Camp Gray - Catholic Summer Camps - Program Descriptions

Click on the program name to read a description. Grade levels refer to the grade the camper will be going into the coming Fall.
Click on the link for the Session Chart of the schedule of these programs and an updated list of session availability.

Settlers
(grades 2-5)

As a Settler, you'll have a blast with your counselor and cabin mates. Each morning you'll participate in two program areas like fishing, canoeing, art n' crafts, archery, swimming, performance, cooking, outdoor living skills or "Going Ballistic." In the afternoons you'll have a rotation between choice time, swim, and cabin times and also have the option of going on a trail ride (yee-haw). Each evening you'll get to participate in something different such as an evening Campfire, Survivor: Camp Gray, cooking out and playing Capture-the-Flag, Cabin Time evening program (where you do something special with your cabin group.) or showing off your talents at the Gift Extravaganza.

Often Settlers will come to camp with someone they know (we do our best to honor cabin mate requests) but camp is such a welcoming and open place that campers tell us it is easy to meet new people and make new friends. Our counselors have been trained to deal with many issues including homesickness and actively work to create a accepting, fun environment for the campers. The Settler program is a traditional camp program that allows kids to try out new things and experience the unique blend faith, friends, and fun that Camp Gray has to offer.

So what's camp really like? Great question. Most campers love coming to Camp Gray because it's just so much fun. When asked what they like best about camp, the most common reply is "Everything!"

So what does "everything" include? You'll get to have fun paddling canoes, shooting arrows with a bow, learning how to make a campfire, cooking s'mores, playing Capture-the-Flag, playing with all the pool toys (you'll swim at least once a day if you want to) making a tye-dyed shirt in Art's and Crafts, riding a horse, sleeping in a cabin away from your folks (most cabins have bunk beds - word to the wise, if you'd like a top bunk it's helpful to arrive earlier on check-in day.), fishing for Walter in Lake Jake, laughing at all the corny jokes your counselor will tell, eating some awesome meals (sometimes without your hands if you want), catching water balloons in "Going Ballistic", being loud and rowdy for table cheers, making cool new friends, and much, much more. Whew! I'm getting excited just listing all of this!

As a Settler, we want you to have so much fun, the only question you'll have when you go home is, "When can I come back next summer?!"

For more information about the Settler program, the schedule, and to view pictures,
Please visit the Settler and Trailblazer Page>>

Check out the Session Chart >> for dates, pricing, and session availability.

Trailblazers
(grades 6-8)

As a Trailblazer, you'll have all of the options of activities and programs of the Settlers and more. We have a number of activities that are only available to Trailblazer campers and older. Try out mountain biking, climbing on our climbing tower or horseback riding lessons for program areas for a change. You can also try any of these specialty areas during afternoon choice time Your counselors will be ready to listen about the challenges of becoming a teenager, and help you form great friendships with one another. At Camp Gray you'll find you fit right in.

The Trailblazer program is also a traditional camp program with the added benefits of more program choices, later bedtimes, and more latitude in deciding what activities the cabin group should do. You'll live in a cabin on main camp and participate in the traditional camp schedule. Come experience all the faith, friends, and fun found at Camp Gray.

So what's it really like being a Trailblazer? Well, we're glad you asked!

In addition to all the fun stuff that the Settlers get to do (like canoeing, swimming, archery, eating and cheering in the Pavilion for meals, having sweet counselors, etc - Check out the Settler translation for even more.) you'll have the chance to do some other awesome activities and have some new privleges. As a Trailblazer, you can go climbing in the morning or afternoon if you want, you can sign up for the mountain biking program area, you get to discover just how delicious a hobo dinner is at the Tuesday cookout, and you can also take morning horseback riding lessons if you'd like. Perhaps most importantly, as a Trailblazer you now become a part of the epic Capture-the-Flag game that pits the Trailblazers versus the Pathfinders. (Chants, defensive stops, Braveheart-style face painting, and scoring strategies are all sure to come into play.) It is a great time! Don't miss out!

