The Northern Lights program is comprised of campers who are the second oldest in the entire camp, but the oldest of those who are part of regular scheduling. Its purpose is to start teaching young teenagers to work together towards a common goal, and to learn how to respect their peers in the process.

During this special summer, these campers foster lifelong friendships, and naturally develop self-esteem and social esteem. Throughout the summer they have the opportunity to go on various trips. These trips may include multi-day backpacks and canoe trips, white water rafting, sailing on Lake Champlain, mountain biking around Lake Placid, and the Great Escape Water Park. Northern Lights campers serve as role models for the rest of the camp and always lead the camp with their spirit and maturity. Northern Lights campers are also involved in our Big Brother / Big Sister program, which gives new and younger campers a new buddy when they arrive at camp.


"Wilderness is a group of people living and working together, sharing good times and bad times. Wilderness is what you make it to be." - Such is the sign that greets Wilderness campers as they walk through the unit gates for the first time. The sign is particularly appropriate, as the summer will be full of fun, laughter, hard work, bonding, and maturing. Wilderness is secluded from the rest of camp, and is only accessible to Wilderness campers and staff. The unit is made up of approximately thirty boys and girls, fifteen years of age, and four or five counselors.

The unit consists of a boy’s cabin, a girl’s cabin, a log cabin living room (with a great circular fireplace!) and a kitchen which included a wood burning cook stove. Running water can only be found in the kitchen, and the unit has no other form of plumbing or electricity.

In other words, this is a complete no-frills summer! The unit living room is used for unit meetings, and candle-passing, where each camper has an opportunity to voice their concerns, feelings, and attitude towards the week's events. The cozy fireplace is also used for letter writing, story telling, group discussions, or just a quiet place to reflect. The unit kitchen is equipped with a sink, a wood burning stove and both indoor and outdoor picnic tables for meals.

The Wilderness program is different from the rest of camp in several ways. Campers prepare their own breakfasts and lunches in the unit, and join camp for afternoon programming, dinner and evening activities. Mornings in the unit consists of meal preparation, preparing for trips and other unit projects.



The Wilderness program also includes three trips, each lasting five or six days! Wilderness campers are given the opportunity to plan and organize their own trips as a team. The first trip is a bicycle tour throughout New York State and Vermont. Campers and staff are accompanied by a support van, and bike approximately 250 miles round-trip. The trip includes one day of relaxation in a small city in Vermont (such as Stowe, or Burlington) where campers can explore the town. The second trip brings the unit backpacking, either in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, or in the Sandwich Range of New Hampshire. Either way, the trip is a challenging adventure with beautiful hikes and scenic views.

The canoe trip is a great chance for the unit to spend some quality time together in the great outdoors. Throughout these trips, Wilderness campers are encouraged to challenge themselves to their limits, both as a united group and on an individual basis. The end result is a feeling of accomplishment, greater self confidence, and closer relationships with one another.



Wilderness campers have responsibility, privileges, and leadership opportunities. They are given several leadership roles throughout the summer, including organizing some evening activities, and various theme days for the whole camp, like the Fourth of July festivities. The unit also plays an important role in fueling spirit through song and cheer during meals with the rest of camp. Wilderness campers also participate daily in all the regular activities that camp offers.


The completion of the Wilderness summer carries with it an enormous sense of accomplishment, and close bonds within the unit. The summer proves to be an intense experience filled with great memories and personal growth. Campers often come out of the summer claiming that they had just experienced the greatest summer of their life, and are leaving camp with a new set of lifelong friends. This program teaches responsibility, a strong work ethic, a greater understanding of group dynamics, and confidence in leadership ability. Our wilderness campers also grow tremendously from their increase in self esteem, and social esteem. Many Wilderness campers eventually return to Chateaugay to become counselors.