Why Red Oak Camp?
Mission
TO DEVELOP CAMPERS’ INNER STRENGTHS THROUGH OUTDOOR EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE.
Our vision
Red Oak Camp envisions a world in which all citizen campers, young and old, have a deep and lasting connection with the natural world and know their own inner strengths. Ultimately, our hope is that our campers will learn to embrace life as an adventure and know how to act compassionately and boldly in service to the greater good.
Our core values
Courage
Compassion
Craftsmanship
Self-Reliance
Stewardship of the Natural World
Our goals
Through our programs, we seek to:
Provide a safe and fun environment for all
Promote intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth
Encourage deep exploration and love of the natural world
Foster curiosity and a hunger for lifelong learning
Cultivate compassion for others and the planet
Build key interpersonal, problem-solving, and self-reliance skills
Photograph by Willow Athens
Our approach
Choice and independence
Campers build independence by making age-appropriate choices with guidance from our staff. As they grow, they gain more say in their activities, learn to solve problems and take responsibility for their decisions.
Challenges that build skills
A ropes-course challenge, a woodworking project, a service project or working through a disagreement can help campers practice perseverance and problem-solving. Staff guide campers as they try, learn and build confidence.
Supportive mentors
Our counselors help campers build skills, friendships and confidence throughout their time at camp. Our leadership experiences give older campers opportunities to learn from staff and practice supporting others.
Learning outdoors
The woods, fields, trails and waterfront are part of our classroom. Hands-on experiences help campers get to know the natural world and practice caring for it. We want them to head home with muddy shoes, new skills and stories to share.
