A "best of both worlds" day camp
Day Camp Program
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Ages 8-13 (grouped by age)
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Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Cost: $699 per week
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Shuttle to and from Salem Park and Ride ($50/week)
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Focus: Adventure, confidence, outdoor fun
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Experience: No prior experience needed
Five days of climbing, paddling, caving, and campfire lore in the Blue Ridge backcountry — without a single overnight. Built for first-time adventurers and returning campers who aren't done exploring.
Daily outdoor activities
A Full Week of Adventure
Our curriculum rotates every day so every camper gets the full spectrum of WA adventure — from granite rock faces to creek bottoms to the ropes course canopy.
Vertical Challenges
Rock climbing and bouldering on real routes in Virginia — technique, trust, and balance.
The Ropes Lab
Low and high ropes challenges at our Basecamp — culminating in the legendary Giant Swing.
Water Exploration
Kayaking and canoeing on calm waters. Master paddling, reading currents, and water safety.
Homestead Skills
Fire building, outdoor cooking, shelter construction, and the "Leave No Trace" ethic.
Underground Discovery
Guided caving into local limestone systems. Geology, navigation, and a whole other world below.
WA Olympics
Team games, relays, and friendly competitions that build leadership and lifelong inside jokes.
A week of growth & great memories
Adventure, close to home
Inspired by our Homestead Adventure lodge-based camp, it blends technical outdoor skills — rock climbing, paddling, caving — with the "Challenge by Choice" philosophy that has defined WA for decades.
Campers spend their days in the backcountry and return to our basecamp hub for hearty lunches, big games, and community. It's a gentle entry point for new adventurers, and a skill-builder for those coming back for more.
Our staff is WA-some
Safety & Supervision
Safety comes first - always. Every activity is led by dedicated experts hired for their experience and expertise, and all staff are Wilderness First Aid-certified.
Campers receive a thorough safety orientation at the start of their week, and every activity is age-appropriate and supported by appropriate safety equipment.
Our on-site infirmary is staffed and ready, giving families peace of mind while kids explore, challenge themselves, and have fun.
A Week on the Homestead
Sample Itinerary
Here's how a typical week unfolds. Weather, water levels, and group chemistry may reshape the order — but the arc is the same: arrive curious, leave capable.
Monday
Arrival & Ropes
Morning
Icebreakers, safety orientation, and low ropes challenges.
Afternoon
Climbing wall and high ropes elements.
Tuesday
Climb & Canoe
Morning
Outdoor rock climbing at BS Rocks or Lignite.
Afternoon
Paddling Craig's Creek — strokes, steering, and swimming.
Wednesday
Bushcraft
Morning
Survival skills: fire and shelter building, and pond class.
Afternoon
Nature ID, animal tracking, and the Outer Space hike.
Thursday
Water Day!
Morning
Subterranean caving expedition — geology, headlamps, and wonder.
Afternoon
Tubing down Craig's Creek to cool off and reset.
Friday
The FInale
Morning
WA Olympics — field games and team challenges.
Afternoon
The Giant Swing, closing circle, skits, awards, and final campfire.
Is this your camper?
More info on our Day Camp
Day Camp is a great fit for campers who:
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Want to try lots of different outdoor activities
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Are new to camp experiences
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Love being active and exploring outside
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Curious about new outdoor adventure skills
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Want to build confidence and independence
Challenge/fitness level
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All skill levels are welcome; we teach campers everything they need to know
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Challenge by choice - campers are not required to participate in any activity they are uncomfortable with
Included in tuition (no hidden fees here):
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Mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack
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Guided activities
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All equipment and activity gear
Not included in tuition:
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Optional shuttle service to and from Salem Park and Ride, $50 per week
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Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled campers)
Let's find your adventure.
Got questions or ready to dive in? The WAEL team is here to help - you're in good hands.