TEEN PROGRAMS
ArtsFest, BIGTIME, CIT
ARTSFEST
Art School, Music Festival, Summer Camp
2 weeks July 25 - August 6
Age 13-17 (only teens at camp)
$2900
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.
BIG TIME
Belonging, Individuality, Growth - Teens Initiate Magical Experiences
2 weeks
June 28th - July 10
July 12 - July 24
August 9 - August 21
Ages 14 - 16
$2900
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.
Registering for BIGTIME is simply an application. We will set up a time to talk to your camper to make sure that BIGTIME is right for them. Any campers in that age group who are not interested in BIGTIME programming will be given a spot in our main camp program.
CIT PROGRAM
COUNSELORS IN TRAINING
2 weeks
June 28th - July 10
July 12 - July 24
August 9 - August 21
Ages 16-17
$2850
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.
We plan to hold interviews with potential CIT candidates to assure that that counselor-in-training program is appropriate for your camper. While BIGTIME is a more general leadership program, CIT focuses on leadership at camp, with the goal of giving campers the tools to be successful if hired as camp staff.
Campers registered for CIT who decided they want something else from their summer will be redirected towards BIGTIME, Artsfest, or main camp if they are of appropriate age.
