High School Camps

Completed 8th - 11th grade

Thought you had aged out of camp at Chestnut Ridge? Think again! We have five camps specifically designed with high schoolers in mind. Campers will be placed with amazing counselors and have amazing experiences with other campers your age. High School camps are residential only.

Wrangler Camp

Wrangler camp is for high school girls only! This horse camp is appropriate for riders of intermediate or advanced skill level. Campers will enjoy team building and horsey activities at Chestnut Ridge on their arrival but then will head off-site for a 4-day, 4-night overnight horseback riding adventure! Wrangler girls and our staff will go to the beautiful Yadkin River Valley to camp out at a working ranch and ride with experienced guides through the mountains around Pilot Mountain State Park and Blowing Rock. They will have a riding lesson and do other activities on the ranch too. Make sure you don't miss out on this great horse adventure!

Cost: $735

Available Sessions B & F

What to bring to Wrangler Camp

Ultimate Mountain Adventure

The Ultimate Mountain Adventure is so big, it can't be contained in just one camp session. Campers will arrive a day early, on Saturday, to begin this adventure. This camp is for high school campers only. We will head to the mountains for a jam-packed week of high adventure activities. Each day will offer a new adventure as we go backpacking, camping, spelunking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. Join us this summer for this adventure of a lifetime!

Campers choosing this camp should plan to be capable of hiking 5-10 miles per day with a backpack that weighs 30% of their body weight. Specialized camping gear will be provided. No experience necessary.

Cost: $835 

What to bring on the Ultimate Mountain Adventure.

Available Session UMA

AT40

Experience 40 miles on the grandaddy of all trails - The Appalachian Trail. Extending from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is the premiere backpacking experience in the East, offering spectacular views, beautiful landscapes and visits to historic places. On this trip, campers will backpack 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail along the North Carolina/Tennessee border. We'll experience all that backpacking has to offer - camping in tents, dinner over the fire, star filled skys, and stories to be shared. Come experience the allure of this historic trail that has been attracting hikers from around the world for over 75 years. Join us this summer for this adventure of a lifetime!

Campers choosing this camp should plan to be capable of hiking 10-14 miles per day with a backpack that weighs 30% of their body weight. Specialized camping gear will be provided. No experience necessary.

Cost: $675

What to bring on AT40

Available Session G

High School Camp Out

 Campers will spend the week camping out at the rustic sites during the night and participating in all of your favorite camp activities during the day. Campers will participate in many of the traditional camp activities such as the zipline, high ropes course, canoeing, archery and more!  See old friends and make new ones. Come enjoy camp again, meet people your own age, and have a blast at Chestnut Ridge!

Cost: $535

Available Session H

Herpetological Research Experience

In this FREE program, made possible through funding from the National Science Foundation, students will become immersed in scientific research projects involving snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, and salamanders that live, breed, feed and move through 362 acres of mixed forests and wetlands. You will partner with other high school students and field biologists to learn about appropriate ways to collect, process and analyze scientific data. You will develop and conduct your own scientific investigations and share your findings with the public. This research experience allows you to explore science related careers and the scientific enterprise. FREE optional follow-up days are included in this program and are scheduled throughout the school year. In order to participate in this program, students must submit a completed application and be accepted by a selection committee. 

Cost: FREE

Available Session A

Counselor In Training

Completed 10th - 12th grade

The Counselor in Training (CIT) program is an exciting experience for high school campers. Campers must have completed 10th grade to participate in the CIT program. This 2 week intensive leadership development and training program is for those who wish to grow in their faith, gain new skills, and take on new leadership challenges. As part of the CIT program, campers will have the opportunity to pursue certification in - Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR. Campers will also delve into study of scripture and their faith. The program takes place primarily onsite, with a short offsite backpacking trip in the middle. Finally, we expect that by the end of the two week camp, CIT campers will be trying on new leadership roles as they plan and implement new programs or activities for the younger campers. The CIT program will mold and shape the leaders of tomorrow, both at camp and beyond. The CIT program takes place June 17 - 29.
Cost: $1070