Fort Wilderness is a unique camp nestled in the scenic Northwoods of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This serene location, amidst lush forests and close to the crystal-clear lakes typical of Wisconsin’s landscape, provides an idyllic backdrop for a variety of camp activities.

Founded with a strong Christian ethos, Fort Wilderness has been dedicated to providing enriching experiences in a faith-based setting since its inception. The camp’s mission is to create a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth, spiritual development, and a deep connection with nature. At its core, Fort Wilderness aims to help campers build strong character and lasting friendships through its various programs and activities.

Fort Wilderness is a versatile camp that caters to boys and girls across different age groups. The camp offers a range of sessions for different ages, ensuring that each program is age-appropriate and engaging. From young children to teenagers, all activities are designed to be both fun and enriching, aligning with the camp’s philosophy of learning through adventure.

Whether it’s through exploring the great outdoors, engaging in exciting camp games, or participating in reflective spiritual sessions, Fort Wilderness is a place where youth can thrive while embracing the values of community and faith.

Programs Offered by Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness offers a diverse array of programs that cater to different interests and age groups. Here’s a detailed overview of the programs available, their duration, specialties, and a glimpse into a typical day at the camp:

1. General Camp Sessions

Description: These sessions include a mix of traditional camp activities such as archery, canoeing, horseback riding, and crafts, along with daily devotionals and team-building exercises.
Length of Sessions: Options range from one-week sessions to two-week sessions, accommodating both short-term and more immersive camp experiences.
Specialty: Emphasis on outdoor adventure and personal development through community living and spiritual growth.

2. Adventure Camps

Description: Focused on high-adventure activities, these camps include backpacking, wilderness survival skills, and advanced water sports.
Length of Sessions: Typically one to two weeks, these sessions are designed to challenge older campers and develop advanced outdoor skills.
Specialty: Adventure and survival skills training, with a strong emphasis on leadership and teamwork.

3. Family Camps

Description: Designed for entire families, these sessions provide an opportunity for families to bond through shared activities in a relaxing outdoor setting.
Length of Sessions: Weekend or one-week options, providing flexibility for families with varying schedules.
Specialty: Family bonding with a blend of recreational activities, worship sessions, and communal meals.

4. Specialty Clinics

Description: These are short-term focused sessions on specific skills such as rock climbing, fishing, or photography.
Length of Sessions: Short sessions, generally lasting a few days to a week.
Specialty: Skill development in specific areas, guided by experts.

5. Leadership Development Programs

Description: Aimed at teenagers, these programs focus on developing leadership qualities through advanced camp responsibilities, mentorship opportunities, and specialized training.
Length of Sessions: Two weeks to a full summer, designed to build significant leadership skills over time.
Specialty: Leadership training, personal development.

Typical Daily Schedule

Morning:
- 7:30 AM: Wake up and personal time
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Morning devotional
- 9:30 AM: Morning activities (rotating through different stations like crafts, sports, nature hikes)
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM: Quiet time/rest period
- 2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (specialty clinics or adventure activities)
- 5:00 PM: Free time or optional workshops
Evening:
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 7:00 PM: Evening program (campfire, games, talent shows)
- 8:30 PM: Evening devotional or reflection time
- 9:30 PM: Lights out

This schedule is designed to provide a balanced mix of structured activities and free time, allowing campers to explore their interests while growing personally and spiritually.

Accommodations in Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness ensures a comfortable and immersive camping experience through its well-thought-out accommodations, dining options, and facilities. Here’s what campers can expect:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodations at Fort Wilderness are cozy, rustic cabins designed to blend into the natural surroundings. These cabins are typically equipped with bunk beds and can house varying numbers of campers, usually between 8 to 12 per cabin. They are strategically placed throughout the camp to provide beautiful views of the surrounding forest and lakes.
Tents: For more adventurous sessions or specific programs, there may be opportunities to sleep in tents. This allows campers to experience a more traditional and rugged outdoor experience.
Dorms: Some programs, especially those involving larger groups or retreats, might use dormitory-style accommodations. These facilities are equipped with multiple beds and communal areas.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Fort Wilderness provides a comprehensive meal plan for all campers, which includes three well-balanced meals per day, served in the communal dining hall. The dining experience is designed to be both a time for nourishment and community building.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, the camp kitchen is equipped to handle requests for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific dietary restrictions. Campers or their guardians are encouraged to communicate any dietary needs in advance to ensure proper accommodations.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathrooms: Separate bathroom facilities for males and females are available and are conveniently located near all sleeping quarters. These facilities are maintained with high standards of cleanliness and are equipped with flush toilets and sinks.
Showers: Shower facilities are also segregated by gender and offer privacy and modern amenities. They are typically equipped with hot and cold water, allowing campers to refresh and clean up comfortably after a day full of activities.

