A.R.E. Camp Rural Retreat, Va. | Register
Wilderness Hikes - Camp Calendar
(Ages 12-16)

(Reminder! A child must attend the camp session prior to the hike session in order to attend the hike. If you or your child is between the ages of 17 and 20 please check out "Fellows and Friends" for older teens.)

A Wilderness Hike is offered as an optional third week after each Children's Session. These week-long backpacking experiences incorporate the ideal of living close to nature with the opportunity to challenge perceived limitations in a close-knit, supportive group.

Each hike is individually tailored to the needs and experience level of the participants. These hikes will enable campers to meet both physical and mental challenges, learn new wilderness skills, cope with the unexpected, and explore the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. Backpacking, setting up campsites and carrying and cooking your own food provide daily physical challenges, and learning to work harmoniously with a group of friends in the midst of nature is a wonderful adventure and an extremely rewarding experience!

Eligible campers are those who have attended the previous Children's Session and are between the ages of 12 and 16. Wilderness hikers will need more equipment than is necessary at a regular camp session. A special hike equipment list is included in your "Camp Handbook," which will be mailed along with other registration materials after you have registered.