Something shifts when kids turn 13. They desire more independence, more depth in their experiences, and they have more say in how their day goes. Warriors arrive at Lakota ready for that. This age group experiences upper camp in full swing: a program designed to match where the campers actually are, with the freedom to pursue what they’re passionate about and the structure to make the most of it.
The Warriors program is the right fit for families looking for a summer camp for 13 year olds, or kids heading into 8th grade, who are ready to step into a bigger role in their own summer.
Warriors have real agency over how they shape their days at Camp Lakota. With expanded elective options and greater flexibility built into the program, they’re not just participating in camp, they’re directing their experience. Whether that means going deeper into a sport they’ve played for years, picking up something entirely new, or throwing themselves into one of Lakota’s specialized activities, the choice is genuinely theirs.
That sense of ownership isn’t incidental, it’s intentional, because we believe 13-year-olds are ready to practice making decisions, living with them, and learning from them in a safe and supportive setting.
For Warriors, the days of sampling everything start to give way to going further in the things that genuinely light them up. Our program offers a range of activities for 13 year old campers who are ready to dig deeper, whether that’s athletics, arts, or any number of other pursuits. All our activities are designed to meet campers where they’re at, no matter the age group.
At the same time, Lakota’s no-screen campus keeps the focus squarely on real experience. We’ve found that teenagers at this stage often don’t realize how much they miss being fully present until they are. Warriors consistently tell us that some of their best conversations and most meaningful moments happen when technology steps out of the picture entirely.
Each year, Camp Lakota plans a dedicated overnight trip for our Warriors, which is an experience that takes them off campus and into something genuinely exciting. Past Warriors have headed to Hershey Park for a trip full of fun, friendship, and the kind of freedom that comes from exploring somewhere new together. Throughout the trip, campers are carefully supervised while still being encouraged to use the time as they choose, diving into everything the adventure has to offer.
It’s one of the most talked-about moments of the Warriors summer and a glimpse of the independence that’s waiting for them in the years ahead.
We can’t wait to welcome your child to the Camp Lakota family. Contact us to get all your questions answered, or start the enrollment process today!