These accommodations at Fort Wilderness are designed to ensure that every camper’s stay is as comfortable as possible, allowing them to focus fully on their camp experience and the growth opportunities it offers.

Activities in Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness provides a comprehensive and diverse range of activities designed to engage campers of all ages in both fun and learning. Here’s a breakdown of the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available:

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the nearby lakes. Hiking and biking on scenic trails are also prominent, giving campers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Northwoods.
Sports: Facilities for basketball, volleyball, and soccer allow campers to engage in team sports. Archery and horseback riding are also popular.
Crafts and Creative Arts: Campers can participate in various crafts, ranging from pottery to woodworking. Artistic activities like painting and drawing are encouraged to foster creativity.
Campfire and Outdoor Cooking: Learning to build a campfire and cook outdoors are essential skills taught at the camp, combining fun and practical learning.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These are significant events that mark the beginning and end of each camp session, featuring performances, camper awards, and reflections on the session.
Themed Nights: These might include costume nights, talent shows, or camp-wide games, fostering a fun and collaborative environment.
Spiritual Services: Weekly chapel services and daily devotionals are integral to the camp’s Christian mission, offering spiritual guidance and a chance for reflection.
Heritage Days: Special days might be dedicated to learning about the local culture and history, including Native American heritage in the Wisconsin Northwoods.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to participate in leadership programs, where they learn to manage groups, plan events, and lead activities.
Environmental Education: Programs tailored to environmental stewardship educate campers about wildlife, conservation, and sustainable practices.
Survival Skills: Workshops on wilderness survival skills, including orienteering, shelter building, and emergency response, are offered, equipping campers with knowledge and confidence to handle outdoor situations.
Personal Development: Through various activities, campers are encouraged to develop personal skills such as independence, confidence, and social interaction.

These activities not only enhance the camp experience but also aim to instill lasting values and skills in all participants, making their time at Fort Wilderness both enjoyable and enriching.

The staff of Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness prides itself on a highly qualified and dedicated staff team that ensures a safe, educational, and enjoyable camp experience for all participants. Here’s an overview of the staff-to-camper ratio, hiring process, qualifications, and training provided at the camp:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Ratio: Fort Wilderness maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and a high level of supervision. Typically, the ratio is about 1 staff member for every 6 to 8 campers. This ratio allows for effective oversight during both general and specialized activities, ensuring safety and quality engagement for all campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: The camp conducts a thorough hiring process that includes detailed applications, interviews, and background checks. References are checked to verify each candidate’s experience and suitability for working in a camp environment.
Qualifications: Staff members are often required to have prior experience in camping, education, or child care. Many are professionals in their fields, such as teachers, counselors, and outdoor specialists, or are college students pursuing related degrees. A strong affinity for youth development and a commitment to the camp’s values are critical for all staff.

Training and Certifications

General Training: All staff undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and activity leadership. This training ensures that every staff member is prepared to provide a supportive and safe environment.
Specialized Certifications:
- CPR and First Aid: All camp staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. This is essential for addressing any medical emergencies that may arise, ensuring the safety and well-being of campers.
- Lifeguard Training: Staff involved in water-based activities are certified lifeguards, which is crucial for maintaining safety during swimming, boating, and other aquatic activities.
- Wilderness First Aid: For staff leading adventure or backcountry programs, Wilderness First Aid certification is often required or highly recommended to prepare them for specific challenges associated with wilderness settings.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, staff participate in ongoing training sessions to refine their skills and adapt to evolving best practices in camp management and child care.

The extensive training and rigorous selection process for the staff at Fort Wilderness ensure that campers not only have a memorable and fun camp experience but also a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow and learn.

Safety and Health in Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness prioritizes the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing rigorous protocols and maintaining well-equipped health facilities. Here’s how safety and health are managed at the camp:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Routine Safety Drills: Regularly scheduled drills ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures. These include fire drills, weather-related drills, and other emergency response actions.
Activity-Specific Safety Protocols: Each activity offered at the camp has specific safety guidelines, which are rigorously followed. For example, all water activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and equipment used for sports and adventure activities is regularly inspected for safety.
Secure Environment: The camp maintains a secure environment with controlled access to ensure that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises. Staff are trained to monitor and manage the entry and departure of individuals to and from the camp.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Fort Wilderness has a dedicated health center staffed by qualified medical professionals such as nurses or paramedics. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is prepared with essential medications and first aid supplies.
Medical Staff Availability: Medical staff are available 24/7 during camp sessions to ensure that medical care is immediately accessible whenever needed. They are also responsible for managing and distributing prescribed medications to campers as required.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Action Plans: The camp has detailed emergency action plans tailored to various potential incidents, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear protocol for communicating with parents or guardians. This includes timely updates and full transparency about the nature of the emergency and the steps being taken.
Evacuation Procedures: For situations requiring evacuation, the camp has predefined routes and procedures to ensure that everyone can be safely and efficiently moved to designated safe areas.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: Fort Wilderness works closely with local emergency services, including fire, police, and hospitals, to ensure a coordinated response to any incident. Regular meetings and joint drills help strengthen this collaboration and ensure that emergency services are familiar with the camp layout and its specific needs.

