Trailblazers
(Ages 12–14)
Take summer to the next level. The best part of the great outdoors is discovering that you belong. Awesome counselors, one overnight tent adventure and bigger and better camp activities make Trailblazers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts!
Priority Enrollment: January 6th
Open Enrollment: January 12th
Registration Closed
Trailblazers
Ages 12–14 (must be 12 by August 31, 2026)
- 8:1 child to staff ratio
- $1070 per 2–week session
Camp Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 14 - June 25
- Session 2: June 28 - July 9
- Session 3: July 12 - July 23
- Session 4: July 26 - August 6
- Hodge Podge: August 9 - August 13
"My older son, now a trailblazer, has been coming to Butler since he was 5. While it's only one session now due to football, he continues to come as he wants to be a CIT and eventually, a counselor."
~ 2025 Camp Parent
Trailblazers
(Ages 12–14)
“Challenge by choice” is a fundamental tenet of our Trailblazers program. Our well-trained, certified counselors offer our teen/pre-teen campers both instruction and encouragement as they tackle a wide variety of land and water activities. Campers develop the ability to safely and successfully acquire new skills and confidence, while having fun with a different activity on campus each day of the week
Campers develop the ability to safely and successfully acquire new skills and confidence, while having fun with a different activity on campus each day of the week. Activities may include our ropes and challenge course, team-building games, sling shots, archery, hiking, swimming at the creek, fishing, and wilderness skills training.
This program also includes a camp out on the second Thursday of each session along with an off-site trip to Harper's Ferry for white water rafting in the Shenandoah and Potomac River on the second Friday of each session.
Open Enrollment Begins January 12th!
Sample Day at Camp
9:15–12:00 Adventure Activity and Group Games or Hike
12:00–12:30 LUNCH
12:30–1:45 Adventure Activity
1:45–2:40 Pool
2:40–3:00 Team Building
Rain Plan: Butler Camp views rain as “liquid sunshine”! All activities will continue as planned except in cases of severe weather (i.e., thunder, lightning, or heavy downpour). In this case, we have indoor and undercover space. Here they will do indoor activities such as games and movies.
What Your Child Needs
Daily:
- Backpack
- Water bottle – refillable
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Snack
- Lunch
- Extra change of clothes
Start of Camp: (These items stay at camp for the session)
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Creek shoes/boots
Counselors will advise the campers when particular clothing is required. Be sure that your camper arrives in the morning with sunscreen/bug repellent already applied.
Basic overnight needs for all activities: Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, change of clothes, flashlight/headlamp, water bottle, toiletries, warm jacket, and rain gear. Counselors will confirm the necessary items by Friday of Week 1.
Mosquito Tips – suggested for water activities: Pack lightweight pants, long-sleeved shirt, socks, and a hat that can be sprayed with bug spray.
Skills Gained
- Increased fitness, strength, agility, self-confidence, and fearlessness
- Knowledge and experience with climbing, canoeing, tubing, hiking, knot-tying, fishing, tent and camp set-up, outdoor cooking, wilderness skills, and outdoor/water safety
- Environmental education, including Leave No Trace camping ethic and practices and respect for nature and others (and an appreciation for life beyond “screen time”)
- Lifelong memories of singing and roasting marshmallows by a campfire, sleeping in the wilderness in a tent, and the confidence in wilderness skills to safely move about, cook, and create shelter.
- Problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, decision-making, risk assessment, communication skills and, in many cases, new friends!
Trailblazers Sample Weeks
*Schedules may differ for each session and are subject to change based on unsafe weather conditions*
WEEK 1
Monday – Introduction Games, High Wall, Field Games, Lunch, Canoe, Pool
Tuesday – Waterfall Hike, Snack, Field Games/Basketball Court, Lunch, Flying, Squirrel, Pool
Wednesday – Pole Course, Field Games, Lunch, Wilderness Skills, Pool
Thursday – Leap of Faith, Field Games/Basketball Court, Lunch, Sling Shots, Pool
Friday – Giant Ladder, Field Games, Lunch, Archery, Pool
WEEK 2
Monday – Giant Swing, Field Games, Lunch, Wilderness Skills, Pool
Tuesday – Tubing and Hike, Lunch, Flying Squirrel Pool
Wednesday – Knife Safety, Field Games, Lunch, Giant Swing, Pool
Thursday – Tree Climbing, Lunch, Hike, Shelter Building, Pool, Tent Setup, Evening Cookout, Overnight
Friday – Breakfast, Clean up, tents put away, off-site rafting at Harper's Ferry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Trailblazers spend their day?
How many campers are with a counselor?
What do you do on weather related “code red” days?
What is Campout?
Does my child have to participate in Campout?
Which camp sessions did I register for?
Can you group my child with the friends I listed during registration?
Do campers need to bring a SNACK and LUNCH?
Questions? Email: [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you!
