Do you long for a place your child can be part of a designed community where safe fun and spiritual growth happen simultaneously?
A child away from home for the first time can be difficult—for both them and their parents. Thankfully, Fort’s Kids Camp is a perfect place for those initial steps to occur. At Fort, kids connect deeply with caring counselors, new friends, and—most importantly—the God who created them and loves them deeply. At Fort’s Kids Camp, kids can be, well kids while in a beautiful outdoor setting that is both structured and kid friendly. Best of all, your child will experience opportunities that could never happen at home.
(And don’t worry … we have kids too; we understand. If you need someone to talk about Fort’s Kids Camp, we are here.)
Registration:
Fort’s Youth Camps typically fill and have a waitlist. Please register early!
First time camper?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions! Don’t forget to invite a friend and request them as a cabin mate on your registration form!
Activities
Campers engage in activities led by our amazing summer staffers. You choose your adventures! Waterfront, craft shop, archery, field games, horses (*additional cost), nature classes, team building, and so much more to enjoy each day. All activities are included with the exception of a few optional add-ons. Keep reading to learn more about our Horsemanship offerings.
Horsemanship Classes and Lessons
Horsemanship Classes and Lessons are an optional add-on for Kids Camp. Fort Wilderness is a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association, and we follow their standards and techniques in order to promote a fun, safe, and educational experience. Classes are spread out over four days, weather-permitting.
Riding Lessons (+$150)
This class offers campers spiritually-based application of basic horsemanship principles over one hour of riding lessons and classroom lecture per day, with lots of hands-on experience. Western riding fundamentals, such as position and technique, will be taught to allow the rider to develop control of their horse at each gait.
Trail Class (+$110)
Designed for the weekend rider, campers are on a horse for approximately 45 minutes per day in God’s creation. Some riding instruction is given, such as crossing trail obstacles, controlling your horse at different gaits, and basic horse info. It’s all done in a laid back, fun Fort way!
Transportation
We welcome your family to drive your child up to Fort, take a tour, and meet your counselor. New in 2024, Fort is helping to connect families to arrange a carpool – learn more here: Transportation
Financial Assistance
Fort Wilderness desires that camp be available to all people, regardless of finances. Don’t miss out on camp. Learn more and apply: Financial Assistance
Food Allergy Note
For any food allergy, we want to help. Please email no less than 2 weeks before the first day of camp. Contact the Youth Camp Food Service Director (Janet) at janetmer@fortwilderness.com
Basic Camp Schedule
| Opening day | Arrive at Camp! (2:00 – 4:00 PM) Meet your counselor and cabinmates, move into your cabin, and take a swim and/or horseback test. (Goodbye to parents) First dinner and all camp activity |
| Day 2 to last full day of camp | Breakfast, lunch, dinner shared with campers and counselors. Morning session with your speaker, followed up with cabin time. Campers engage in staff-led activities. You choose your adventures! Waterfront, craft shop, archery, field games, horses*, nature classes, team building, and so much more to enjoy each day. *Involves additional cost An evening group session followed by a nightly all-camp activity and a campfire. |
| Last Day | Pack up, eat breakfast, check out of Fort, and take camp transportation or be picked up by parents. |
