Camp · Adventure · Age 18 · $175/week
Directory · United States · North Carolina · Lake Lure
▌ Adventure · Age 18

Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester

Lake Lure · $175/week

This Outward Bound leadership semester offers high school students an immersive wilderness experience across the...

▌ Editor's read The Outward Bound 'Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester' website loads successfully, detailing a multi-week wilderness program for high school students. Outward Bound is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) until 2025, indicating adherence to industry safety and operational standards. The organization, founded by Paul Petzoldt, has been operating for over 60 years as a nonprofit. The program is an overnight adventure focusing on backpacking, rock climbing, and service projects in the American Southwest. The website explicitly states that all instructors undergo criminal background checks and are certified in Wilderness First Responder or higher. While specific Google reviews for this exact program are not readily available, Outward Bound as a whole generally receives positive feedback, often praised for its transformative experiences and professional staff. Social media handles are @outwardbound on Instagram and OutwardBound on Facebook.
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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 Age 18

Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester 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: 18–18
  • Hours: Full Day
  • Address: 20 Lake Lure Camp Rd, Lake Lure, NC 28746
  • Phone: (828) 291-0300
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $1628 for a 65-day course

↗ What parents like

  • Backpacking, canoeing, rafting, canyoneering, rock climbing
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification

↘ Watch for

  • No cellphones allowed
  • 65-day course

Logistics

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

Frequently asked about Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester

What ages does Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester accept?
Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester is open to children age 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 Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester cost?
Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester publishes $175/week for the standard session. $1628 for a 65-day course Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester's hours?
Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester 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 Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester accredited?
Yes — Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester 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 Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester?
Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester 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 Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester provide lunch?
Yes — Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester 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 Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Canyonlands to Joshua Tree – Leadership Semester.