Wilderness is our most special and unique program designed specifically for 15 year olds. It is designed to build self-esteem opportunities based on independence and accomplishment, and create deep and lasting friendships. It’s been a hallmark of Camp Chateaugay since 1948, when the founders built a self-contained unit as a place for our oldest campers to bond and build friendships and leadership skills through primitive living, closeness to nature, and immersive trips in the surrounding mountains, forests and lakes.

Campers live in “no frills” cabins that don’t have electricity, and prepare their own food, eating breakfast and lunch together most days. They also embark on adventurous, multi-day overnight camping trips – including a mountain biking excursion, a hiking trip and a canoeing trip – where teamwork and leadership are key to success.

Through these shared experiences, campers develop a deeper understanding of responsibility, strong work ethic, group dynamics, and confidence in one’s ability to work with others and to be a leader of others. Some people spend a lifetime trying to find this kind of an indelible group living experience — our Wilderness campers experience at a key moment in their lives where the confidence and leadership skills that develop can drive their high school and college experiences.

Our LIT program is for kind and enthusiastic teens ready to be role models for younger campers. Some are former campers who are eager to spend another summer at camp. Others arrive for their first time, looking for an amazing experience with outstanding people, build new skills, and have the summer of a lifetime.

LITs receive extensive training in child supervision and leadership. Additionally, they are offered opportunities to become certified in first-aid, lifeguarding and CPR. Each LIT will choose one or more areas of camp where they will spend the majority of their time assisting at an activity area with one of the camp’s talented staff members. In the evenings, they will be assigned to a bunk to assist in getting the campers into bed. They will gain hours of practical teaching experience.

LITs also participate in Community Service projects. At the beginning of the summer, they break into small groups and pick from a variety of national charities for which they will volunteer their time, and spend a few hours each week supporting the charity. LITs will also get a chance to get out of camp on trips that provide an opportunity for growth — such as visiting nearby colleges/universities or going on a hiking or canoeing trip.

This unique adventure offers Chateaugay CIT’s (aged 16 & 17) an unparalleled opportunity to expand their horizons, build lasting friendships and contribute to local communities, all with possible bookends with some time at Camp Chateaugay. CITs can come to camp for a week and then embark on thrilling outdoor activities and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Costa Rica. It is a gateway to personal development, global awareness, and deepened friendships. CIT’s will be taking a transformative journey that will enrich their college applications, broaden their horizons, and shape them into a global citizen with a heart for adventure.

The Costa Rica program starts on July 2nd, 2025, (flying in the same day). Campers then have two options to choose from, either a 17 day or 31 day option. There are options to stay at camp before leaving for the trip or after returning. This can be either a week or two, or just a day. The cost for the program will be determined by the number of campers enrolled (airfare not included.) The more CITs that participate, the less the cost.