No showers in the backcountry, but staff teach campers to maintain hygiene.

Campers learn:

• Dressing in layers

• Brushing teeth, hair, and washing face/body

• Frequent handwashing

Bathroom options:

• Backcountry privies/drop toilets when available

• Otherwise: digging a cat hole (instructor-guided)

Female campers receive extra coaching on managing periods in the backcountry.

Recommended to bring: small pack of wipes and/or spare bandana.

What feels intimidating at first usually becomes a fun point of pride by the end!

Hiking varies by age, gender, and experience of group.

Typical: 3–6 hours/day, 3–8 miles/day.

Packs weigh 30–50 lbs depending on age, gear, and trip length (6–9 days).

Elevation: usually 9,000–11,500 ft, with peaks up to 13,000+ ft.

Staff balance challenge with fun — ensuring growth without pushing campers too far.

All food is carried in and cooked by campers with counselor support.

Water: collected from streams, lakes, or rivers → always treated with iodine or chlorine.

Menu includes:

• Rice, pasta, beans, oats, lentils, potatoes, tortillas

• Cheese, tuna, summer sausage, dried veggies

• Trail foods: granola, nuts, pretzels, dried fruit, trail mix, some candy

• Drinks: tea, hot cocoa, fresh water, lemonade mix

Favorite camper meals: pizza, quesadillas, mac & cheese, pancakes, loaded mashed potatoes.

Campers cook in small “cook groups” (3–5 campers each).

For food allergies or water concerns: contact our Backcountry Coordinator.

No direct contact while campers are in the backcountry.

You may write letters → staff deliver them during the trip.

Instructors carry satellite phones to stay in touch with Basecamp and emergency support.

If a family emergency occurs, Basecamp staff can contact the group and arrange camper pick-up.

This disconnect helps campers:

• Bond with their group

• Be fully present in nature

• Encounter God in the stillness of the wilderness

No cell phones allowed (staff collect them at the start of the trip).

Groups travel in black bear habitat.

Staff are highly trained in bear safety and carry bear spray.

Safety practices include:

• Storing food and toiletries in bear-proof canisters

• Cooking and sleeping in separate areas

• Camping only in designated sites

Staff stay updated on latest bear safety practices.

We encourage campers to bring a small digital or disposable camera.

Cell phones may not be used as cameras.

Instructors often take photos to share later, but this is not guaranteed due to remoteness.

Typical day includes:

• Wake up, breakfast, prayer/reflection

• Hike to new location (3–6 hours)

• Afternoon: set up camp, rest, games

• Dinner + evening faith programming/discussions around the fire

Weekly highlights may include:

• Summit day (climbing a 11,500–13,500 ft peak)

• Solo time for prayer/reflection

• Mass & Confession (usually once per trip + at Basecamp days)

• Whitewater rafting (on 9-day trips)

• Layover day for rest at one campsite

Campers rotate leadership roles, practice navigation, cooking, and teamwork.

Must-have items:

• Backpack (65L minimum, with room for group gear)

• Sleeping bag (20°F or lower, compact and lightweight)

• Waterproof rain jacket (not just water-resistant)

All gear (except sleeping pads/water bottles) should fit inside the backpack.

Staff provide instruction on how to properly pack and carry gear.

Rental gear available from the online store by May 15.

Contact backcountry coordinator with gear questions: 

Groups capped at 9-12 campers (depending on the session).

3 instructors per trip → max ratio of 1:4 staff-to-camper.

Instructors are:

• Wilderness First Responder certified (at least one per trip, usually more)

• Experienced outdoor educators and Camp Wojtyla staff

• Trained in leadership, risk management, wilderness medicine, and spiritual programming.