Do you love being outside? Do you have a passion for the environment? Here at Camp SCA we couple learning and fun with community engagement.
Camp SCA is a collaborative effort between Camp Horizons and the Student Conservation Association. Together we strive to get youth outside and involved as stewards of our public lands. Most Camp SCA activities, lodging, and meals will take place at Camp Horizons’ Mountain Campus in Luray, Virginia.
Specialty Camp Brochure Camp SCA FAQs
Spend time this summer surrounded by nature, preserving public lands, and making lifelong friends. Enjoy taking part in hands-on conservation efforts while exploring in Shenandoah National Park. You will learn how to maintain trails, restore habitat, and keep public lands enjoyable for all from conservation professionals. In your session, you will also earn community service hours while spending two days as part of a team helping to improve and preserve a piece of public land. Beyond conservation projects, campers have time to take part in traditional camp activities such as zip-lining, canoeing, swimming, and other fun camp games. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and love every minute during Camp SCA!
Learning Areas
- Introduction to Conservation Skills
- Safe tool use and introduction to tools of the trade such as a Pulaski, cross-cut saw and McLeod
- Basics of Trail Maintenance, invasive plant removal and habitat conservation
- Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
- Importance of public lands
- Composting
- Overnight backpacking
- River Canoeing
Traditional Camp Activities
- Large group games
- Swimming
- Campfire and s’mores
- High adventure activities such as zip-line and giant swing
- Day hike
- River canoe trip
- Tie dye
Check out the sample schedule below for more!
Sample Schedule
Day 1
- Camp check in
- Get-to-know-you games and activities
- Opening camp fire
Day 2
- Team building
- Fire building/stove usage
- Giant Swing
Day 3
- Trail tool lesson
- Introduction to conservation
- Rock Wall climbing
Day 4
- Local Day hike
Day 5
- Water diversion/ trail construction
- Tents/ tarps/ setting up a cooking area lesson
- Swimming in the lake
Day 6
- New Trail Design and maps
- Water filtration and safe cooking lesson
- Zip line
Day 7
- Overnight canoe trip on the Shenandoah River
Day 8
- Finish river trip
- Conservation lesson
- High Ropes
Day 9
- Practice trail work
- Pack for overnight trip
- Swimming in the lake
Day 10
- Visitors’ Center
- Meet a park ranger
- Volunteer project
Day 11
- Conservation project
Day 12
- Conservation project
Day 13
- Offsite trip (hike or adventure activity)
Day 14
- Pack up and depart
Sign me up!
Ready for an unforgettable experience at Camp Horizons? Register today!
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