Wilderness Camp -
Introduction to Backpacking
Wilderness Camp 1: June 29th-July 2nd, 2025
Wilderness camp is a true outdoor camping experience. Campers are led by Wilderness Camp staff into the less explored parts of Whitewood and sleep in tents in a back country setting. Wilderness campers learn how to set up camp, outdoor cooking skills, wilderness skills, and outdoor camping ethics. Campers are provided with backpacks, tents, sleeping gear, cooking gear, and food. This camp will also swim, fish, boat, and enjoy some of camps main features. Please call or visit the website for more information about Wilderness Camp and check out the packing list and suggestions. Restrooms and showers will not be used until the last day, so campers will learn proper back country bathroom and hygiene techniques. Wilderness Camp is a half-week program. Space is limited and fills up fast, so register early!
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Wilderness Camp Information and Forms
Step One:
Choose your camp program(s):
Explore your camp options under Campers & Families to ensure
that you're choosing the right camp for your child.
Step Two:
Register and pay your deposit:
Payment Options:
1. Pay online when registering
2. Mail in a check
3. Call our office to make a credit card payment
over the phone
4. Drop off your payment at the Camp Office
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Remember:
A $100 deposit is required to hold your child's
spot! Full payment in advance is preferred!
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Step Three:
Prepare for camp!
Check out the packing list to the left!
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Additional Information:
Wilderness Camp takes camping to the extreme where adventurous and outdoorsy campers will find themselves exploring the depths of Camp Whitewood's wilderness. Learn the skills of backpacking, sleep in a tent, cook your own meals over a campfire and experience all the great outdoors has to offer. You and your fellow campers will see parts of camp that most people don't even know exist. Each Wilderness Camp is designed for a specific age group, providing a tailor-made, backwoods camping experience for every camper, even those that have never been camping. Along with knowledgeable and fun counselors and staff, Wilderness campers will take part in all sorts of wild and adventurous activities while learning to appreciate our natural world. Don't have camping and backpacking gear of your own? No worries! We have everything you need, so grab your hiking boots and get ready for some awesome days in Whitewood's backcountry that you will never forget! Please note that Wilderness Camp has limited space and fills up quickly. Reserve your spot early!
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Packing Information
Camp Whitewood provides all Wilderness Campers with tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, cooking utensils and pots, water bottles, food and snacks and fire-starting materials. Wilderness Campers are welcome to bring their own gear to use in place of Camp Whitewood's. As a general rule of thumb, all Wilderness campers should pack comfortable and breathable clothing (layers are best), multiple pairs of shoes or boots (we get wet), personal toiletries, and lots of socks. Proper packing and preparation is a part of the Wilderness Camp program, so our trained and experienced staff will be able to help your camper decide on the first night what is best to pack and what is better left in the storage cabin. Use the general camp packing list and contact us with any questions as you prepare for Wilderness Camp!
Camper Safety
Our Wilderness Camp Staff are highly trained in a variety of topics meant to keep your camper safe and happy during Wilderness Camp. Staff carry current First Aid, Blood-borne Pathogens, CPR and AED certification and have continuous radio access to the camp nurse. Wilderness Campers will not leave camp property at any point during the trip. Our first responders have a working knowledge of the entire property and are prepared to offer swift and skilled response in the event of an emergency. All Wilderness Camp participants will be engaged in physical activities such as hiking with a backpack up and down steep terrain, crossing creeks, cooking over fires and sleeping in tents. Our staff are trained and experienced in teaching campers safe and healthy skills for backcountry camping and diligently supervise campers as they develop competency. Wilderness Camp is an adventure and we hope your camper is excited!