TEEN EXPEDITION CAMPS

Option 1: Climbing Expedition Camp

13 days, 12 nights

Session 1 & Session 2 (June 4-16)

Let’s harness your potential! During this two-week program, campers begin their climbing expedition at YMCA Camp Santa Maria, venture off-site with their cohort and return to camp with new skills, countless stories, increased confidence, strengthened resilience and lifelong friendships. It’s a life-changing experience that will both challenge and inspire.

On-site, campers will learn the fundamental technical and safety concepts on the ground and progress to rappelling and then top roping at the crag. Off-site, campers will have the opportunity to spend a day at a local rock gym to refine their climbing and belay skillsets and work on their strength and technique in a more relaxed environment before they participate in guided sessions on routes appropriate for their level of progression. While campers explore the backcountry, they will experience rustic tent camping in a dispersed setting. They will also learn Leave No Trace principles relative to rock climbing and the area they are in. Campers return to camp in time to recharge and participate in closing campfire. You are welcome to bring your own climbing shoes and chalk bag if desired but are not required to. 

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 2: Mountain Biking Expedition Camp

13 days, 12 nights

Session 3 & Session 4 (June 18-30)

Put the pedal to the metal during this two-week expedition camp! Campers will begin their mountain biking journey at YMCA Camp Santa Maria, go off-site to hone their mountain biking abilities, and return to camp with new skills, countless stories, newfound resilience and lifelong friends. If you dream of spending your time in nature and on your bike, this camp will provide the tools, mentors and training for an inspiring, life-changing summer experience.

The expedition starts with mountain biking foundations on progressive trails at camp prior to departure. Once off-site, campers will develop confidence and skills on flow trails in the area. Weather permitting, campers will participate in an overnight bike packing trip off-site. They will also learn Leave No Trace principles relative to mountain biking and the area they are in. Campers will return to camp in time to recharge and participate in closing campfire. You may bring your own mountain bike and helmets if you would like; however, you are not required to.

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 3: Whitewater Expedition Camp

13 days, 12 nights

Session 6 & Session 7 (July 9-21)

Are you ready to go with the flow? Paddle hard? And learn the rules of the river? During this two-week expedition camp, campers begin their adventure at YMCA Camp Santa Maria, explore local rivers off-site and return to camp with new skills, countless stories, strengthened confidence and lifelong friends. On-site, campers will learn on-the-ground basics of whitewater safety and terminology prior to their time on the river. Weather permitting, they will spend time learning safe wet exits in kayaks on flatwater as they build their confidence in and on the water. Typically, at this point in the summer in Colorado, the rivers are a bit lower and more accessible for campers of different abilities.

Once off-site, they will have the opportunity for an overnight river trip with two days of minimum Class III rapids. They will also learn Leave No Trace principles relative to river trips and the area they are in. When they return to camp, they can look forward to sunrise paddleboard yoga on the lake and enough time to prepare a skit for closing campfire to share their adventures with the rest of the Santa Maria community. Campers will leave this high-impact summer experience uplifted, connected and stronger — mentally, physically and emotionally.

Sample Daily Schedule

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Option 4: Alpine Expedition Camp

13 days, 12 nights

Session 8 & Session 9 (July 23-Aug 4)

Are you ready to take a peak? How about a bunch of peaks? Campers will begin their alpine adventure at YMCA Camp Santa Maria, and after training and mentorship, they depart to conquer a series of Colorado’s famous 14ers with their group during a combination of day and overnight trips. They will return to camp with new skills, summit stories, lifelong friendships, a strengthened sense of self and nurtured confidence.

On basecamp, as campers acclimate, they will begin with developing their camping and hiking skills, including camp cooking, group and wildlife safety, water filtration and shelter building. Once they leave for their trip, their gear and supplies will be based out of a camp vehicle, which they will restock after day trips and multiple one-night backcountry camping trips. When they descend from the summit, they can look forward to a hearty dinner and s’mores to refuel for the next day. Importantly, they learn and put into practice Leave No Trace principles relative to backpacking and the area they are in. Campers will return to camp in time to recharge and participate in closing campfire. Campers may bring their own overnight packs and sleeping pads if they would like; however, they are not required. This backpacking expedition is very much weather dependent and may be adapted depending on external circumstances.

Sample Daily Schedule

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PARENT RESOURCES

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PARENT RESOURCES