Rectangle Copy 19Created with Sketch.

Step Up

Dates
June 13 - 19, 2026 OR June 13 - 26, 2026
Age
Grade 7th-9th
Location
Main Camp
Speaker
TBD
Cost
$656 OR $1,312

Camp Registration

Use code EARLYBIRD26 for $50 off!
>
Step Up

Step Up allows your teen to have fun while going deeper in relationships with others and with God.

You see the potential in your teen. But do they? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a Fort Camp experience for them? Say, a place they could “Step Up”! With one- and two-week options, Step Up allows your teen to have fun while going deeper in relationships with others and with God. Adventure, worship, caring counselors, room to spread their wings, time to connect with others … Step Up is the chance for your teen to see what you (and others) see in them.

Registration:
Those entering 7th grade also have the option to attend Boys or Girls camp!

What are some of campers’ favorite activities? Games in the field, of course!
Moments to slow down in worship are key
Every year ‘Capture the Flag’ is a must!
Counselors are fully invested, 24/7

One or two weeks…

Step Up – 1 week: $640
Step Up is one week of awesomeness. Imagine 130 Junior High Campers in a room singing the same praise song — with all the motions. Now you get a taste of Step Up. During this week, campers get to have crazy fun together with a purpose. Fun provides the start of friendships. Our trained staff and counselors build meaningful relationships with campers, opening the door for deeper conversations young people long to have. Our speaker teaches the Bible in a way that relates to the questions they have. Based at Main Camp, this week is different than anything else they’d be doing back at home.

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!

Child Safeguarding

At Fort, the safety and well-being of every child is our highest priority. We take this responsibility seriously by implementing rigorous safety protocols and continuous staff training to create a secure and nurturing environment. To learn more about the steps we take, please visit our Child Safeguarding page.

Activities 

Campers engage in activities led by our amazing summer staffers. You choose your adventures! Waterfront, craft shop, archery, field games, horses, 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 Step Up. 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.

RODEO GAMES (+$175)

TRAIL CLASS (+$150)

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

Service Animal Note

Do you need to bring a Service Animal to camp? Please email documentation from a licensed professional (doctor, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional) no less than 2 weeks before the first day of camp, stating that the animal is an essential part of treatment for a disability. Send the information to the Registrar (Jackie) at jackiedunham@fortwilderness.com.

Is there any doubt that we love Spider Lake?
Messy fun is more than acceptable at camp!
Young people are built to grow as friends

Basic Camp Schedule

Opening dayArrive 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 campBreakfast, 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 DayPack up, eat breakfast, check out of Fort, and take camp transportation or be picked up by parents.