a CampPage Summer Camp Guide
Southwest Summer Camps > Wilderness Adventure and Travel Programs
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WB Surf Camp
Residential coed surfing camp
We specialize in marine science and ocean safety based Surfing Adventures for ages 11-17. Campers learn how to surf "The Right Way" in any one of our awesome locations including Wrightsville Beach, NC, the Outer Banks of NC, California, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Barbados, Bahamas, Florida, and Australia. Surf and explore various breaks while learning about amazing coastal ecosystems. Gain self confidence and have an adventure that will change your life forever. No experience is required as we cater to beginners. Our industry leading student to instructor ratio is 3:1.
In all of our adventures, campers surf two sessions a day on most days. We'll surf multiple breaks and learn about surfing culture, etiquette, and safety that will allow you to grow as a surfer and increase your skills in the water. Come have the experience of a lifetime with Surf Camp!
Camp Kids Klub
Coed Day Camp"From the Mountains to the Sea and Everything in Between!" Camp Kids Klub's motto says it all... They literally go "From the Mountains" (Lake Arrowhead) "to the Sea" (Catalina Island) and do "Everything in Between" (Disneyland, Knott's, Bowling and more). For kids, summertime means "Camp" and at Kids Klub, Camp means Exciting Activities, Field Trips, New Friendships and lots of Camp Spirit!
-Great locations to choose from: Pasadena & San Gabriel/Rosemead
-Air-Conditioned Facility
-Low Camper to Staff Ratios
-Healthy Lunch & Snacks included!
-All staff fingerprinted and First Aid & CPR certified
-Rates include Full Day Program: 7:30 - 6:00
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.
Pali Overnight Adventures
Residential coed summer camp
Experience the ultimate camp, where fantasy meets imagination and dreams become reality. Campers (aged 9-16) participate in one of 16 custom-designed, one- and two-week resident specialty camps including: Secret Agent, Extreme Action, Watersports, Hollywood Stunts, Girl Power Extreme, Magazine Publishing, Fashion, Broadcasting, Film Institute, Motorsports, Dance and Acting Academy's, Movie Make-up, Rock Star Camp, Culinary Institute and Leadership.
Afternoons: Choose 3 individual electives from 50+ activities: Target Sports, Skateboarding, ATV's, Dune Buggies, Paintball, High Ropes, Laser Tag, Cooking, Crafts, Karaoke, Yoga, Mani's, Hiking, Basketball, Ga-Ga, Cricket, Zip Line, Climbing Wall, Rugby, Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Banana Boating, Jet Skiing, Sailing, and much more!
Our world class staff and two week staff training will make this an experience your camper will remember for a lifetime!
Pali comprises of 74 scenic acres in the San Bernardina Mtns. High quality meals. Modern Cabins equipped with full bathroom and shower facilities.
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.
