11-13 Year-old Program
The 11-13 year-old program is an exciting and full week of team-building and adventure activities at Gordon College. Campers learn important character lessons while being active and having fun at the day camp program. The following are just a few of the comments parents have written in the past.
- "The La Vida program has been a positive energetic fun-filled camp that all of my children have loved."
- "My son says it was "awesome" and you couldn't do anything better. Thanks for an enjoyable week that he'll remember for a long time. This experience really boosted my son's self-confidence. He loved the challenges and as a parent, I appreciate the safe environment."
- "She displays lessons learned throughout the school year, teachers have commented on positive attributes, and I'm sure La Vida has had a part in this!"
Click here to download the 2012 La Vida Adventure Camp brochure.
11-13 Year-old Program Activites
Canoeing and Kayaking
There is something wonderful about being on the water, especially on a warm summer day. At La Vida Adventure Camp, campers are at the waterfront several times during the week. They learn basic canoeing and kayaking skills while working together and playing fun water games.
Team-Building
La Vida Adventure Camp is a place to meet new friends and learn teamwork. Each camper is placed in a small group of 11–14 kids along with 2 caring counselors and a junior counselor. Working together, encouraging, listening, caring, and serving each other are all important parts of the Adventure Camp experience.
High Ropes Course
Under the supervision of trained belay staff, campers are encouraged to "step outside their comfort zone" and challenge themselves on the high ropes course. The ropes course consists of numerous elements that provide a range of challenges starting with the spider's web and Indiana Jones Bridge to the 2-person element, Vertical Playpen. All campers are an essential part of the support system on the ground, encouraging one another and helping the belay staff.
Rock Climbing
Have you ever had the thrill of climbing up a 20 foot wall? Or been surprised at how you could boulder across a wall while playing "release the hounds"? At the La Vida Rock Gym, campers can climb up several rock faces, participate in bouldering games, and encourage each other on the wall.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking provides a wonderful chance to have adventures in the woods, splash through muddy puddles, and observe nature on the several hundred acres of wooded trails adjacent to Gordon College's campus. Campers start with beginner trails and are guided by an experienced mountain bike specialist. Everyone is given the opportunity to try intermediate trails or to continue riding on beginner trails.
11-13 Year-Old Program Staff
Each camper is placed in a small group with trained counselors, and activity staff run the speciaized adventure activites. Staff are current and past Gordon College students along with other carefully selected, caring adults. Junior counselors are high school students that show maturity and a desire to invest in younger campers.
Adventure Camp's primary concern is seeing to each camper's phyical, emotional and social needs. We aim to keep our camper/staff ratio low at 5:1.