The Northern Lights Program
Teens in The Northern Lights program complete a special project that benefits the entire camp. In past years, these projects included the design and building of outdoor showers on the beach and a personal belonging storage system on our front lawn. The unit project creates a true sense of satisfaction and belonging, and participating campers lead the rest of the camp with spirit and maturity.
In addition to the project, Northern Lights campers go on day trip excursions throughout the summer. They will visit the Great Escape amusement park and/or a day trip to Burlington, VT.
Sign up for The Northern Lights Program upon enrollment, under “Enrichment Programs”
- Full summer – $500
- 1/2 summer – $250
Program Specifics:
- For rising 9th graders
- Campers complete a project that benefits the camp
- The Northern Lights group has the opportunity to participate in incredible trip experiences, such as:
- Multi-day backpacking and canoe trips
- White water rafting
- Great Escape Amusement Park
- Their Northern Lights experience helps to prepare them for the Wilderness Program
The Wilderness Program
Wilderness is our most special and unique program designed specifically for 15 year olds. It is designed to build self-esteem opportunities based on independence and accomplishment, and create deep and lasting friendships. It’s been a hallmark of Camp Chateaugay since 1948, when the founders built a self-contained unit as a place for our oldest campers to bond and build friendships and leadership skills through primitive living, closeness to nature, and immersive trips in the surrounding mountains, forests and lakes.
Campers live in “no frills” cabins that don’t have electricity, and prepare their own food, eating breakfast and lunch together most days. They also embark on adventurous, multi-day overnight camping trips – including a mountain biking excursion, a hiking trip and a canoeing trip – where teamwork and leadership are key to success.
Through these shared experiences, campers 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. Some people spend a lifetime trying to find this kind of an indelible group living experience — our Wilderness campers experience at a key moment in their lives where the confidence and leadership skills that develop can drive their high school and college experiences.
Sign up for The Wilderness Program upon enrollment, under “Enrichment Programs”
- Full summer – $900
- 1/2 summer – $650
Program Specifics:
- For rising 10th graders
- About 30 boys and girls, with 6-8 counselors
- One boy’s cabin, one girl’s cabin, a log cabin living room, & a kitchen
- Campers live in a private setting-on campus
- Campers live in “no frills living” with no electricity and only cold running water
- Campers prepare their own breakfasts and lunches on site, and eat together with their Wilderness family during every single meal
- Wilderness campers take three, 5-day, adventure excursions:
- 200-mile round trip bike tour throughout NY state and Vermont
- Backpacking through the Adirondack mountains
- A classic canoe camping trip through Maine’s Mooselookmeguntic Lake
The LIT (Leaders-in-Training) Program
Our LIT program is for kind and enthusiastic teens ready to be role models for younger campers. Some are former campers who are eager to spend another summer at camp. Others arrive for their first time, looking for an amazing experience with outstanding people, build new skills, and have the summer of a lifetime.
LITs receive extensive training in child supervision and leadership. Additionally, they are offered opportunities to become certified in first-aid, lifeguarding and CPR. Each LIT will choose one or more areas of camp where they will spend the majority of their time assisting at an activity area with one of the camp’s talented staff members. In the evenings, they will be assigned to a bunk to assist in getting the campers into bed. They will gain hours of practical teaching experience.
LITs also participate in Community Service projects. At the beginning of the summer, they break into small groups and pick from a variety of national charities for which they will volunteer their time, and spend a few hours each week supporting the charity. LITs will also get a chance to get out of camp on trips that provide an opportunity for growth — such as visiting nearby colleges/universities or going on a hiking or canoeing trip.
Sign up for the LIT program upon enrollment or contact Mitch Goldman.