The comprehensive safety and health measures at Fort Wilderness reflect its commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment, allowing campers to enjoy their experience with peace of mind.

Cost and Registration in Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness offers a structured approach to registration and cost management, ensuring that families can plan effectively for their camp experience. Here’s a detailed overview of the cost, registration process, and financial policies:

Cost of Attendance: The typical cost for a week-long session at Fort Wilderness ranges from $600 to $800, depending on the specific program. This fee generally includes:

Lodging in cabins or tents
All meals and snacks
Program activities and materials
Access to camp facilities
Basic accident insurance

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: The primary method for registering for camp sessions at Fort Wilderness is through an online registration platform. This system allows families to select their desired camp sessions, fill out necessary medical and personal information, and submit payments.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months in advance of the summer camp season. Early registration is encouraged as many sessions fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for each session are posted well in advance to give families ample time to plan.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Fort Wilderness offers payment plans to help families manage the cost of camp. These plans allow for incremental payments leading up to the start of the session.
Refunds and Cancellation: The camp has a structured refund policy, which generally allows for a full or partial refund up until a certain date before the camp session begins. After this date, refunds may not be available, or a cancellation fee may apply. Details of the refund and cancellation policy are clearly stated during the registration process.
Cancellation due to COVID-19: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Wilderness has adapted its policies to offer more flexible cancellation options and refunds to accommodate unforeseen changes in health guidelines or personal circumstances.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Fort Wilderness is committed to making camp accessible to all children and offers scholarships based on financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion or the entirety of the camp fees.
Application for Financial Aid: Families seeking financial assistance are required to fill out a scholarship application detailing their financial situation. This process is confidential and aims to assess the level of assistance needed.
Community Support: The camp often collaborates with local organizations and businesses to fund scholarships, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent any child from experiencing camp.

Fort Wilderness strives to make its enriching camp experience accessible to families from all economic backgrounds through transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and comprehensive financial aid programs.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Fort Wilderness

Preparing for camp at Fort Wilderness is an important part of ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience. Here’s a guide on what to pack, understand the rules and policies, and some helpful tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire including rain gear, warm layers for cooler evenings, and comfortable clothing for active days. Include a swimsuit, hats, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
Bedding and Toiletries: Sleeping bag or bedding for cabin bunks, pillow, towels (both for swimming and showers), and personal toiletry items.
Sun and Insect Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, insect repellent, and sunglasses.
Reusable Water Bottle: Essential for hydration throughout the day as campers move between activities.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Useful for nighttime activities and moving around the cabin after dark.
Medications: Clearly labeled and with instructions. These should be handed over to the camp health staff upon arrival.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Fort Wilderness encourages a technology-free environment to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and fellow campers. Cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are generally discouraged or required to be turned in to camp staff upon arrival.
Visitation: Parents and guardians are allowed to visit only during designated visiting days to minimize disruptions and maintain the camp’s schedule and security. Details on visitation days and guidelines are provided before the camp session begins.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect, responsibility, and kindness are core values upheld at the camp. Campers are expected to adhere to these principles in their interactions and activities.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Familiarization: Discuss what the camp experience will involve, focusing on the exciting activities and new friendships to be made. This can help alleviate any anxiety.
Practice Independence: Encourage your child to practice skills they’ll use at camp, like making the bed, organizing their belongings, or following a schedule.
Communication: Write letters in advance for your child to receive at camp, and provide them with pre-addressed, stamped envelopes and paper to write back. This helps maintain a comforting connection without relying on digital communication.
Setting Expectations: Discuss homesickness and coping strategies. Reassure your child that it’s normal to miss home but that they will also have a lot of fun and gain new experiences.
Visit the Camp: If possible, visit the camp beforehand or attend a virtual tour if offered. Familiarity with the place can ease a lot of first-time jitters for both campers and parents.

By adequately preparing and understanding the camp’s environment and policies, parents can help ensure their children have a memorable and enriching experience at Fort Wilderness.

Fort Wilderness in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, stands out as more than just a summer camp—it’s a transformative experience that fosters personal growth, nurtures faith, and cultivates a deep appreciation for nature. With its diverse array of programs, from thrilling outdoor adventures to reflective spiritual sessions, the camp provides a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of interests and age groups.

The camp’s commitment to safety, coupled with a dedicated and well-trained staff, ensures a secure environment where campers can explore and challenge themselves confidently. The robust scholarship programs and inclusive policies demonstrate Fort Wilderness’s dedication to making the camp experience accessible to all children, regardless of their economic background.