The Wilderness Challenge: A Unique Adventure for 7th & 8th Graders

At Camp Mákemáke, we believe that the greatest lessons are learned when we step away from the everyday and embrace the wild. Our Wilderness Challenge is an adventure designed specifically for 7th and 8th graders in our Leaders in Training (LIT) program. This is no ordinary camp experience—it’s a transformative journey filled with challenges, growth, and memories that will stay with campers for a lifetime.

The Challenge: Conquer the Elements and Build Teamwork

The Wilderness Challenge is a multi-day trek across the rugged, muddy terrain of an organic farm. There are no paved paths here—LITs will navigate gates, fields full of curious cows, small rivers, and bogs that seem to swallow everything in their path. And, of course, there's the infamous mud—many shoes have been lost to the thick, sticky earth! But that's all part of the adventure.

However, the challenge isn't just physical. It’s about teamwork, decision-making, and relying on one another to overcome obstacles. As they push through each challenge, LITs learn about resilience, communication, and the power of working together.

A Night Under the Stars

After a day of challenges and adventure, the LITs make their way to a lake nearby (not remote, but still peaceful and beautiful), where they’ll spend a night under the stars. This isn’t your typical camping experience—there are no tents, no air mattresses, just the natural world around them.

Together, the LITs will build their own fire, cook their meals, and enjoy toasting marshmallows around the flame, sharing stories and songs. This is where the magic of the experience really takes shape—when they learn the value of self-reliance and find joy in the simplicity of nature.

Water Activities: A Morning in the Wilderness

The mornings at Camp Mákemáke are unlike any other. After a night spent under the stars, the LITs wake up to crisp air and the stillness of the lake, where they take part in SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) and kayaking. The calmness of the water and the quiet beauty of the morning offer the perfect environment to reflect on everything they've experienced so far.

These water activities are not only fun—they also build important leadership and teamwork skills. Whether paddling in a kayak or balancing on a SUP board, the LITs work together to navigate the water, teaching them about collaboration, trust, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Sunset by the Lake: Full Circle of Leadership

At the end of the day, the LITs gather once again by the lake to watch the sunset over the water. It’s the perfect conclusion to a day full of physical challenges, learning, and bonding. The LITs have crossed muddy fields, built fires, cooked meals, and supported one another through every obstacle.

As the sun dips below the horizon, they reflect on their journey, seeing how far they’ve come. The challenges they’ve overcome, both physical and mental, have helped them grow stronger, both as individuals and as a team.

One of Our Campers’ Favorite Experiences

It’s no surprise that the Wilderness Challenge is often a camper’s favorite camp experience. It’s a journey like no other—filled with challenges, fun, and moments of deep personal growth. The LITs prepare their own gear, create their own packing lists, and take responsibility for ensuring they have everything they need to succeed in the challenge. This process helps them develop skills in responsibility, planning, and self-management.

The Wilderness Challenge is just one part of a session filled with hands-on leadership experiences. From outdoor activities to teamwork exercises, everything is designed to empower these young leaders and teach them valuable skills they can carry with them far beyond camp.

A Journey of Growth, Leadership, and Connection

The Wilderness Challenge isn’t just an outdoor adventure. It’s a space to grow, lead, and learn through action. For 7th and 8th graders, it’s the perfect opportunity to practice their leadership skills, have fun, and challenge themselves in ways they never thought possible.

By the end of the journey, campers won’t just walk away with new survival skills and increased confidence—they’ll have learned how to lead, how to connect with others, and how to rise to any challenge they face. They will have experienced firsthand that leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about working together, lifting each other up, and growing as a team.

At Camp Mákemáke, we believe that true leadership is built through hands-on experience. If you’re ready for the ultimate challenge and an adventure that will change the way you see yourself, become and LIT and join us for the Wilderness Challenge. The wild is waiting—are you ready to answer the call?