a CampPage Summer Camp Guide
Southwest Summer Camps > Wilderness Adventure and Travel Programs
MoonDance Adventures
Wilderness Adventure ProgramMoondance is an adventure travel program offering teenagers a variety of carefully crafted experiential summer adventures both domestically and internationally. We design a hands on, learn by doing program for young people who want to see the world in unique and inspiring ways. Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, fly fishing, surfing, SCUBA, sea kayaking, cultural immersion and community service.
We operate our programs in North Carolina, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Spain, France and Tanzania. When new friends, radiant sunrises, shared accomplishments, and thrilling activities combine and intermingle, the result is indescribable. We call it the “Spirit of the Moondance.”
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Shaffer's High Sierra Camp, Inc.
Wilderness adventure program
What would you attempt if you knew you couldn't fail? Raft down rapids? Climb a mountain? Rappel down a cliff? Mountain bike a world-class trail? Or something creative like improv, dance or art? At this small family-run camp you'll try new things, make friends and build confidence by gaining skills and conquering challenges you set for yourself!
A summer camp with the activities you've come to expect but with a focus on wilderness adventure: Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Mountain Boarding, Whitewater Rafting, Horseback Riding, Backpacking, and more! Ages 8 - 17. Sessions from 1 - 8 weeks. We have such confidence that your child will have fun, we guarantee it! That's right, if your child does not have fun, we'll refund your tuition. Visit our website for all the details. And reserve your space today, because space is limited!
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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.
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.
NRA Whittington Adventure Camp
Residential coed summer campHow would you like to experience some of the wildest country left in the West, learning to hunt, shoot, and sharpen your outdoor skills? This is exactly what the NRA Whittington Adventure offers; a chance for young men and women to learn about firearms and experience the thrill of tracking and stalking big game, all under the guidance of the most skilled firearms instructors and outdoor specialists in the nation. There is no summer camp experience quite like it in the world.
The NRA Whittington Adventure instructors will teach you the fundamentals of pistol, rifle, muzzleloading, and shotgun shooting skills with safety always foremost in mind. They'll introduce you to the fine art of competitive shooting, rifle and pistol silhouette, and bullseye disciplines plus skeet and trap shotgun savvy.
Camp Tawonga
Residential coed summer camp
Located at the doorstep of Yosemite National Park, on the middle fork of the Tuolumne River, on 160 acres in the Stanislaus National Forest, Camp Tawonga has been a leader in Jewish camping since 1925. Campers attend summer sessions at our Yosemite location, or can choose one of our Teen Adventure Quests that travel throughout Yosemite, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and New England. Teens can also apply for leadership programs, like staff in training or Tawonga's Teen Service Learning trip to Costa Rica, a four week trip combining service, travel, and learning. Call (415)543-2267 or visit www.tawonga.org for more information.
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.
Rock-N-Water Christian Adventure Camps
Coed Christian adventure programs
Rock-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.
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.
SeaWorld San Diego Adventure Camp
Coed Camp with Residential & Day Camp Sessions
SeaWorld has everything you want in a summer resident camp. We give campers behind-the-scenes, hands-on experiences with amazing animals. But it's not just about animals. It's also about having fun, exploring the great outdoors, and having a blast with new friends and all the awesome rides and attractions of SeaWorld San Diego. SeaWorld Adventure Camps help kids connect to the natural world and inspire a lifelong appreciation for earth's wildlife and wild places.
You'll stay in SeaWorld's Adventure Camp Center, which features classrooms, eating and outdoor play areas, a food service facility, and two floors of secure dormitories. Adventure Camps are accredited by the American Camp Association and exceed ACA standards to create a safe and enjoyable camp experience. Camp activities vary according to park hours and are available for grade level and camp session.
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.
Pali Overnight Adventures
Residential coed summer camp
Pali Adventures is a specialty overnight camp providing once-in-a-lifetime fantasy experiences for 9-16 year olds offering 18 specialty programs: Secret Agent Camp, Horseback Riding Academy, Acting Academy, Extreme Action Camp, Skate Camp, Water Sports Extravaganza, Hollywood Stunt Camp, Culinary Institute, Theater Academy, Fashion Design Institute, Movie Make-Up, Rock Star Camp, Film Institute, Dance Academy, Girl Power Extreme, Magazine Publishing and Leadership.
Electives include: Jet skiing, go-karts, paintball, high ropes, climbing wall, ATV quads, ceramics, zip line, inline skating, bungee trampoline, soccer, riflery, dance, skateboarding, karate, spa treatments, arts and crafts, photography, fencing, silk-screening, horseback riding, wakeboarding, mini-bikes, and much more!
Staff Training: Staff members receive intensive background checks, a multi faceted interview process and a two-week orientation. "What is in the best interest of our campers" is the core of each decision in camp. Pali is a fun and exciting experience your camper will remember for a lifetime!
Pali Mountain is comprised of more than 74 acres of wilderness near Lake Arrowhead and is centered around our 10,000 square foot main lodge. Our restaurant quality chef prepares three nutritious meals a day. Our cabins come equipped with full bathroom & shower facilities, and built-in solid wood bunks.
Skylake Yosemite Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Family owned and operated since 1945. Located in a pine forest on Bass Lake near Yosemite National Park. Campers specifically like that they get to choose the activities they participate in. All campers live in small cabins. Activities include all of the traditional camp activities such as waterskiing, horseback riding, ropes course.
One, two, and four week sessions for boys and girls ages 7 to 16. Lakefront and mountain location offers waterskiing, canoeing, horseback riding, backpack trips to Yosemite, nightly campfires and much more. Small cabins and 60 years of tradition.
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, windsurfing and whitewater rafting.
MoonDance Adventures
Wilderness Adventure ProgramMoondance is an adventure travel program offering teenagers a variety of carefully crafted experiential summer adventures both domestically and internationally. We design a hands on, learn by doing program for young people who want to see the world in unique and inspiring ways. Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, fly fishing, surfing, SCUBA, sea kayaking, cultural immersion and community service.
We operate our programs in North Carolina, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Spain, France and Tanzania. When new friends, radiant sunrises, shared accomplishments, and thrilling activities combine and intermingle, the result is indescribable. We call it the “Spirit of the Moondance.”
