For over 100 years, Camp Lakota has helped children discover what they’re capable of through outdoor adventure. Nestled in the Catskill Mountains alongside Masten Lake, our outdoor adventure program gives campers the chance to climb higher, zip farther, hike deeper, and grow braver in a safe, supportive environment that celebrates courage at every level.
From first-time campers taking their initial steps on the low ropes course to returning adventurers conquering the zip-line, every child progresses at their own pace with trained staff who prioritize safety, encouragement, and fun. Our outdoor adventure activities build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while reinforcing Camp Lakota’s core values of sharing, integrity, responsibility, and respect.
Outdoor adventure at sleepaway camp offers something screens and classrooms cannot: the chance to test limits, face fears, and feel genuinely proud of what their bodies and minds can accomplish.
When children navigate a high ropes element, scale a climbing wall, or complete a challenging hike, they are not just having fun—they are building essential life skills. Research consistently shows that outdoor challenge activities help kids develop:
At Camp Lakota, outdoor adventure is never about being the fastest or the bravest. It is about trying, growing, and celebrating every camper’s individual journey.
Camp Lakota’s outdoor adventure program offers a diverse range of activities designed to meet campers where they are and help them reach new heights—literally and figuratively.
Our high ropes course challenges older and more experienced campers with elevated elements that require focus, courage, and trust in both the equipment and themselves. Campers are securely harnessed and supervised by certified staff at every step.
What campers experience:
Who it’s for: Typically campers ages 10 and up, or younger campers who have demonstrated readiness on low ropes and with staff assessment. Every camper moves at their own pace, and participation is always encouraged but never forced.
The climbing wall and low ropes course are perfect for campers of all ages and experience levels. These activities emphasize teamwork, balance, problem-solving, and incremental challenge.
What campers experience:
Who it’s for: All ages and skill levels. Low ropes are often a first-time camper’s introduction to outdoor adventure, and the climbing wall welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced climbers.
Camp Lakota’s wooded setting in the Catskills provides the perfect backdrop for hiking adventures and nature immersion. Campers explore trails, discover local wildlife, and experience the peace and beauty of the natural world.
What campers experience:
Who it’s for: All campers. Hikes are tailored to age groups and abilities, from short nature walks for younger campers to longer trail adventures for teens.
Our Nature Shack is a hands-on learning space where campers explore ecology, wildlife, and outdoor skills in a fun, accessible way.
What campers experience:
Who it’s for: All ages, with activities adapted to developmental levels. The Nature Shack is especially beloved by campers curious about the natural world.
Outdoor adventure at Camp Lakota does not exist in isolation. Campers who love the thrill of the zip-line often enjoy our water sports program on Masten Lake, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Those who appreciate the beauty of the trails may also find joy in our horseback riding program, exploring the camp’s surroundings on horseback.
Every activity at Lakota connects back to the same goals: helping kids try new things, build skills, make friends, and feel proud of who they are becoming.
Explore our complete range of activities and programs
Learn about our water sports program on Masten Lake
Parents often ask: “Is outdoor adventure safe for my child?” At Camp Lakota, safety is not just a priority—it is built into every element of our program.
Our safety commitments include:
Safety and challenge are not opposites at Camp Lakota. We believe kids can take healthy risks and try hard things precisely because we create a secure, well-supervised environment where they feel supported.
What does outdoor adventure actually look like during a typical camp day? Here is a snapshot:
Morning: After breakfast and cabin clean-up, a group of campers heads to the high ropes area. Staff members review safety procedures and help each camper into a harness. One by one, campers choose an element to try. Some race to the top of the climbing wall. Others take their time on a balance beam element, cheered on by friends below. A few campers who were nervous yesterday surprise themselves by trying the zip-line for the first time.
Midday: Another group explores the low ropes course as a team-building activity. Counselors guide them through challenges that require communication and cooperation. Afterward, the group cools off with a swim in Masten Lake, carrying the confidence from their morning success into the water.
