Step Up Plus Change:
In 2025 several school districts are running later than normal, affecting many students’ ability to attend camp this year. It is our goal to offer camp for as many people as possible. To accommodate this change we are not running Plus Week in 2025 and instead we are offering Junior High Camp. Step Up Plus will return in 2026.
There is no overnight option between Step Up and Junior High Camp. We recommend only registering for one of these camps, all Step Up campers will need to be picked up on Friday, June 13.
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. Those entering 9th grade can take an adventure with a Journey Beyond trip!
One or two weeks…
Step Up – 1 week: 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. Register for Camp!
Step Up Plus – 2 Weeks: Not offered in 2025, will return in 2026.
When Step Up Week 1 ends, campers who have chosen the Plus Option (for those entering 8th and 9th grade) head to Adventure Outpost for Week 2. Based on principles of small group bonding, community, and team adventure, this time away will open even wider doors of dialogue between campers, staff, counselors and the speaker for the week. Campers tell us how much they enjoy the relationships and time to discuss questions they have often been forming for years. This week includes adventures not available during Week 1. Limited to 40, those entering 8th and 9th grade.
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, 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)
Cowboy Up! This class offers a chance for campers to learn about the fun sport of rodeo. Each class is one hour of mounted games and learning skills needed for rodeo life, such as barrel racing skills, roping, and much more.
TRAIL CLASS (+$150)
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!
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.
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. |
