While we believe that camp should be fun, people are
often surprised when we say that fun is not our main goal.
Instead, every aspect of our program is geared toward our
mission—to develop the character and impact the personal growth
of our participants. Of course, there is plenty of fun along the
way!
Trail Blazers was a founding program in experiential and outdoor education and continues to build on these foundations. With our Summer Outdoor Experiential Education Program, education of all kinds is emphasized daily. Part of building values for life includes filling in the gap in
learning that often occurs over the summer. All of
our campers are expected to read at least two books during the session, and many activities have a written component built in.
Hikes end with poetry, craft projects are accompanied by creative stories, and new nature discoveries are recorded and
reported to the camp community.
Without modern distractions like TV, Internet, or cell phones, children become open to new experiences. They learn to develop their own abilities and rely on the support of their community. They unleash their creativity and find themselves accomplishing what they never thought possible.
Our Sessions
Full Three-Week Session
This session is available during the month of July and during the month of August. It is available to new children (ages 9 to 14) and returning children (ages 9 to 17).
Pioneer Session
This 10-day session is offered to new and returning children (ages 7 to 11). It offers many of the same experiences as the three-week session, including a one-night backpacking trip for children (ages 9 to 11). The session is a great opportunity for children who have never been away from home overnight to experience the benefits of sleepaway camp.
Camp Life
Family-Like Groups
At Trail Blazers, children live in family-like groups of nine children and three group leaders at each campsite. Campsites include four canvas-covered shelters, a covered table for rainy day projects, a latrine that is cleaned daily, and a campfire circle. Rustic living conditions present new challenges and opportunities. Campers develop pride in their accomplishments and close bonds with group members and leaders. In a short time, camp feels more like home and the group more like a family.
Meals
Meals at Trail Blazers are healthy and delicious and served family style. They are as integral to the program as our many other exciting activities. All members of the community are expected to try everything that is served. Through camp songs and other traditions, meal time also serves as an opportunity for building group identity and a sense of community.
Daily Activities
Throughout the day, most activities are experienced as a group and group members often cooperatively design the activities. Group activities include poetry, nature discovery, candle-making, and boating. Groups dedicate time each week to developing outdoor living skills through environmental education, outdoor cooking, backpacking, and nature craft. Almost every day, children receive swim instruction and free swim time at our 55-acre lake. They also participate in boating, canoeing, and fishing, all supervised by certified lifeguards.
Community Project
Children choose one Community Project to work on throughout the session and give a final presentation to the rest of the camp community. Past projects have included a theater production, musical expression, history of sports, and raft building. In all activities, the emphasis is on teambuilding and cooperation, not competition.
Vagabond
Two weeks into the session, each group participates in an overnight backpacking trip, called “Vagabond.” This is a chance for campers to use the skills they have developed, test the bonds they have formed with their group members, and achieve a sense of pride and accomplishment. These trips vary in length depending on the age of the campers, and are frequently the highlight of the Trail Blazers experience.