My parents were reasonably earthy, but I’m convinced my passion for the outdoors came from Manito-wish, a Wisconsin summer camp that, like any real camp, includes a true wilderness trip. If you’re at all concerned that your child is becoming a thin-skinned lily-dipper, consider booting your beloved into the wild聴with a trustworthy guide, of course. Here are our five favorite spots.
Camp Manito-wish YMCA, Boulder Junction, Wisconsin:
Every kid starts out canoeing. But as you get older, the options become longer聴up to 50 days聴and the destinations more exotic, including places like Nunavut (canoeing), Ontario (sea kayaking), and Alas颅ka (backpacking). Ages 10聳19; one-, two-, and four-week sessions;
KieveWavus, Nobleboro, Maine:
The structure is very similar to Manito-wish’s (above). Daily programs include the usual fun stuff聴tennis, sailing, riflery, etc.聴but every camper must also go on canoeing, sea-kayaking, or backpacking trips of increasing length. Ages 8聳15; ten- and 26-day sessions;
Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp, Sattley, California:
Kids can either choose to do a little bit of everything or sign up for “program tracks” that specialize in mountain biking, backpacking, riding horses, or rock climbing. Ages 8聳17; one-to-eight-week sessions;
Camp Cheley, Estes Park, Colorado:
Cheley is a big commitment聴it only offers four-week sessions聴but kids get the full Colorado experience, including raft trips down Poudre Canyon, top-roping at on-site rock faces, and, for the older kids, a shot at summiting a fourteener like Longs Peak. Ages 9聳17;
Camp Mondamin, Tuxedo, North Carolina:
While backpacking and canoeing trips remain a focus at this 88-year-old institution, it’s expanded its repertoire over the years to include things like tubing, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Boys only; sister camp is Camp Green Cove (). Ages 6聳17; five-day and three- and five-week sessions;