a CampPage Summer Camp Guide
Southwest Summer Camps > Wilderness Adventure and Travel Programs
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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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.
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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.
Lasting Adventures, Inc.
Wilderness Adventure
Throughout the summer, Lasting Adventures, guides youth ages 11-18 on memorable excursions in and around the Yosemite backcountry. While having fun, making new friends, and learning about the outdoors, these one and two week-long excursions focus on positive youth development.
Staffed by professional educators and naturalists, our mission is to use the natural environment and outdoor activities to teach youth the necessary skills and attitudes for living successful lives. Through safe risk taking opportunities, participants will be challenged to improve their sense of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. Along with creating lasting memories, it is our goal that participants will finish this adventure with a greater knowledge of themselves, the world, and the environment around them.
Camp Woolman
Residential Coed CampOutdoor adventure in the beautiful Tahoe national forest, great activities and a nurturing camp community make Camp Woolman a fun and accepting place where kids can be themselves. Surrounded by nature and away from the social pressures of school, kids at Woolman come alive, make friends, discover hidden talents, support others, and express themselves. Food at camp is organic, local and delicious.
SIERRA FRIENDS CAMP For boys and girls ages 9-14 One and two week sessions $600 - $700 per week TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP Ages 15 & 16 Two week outdoor adventures $700 per week Work-trades, family discounts and scholarships available.
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!
SeaWorld San Diego 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.
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.
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.
Panacea Adventures
Wilderness adventure program
Educate, Empower and Engage
Nationwide Adventure Expeditions
Panacea Adventures is a place fueled by adventure but grounded in timeless values. Come and enter a defining period of growth, empowerment and freedom through exciting wilderness adventures. On a trip with Panacea Adventures you will go backpacking through wild terrain, rock climbing, mountaineering, sea kayaking, surfing, or whitewater rafting.
After a trip with Panacea Adventures students leave with lasting friendships, proud moments, unforgettable memories, and enriched leadership, decision-making and interpersonal skills. For young people looking for a place where excitement and empowerment are not mutually exclusive, Panacea is sure to deliver the best summer of your life. One that will stir the soul and invigorate the body and mind!
C5 Youth Foundation, Southern California
Coed Residential CampThe C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California (C5LA) is a non-profit organization that offers promising high school students from under-served communities in Los Angeles a five year leadership development program at no cost. During the summer our students travel to Hyattville Wyoming for a high adventure, summer camp designed to develop leadership skills and confidence. Our goal is to provide teens with the tools and resources needed overcome challenging situations back at home so they can successfully navigate high school and pursue higher education!
C5LA is recruiting seasonal staff members for our summer camp and backcountry wilderness programs.
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.
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!
Camp Tawonga
Residential coed summer campLocated 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, and the Pacific Northwest. Teens can apply for leadership programs, like staff in training or Tawonga's Teen Service Learning trip to Israel, a four and a half week trip combing service, travel, and learning. Call (415)543-2267 or visit www.tawonga.org for more information.
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.
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 in any one of our awesome locations including Wrightsville Beach, NC; the Outer Banks, NC; Hawaii; California; Costa Rica; and Barbados. Some programs include earning your PADI Open Water Certification. Surf and explore various parts of the coast while learning about amazing marine ecosystems. Gain self confidence and have an adventure that will change your life forever! No experience is required as we cater to beginners and provide an industry leading student to instructor ratio of 3:1.
In all of our adventures, campers travel the coastline to surf numerous breaks while becoming immersed in the local culture, surf etiquette, and ocean safety that will allow them to grow and increase their skills in the water. Come have the experience of a lifetime with WB Surf Camp!
The Wild Traveler
Wilderness Adventure Camp
The Wild Traveler specializes in Teen Adventure Travel to culturally and ecologically threatened and endangered places. Our trips create global awareness and empower our participants to become active in our global community. On our Hawaiian teen adventure you will travel to two of Hawaii's most beautiful Islands, The Big Island and Kauai. Experience the islands first hand by land and sea through a variety of outdoor activities including SCUBA diving, surfing, kayaking and hiking.
Learn about Hawaii's fascinating history and it's unique culture, sample the Big Island's best local plate lunch, snorkel at Captain Cook's memorial, hike to the base of Hawaii's most majestic waterfalls, and SO MUCH MORE! With exciting adventures, new friendships, and unforgettable memories - This is the teen adventure you have been waiting for!
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.
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 you will need for future success.
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.
Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp
Residential coed camps
Yes, we really do have monkeys and 100's of other animals. We are an animal lovers dream come true! Our curiosity guided programs offer a safe place to interact with over 300 animals! 26 week long courses include; Jr Vet, Adopt an Animal, Pottery, CSI, Archery, Survival Skills, Cooking, Crafts, Fishing, Riflery, Build it yourself physics lab and so much more.
Campers come from all over the world. Airport transportation available from the St. Louis International Airport. Located on 240 acres of oak/hickory forest. Our camp offers; modern air-conditioned cabins, swimming pool, fishing ponds, miles of hiking trails and it's own camp zoo.
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.
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."