You'll also bond closer together as a cabin group and make some great friends. Many campers say that they love being Trailblazers because they still get to do morning program areas but also get to do much of what the older campers get to do in the afternoons and evenings. It's a very fun balance. We hope to see you here as a Trailblazer this summer!

For more information about the Trailblazer program, the schedule, and to view pictures,
Please visit the Settler and Trailblazer Page>>

Check out the Session Chart for dates, pricing, and session availability.

Pathfinders
(grades 8-10)

Pathfinders are the oldest campers that live on main camp for the week. They still participate in the evening program but no longer take part in the morning program areas. Instead Pathfinder campers participate in a number of special morning activities including: low-ropes course initiatives, a personality examination, and a camp service project. Because you're still a part of main camp however, you still have an important function as role models for the younger campers. Don't worry you'll still do the typical fun camp activities like swimming, climbing, and choice time where you can choose canoeing, archery, biking, etc.

The mission of the Pathfinder program is to help the campers discover and appreciate themselves as individuals. The goal of the Pathfinder program is to create a welcoming environment in which each member of the Pathfinder community feels free to be himself/herself and is accepted by the community as a whole. Pathfinder campers are given more responsibilities in decision-making, so you'll be asked more probing questions in devotions and given more reflection time.

Try out Pathfinders for a new challenge and new chance to make deeper friendships at camp. There is also a two-week Pathfinder option.

You might be thinking, 'I don't know about this whole "discovering myself as an individual" thing. I want my week at camp to be fun!' Well, that's fair. You happen to be in luck though. As a Pathfinder, you'll have a ton of fun. Many of our previous Pathfinders say it was their favorite program at camp.

Why is that? There are a lot of reasons. You still get to eat at main camp in the Pavilion. You sleep in cabins separated from the younger campers. And you get to be the oldest campers on main camp. (There's always something cool about that! You walk a little taller, you laugh a little louder, it's hard to explain.)

Anyhow, you'll be doing fun stuff in the mornings (I'm especially partial to the challenges on the adventure course.) and you'll be doing cool things in the afternoons. You might miss getting to go to morning program areas but the nice part is, since Pathfinders is a smaller program, your counselors will be able to offer the same sorts of things during Choice time in the afternoon. Also, in the afternoons, you'll get the chance to climb on the climbing tower if you're looking for a bit more excitement, or you can just relax at the pool with the rest of your cabin group. On Wednesdays, Pathfinders have a big beach party down at Lake Jake in the afternoon where you can fish, toss the frisbee, canoe, eat, and swing off the rope swing. (This is a special priviledge reserved for Pathfinder and older campers.)

Perhaps most importantly, as a Pathfinder, you will also be a vital member of the Pathfinder Capture-the-Flag team in the huge Tuesday night game versus the Trailblazers. Now, Pathfinders are often outnumbered in these matchups, but we're sure that you will make up for this with your greater speed, agility, and cunning!

We hope to see you out there one the field this year as a Pathfinder and we want this to be your best summer yet! Make sure you check out the Pathfinder page below.

For more information about the Pathfinder program, the schedule, and to view some pictures,
Please visit the Pathfinder Program page>>

Check out the Session Chart for dates, pricing, and session availability.

Ranch
(grades 7-11)

Ranch I (grades 7-8) and Ranch II (grades 8-10) "Horses, horses, horses!" Grab your boots, spurs, chaps, and love of horses and saddle up for ranch camp! (boots, spurs, and chaps optional :) In the mornings at the stables you'll take riding lessons, learn about horse care, and do a bunch of other fun activities like roping, the Virginia reel, and a good old fashioned mud fight. (with goggles) You'll spend the afternoons at camp in the Trailblazer rotation (for Ranch I) or Pathfinder rotation (for Ranch II), and evenings mixed between the ranch and main camp activities. You'll rough it a bit at the Ranch, staying in rustic cabins (no electricity) but it just adds to the Western ambiance, partner. In ranch camp, you'll even get try you hand as chuck wagon chefs as you cook your own dinner over propane stoves and fires. Yee Haw!

