800) 645-1423
Established in 1988

Thoreau, New Mexico

Cottonwood Gulch Foundation

Wilderness Adventure Program

Backpack up a mountain, live in a canyon, survey with an archaeologist, go rock climbing, restore burrowing owl habitat, silversmith your own jewelry, become best friends with someone you won't meet anywhere else - all in one summer. And we've been doing this longer than just about everyone--since 1926, our traveling expeditions have explored the Four Corners area, backpacking into remote wilderness areas, canoeing river canyons and exploring ancestral Puebloan ruins and the modern cultures of the Southwest.

Friendships and lessons learned at the Gulch last a lifetime, and a large number of our Trekkers and staff "70%-75%" return for another summer. Expeditions range from 2-6 weeks in length and are for those ages 10-19. Options include both single-sex and co-ed groups. Call or email for a free brochure, or just to chat with us about why we love what we do!

Coed Camp Website: www.cottonwoodgulch.org
(505) 248-0563
Established in 1926

Santa Barbara, California

Camp Whittier

Residential coed summer camp

Nestled 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 woodland area. Cachuma Lake and its amenities are within 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.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.campwhittier.org
(805) 962-6776
Established in 1994

Thousand Oaks, CA

Camp Young Set

Coed Day Camp

Close to Thousand Oaks, located on 5 acres of naturally wooded land, with swimming pool, ropes course, craft area, pottery studio, tech lab, and sports fields. An incredible jewel in your own backyard. Opportunities for leadership help campers develop self confidence and team skills building social awareness as they learn to see themselves as contributors and members of the community they value.

One of our core principles is that campers have limitless talent and unique gifts in artistic expression. We supply the tools they need to make works of art that can last a life time. Our Ropes Course is a favorite. Succeeding at what seems almost impossible make campers feel powerful. Plus, it's awesome to feel the encouragement from others. Our aquatics staff don't just "guard" campers who frolic about in the pool. We have a variety of activities for all ability levels and special pool parties with music, games, and campy fun for all.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.youngsetclub.org
(805) 495-2104
Established in 1969

9 locations in 6 states: California, Rhode Isand, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina

SuperCamp

Coed Residential Camp

SuperCamp is an academic and life skills camp that provides powerful, lifelong learning skills and builds motivation, confidence and self-esteem for students age 11-18. We help create a roadmap toward success that students take back to school after camp. SuperCamp is a place of nonstop work and play, learning and growing, classes and outdoor challenges.

Held at 9 prestigious U.S. school campuses: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA; UCLA and Loyola Marymount, Los Angeles, CA; Brown University, Providence, RI; Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL; Kent State, Kent, OH; University of South Floida, Tampa, FL; Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. 7-day programs are available for middle school students, 10-day programs for high school students and an 8-day program is available for current & incoming college students.

Accredited by the American Camp Association Coed Camp Website: www.SuperCamp.com
(760) 722-0072
Established in 1982