
Nothing is virtual about this camp, it is a hands-on adventure where we will journal on real paper, talk to other kids in person, get our hands and feet wet in wild streams, and not look at a screen of any sort the entire time.
This camp is designed for our youngest, newly hatched campers ready to test the waters of an overnight experience. This bite-sized adventure focuses on building comfort and confidence outdoors. Based at the heart of the Spruce Knob Mountain Center, we’ll lay the foundation for future camp journeys, calling the yurts and surrounding forest our home, spending the night in cozy dorms, exploring the local watershed, and gathering around the campfire with new friends.
New this year, ‘Step Up Camp’ offers returning campers a longer overnight experience. With extra time together, we’ll dive deeper into survival skills, explore more of Spruce Knob, and continue building confidence, curiosity, and community in the outdoors.
Overnight Camp: 1st & 2nd Grade – July 5th – 6th, 2026
Step Up Camp: 2nd & 3rd Grade – June 23rd – 25th, 2026
Program Snapshot:
Lodging: Bunk bed in the dorms, gender divided rooms, bathroom is a short walk away
Meals: Breakfast & dinner will be served out of the main kitchen, lunches are packed to be conveniently eaten in the field.
Group Size: 12 kids, 3 instructors
Age-Appropriate Activities: Hiking, stream exploration, survival skills, fossil collection, blueberry picking, campfire games, sensory awareness activities.
Dates & Rates
Overnight
July 5 – 6, 2026
$300/$250/$200
Step Up
June 23 – 25, 2026
$450/$375/$300
More information on scholarships and tiered pricing can be found here.
Drop off & Pick Up
Drop Off: Sunday, July 5, 11 am
Pick Up: Monday, July 6, 11 am
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
Drop Off: Tuesday, June 23, time TBD
Pick Up: Tuesday, July 7, time TBD
Location: Yurts at Spruce Knob Mountain Center
What Folks are Saying:
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I love the freedom at this camp. It doesn’t feel like a structured camp with strict rules. We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. – camper
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I learned so many interesting facts about the world around us that I will definitely take with me, but I also learned how wonderful it can be to be a part of a group in which everyone gives their all and wants to have a great time no matter the challenging situations or the rainy days. – camp participant
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We are free to have fun and learn in our own ways while still effectively accomplishing the goals of the program. – 2019 Summer Camper
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I learned about who I am as a person and that if I look within myself I can find some of the strength and courage that I’ve felt was missing from me. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
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The staff were terrific helping us coordinate what camp would fit us best. So patient and understanding. My daughter had a wonderful week and learned so much and made memories and friends. Great experience! – Kristin Potts
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Through living and working alongside all the different people that come to this camp I was able to experience many different and new ideas, perspectives, and skills that shaped me as a person. – 2019 Summer Camper
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The mountain stewards camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! – Sandy Frank
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Mountain Stewards at Experience Learning is a fantastic week-long summer camp for kids who like the outdoors (or who WILL like the outdoors after this wonderful experience!) Stewardship of our natural resources, self-reliance, leadership, and fellowship, are all integral to this program. My daughter LOVES this camp, and that makes me a happy dad. Experience Learning also has great programs for learners of all ages. I recently completed an excellent Wilderness First Aid course at their wonderful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Check it out! – Mark Wenzler







