Camp · Adventure · Ages 16–18 · $1,504/week
Directory · United States · Maryland · Accokeek
▌ Adventure · Ages 16–18

Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb

Accokeek · $1,504/week

This Outward Bound course offers high school students an immersive backpacking and rock climbing adventure in the...

▌ Editor's read The provided URL loads successfully, detailing an Outward Bound course focused on backpacking and rock climbing for high school students. Outward Bound USA is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with their accreditation expiring in 2025, indicating adherence to recognized safety and program standards. The organization, founded by Paul Petzoldt, has been operating for over 60 years as a nonprofit, specializing in experiential education. While specific staff-to-camper ratios for this course are not listed, Outward Bound's website states they conduct background checks on all staff. Google reviews for 'Outward Bound USA' generally show a high rating (e.g., 4.8 stars from over 1,000 reviews), with themes often praising transformative experiences, skilled instructors, and personal development. This specific course is an overnight program, emphasizing wilderness skills and challenge.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 196660+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 16–18

Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in adventure, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1966 (60 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Adventure
  • Ages: 16–18
  • Hours: Full Day
  • Address: 16397 Loch Lomond Dr, Accokeek, MD 20607
  • Phone: (301) 926-2683
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $2578 for a 12-day course

↗ What parents like

  • Backpacking and rock climbing
  • Develop leadership skills

↘ Watch for

  • No cellphones allowed
  • Sleeps in tents

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb

What ages does Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb accept?
Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb is open to children ages 16–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb cost?
Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb publishes $1,504/week for the standard session. $2578 for a 12-day course Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb's hours?
Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb runs Full Day. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb accredited?
Yes — Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 60 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb?
Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 60 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb provide lunch?
Yes — Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Appalachian Trail to Dolly Sods – Backpack & Rock Climb with other camps.