LIT (Leaders in Training Rates)
| Full Session | June 26 – August 12, 2025 | $11,145.00 |
| 1st Session | June 26 – July 20, 2025 | $6,999.00 |
| 2nd Session | July 20 – Aug 12, 2025 | $6,999.00 |
Program Specifics:
- For teens age 16 and 17
- The program is designed for teens to gain valuable skills in teaching, team-building and self-esteem
- LITs live together with other LITs and a counselor
- They’re assigned to mentor a group of children and work with campers throughout the day
- LITs participate in running evening activities and campfires, help with camp-wide special programs, lead trips and coach sports teams
- LITs can take lifeguarding, first-aid and CPR courses
- LITs work together on Community Service projects
Camp Chateaugay’s Costa Rica and Galapagos (new for 2026) CIT Teen Summer Program:
Embark on a Journey of Exploration and Growth
This unique adventure offers Chateaugay CIT’s (aged 16 & 17) an unparalleled opportunity to expand their horizons, build lasting friendships and contribute to local communities, all with possible bookends with some time at Camp Chateaugay. CITs can come to camp for a week and then embark on thrilling outdoor activities and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Costa Rica or Galapagos. It is a gateway to personal development, global awareness, and deepened friendships. CIT’s will be taking a transformative journey that will enrich their college applications, broaden their horizons, and shape them into a global citizen with a heart for adventure.
The Costa Rica or Galapagos programs starts on July 3rd, 2026, (flying in the same day). There are options to stay at camp before leaving for the trip or after returning. The cost for the program will be determined by the number of campers enrolled (airfare not included.) The more CITs that participate, the less the cost.
PROGRAM DATES:
CITs have the OPTION of staying at Camp Chateaugay for a couple of days, (June 26th – July 2nd) to then head to Costa Rica or Galapagos together with Camp Chateaugay Staff or get flights separately and meet there.
July 3rd to July 19th – for 17 days in either Costa Rica or Galapagos adventure before either heading back to Camp for the 2nd session – July 19th – August 11th or straight back home.
PROGRAM COST
$5,950 USD 17 day option (excluding airfare and time at camp)
IN SUMMARY
– Staff from Camp Chateaugay and local experts
– All community service materials, and donations
– All meals & tips
– Each night of accommodation
– All activities as detailed in your itinerary
– Airfare to Costa Rica or Galapagos is not included
(estimated $750-$1200 USD round trip)
Program Specifics:
Itinerary for Costa Rica includes:
- Alternate between community service projects and adrenaline/cultural activities.
- Visiting many national parks to explore hot springs, rainforests and volcanos.
- Surf lessons.
- Whitewater rafting
- Zip lining through the forests.
- Volunteering with local organizations to improve the lives of the local communities.
Glamping & Cultural Immersion: Experience the best of both worlds by enjoying glamorous camping experiences in pristine natural settings, as well as staying in local hostels and hotels.
Adventure and Exploration: Discover the thrill of surfing on the Pacific waves, explore majestic volcanoes, and soar through the treetops on exhilarating zip-lining adventures. Engage in astrological tours under the clear night skies and embark on memorable hikes through diverse landscapes that showcase the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica.
Community Service and Volunteering: Make a meaningful impact by participating in community service projects and volunteering opportunities. Contribute to building houses for local families, and experience the profound satisfaction of giving back to the communities that welcome you with open arms. It also makes for great experience for college application essays!
Personal Development and Skill Building: Continue your journey of personal growth by learning new skills and fostering your leadership abilities. This program is designed to build upon the foundation of the Wilderness program, helping you hone your outdoor survival skills, problem-solving capabilities, and teamwork.
Reconnect and Celebrate: Reunite with your buddies from the Wilderness program during the first and last weeks of camp. Participate in campfire gatherings, our end-of-summer banquet and cherished traditions like the July 4th festivities. This allows CITs to reconnect with old friends and forge new bonds with other CITs.
Itinerary for Galapagos includes:
All-inclusive program includes: transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, Galapagos flights & park fees, plus two certified Wilderness first aid leaders. **Does not include airfare to and from Ecuador.
Learning traditional crafts like wool weaving and instrument making
Cultural experiences in Andean Villages, Quito’s World Heritage streets, and indigenous Kichua communities
White water rafting, mountain biking, snorkeling with penguins, hiking active volcanoes
Visit national parks and the Amazon rainforest; participate in meaningful conservation work
This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s active, engaged learning that connects students with Ecuador’s rich ecology, culture, and history. With expert bilingual guides, wilderness-certified leaders, and all meals and accommodations included, students will return home with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.
