Summer Sleep Away Camp for 14 year old
Does anyone have experience with the White Stag Summer Sleep Away camp? We have a 14 year old son. Is backpacking experience required? Anything you can share about this and other Sleep Away camps for teens would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Feb 22, 2017
Parent Replies
I haven't heard of White Stag before, but I have another recommendation. If you are looking for backpacking adventure, my kids have had a great experience at Camp Woolman (http://camp.woolman.org/sierra-friends). Both my kids have gone to the lower camp (ages 9-14) for the past two years and this year my oldest will be in their Teen Leadership Program for 15-16 year olds. My younger kid, age 13, will still be at the lower camp. The lower camp participants go on backpacking trips for 3-4 days at a time (one hike for the one week programs and two hikes for the two week programs) and spend the rest of the time in the camp doing activities, visiting the swim hole, etc. The Teen Leadership hiking sessions are longer and the teens spend 8-9 days on the Pacific Crest Trail (two week sessions). The camp is nothing fancy, but it's good old-fashion fun in a place that embraces nature, sustainability and diversity. I think it's a hidden gem!
My now 17-year old went to White Stag when he was around 13 years old and LOVED it! He hadn't done any backpacking before, and it was fine. Lots of team-building and therefore confidence building. Seems like a great group, and is associated with a few Oakland Scouting groups.