Mountain Wisdom Camp | Young Men and Womens Summer Camp

Director’s Message:

My prayer is that you and your family are healthy and well. As Autumn is welcomed, we recall how this past spring, the United States was ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic and the endemic of racism. Two deadly viruses, one new and one that has festered as a national wound for centuries. This double crisis is forcing us all to be introspective, look inside, and do our personal work. Time to pick up the shovel and get into action. No time for neutrality or complacency. As we seek our own growth and transformation, it is important that we accept that there is more than one possible answer or approach. When someone offers a conflicting opinion, we can be curious instead of condemning. We can use inquiry instead of intimidation. We can use dialogue instead of debate. We can create options for action instead of opinions for arguments. We can be bridge builders instead of brick throwers. In this consciousness together we create an inclusive planet where every person everywhere is treated with dignity, having access to the resources needed to fulfill their basic needs and the opportunities to thrive by being their true selves, expressing their gifts and talents.

The children are always watching, we must model the behavior we expect.

Together we will create a world that works for everyone!

Mountain Wisdom continues to serve youth and families with our Zoom mentor calls every other Thursday. Please join the Mountain Wisdom tribe connecting with friends, be supported, laugh and have fun. Email Hawkeye Jay to receive invite: zipperman@ellijay.com.

We all very much look forward to meeting in person again, in nature as soon as circumstances permit.

In gratitude,

Hawkeye Jay

Mountain Wisdom is committed to fostering healthy teens and families by providing fun filled transformational experiences and challenging outdoor adventures focusing on nature awareness and responsibility

Find Your Sense Of Purpose

And Have Fun Achieving Your Full Potential

What We Do

Young people today struggle with feelings of frustration and anxiety as they try to find their place in life. Our modern culture of technology often disconnects them from the world, resulting in feelings of isolation, lethargy and depression. Unfortunately, more and more teens are turning to drugs and alcohol to relieve these feelings.

Many young people are living lives of complete nature deprivation. We believe that the benefits of connecting to the natural world include stress reduction, a sense of belonging, improved self-confidence and self-discipline, a broader sense of community, and possibly a sense of spirituality - an appreciation for powers larger than oneself.

We believe that the wilderness is a fun and inspirational classroom. Operating in a setting without electronics enables campers to slow down and develop concentration and focus, bringing them closer in touch with the natural world while having a wonderful time.

Since 2003, we have been privileged to provide teens with a safe and enjoyable experience in an environment where they learn a greater respect for themselves, their peers and the world of nature. And we have been honored to be part of countless treasured memories.

00:00 / 12:15

To learn more about Mountain Wisdom Camp, listen to the radio interview above.

Mountain Wisdom Camp is an electronic-free zone where campers discover the beauty of nature, a true sense of community, and recognition of their own gifts and the abilities that will build confidence and help shape leaders for tomorrow.

Men's Ultimate Adventure Day

POSTPONED | Date TBD | For Ages 12 and Up

Embark on this adventure!

Come together with other men as we continue our journey into manhood.

We will be building bonds through challenge, ceremony, song, acceptance, trust, learning, and FUN. You will have many opportunities throughout the day to participate in team-building and cooperative activities, friction fire making, archery, hatchet throwing, drumming, plant/wild edible identification, nature awareness hikes, sit spot, creek hike with macroinvertebrate search, campfire time and much more.

Registration, Health Record & Release Forms.

Women’s Empowerment Day

POSTPONED | Date TBD | For Ages 12 and Up

Connecting to What Matters

Join the Mountain Wisdom community for this powerful 1-day experience for female-identifying teens and adults (parents, caregivers).

Experience a full day on this beautiful private property of fun, connecting to nature, ourselves, and others. You will have opportunities during the day to participate in trust and team building games; archery, hatchet throwing, equine therapy, creek hike, arts and crafts, songs, sit spot, campfire time, and much more.

Looking forward to seeing returning campers and mothers, as well as new women/teens looking for a unique, powerful outdoor experience.

Registration, Health Record & Release Forms.

Young Men & Women's Gather

POSTPONED | Date TBD | For Ages 12 and Up

After being isolated for several months, now is the time to come out and be with others in a safe way, in the wonder of the outdoors.

Our Mountain Wisdom team has created an amazing FUN day event for you and your friends. Young men and women will come together to share in this exciting new program.

You will have opportunities during the day to participate in trust and team building activities; primitive skills, archery, hatchet throwing, creek hike, plant and nature awareness hike. Join in on in-depth discussions on important topics like respecting one another and equality for all.

We will celebrate together around the campfire, having fun with drumming, stories, song, and dance.

This is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Registration, Health Record & Release Forms.

Become A Man Of Integrity And Honor

Young Men's Ultimate Adventure

Postponed | Date TBD | For Boys Ages 12 - 17

Activities: Hiking, creek hikes, drumming, archery cooperative, and competitive games and ropes course. The young men will learn wilderness survival and bushcraft skills such as fire-making, tracking, plant and tree identification, knots and primitive shelter building. Campers will experience team building and leadership training through interactive, cooperative activities and trust development exercises. Environmental conservation and nature awareness are essential and will help young men to connect to themselves and others

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

Cost - $600 Per Camper

We offer partial Scholarships for those that qualify.

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

Cost - $600 Per Camper

We offer partial Scholarships for those that qualify.

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A journey created to support young women as they move into adulthood. With the companionship of the natural world and one another, we will challenge limiting beliefs and fears, develop skills to live a purposeful life and create an inviting space to explore authentic self-expression and discovery. Empowered to lead with their unique gifts, these young women can make a difference in our world.

The young women are encouraged to explore their unique gifts through crafts, dance, music, writing, nature connection and the healing arts. Through cooperative games, they learn team-building, leadership, responsibility, and environmental awareness. We will co-create beautiful ceremonies and celebrations to support them in bringing more of themselves into the world.

Discover You, Young Women’s Empowerment Journey

Postponed | Date TBD | For Ages 12 - 17

Testimonials

As a Licensed Psychologist, I have heard nothing but positive responses from the young men whom I have referred to the Mountain Wisdom Camps. The parents report numerous benefits gleaned from their sons participation. They are more reflective and considerate of others, willing to help around the house, and have a greater sense of direction in life.

In my private practice, I serve very few young ladies who see themselves as strong independent young women. The Girls Camp provides a maturational jump where they come away from the experience with a leap in self-confidence and connectedness with others beyond physical appearances and popularity. They are more centered and calm from having found themselves, as evolving young women.

The research into nature-based therapy is substantial and uniformly positive, and these programs are inexpensive, time-limited, well-organized, and have an excellent, well-trained, staff. You will not find a better, more professional and caring camp, with so many benefits offered than the Mountain Wisdom Camps.

— Dr. David Busch, PhD