There are summer vacations and then there are wilderness camp summer vacations. Offering an action-packed way for youngsters to really enjoy their time off, wilderness camps are a whole lot different than just sitting around and hanging out.
Wilderness camps tend to come in two major varieties. The first option is a single location camp that has established cabins in the woods, often waterside. These camps can be truly spectacular and are favorites for many. The other option is for the more adventurous. These camps take youth on a journey into the Great Outdoors and have them pretty much roughing it along the way.
Let’s take a closer look at the more adventuresome type of camp. What individual wilderness camps offer will typically vary, but the choices can be spectacular. Most true wilderness camps will ensure the following things:
* Outdoor time. This is the bread and butter of these camps. Youth that attend are ensured plenty of time in the great outdoors doing activities and learning at the same time. They also often sleep out under the stars or in tents.
* Hiking. This is standard fare for most wilderness camps. Many of these camps, in fact, have their participants travel on foot from one location to another for a new night out in the great outdoors.
* Water activities. This might not be possible depending all camp locations, but many make swimming, kayaking, canoeing and even white water rafting a part of the journey. Typically, basic safety skills are also taught as a part of this.
* Mountain climbing. Again, this will hinge on the destination chosen, but climbing, and climbing lessons, very often go along with these outdoor vacations.
* Sleeping out under the stars. While tents normally come along for the ride, or hike, these journey summer camps usually have participants really learning how to rough it.
* Survival skills. Due to the often extreme nature of these vacation camps, survival skills are generally taught in abundance. Youth often learn about such things a flora and fauna, fishing, hiking, outdoor cooking and more. First aid and other important safety considerations are also often taught.
While these camps are not for everyone, they do offer some benefits for participants. In addition to getting to see some incredible outdoor locations, youth typically learn:
* Teamwork. Getting things done on one of these adventures requires coordinated effort.
* Self-reliance. Participants in these camps tend to develop a fair amount of self-reliance and self-esteem as they accomplish task and milestones along the way they might not have thought themselves able to do.
* Skill development. Whether these camps are held in Europe or the wilderness of Alaska, youth are sure to develop skills they didn’t have before. This is also fantastic for building self-esteem.
The more adventurous of wilderness camps might not be for everyone, but those who choose to go this route tend to have the time of their lives. These camps are hosted by a number of different organizations with destinations all over the world possible.