Select The Right White Stag Wilderness Youth Summer Camp
The camp is defined by three phases or levels (I, II, and III) and is based primarily upon age, and then by other factors including experience, background, ability, and need. We have found this type of grouping is most satisfying for camper/candidate, staff, and parents alike.
Each camp phase or level is designed to operate in a range of White Stag target skills, personality development, and physical ability. Parents and participants may desire a specific camp phase while our experience may indicate a more appropriate and enjoyable phase. There are some instances where on camp day we will shift your son or daughter from one phase to another to better meet gender requirements and to provide a better experience for all involved.
Every Camp Application is reviewed so we might understand if your son or daughter has selected the best camp level (I, II, or III). Remember, you can always come back to camp next year for another higher level. Experience has demonstrated it’s best to be at the older range of your level, than to be the youngest. Progressing through the camp phases when you are too young is not recommended. We designed our camp phases to grow as your child grows.
All three camp phases focus on your son’s or daughter’s learning the leadership competencies such as getting and giving information, evaluating situation, and planning. The depth of learning and the broadness of the application of these competencies increase in successive phases. When possible, our recommendation is to begin in phase 1, and progress from there.
Our recommended camper/candidate placement table provides you with some guidelines. White Stag staff will ultimately decide which camp level your son or daughter will be placed.
Phase 1, Member Camp (also called Patrol Member Development or PMD).
Ages 10-13, completion of the 5thgrade. Learn what it’s like to be a tight-knit problem solving team. Make and do things that so your team stands out and is noticed. You may learn valuable camping and backpacking skills, go on hikes, or do a over night backpacking trip. You’ll hear and participate in legendary campfires and story telling.
Phase 2, Team/Small Group Leader Camp (also called Patrol Leader Development or PLD).
Ages 13-14, or approval of Phase Adult Leader, or Camp Director. Completion of
Phase 1. Some prior camping, backpacking skills are needed. You will be doing some group hikes and backpacking. You’ll be organized into small working groups and be expected to create an identity on your own, unless you want to be forgotten and left behind. Your exposure to leadership skills involves overcoming challenging situations. Your counselor will help advise you but it’s your group that has to figure it out, and get it done.
Phase 3, Large Group Leader Camp (also called Troop Leader Development or TLD).
Ages 15-18, completion of the 8thgrade, or approval of Phase Adult Leader or Camp Director, or previously completed Phase 2 camp. Higher level of camping and wilderness backpacking with minimal support. You’re expected to use the wilderness skills you have learned previously. Here you will learn to operate in a leadership hierarchy. That is, being a leader over a group of leaders. Or in another way being selected senior leader of leaders. You’ll receive opportunity to practice these skills but you need to be knowledgeable, motivated and prepared. Enter this camp to learn, and quickly turn your new found knowledge into action.
