- $2500/3 week session
- One three week session, weeks 3-5
- Open to returning 15 year old campers
- Farm Lunches are available (+$65) for weeks 4 and 5
- Transportation available to/from camp for weeks 4 and 5
Calleva’s Adventure Education Internship is a three-week experience for a select cohort of 15-year-olds who are ready for more responsibility, adventure, and leadership. Interns develop transferable leadership and communication skills, build technical outdoor skills, earn certifications, and gain real mentoring experience by assisting with younger camp groups. Interns will experience a wide variety of programming with a cohort of same-aged peers– strengthening their confidence, developing their teamwork, and increasing readiness for future leadership roles at camp and beyond. The program ends with a celebratory overnight honoring all they’ve accomplished together.
Full Program Description
Week 1: West Virginia Adventure & Group Connection
The program begins with a West Virginia multiday overnight adventure that gives the group a chance to bond while developing core outdoor skills. In addition to practicing primitive camping skills, interns will learn principles of positive psychology and personal empowerment. Activities may include backpacking, canoeing, and possibly caving or climbing.
Week 2: Building Hard Skills & Earning Certifications
Week 2 focuses on technical skill development and safety training. Interns will attend camp during the normal hours (no overnights). Interns will do a variety of land and water activities with an emphasis on higher-level technical skills. They will learn how to belay, receive an in-house water safety and rescue course, and receive First Aid and CPR training tailored to this age group (with an opportunity to earn a 2 year external certification through Red Cross).
Week 3: Mentoring Younger Campers at Calleva
In the final week of the program, Camp Directors will place Interns in one of our Explorer, Cubs, or Sampler camp groups (with campers aged 4 to 12 yrs). Interns assist with activities, support younger campers, and practice leadership and communication skills. They receive ongoing feedback and mentoring to help strengthen their skills and identify areas for growth. The week concludes with a Thursday overnight celebrating the group’s accomplishments alongside one of Calleva’s founders.
Parent FAQs
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for campers who are about to age out of our traditional summer programs (15-years by Sept 1st) AND who are excited for leadership, skill-building, and hands-on experience.
What makes this program different from regular Teen Camp?
Participants build real outdoor hard skills, earn certifications, and practice leadership by assisting with younger camper groups. It bridges the gap between being a camper and becoming part of the Calleva staff community.
What certifications will participants earn?
Campers receive CPR & First Aid Certification, along with Calleva’s in-house Water Safety & Rescue credential. They also gain foundational technical skills such as belaying and teaching skills.
Will my child be responsible for other campers?
Participants assist and support staff in Explorers, Cubs, or Sampler, but they are never the primary adult in charge. They are always supervised.
Is there an overnight component?
Yes. Week 1 includes a full week of backcountry camping in West Virginia, and Week 3 concludes with a celebratory Thursday overnight.
Who leads the program?
The program is guided by Calleva senior instructors, a dedicated mentor (Julia Markoff), and camp leadership teams.
What kind of outdoor adventures are included?
Depending on conditions, campers may experience backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor cooking, Leave No Trace education, climbing, or caving.
