RAD Expeditions
Cost of a RAD Camp
Big Lake Youth Camp and the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are dedicated to helping every camper who would like to attend camp. The actual cost for a RAD session of camp fluctuates from $832 up to $1,020. Thanks to the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the subsidized cost for each RAD camper is between $653 and $775. When you register, you will be given three payment options: 1-pay the actual cost of camp (unsubsidized), 2-pay the subsidized cost of camp, or 3-apply for scholarship assistance. Choosing option 1 or 2 requires a $200 deposit to hold a camper’s reservation, and choosing option 3 requires a $75 deposit, completion of a scholarship application, and sending out of a reference form.
What is a RAD camp?
RAD Expeditions camps are a six-day, five-night adventure, Sunday through Friday. This fun, outdoor adventure is specifically designed for 13-17 year-olds who want to build confidence, foster relationships and explore new horizons. With well-trained and skilled outdoor professional staff, campers will make life-long friends and learn higher level skills specific to their chosen activity.
Some RAD Expedition sessions are based at or around Big Lake campus while others are based offsite at locations such as Smith Rock State Park, the Deschutes River, the Central Oregon Cascades, and bike trails throughout Central Oregon.
No matter what camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story-telling, group cooking, star gazing, wilderness education classes, water fights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. RAD Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively practice good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
Click to Register Online
- Advanced Rock Climbing 13-17 yrs
- High Desert Wakesports 13-17 yrs
- Horse Extreme 13-17 yrs
- Mountain Biking 13-17 yrs
- Praise 13-17 yrs
- RAD-to-Staff 15-17 yrs
- Rock Climbing 13-17 yrs
- Ultimate RAD 13-17 yrs
- Whitewater Rafting 13-17 yrs
- Wakesports 13-17 yrs
July 20-25, 2025
Cost: $859 actual, $653 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
Take your climbing skills to the next level with Advanced Rock Climbing. This five-night, six-day camp will help you hone your skills and sharpen your climbing technique. You will have the opportunity to learn skills such as anchor systems, knots and belaying that will prepare you for climbing safely on your own. This camp is based off site from Big Lake and you will be camping on our private property near the iconic climbing of Smith Rock. To be sure to cool you down, you will also spend one epic day rafting on a section of the Deschutes River. Try your hand at gourmet camp cooking, bring your hammock and favorite camp chair to enjoy the brilliant sunsets and shooting stars! This is a great camp to build confidence, explore new horizons and make new friends! It will surely be an awesome adventure. Climbing shoes, helmet and harness provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story telling, star gazing, wilderness education, waterfights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively participate in good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
High Desert Wakesports 1: July 20-25 / High Desert Wakesports 2: July 27-Aug 1, 2025
Cost: $1,020 actual, $775 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
High Desert Wakesports camp has it all: Waterskiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, barefooting and other new and exciting wakesports. This is a six day, five night camp with check-in on Sunday and check-out on Friday. You will camp off-site at a rustic campground, sleep in tents (bring your sleeping pad), where you will boat in and out for your daily adventures out on the water. You will spend your mornings and afternoons honing your skills and cheering on your fellow campmates behind some of the best boats in the world. Our well seasoned instructors will give you tips and tricks to take you to the next level. Try your hand at gourmet camp cooking, bring your hammock and favorite camp chair to enjoy the brilliant sunsets and shooting stars! This is a great camp to build confidence, explore new horizons and make new friends who love wakesports just like you!
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story telling, star gazing, wilderness education, waterfights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively participate in good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
Horse Extreme Tween 1, July 13-18, 2025 / Horse Extreme Tween 2, July 20-25, 2025
Horse Extreme Teen 1, July 27-Aug 1, 2025 / Horse Extreme Teen 2, Aug 3-8,2025
Cost: $832 actual, $633 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
Horsemanship Extreme at BLYC is a more advanced horse program designed for campers who are passionate about horses and eager to deepen their skills and knowledge of horses. Campers receive hands-on instruction in a wide variety of riding techniques, horse care, grooming, and more. The program includes trail rides, arena riding, ground work, barn chores, and team building activities that emphasize confidence, responsibility, and a deeper connection with the horses. It’s perfect for campers who have had some previous experience as well as some good introductory lessons for campers who haven’t had the opportunity to work with horses but have a passion to learn about horses while enjoying camp’s beautiful outdoor environment.
