Wilderness Camps for Kids –
Adventure Awaits

Empower your child connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and build lasting friendships at Overland’s wilderness camps.

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Call us: (413) 458-9672

Why Choose Wilderness Camps?

Leadership, Adventure & Growth

Optimism. Enthusiasm. Joy.
Every Overland trip offers friendship and fun, laughter and stories, adventure Overland’s wilderness camps for kids provide a unique opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and outdoor adventure. With over 40 years of experience, our programs offer a safe, structured environment where children build self-reliance, make lasting friendships, and explore the great outdoors. Whether hiking, canoeing, or camping, our trips are designed to challenge kids while ensuring their well-being.

Call us to speak with a team member: (413) 458-9672

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Find Your Next Trip

Use our trip finder tool to select the perfect wilderness camp for your child.
Discover exciting adventures tailored to their interests and age.

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Close-up of a student reading printed program materials, highlighting learning, reflection, and the focus on personal development through outdoor experiences.

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Happier & Healthier Without Smartphones

Explore the advantages of disconnecting at Overland. Download our PDF for an in-depth look at how we create engaging and smartphone-free adventures.

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Why Overland?

Expert Leadership

Overland’s wilderness camp leaders are highly trained, ensuring your child is in safe and capable hands.

Personalized Adventures

Each trip is tailored to your child’s needs, helping them grow and learn in a supportive, adventure-filled environment.

Unmatched Safety

Safety is our priority. Our wilderness camps are carefully designed to provide adventure with the highest standards of safety and supervision.

Far More Than Just A Summer Experience

Four Decades of Adventure

The Overland story is best told by our families, students, and leaders.

View All Student Stories ›
Student Parent Leader

“My favorite section of the trip was definitely backpacking…

When we got to the top of the steep uphill on day three the view was stunning and everyone felt so accomplished. We then ate lunch with a picture perfect view!”

Cara

Norway Expedition

Far More Than Just A Summer Experience

Four Decades of Adventure

The Overland story is best told by our families, students, and leaders.

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Student Parent Leader
Two campers relaxing together by a scenic lake with mountain views, showing friendship, confidence, and connection built through shared outdoor experiences.

“In sending our kids to Overland, our goal was for them to become adventurous, acquire independence, confidence and leadership.

We also wanted them to be exposed to different cultures and experiences which would stretch them beyond their comfort zone.”

Apurva and Seema

Aditi & Krisha’s Parents

Far More Than Just A Summer Experience

Four Decades of Adventure

The Overland story is best told by our families, students, and leaders.

View All Leader Stories ›
Student Parent Leader
Portrait of Overland Summers leader Nico in a natural outdoor setting, representing experienced mentorship and leadership within youth adventure programs.

“I believe leadership is being able to love and care for all of the team members…

I’ve learned that leadership does not only rest on the “leader.” In a team, we all can and should lead. This summer, I’ll strive to empower and encourage ownership in each and every team member over our summer adventure!”

Ninco
PYRENEES EXPEDITION

Wilderness Camp FAQs

Got questions? Check out our frequently asked questions to learn more about Overland’s wilderness camps for kids. We’re here to help you prepare for the best summer yet.

Have more questions or want to inquire about availability?
Contact Us or call: (413) 458-9672

What age group are Overland’s wilderness camps for?

Overland’s wilderness camps are designed for kids in grades 4-12. We have age-appropriate trips to ensure your child gets the most out of their experience.

Are the trips safe?

Safety and risk management are central to everything we do—from planning trips and training leaders to supporting our groups in the field.

It’s important to understand that all recreational activities carry some level of risk. That said, we focus on managing the risks we can, knowing we can’t eliminate them entirely.

We put in a lot of effort to recruit, train, and support our trip leaders, ensuring they can deliver the kind of experiences that have made us successful since the 1980s.

Click here to learn more about our approach to risk management and our accreditation by the American Camp Association.

What should my child bring?

Our detailed packing lists for each trip cover everything your child will need for the trip, from clothing and gear to personal items. We make sure that kids have all the essentials for a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience in the field.

The lists are carefully designed to ensure they’re prepared for a variety of conditions and activities, and we’re always available to help if you have any questions about what to pack. We aim to minimize the chance of forgetting anything important, so everyone can focus on having a great time without any worries.

Can my child be in contact with me during the trip?

Phones

To encourage independence and self-reliance, we do not allow phone calls, emails, or text messages to or from our campers. Your child will have the opportunity to call home upon arrival and departure with our phones, and in case of an emergency. If your child brings a phone for the journey to and from the trip, please be aware that all phones will be collected upon arrival and returned at departure. While we’ll take reasonable precautions to prevent any damage, theft, or loss, we cannot accept responsibility for phones and will not offer reimbursements for any that are lost, damaged, or stolen.

Electronics

Cameras are welcome, but we ask that you leave other electronics (such as iPods, iPads, Kindles, GPS devices, or similar items) at home. Any electronics other than cameras will be mailed back home once the trip begins, at your own risk and expense.

Communication: We’ll Stay in Touch If Needed

Our leaders in the field check in with our office regularly and carry cell phones, and in some cases, satellite phones. If a camper is treated by a doctor or other medical professional, parents will be notified by our office. A director will personally call to explain the situation, including details about the injury or illness, the steps taken, and any treatment provided. Parents will also have the opportunity to speak directly with the medical staff, the trip leaders, and, if possible, their child.

How do I apply for a trip?

Simply visit our application portal to start the process. We guide you through every step to ensure your child’s adventure begins smoothly.

The Overland Difference

Overland offers more than just wilderness camps for kids. We provide resources for parents, financial aid, and personalized trip planning to ensure the best possible experience for your child.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Overland's leadership style emphasizes mentorship, fostering independence, and creating a supportive environment where campers thrive through guidance and positive role modeling.

Our Leadership Style
FINANCIAL AID

Overland offers financial aid options to help families make the trip that's right for them. Contact us today to learn more and explore how we can assist you.

Financial Aid Options

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START YOUR CHILD’S ADVENTURE TODAY

Take the first step toward an unforgettable summer. Overland’s wilderness camps for kids are designed to foster leadership, confidence, and personal growth. From hiking in the wilderness to connecting with new friends, every moment is an opportunity for adventure. Apply now to secure your child’s spot!

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