Outpost: 6-Day High School Program
“Coming here and experiencing all of these fun, amazing, holy people is a reminder that religion isn’t boring, and I am not alone in my struggles and beliefs. I have also learned that I am capable of so much more than I tell myself, and so much more than what people tell me I can do. Whether it is climbing a mountain, or a rock wall, or hitting a bullseye in archery, I am so much stronger and more capable than I ever thought.”
FEATURES
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Average group size: up to 10 campers* / 2-3 counselors
Encounter our Lord though incredible adventures in the Rocky Mountains
Small community with only 3 Outpost groups per week
Intentional and age-appropriate programming for high school campers (single-sex groups)
Spend the day soaking in the beauty of the outdoors and then sleep in a canvas-sided tent at the Outpost camp on Camp Wojtyla’s wilderness property, a ten minute walk from the Basecamp property
Put Christ at the center of the fun with daily Mass, Adoration, and ample opportunities for Confession and prayer.
Try new things including fishing, our highline course through the trees, archery and more!
Please note: white water rafting is NOT part of the Outpost program
Embark on off-site expeditions, including climbing granite rock walls and hiking high alpine terrain in a summit attempt in the Rocky Mountains**
Form a sisterhood or brotherhood with fellow campers and counselors as you delight in authentic fellowship, discuss the challenges facing high school students today, and encounter the beauty of the Catholic faith
Learn new outdoor skills such as fire building and outdoor cooking
Marvel at the night sky while camping overnight on Camp Wojtyla’s property
Elevation range: 7,000 to 13,700 ft
*For campers entering 9th - 12th grade and freshman year of college; Campers must be at least 14 years old by October 1st to participate.
**We use a variety of transportation methods, including camp vehicles and commercial motorcoaches.
DESCRIPTION
This 6-day program, designed for first-time and returning campers alike, invites campers to experience camp in a unique way. A hybrid of the Alpine Expedition and Backpacking programs, it combines a stable “homebase” and the outrageously fun aspects of camp (including favorites such as campfire songs and Italian Night) with more self-sufficient living. Campers will eat and sleep in canvas-sided tents at our Outpost location, a ten minute walk away from our Basecamp location. While Outpost campers still have access to many basecamp amenities (access to the chapel, fun-loving support from the sherpa staff, restrooms, etc.), they will also learn additional outdoor skills like cooking meals on a camping stove and starting a campfire. The smaller, more self-sufficient community, separate from the large basecamp group, allows campers to enter into a unique sisterhood or brotherhood with each other and their counselors. Like all Camp Wojtyla programs, campers will be invited to trust each other and work together, assisting each student to grow in their confidence and leadership skills. Each day will allow for prayer amidst awe-inspiring views, helping each camper be the saint they are called to be! Our off-site expeditions deep within the Rocky Mountains allow for an authentic adventure like no other where campers will dig-deep within themselves to accomplish amazing feats and encounter our Lord in incredible ways!
“I experienced God through the people and creation at Camp Wojtyla in a way that I have never experienced Him before. I’ve never felt as strong in my faith, and in my relationship with Christ as I do right now after this week at Camp. The friendships that I have made this week have shown me what true friends look like. This has truly been a life changing experience. ”
A Week IN THE LIFE
While each day is subject to change due to weather and group needs, in a “typical” Outpost week campers can expect the following elements:
Day 1: Check-in, group introductions & icebreakers, team identity formation, dinner & staff skits, sunset hike, campfire
Day 2: Camp activities (fishing, crafts, archery, highline, etc.)
Day 3: Rock climbing excursion (off-site)
Day 4: Solo Experience near water (off-site), opportunity for Confession and Adoration
Day 5: Early start for an Alpine Summit Attempt in Rocky Mountain National Park (off-site)
Day 6: Final activities, pack up & clean up, closing ceremony, departure
Daily elements include Mass, group discussions, time for prayer, delicious camp meals meals (some cooked by staff, some cooked by the campers), campfires, and increased time for rest, leisure, and reflection (compared to the regular Basecamp program)
*campers are always supervised.
