Pathfinders
(Ages 10–12)
Imagine summer camp as an expedition into nature. Each session, a new and unexpected adventure awaits, and challenges you to become a confident explorer in the woods by teaching wilderness skills, first aid, cooking, shelter building, and more.
Register NowPathfinders
Ages 10–12 (must be 10 by August 31, 2021)
- 8:1 child to staff ratio
- $855 per 2–week session
- Two week session dates:
- Session 1: June 21st–July 2nd
- Session 2: July 5th–July 16th
- Session 3: July 19th–July 30th
- Session 4: Aug 2nd–Aug 13th
Butler Camp did an amazing job with organizing fun and different activities for the kids! Our daughters had a blast and loved everything, including archery, mountain bike, zip lining. The counselors were super friendly and safety protocols were solid!
~ Carole W., 2020 Camp Parent
Pathfinders
(Ages 10–12)
“Challenge by choice” is a fundamental tenet of our Pathfinders program. Our well-trained, certified counselors offer campers both instruction and encouragement as they tackle a wide variety of land and water activities.
Campers develop the ability to safely and successfully acquire new skills and confidence, while having fun with a different activity on campus each day of the week. Activities include our ropes and challenge course, team-building games, mountain biking, hiking, swimming at the creek, fishing, and wilderness skills training.
This program also includes a hike and tubing trip along the Seneca Red Trail and a one night camp out on the second Tuesday of each two week session.
Sample Day at Camp
9:15–12:00 Adventure Activity
12:00–12:30 LUNCH
12:30–1:45 Pool
2:30–3:00 group games
Rain Plan: Butler Camp views rain as “liquid sunshine”! All activities will continue as planned except in cases of severe weather (i.e., thunder, lightning, or heavy downpour). In this case, we have indoor and undercover space where activities will continue.
What Your Child Needs
Daily:
- Backpack
- Water bottle – refillable
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Snack
- Lunch
- Extra change of clothes
Start of Camp: (These items stay at camp for the session)
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Creek shoes/boots
Counselors will advise the campers when particular clothing is required. Be sure that your camper arrives in the morning with sunscreen/bug repellent already applied.
Basic overnight needs for all activities: Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, change of clothes, flashlight/headlamp, cup, bowl & spoon, water bottle, toiletries, warm jacket, and rain gear. Counselors will confirm the necessary items by Friday of Week 1.
Mosquito Tips – suggested for water activities: Pack lightweight pants, long-sleeved shirt, socks, and a hat that can be sprayed with bug spray.
Skills Gained
- Increased fitness, strength, agility, self-confidence, and fearlessness
- Knowledge and experience with climbing, canoeing, tubing, hiking, mountain-biking, knot-tying, fishing, tent and camp set-up, outdoor cooking, wilderness skills, and outdoor/water safety
- Environmental education, including Leave No Trace camping ethics and practices and respect for nature and others (and an appreciation for life beyond “screen time”)
- Lifelong memories of singing and roasting marshmallows by a campfire, sleeping in the wilderness in a tent, and the confidence in wilderness skills to safely move about, cook, and create shelter.
- Problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, decision-making, risk assessment, communication skills and, in many cases, new friends!
Pathfinders Sample Weeks
WK1
Monday – Opening Ceremony, Introduction Games, Snack, Hike, Lunch, Pool, Survival Skills Shelter Building
Tuesday – Group game, Snack, Archery, Lunch, Hike to waterfall, Pool
Wednesday – Low Ropes Course, Lunch, Survival Skills water filtration, Pool
Thursday – High Ropes, Snack, High Ropes, Lunch, Survival Skills (Fire building) Pool
Friday – Hike to water hole, Snack, Water hole, Lunch, Pool, Survival Skills Wood forage
WK2
Monday – High Wall Climb, Lunch, High Ropes, Go over plans for next days overnight.
Tuesday – Morning drop off at Riffleford Rd, Tube, Lunch, Overnight camp out (late pool)
Wednesday – Breakfast, clean up and tents put away, games, Lunch, Pool, Tree climbing
Thursday – Geocaching with Maps/Compass, Snack, Geocaching, Lunch, Pool, Mt Bike Skills
Friday – Group Picks Activity, Snack, Pool, Cookout and Closing Ceremony
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Pathfinders spend their day?
How many campers are with a counselor?
What do you do on weather related “code red” days?
What is Campout FAQ?
Does my child have to participate in Campout?
Which camp sessions did I register for?
Can you group my child with the friends I listed during registration?
Do campers need to bring a SNACK and LUNCH?
Tour our camp!
Visit our 22–acre campus and imagine your child here this summer. Tours are available M–F between 9am–4pm.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Schedule A Tour