Summer 2027 - Choosing a session for my camper
It’s been 53 days since summer 2026 ended, and I can’t help but remain in awe of the impact every single camper made. I watched our BIGTIME campers constantly give back to the community through their own wacky activities. C.I.T’s discover their love for working with kids, and also teach our staff something along the way. Mini campers, fully bonded by night one, excited about the possibility of a two week session next year. ArtsFest campers fully embrace the teens' only energy at every single after party. And of course, our main campers define why Stomping Ground exists, to give kids the chance to play their way. 2026 has left a lasting impact on me, and I can’t stop thinking about how excited I am to do it all again. And you know what?
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2027 OPENS OCTOBER 17 at 9AM EST
Picking a session is more than just finding dates that work for your family. It’s also incredibly important and special to find the program that is best for your camper(s). Each program is built with a different purpose in mind, and we encourage you to talk to your camper about what they want from this summer with us.
Summer 2027 Session Dates
Session 1 June 27th - July 9th - Main Camp & BIG TIME & CIT
Mini Camp 1 July 4th - July 9th
Session 2 July 11th - July 23rd - Main Camp & BIG TIME & CIT
Mini Camp 2 July 18th - July 23rd
ArtsFest July 25th - August 6th - ages 13-17
Session 4 August 8th - August 20th - Main Camp & BIG TIME & CIT
Mini Camp 4 August 8th - August 13th
Main Camp (ages 6-16)
Our main camp program allows for kids to create their own schedules and explore anything and everything that interests them. We encourage kids to try new things, hone existing skills, and build community with other campers. We’ve found that two weeks allows us to see campers move through all stages of group development. Campers in main camp spend their mornings trying out a multitude of options or exploring and connecting in Downtown Stomping Ground (a space specially designed for supervised free play); the afternoons are spent enjoying our beautiful lake or hanging out on the iconic pirate ship, and in the evenings we get to immerse our entire community in engaging and imaginative Night Games. Main campers live in a cabin with 9-10 other campers, as well as two counselors that they get to build connections with throughout the session. Main camp provides the opportunity for your camper to explore all that Stomping Ground has to offer!
BIGTIME (ages 14–16) *BIG changes!!
BIGTIME is for teens who are ready for a little more responsibility, independence, and opportunity to make an impact. BIGTIME combines the creativity and freedom of Stomping Ground with intentional leadership development, community engagement, and shared experiences that bring the group together. Throughout the two-week session, BIGTIME campers will participate in interactive leadership workshops, spend time shadowing our leadership staff, and work together on a project that makes a meaningful contribution to camp or the broader community.
Campers will have opportunities to practice and develop their own leadership skills while discovering what leadership looks like in their own lives. BIGTIME also includes experiences designed to bring the group closer together, including an overnight camping trip, a community service experience, and other off-site outings. Campers will have a voice in shaping their experience, from choosing and completing their group project to designing activities during BIGTIME Days.
With a smaller group and more intentional structure, BIGTIME gives teens the opportunity to build confidence, take initiative, and experience what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. BIGTIME is a great fit for teens who want more than the traditional camp experience and are excited to take on new challenges, work alongside others, and discover the type of leader they want to be.
CIT (ages 16-17)
The CIT (Counselor in Training) program is for teens who are ready to take the next step and explore what it means to be a camp counselor at Stomping Ground. Throughout this intensive two-week experience, CITs will learn directly from our staff while developing the skills it takes to build community, lead activities, and support campers and the space. During the first week, CITs focus on learning and observing the many parts of being a counselor, including participating in an abbreviated Restorative Justice training similar to the one our staff undergo during Staff Orientation. During the second week, CITs put what they’ve learned into practice by moving into cabins, helping facilitate activities during our option periods, leading games, and working alongside our staff to create the Stomping Ground experience. CITs get the opportunity to grow as leaders, build meaningful relationships with campers, and discover what it takes to help make camp a place where everyone belongs. This program is a great fit for teens who are interested in working with kids and want to explore what being a future Stomping Ground counselor could look like from our current staff.
ArtsFest (ages 13-17)
ArtsFest is about creating, connecting, and collaborating. It's for teenagers looking for space to be themselves, make art, and forge new friendships. It's for beginners and experts practicing various art forms, trying new things, and honing their craft. From artist lectures to funky puppet shows, ArtsFest is both serious and whimsical. There are guitar classes, painting seminars, artist lectures, giant projects, cardboard creation, jewelry making, slam poetry sessions, and so much more, but the magic of ArtsFest is that it's all up to you. During ArtsFest, campers will have the opportunity to deep dive into the artistic pursuit of their choice, or try a new skill every day with our Artists In Residence. ArtsFest is a festival celebrating choice, connection, and creation, the day is what you make it.
Mini Camp (ages 6-12)
Mini camp is a week-long concurrent session offered for campers who may just want to try camp out or would enjoy a shorter option. We designed these sessions with new campers in mind, but anyone who would benefit from a shorter program is welcome. Mini camp is intended to be just like Main Camp, but just a few days less.
Stomping Ground is built on the belief that all kids deserve a stomping ground - a place that feels like it’s theirs, a home they can return to again and again. That starts here: choosing which session will be a perfect fit.
Still have questions about which program is best for your camper? Email me (daniel@campstompingground.org) or MK (mk@campstompinground.org).
We cannot wait to see the impact you’ll make, right here next summer!
Daniel