Advanced Ranch (grades 9-11) is an eleven day advanced program for campers who are veterans of Ranch I or II or experienced riders. During this program, you'll learn advanced skills with horses, take a field trip to a rodeo, a horse show, a tack shop, and take an overnight trip to Governor Dodge State Park to ride on the trails. The second week you'll get to plan you're own horse show for main camp. You'll receive more in depth training in horseback riding and horse care and instruction will move a bit faster.

Here's the scoop on Ranch Camp. If you are interested in learning how to ride, saddle, and care for horses Ranch Camp is the program for you. You'll spend your mornings out at the stables with the instructors from Wagons West. You'll ride the same horse throughout your week, which is nice since it allows you to become familiar with the personality of your horse. You'll learn how to walk, steer, stop (a very important skill), and trot. You do have to get up a bit earlier than those on main camp, but it's a small price to pay for more time with the horses. Fortunately, you'll still eat up at main camp for breakfast, lunch, and a few dinners. You'll eat a couple dinners out at La Hacienda (the ranch cabins) that you and your counselors will cook together. (Including some of the most fabulous hobo dinners you have ever tasted!)

Don't worry if you think that you'll miss what's going on at main camp. Ranchers are a part of the programs on main camp for the afternoon and evening programs. (i.e. you'll get to swim and you'll get a chance to eat some ice cream!) Ranchers also win the title of the messiest campers at Camp Gray after they complete their traditional mud fight on Thursday morning at a natural spring. It's a blast, but be sure to bring a change of clothes!

So whether you are a future Kentucky Derby jockey or just want to stop mixing up saddles and stirrups, we'll bet that you'll love your week at Ranch camp.

For more information about ranch camp, pictures, and what special to bring,
Please visit the Ranch Program page>>

Check out the Session Chart for dates, pricing, and session availability.

Explorers
(grades 10-11)

Explorers live outside and apart from main camp in tents in a dedicated location known as Explorer Village. Explorer Village is located on the highest point on camp and this program is meant to be you're pinnacle camping experience. You'll be responsible for setting up camp, hauling your own food and water, cooking your own meals, and cleaning your dishes. You'll also learn skills such as fire-building, outdoor cooking, and low impact camping. Oh, did we mention that you'll also be having a ton of fun forming an unbelievably tight community!?

The purpose of the Explorer program is to provide a safe and fun environment where the campers grow together as a community. The beauty of the Explorer program rests in its simplicity and tradition. You'll have the chance to decide what you want to do as a community from day to day. This relaxed pace of Explorer Village gives rise to opportunities for one-on-one discussions, conflict resolution, and a sense of belongingness and acceptance. There are also a good deal of programmed activities too, like a day trip to Devils Lake State Park, group initiatives in the village, tower climbing, and swimming in the pool that will occur throughout the week as well. Explorer counselors are specially trained and have a passion for working with older adolescents. We invite you to take the challenge and pass through the arch to become an Explorer! (especially to those former Pathfinder campers who are wondering what is next for them at Camp Gray.)

There is also a two week “Exployageur” option that is a combination of the Explorer and Voyageur programs for campers who would like to try something special. The first week is spent in Explorer village and the second is spent on a canoe trip off camp to the Namekagon River in northwest Wisconsin. Camper who have gone through this program consistently rave about the fabulous time they have.

Before going into more of what Explorers do (you can read that above), let's talk about the three big questions most Explorers face.

1.) Will I have fun?
The short answer - yes. The longer answer - absolutely, of course!
Seriously though, Explorers tell us that they had so much fun during their week, they formed such close friendships that they didn't know how it could get any better, that being an Explorer was the best week of their lives, and so on. It is really incredible how much fun they do have out there in the woods. It's the people that makes it such a fun, powerful experience. There is just something awesomely, incredible about living and playing with a group of peers and counselors for a week. If you aren't yet convinced, just read some of the quotes from Explorers on the Explorer page (link below)

2.) How the heck will I be able to live in the woods for a week? My idea of roughing it is when I misplace my cell phone.
You're going to have to trust me on this one. Everyone and anyone can make it out in the Village for a week. Your counselors are especially trained and they are great teachers on how to live out in the woods simply and comfortably. You'll be staying in enclosed cabins, have your food delivered by lifelines (no need to snare squirels for sustenance) and you'll get the chance to go swimming in the pool at least once during your stay. One Explorer girl said at the end of her week, "Before I came I thought the camping was going to be a whole lot harder than it was. I'm a city girl, but this was a breeze."

