Picture a pristine lake surrounded by wooded mountains. Hear the sound of birds singing as you wake up, and then the crunch of twigs underfoot as you follow the trail up into the hills. Picture a canoe slicing through the water and hear the gentle splash as the paddle dips into the water. Picture abseiling down a rope dangling down a cliff with breathtaking views.
Did you know that you can have all these adventures and many more while on your overnight summer camp? Its true, whether on a traditional summer camp or on one dedicated to adventurous activities, you’ll be able to push your comfort zone, get back to the wild and have an adventure. Here are just a few of the exciting outdoor adventures you can have on your overnight camps:
Backpacking or Hiking
A great way to get out there and explore nature. Many camps are in beautiful wild locations and trails lead deep into the woods or up into the mountains. Depending on the location, and the age and experience of the group, hikes can be anything from a half-day to a multi-day backpack expedition including camping out. Hiking in the wilderness slows everything down and allows you to discover yourself, spend time talking with other members of the group, and to come to a greater understanding of the natural world.
Canoeing
Whether an open canoe or a kayak you’ll learn basic paddling strokes and techniques. You might find yourself paddling across a lake so still it’s like a mirror to a secluded island or bay, or you might be charging down a river, pumped with 
adrenaline as the white water surges beneath you.
Rock Climbing
Climbing on real rocks involves a slightly different set of skills than indoor climbing. You can learn or develop your skills in climbing, belaying or rappelling as you experience bouldering, top-roped or multi-pitch climbing on a whole range of different rock formations.
Mountain Biking
With most overnight summer camps in reach of either country roads, rolling hills or off road single-tracks and trails there will be mountain biking or cycling suitable for everybody to develop and extend their skills. You’ll learn good riding form and techniques, some bike maintenance and how to keep safe on your bike, and you’ll be able to go out there and explore wild places inaccessible by car, and too far on foot.
Horseback Riding
Whether you’ve no experience of horseback riding at all and go on a trail with a lead-rein, or you are an experienced rider taking part in a multi-day ride and camp out, a horseback riding adventure will take you places you’ve never imagined. A trail looks and feels completely different in the company of a horse. You’ll learn a variety of new skills, whether those are about looking after a horse and getting on and off, or taking part in competitions or a cattle drive.
Caving
Some areas of the States have a hidden subterranean world of marvels just waiting to be discovered by the adventurous.
Crawl through a maze of tunnels, squeezing through tight spaces, to discover cascading underground waterfalls, still lakes and vast caverns filled with breathtaking natural sculptures which nature has taken millions of years to develop.
Overnight Camping
Sometimes as part of another adventurous activity, overnight camps are always a magical experience. Sleeping under the stars, sitting around a fire telling ghost stories and eating s’mores, waking up with the sun and the birds. It’s always an unforgettable experience.
All adventurous activities on overnight camps are as adventurous as you want them to be. The leaders will assess the group’s experience and abilities and using their experience and knowledge of the area, will select adventures that challenge the group, but are safe for everybody. Safety is always paramount and there will always be up-to-date safety equipment and full safety briefings for all activities. Nobody will be forced to do anything that they are not comfortable with.
Whatever your adventure, you’ll be able to find it on an overnight camp. You’ll find that some overnight camps specialize in outdoor and adventurous activities, while others include them as part of a wider traditional program. With a world of adventures waiting to be discovered, start looking for yours today!
