One of the most common questions we hear from families is, “What should my son do next?” This becomes increasingly prominent as campers age and more pathways begin to emerge. But age alone does not tell the full story. Readiness, confidence, independence, and desire for challenge all play a role. Northern Frontier Camp is built around a progression that allows boys to grow steadily without being rushed or getting stuck repeating the same experience year after year.
Below is a breakdown of our programs and how they fit together as boys mature, along with guidance to help you families choose wisely.
A First Step Into Camp Life
Tree Climbers is often a boy’s first experience at Northern Frontier. It is intentionally designed to be shared with a father or father-figure and focuses on fun, confidence, and connection.
At this stage, boys are learning what camp feels like. They begin to try new things in a safe environment. And they discover that adventure can be joyful, not overwhelming.
The most common next question after Tree Climbers is whether a boy is ready for independent camp. That leads many families to the next option.
A Bridge Toward Independence
Tree Climbers: Endeavor is designed for boys who are aging out of Tree Climbers but are not quite ready to attend camp fully on their own.
Endeavor is a special week at camp where all our programs shift gears toward outbound adventure. For Tree Climbers this means breaking the mold of past experiences. They also step into an overnight camp out experience at our Lean-to site.
This program is especially valuable for boys who want more responsibility but still benefit from their father’s presence. It creates a natural, confidence-building transition rather than a sudden jump.
Learning to Camp Independently
Stockade is where many boys first attend camp on their own. It is a major milestone and a meaningful one.
Stockade focuses on living in a cabin community of peers. Boys will learn responsibility through the daily rhythms of camp. They’ll grow in confidence through expanding outdoor skills. Activities are guided and by supportive counselors who understand your son’s age well.
For families coming from Tree Climbers, Stockade often feels like the moment when a boy begins to realize, “I can do this.”
Challenge, Growth, and Ownership
Battalion builds on the foundation laid in Stockade and raises the bar.
Boys in this stage are ready for greater physical and mental challenge. They seek deeper conversations about faith and character. Young men will experience an increased personal responsibility as well as opportunities for leadership within their peers group.
This is often the season when camp shifts from something a boy enjoys to something that actively shapes who he is becoming.
Why Trips Matter So Much
Out-of-camp trips are one of the most formative experiences we offer.
Trips are different by design. Groups are smaller, between 6-8 boys. This creates a tight-knit group for shared challenges and real conversation. Camp is already a break from a boy’s typical routine, but out-of-camp trips offer an even greater opportunity to find all new rhythms.
Whether paddling, fishing, backpacking, or rock climbing, boys often return from trips more confident, more reflective, and more connected. Trips are especially valuable for boys preparing for CORE or future leadership roles.
Ages 14-15: Leadership Growth Programs
Two Paths Toward Leadership
As boys grow older, the question changes from “What program do I attend?” to “How do I want to be part of camp?”
CORE Training is a capstone experience designed for older campers who are ready for intentional challenge and leadership development. CORE focuses on spiritual formation, outdoor competence, personal responsibility, and group reflection.
Service Crew offers another meaningful next step for boys who want to grow through service and responsibility. Service Crew emphasizes serving other through meaning work, learning how camp functions behind the scenes, developing maturity, and being mentored by experienced staff.Many future staff members trace their growth back to their time on Service Crew.
CORE and Service Crew are not competing programs. They are different steps toward the same goal: forming capable, grounded young men.
Father & Son Programs
Shared Adventure Still Matters
As boys grow, shared experiences with fathers and father figures become increasingly valuable.
We offer Father & Son Camp sessions for ages 8+ and 12+ as well as Father & Son Backpacking, Canoe, and Fishing Trips. These programs are designed to strengthen relationships between father and son through intentional time together, shared challenges, and meaningful conversations along the way.
Not Sure Where to Start? Use the Pathfinder Tool
Choosing the right program does not have to be complicated. Our Pathfinder tool helps parents explore programs based on age, readiness, and interests. It is designed to provide clarity.
If you still have questions, we are always happy to help you think it through personally. Reach out to our office (email: office@northernfrontier.org or phone: 518-251-2322).
Boys grow quickly. The right next step, taken at the right time, can make all the difference.
