At Northern Frontier, a camper’s journey isn’t just a collection of memories—it’s a pathway of transformation. It starts when a boy comes to camp for the first time, wide-eyed and full of wonder. It builds when he spends his first full week on his own, finds the courage to leap off the high dive, hits the bullseye on the archery range, or makes it to the top of the climbing tower. It deepens when he ventures out on his first overnight campout, hears the gospel at campfire in a way that hits his heart like never before, and stays after to talk with his counselor about what it really means to follow Jesus.

And somewhere along the way, he sees the impact camp has—not just on his life, but on the lives of others. That’s when something shifts. That’s when he begins to think: I want to be part of this. I want to lead. I want to serve.

That’s where CORE Training comes in.

The Pinnacle Camper Experience

CORE is not just another program—it’s the final milestone in a boy’s camper years, and the first step into something bigger. Created for young men ages 14–15, CORE Training is a two-week, Christ-centered leadership experience built to stretch campers spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is designed to impress upon each young teen that God has a plan and purpose for you in this world, you are not an extra on a large set.

It’s not for everyone. It’s for the guy who’s up for the challenge.

It’s for the young man who wants to dive deeper into God’s Word, push past his comfort zone, and discover what it really means to be a man of God living in His big story.

What Makes CORE Unique?

Unlike any other program at Northern Frontier, CORE Training launches boys into an intensive, growth-packed adventure. Key elements include:

• • Scripture Memorization – Campers commit key Bible passages to memory and explore how God’s Word shapes every part of life.

• • Spiritual Depth – We don’t just skim the surface. CORE dives deep into Scripture, identity in Christ, and the foundations of godly manhood.

• • Epic Adventures – Whether it’s a multi-day canoe trip or a backpacking journey through the Adirondacks, campers face real challenges that reveal character and build brotherhood.

• • Personal Time – Each participant spends extended time alone with the Lord—learning and practicing the disciplines of fasting, praying, reading, journaling, and reflecting on how God is at work in their life.

• • Servant Leadership – CORE campers give back to camp through a meaningful service project, contributing to the place that shaped them.

• • Brotherhood That Lasts – Through shared challenges, intentional debriefs, and Christ-centered community, CORE participants forge deep, lasting friendships.

More Than a Program—A Legacy

For nearly 20 years, CORE Training has shaped young men who go on to become counselors, trip leaders, and even future directors. Many of the staff who pour into campers today once sat on the other side of the campfire, wearing a CORE shirt and wondering what God had in store for them.

CORE is more than a rite of passage—it’s a legacy of leadership. It’s where campers become contributors. Where young men learn what it means to pour out, not just soak in. Where they step forward with courage, conviction, and a deeper love for Jesus.

Is Your Son Ready?

If your son is 14 or 15 and eager to grow—spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally—CORE Training may be the next step in his journey. It’s not easy, but that’s the point. It’s a call to rise, to lead, to live boldly in Christ.

Because boys will be men. And at Northern Frontier, we believe those men can be strong, humble, servant-hearted leaders—anchored in the truth of God’s Word and ready to make a difference.

Ready to learn more or sign up?