Dear friends,

How to really describe Wilderness?

For long-term Chateaugay campers, it is something to wait for and anticipate. For those who join us just in time, Wilderness makes you feel happy that you found us. In a world where teens crave “bonding” and “feeling good about myself,” Wilderness is an entire program designed specifically for creating deep and lasting friendships and for creating self-esteem opportunities based on independence and accomplishment.

Wilderness is indeed an intense experience. Together we develop a deeper understanding of responsibility, strong work ethic, group dynamics, and confidence in one’s ability to work with others and to be a leader of others. If this all sounds a bit profound, understand that the fun is non-stop. Sure, some of that fun is good old-fashioned silliness. But much of the fun is the warm smiles of knowing that together we did it – whatever that “it” is on a given day or in a given week.

Some people spend a lifetime trying to find this kind of an indelible group living experience. Wilderness campers emerge from this special Chateaugay journey before they even head off for college.