a CampPage Summer Camp Guide
Southwest Summer Camps > Sailing and Windsurfing
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.
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River Way Ranch Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Memories and friendships await you at River Way Ranch Camp, one of California's premier residential summer camps for ages 7-16. A family tradition since 1967, generations of families have been coming to the scenic foothills of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks to experience the summer of a lifetime.
Campers are well supervised by a highly-trained staff as they participate in their choice of more than 65 activities offered. The caring and devoted counselors guide campers through new adventures as they learn new skills, meet new friends, and achieve each goal, one step at a time. Accredited by the American Camping Association, River Way Ranch Camp maintains its outstanding reputation as "one of the best summer camps in the United States."
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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!
Hawaii Wilderness Adventure School
Wilderness Adventure - United StatesLooking for a way to get your teenagers unplugged, and a bit out of their comfort zone? Our mission is to foster a love of the outdoors in young people which inspires environmental stewardship in future leaders. Students learn leadership skills by cooking, teaching, and guiding each other through unforgettable adventures.
We emphasize respect for the land and culture, through service projects benefiting local farmers and the community. Get off the beaten path by hiking to waterfalls, sailing, SCUBA diving and exploring volcanoes! With a focus on education, students learn invaluable skills while immersed in the natural treasures of Hawaii.
Adventure Treks
Wilderness adventure program for Teens
Ever climbed a snow covered volcano? Slept under a starry sky on a wilderness beach or rafted a crazy fun whitewater river? Here is your chance! At Adventure Treks this is just a snapshot of your best summer ever. You will see incredible scenery, make great friends from across the country, laugh more than you ever thought possible, and become a better leader. A recent study shows Adventure Treks will improve the 21st century life skills your parents think you will need be successful.
Temporarily escape the digital age. 12 - 18 year olds can visit exciting destinations on the West Coast, British Columbia, Colorado, Utah, Alaska, New England and the Southeast. Give us just two or three weeks and you will see benefits and make friendships that will last the rest of your life.
Bold Earth Teen Adventures
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. Rock climb in Colorado, take language class in Costa Rica, go world class white water rafting, climb peaks, PADI SCUBA dive Fiji, build bamboo rafts in Bali, hike the great wall of China, visit Machu Picchu or surf the warm blue waters of Hawaii!
For 36 years the mission of Bold Earth has been to offer an adventure for every enthusiastic traveler, 11 - 18 years of age, 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. Our leader's first priority is safety and the second is FUN! The goal of Bold Earth is to teach independence and leadership skills which will lead to a lifetime of exploration, friendship and enjoyment.
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.
Wilderness Ventures
Wilderness adventure program
Since 1973, Wilderness Ventures has been introducing exciting outdoor expeditions to beginners and experienced young adults, ages 12 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 14-36 days.
Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting & kayaking, mountaineering, biking, sailing, surfing, SCUBA, canoeing, sea kayaking, and community service.
Catalina Sea Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Explore Santa Catalina Island in Southern California. Learn to Scuba dive, snorkel, surf, take underwater photos and video, and learn marine science (some activities are age specific- please call for details). Opens July and ends in August. For ages 8-17.
Activities include: scuba certification, snorkeling, underwater video and photography, marine science, surfing, ocean kayaking and more.
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.
Tall Ship Sailing
Coed sailing camp
Learn to sail a tall ship and learn marine science while exploring the Southern California Channel Islands. The program is designed to build minds and character through a live-a-board sailing experience aboard the 156' tall ship TOLE MOUR. One-week, two-week, and three-week cruises available; opens in July ending in August; ages 10-18
Activities include: Sail Training, Marine Biology, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Underwater Photography.
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!
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.
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.
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.
