For today’s parents, finding the right summer camp for their pre-teen child can be a daunting challenge. The choices seem endless – large or small camp, single sex or coed, modern or rustic. And, oh yes, the family budget must be taken into account.

With endless options out there, every parent could use a little guidance. The first thing to do is determine what kind of program best fits your child’s needs and interests. For the elementary to middle schooler the choices fall into four categories:

• Traditional overnight camps still feature marshmallow roasts and color wars. They offer many more activities for the child seeking a well-rounded summer experience. Most camps offer sports, arts and crafts, and pioneering and water activities. They vary in style from structured to low-key, from rustic to plush. Generally, camps run from two to eight weeks. For many children this becomes a tradition- returning year after year and building lifelong friendships. There are overnight camps around the corner or across the country.
• Specialty camps are designed for children wanting to concentrate in a particular area, whether it be a sport, art,music, theater, computer science or almost any interest. Some speciality camps allow children to work directly with farm animals. Others focus on hiking and backpacking. A few even teach circus skills. These camps are not for everyone, but are perfect for the child who wants to be immersed in a single interest.
• Teen tours are travel programs that allow the older child to sightsee with his or her own peer group. Visiting famous areas--both in the United States and abroad--is just part of the attraction. In addition. the group participates in interesting activities along the way, such as white water rafting, grass skiing, taking in a major league baseball game or visiting a place such as the Hard Rock Cafe.
• Wilderness experience trips are for the growing youngster who may be looking for more rugged outdoor adventure. These activities may include hiking, backpacking, rafting, rock-climbing, or sailing. Biking tours can take a teen anywhere from the Oregon Trail to the back road vineyards of France. Usually these trips are physically challenging.

Not sure what would work for you? That’s where we come in. It starts with Judy talking with parents and kids identifying the family’s interests, special needs, geographic desires and budget. “Every child is like a fingerprint,” she says. “That is, every child is unique. Our job is to help put that special child in the right place.” The most important thing is not to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the choices. We work together to find the perfect fit for your family. We want each and every summer to be special.

If you are looking for a challenging, unique, summer experience – a wilderness adventure trip may be for you. A common misconception is that these camps are only for people with existing outdoors skills, but many participants have never backpacked, canoed or even camped. There are many activities offered in wilderness travel and the programs vary widely depending on location, physical intensity, participant’s age and interests.

What kind of adventure are you up for?

Speeding past soaring canyon walls, hitting the rapids, synchronizing your oars with your team for a wild, giddy ride through the waves. White water rafting down the Colorado River is quite a rush after backpacking through river basins, alpine meadows, and ancient forests where you’ll set up camps and eat and sleep under the stars.

Picture yourself out in a sea kayak learning to navigate along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California where the fantastic wildlife will vary with the location you choose. Be part of a crew following the captain’s instruction as you spend a few days sailing around volcanic islands. Take advantage of conditions of a glacier and enjoy skiing and snow boarding in summer! Feel the rush of sweet fresh air as you propel yourself on your bike tour along spectacular mountain roads.

Taste another culture as part of your wilderness trip by traveling in Central America or Europe. Explore a rain forest and ascend a volcano. Traverse the European Alps in thrilling downhill bike rides or backpack for periods of 8 to 12 days through mountain trails stopping at quaint alpine villages ending in the French Riviera.

Beyond the physical challenges and natural beauty, personal growth is a major component in all wilderness adventure travel. By stepping into an unfamiliar environment participants are stretching their expectations, trying their independence in a safe environment, and building self-confidence. As a group, everyone will have a role in achieving a goal or solving a problem. Whether in a foreign country or deep in woods, participants learn to be responsible for themselves, and depend on others. Many parents say that their child’s wilderness adventure experience was a life-changing experience for their child. The kids’ just say it was awesome.

When I woke up the sky was black, the stars making little bright pinholes in the night. It was in the mid 20’s so we dressed quickly. We had to get an early start. We had to get back to the base camp by 5:00PM. We started our climb at 3:00 AM; we had camped that night on the lower saddle on the mountain. After two days of intensive training and weeks of physical challenge this was the pinnacle of our trip - to summit the Grand Teton in the Teton Range. Mere strangers four weeks before I had bonded with my 13 companions, I was now ready to put my life in their hands and theirs in mine. We donned our lighted climbing helmets and started the 3,500 feet assent to the summit.

We each took turns leading and guiding the team. Around 9:00 AM we did it! Our counselor said we were the first group that summer to have the whole team make it to the top. The beauty was overwhelming; throughout my entire trip I had been awed by the sheer majesty of nature. I had always enjoyed the outdoors, but this was a part of nature that so few have the opportunity to see.

But then we needed to get down the mountain. We began our trek and, as we had throughout the trip, we depended on each other. My biggest thrill that day, besides reaching the summit, was a 200-foot repel, extending over 2000 feet of nothingness. It was terrifying and invigorating all at the same time. Once we were off the peak we hiked the 8 miles back to base camp. Exhausted, we made it back by 5:30 PM, ending the most amazing experience of my life.

This was just one of the amazing adventures I had this summer. Wilderness camp was a new and wonderful challenge for me. I have always enjoyed the outdoors, but did not have any experience backpacking, canoeing, and certainly not mountain climbing. Seeing a side of nature that few get to experience, the physical challenges of the trips, the independence, the risks and the rewards, plus sharing it all with new friends, made this one incredible summer. Josh C. Gladwyn, PA

There are hundreds of different wilderness programs, with various activities and experience levels. If you are interested in finding out more about this or another wilderness experience, call Judy Macnow at 800-609-2267 or email her at judy@tourandcamp.com

• Directors from various programs and camps are in the area visiting with families. Call Judy if you would like to set-up an appointment.
• Some programs offer early enrollment discounts. Contact us if you are interested in taking advantage of these savings or to find programs that qualify.
• Judy is available for talks and presentations. If your school or community group would be interested in hearing about specific trips or types of programs, call us to schedule a presentation.