Afternoon: A cabin sets off on a guided hike through the woods. Counselors point out animal tracks, interesting plants, and scenic views. The group stops for a water break, and a camper shares that this is the longest hike they have ever done. High-fives all around.
Evening: At the Nature Shack after dinner, younger campers examine insects under magnifying glasses, build tiny stick structures, and listen to a counselor explain the life cycle of the frogs they hear singing near the lake.
Every day at Lakota is different, but outdoor adventure is woven throughout—offering challenge, discovery, and pride in equal measure.
First-time campers who are curious about trying new activities in a safe, supportive environment. Our staff specializes in helping nervous or uncertain kids take that brave first step.
Returning campers who want to build on last summer’s accomplishments and take on bigger challenges. Many Lakota campers set personal goals each summer—reaching the top of the climbing wall, completing the full high ropes course, or leading their cabin on a long hike.
Kids who love being outside and want to spend their summer in nature rather than in front of screens. Lakota’s wooded trails, lake setting, and outdoor focus offer a true escape.
Campers who need a confidence boost. There is something powerful about conquering a fear or achieving a physical goal. Kids who struggle with confidence in academic or social settings often find a new sense of self-worth on the ropes course or the trail.
Children whose parents value character development. Our outdoor adventure program is not just about thrills—it is about building integrity, responsibility, respect, and resilience through challenge and encouragement.
Explore why families choose Camp Lakota
Read stories from Lakota families
Not sure if your child is ready for a full sleepaway camp session? Rookie Day offers the perfect introduction.
Rookie Day is a one-day camp experience where young campers can:
Many families use Rookie Day as a “test run” before committing to a full summer session. Kids leave with real images and experiences instead of just imagining what camp might be like—and parents get to see the environment and meet staff firsthand.
Many children feel nervous when they first see the high ropes course or zipline. Our staff begins with detailed explanations, demonstrations, and opportunities for campers to watch others. Kids can start with low ropes and ground-level activities and progress to higher elements only when they feel ready. We never force participation, and we celebrate every brave step—whether that is putting on a harness or reaching the top of the zip-line platform.
Not at all. Most campers arrive with little to no experience on ropes courses, climbing walls, or wilderness hiking. Our program is designed to teach skills from the ground up, starting with the basics and building gradually. All we ask is that campers come with an open mind and a willingness to try.
We encourage all campers to try new things, but we respect individual comfort levels. If a camper is not ready for a particular activity, counselors offer alternative ways to participate—such as cheering on friends, trying a smaller or lower element, or joining a different activity nearby. Many campers who say “no” on day one surprise themselves by saying “yes” a few days later when they feel more comfortable.
Campers should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty, closed-toe athletic shoes with good traction, and sunscreen. We provide all specialized safety equipment, including harnesses, helmets, and any other necessary gear. For hikes, we recommend long pants or leggings to protect against bugs and brush, plus a reusable water bottle.
All outdoor adventure staff are trained and certified in activity-specific safety protocols. Equipment is inspected regularly and meets industry standards. Campers receive thorough safety briefings before every activity, and staff maintain close supervision at all times. We also use age-appropriate progression to ensure campers are physically and emotionally ready for each challenge.
Yes. We offer age-appropriate outdoor adventure activities for all campers. Younger children typically start with the climbing wall, low ropes, short nature hikes, and Nature Shack exploration. As they grow and gain confidence, they can progress to high ropes and zip-line elements in later summers.
Outdoor adventure at Camp Lakota is more than an activity—it is a journey of growth, courage, and discovery that stays with campers long after they leave the woods and the lake.
Whether your child is a natural thrill-seeker or someone who needs a little encouragement to try new things, our outdoor adventure program meets them where they are and helps them reach new heights.
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At Camp Lakota, we have been building confidence, character, and unforgettable summer memories for over a century. We would love for your family to become part of our tradition.