3.) I have a job/practice/event that conflicts with camp. How can I make the time to come to camp?
Yep. As we get older, our summers become busier and busier. Most of our Explorers have similar schedules and have jam-packed summers as well. It's important to remember that we're just talking about one week of your summer. You can ask off work for a week, or find an Explorer session that doesn't conflict with your practice. Our encouragement is not to let a busy summer be an excuse for missing out on a fun, powerful, and life-changing (for many) experience.

I hope we've addressed some of the concerns you might have. Be sure to go to the Explorer page below if you would like to learn more. We hope to see you out in the Village this summer!

For pictures, testimonials, and more information about being an Explorer,
Please visit the Explorer Program page>>

Check out the Session Chart for dates, pricing, and session availability.

Voyageurs
(grades 8-9, 10-12/13)

Voyageurs leave Camp Gray for week-long canoe and hiking trips in the woods, rivers, and lakes of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota that challenge body and soul. We'll practice "leave no trace" camping ethics, and survive in the wilderness, camping in tents, and cooking our own food. You'll be guided by specially trained Voyageur counselors who will teach you all these important skills and protect your physical and emotional well-being. Come share in the adventure and join us for a Voyageur trip. Below are very brief descriptions of each of the trips. For more detailed descriptions, please visit our Voyageur Program page>>

Voyageur I (grades 8-9)
Namekagon River Canoe Trip: a 4-day canoe trip to the Namekagon/St. Croix rivers where you'll see eagles, camp at beautiful campsites, and even run a few rapids.
Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking Trip: a 4-day backpacking trip to the Superior Hiking Trail along the north shore of Lake Superior. You'll see waterfalls, cliffs, and, hopefully, a moose track or two.
Voyageur II (grades 10-12)
Flambeau River Canoe Trip: a more advanced canoeing trip for those looking for a bit more challenge and adventure. The Flambeau river snakes through a beautiful state forest and has some of the most fun rapids in Wisconsin.
Porcupine Mountain Backpacking Trip: for old-growth forest, rugged terrain, and beautiful scenery the Porcupine Mountains in the UP will be your playground for this week-long backpacking trip.
Voyageur Boundary Waters (grades 10-13)
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip: This 11-day trip is the ultimate Voyageur experience at Camp Gray. You will be challenged with some rugged terrain, portages, and scenic paddling, and the pay off is a huge sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories. You'll grown physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The cool part about Voyageurs is that it's pretty much self-explanatory. You'll be canoeing or hiking some pretty sweet river/trails/lakes and having a blast while doing it. The fun is found in the adventure of being on trail, laughing with your tentmates (keeping everyone else awake :), seeing incredible sunsets, and hanging with some really cool people. (The Voyageur counselors are among the best on camp.)

I would recommend checking out the Voyageur page below to check out more about what you'd be doing on these trips.
Have yourself and adventure this summer and become a Voyageur.

For more information about these Voyageur trips, gear, dates, and forms,
Please visit the Voyageur Program page>>

LITs
(grade 12)

The Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program is a 3 week leadership development program. You will be challenged to step into a new role at camp: the role of a servant-leader. You will learn a ton -- practical things such as behavior management skills, child development, appropriate discipline, how to lead games and songs, Camp Gray policies and procedures, and how to interact and grow with one another in positive, healthy ways. The next step is to shadow a counselor, and then take some leadership of a cabin group of your own. (Don't worry, a Camp Gray counselor will always be there to You'll get to try your hand at kitchen, maintenance, and program staff for a day, as well. This is a great way to find out if being a future camp staff member is a good fit for you!

There are two 3-week LIT sessions during the summer. One runs sessions 3-5 and the other runs sessions 6-8. Check the session chart for the dates of these programs.

Click on the link to download the special LIT application. Download LIT Application>>
For more information on the LIT program,
Please visit the LIT Program page>>

Check out the Session Chart for dates, pricing, and session availability.