Step Up is just around the corner! In just a few short weeks, you’ll be diving into an unforgettable experience filled with exciting activities, welcoming counselors, an inspiring speaker, and an incredible band leading us in worship. We can’t wait for you to join us and be part of the amazing week we have in store!
For 70 years, Fort Wilderness has been using creation, relationships and God’s Word to help people to know and experience God. As we head into the next 70 plus years, our mission is still the same. In thinking about this summer, we want campers to consider the question: “What do you mean when you say ‘God’?
The theme for 2026 is YHWH: The God Who Is. We do not have a theme verse because all of God’s Word – from beginning to end – is revealing who God is. This theme is meant to help campers return to a foundational understanding of who God is.
Camp is your chance to step away from everyday distractions and be refreshed by God’s Word and His love. To make the most of this experience, we ask that you leave all electronic devices at home — along with firearms, drugs, alcohol, and other prohibited items. While you may bring a cell phone for safety reasons, be prepared to unplug and turn it in upon arrival.
Your time at Fort Wilderness will be filled with incredible moments — immersing yourself in God’s creation, enjoying delicious meals, worshiping under the open sky, learning from an inspiring speaker, and building lifelong friendships. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Our speaker for Step Up this year is Lou Rodriguez. Pastor Lou is a Teaching Pastor at City Church in Evansville, Indiana. He has pastored for 33 years, with 12 of those being a Youth Pastor. He loves being around young people and teaching God’s Word! He has been married for 43 years to his wife, Sara.
They have 4 grown up children and 6 grandchildren. His hobbies include restoring his home built in 1966, pickleball and weight training.
Campers have a special banquet dinner together complete with a fun and sometimes silly theme. We invite you to a “Christmas” dinner banquet meal!
Come with a costume that fits the theme!
Things to Bring:
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
We’ve created a helpful video covering frequently asked questions about allergies, swim tests, cabins, and more! Check it out here.
Camper Pick-Up Safety
To ensure a smooth and secure camper pick-up process, all parents or guardians must present a photo ID at check-out. Please remind anyone authorized to pick up your child to bring their ID. All approved individuals must be 18 years or older. Pick up is Friday, from 9:30-10:30am.
Food Allergies
You will need to make sure any food allergies are sensitivities are listed in the registration form. If your child has a severe allergy or you have questions for our Head Cook, you can email Connie Giles at conniegiles@fortwilderness.com. Adventure Outpost is also a nut free facility. For the safety of all campers, please do not send any packages containing any type of nuts or made in a facility with nuts. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our camp a safe environment!
We’ve Gone Digital!
All forms, including medical and risk release documents, are now online. Log in to your Fort Wilderness account to complete your forms.
Thank you for helping us make this summer an incredible and safe experience for everyone!
God Bless!
Jordan Koehn
Jordan Koehn
Adventure Outpost Director