June 29-July 4, 2025
Cost: $967 actual, $735 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
This camp will be based out of BLYC and head out daily on epic rides all over Central Oregon. Stretch yourself and your skills as you hit the trails. You will work on body position, braking, cornering and for the more confident riders even jumping! You will learn trail etiquette and stewardship and you might even learn how to fix a flat out on the trail. This epic camp is for those who love to mountain bike or are just getting into the sport. Bring your own bike or use one of the camps. This camp is sure to challenge and stretch you in your quest to learn more about mountain biking!
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story-telling, star gazing, wilderness education classes, water fights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake RAD Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively practice good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
July 27-Aug 1, 2025
Cost: $871 actual, $662 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
The mission of RAD Praise is to develop young church musicians who are Spirit-led, theologically equipped, and musically equipped to lead congregational singing. Each morning session will focus on a different aspect of music ministry, culminating in a camper-led Night of Worship. Through mentorship and collaboration, students will gain the confidence, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively lead a congregation in worshipful singing to the Lord.
July 29-July 4, 2025 Rock Climbing / Cost: $925 actual, $703 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
July 6-11, 2025 Ultimate /Cost: $959 actual, $729 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
July 13-18, July 27-Aug 1, and August 3-8, 2025 White Water Rafting 1, 2, and 3 / Cost: $982 actual, $746 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
Our RAD-to-Staff program is designed for teens ages 15-17 to participate in one of our awesome RAD Expeditions while also being mentored in leadership by our RAD staff members. We believe outdoor leadership education creates change agents in schools, churches and communities. This is an excellent way for campers to see what it takes to be a Big Lake staff member while also stretching yourself in exciting outdoor challenges. While RAD-to-Staff campers are not guaranteed a future position as a Big Lake staff member, participation in the program is recommended and it allows our staff to get to know them in unique and important ways. This year, the following RAD Expeditions are offering a RAD-to-Staff component: Rock Climbing, Ultimate RAD, White Water Rafting 1, Advanced Rock Climbing, White Water Rafting 2 and White Water Rafting 3.
To apply for a RAD-to-Staff program, you will need to complete the camper registration, write a short essay, and pass a reference check before being allowed to participate.
No matter what camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story-telling, group cooking, star gazing, wilderness education classes, water fights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake RAD Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively practice good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
June 29-July 4, 2025
Cost: $859 actual, $653 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
Rock Climbing is an introduction to some of the best climbing in the world. Learn the basics of safe climbing at iconic Smith Rock State Park. You will learn beginner and advanced climbing movements, knots, rope management, belaying, rappelling and risk management in a rock climbing environment. This camp is based off site from Big Lake and you will be camping on our private property near Smith Rock. To be sure to cool down, you will also spend one epic day rafting on a section of the Deschutes River. Try your hand at gourmet camp cooking, bring your hammock and favorite camp chair to enjoy the brilliant sunsets and shooting stars! This is a great camp to build confidence, explore new horizons and make new friends! It will surely be an awesome adventure!
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story telling, star gazing, wilderness education, waterfights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively participate in good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
July 6-11, 2025
Cost: $893 actual, $679 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
Can’t choose just one RAD Expedition Camp? Well, Ultimate RAD has a little bit of everything. This camp is based off site from Big Lake. We will be touring the country in the RAD van, we will make stops to climb at the iconic Smith Rocks, float an epic section of the Deschutes River, and hike one of the classic peaks nearby. Try your hand at gourmet camp cooking and bring your hammock and favorite camp chair to enjoy the brilliant sunsets and shooting stars! This is a great camp to build confidence, explore new horizons and make new friends! It will surely be an awesome adventure!
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story telling, star gazing, wilderness education classes, waterfights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively participate in good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
July 13-18 / July 27-Aug 1 / Aug 3-8, 2025
Cost: $936 actual, $711 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
White Water Rafting is a five-night, six-day adventure, Sunday check-in through Friday check-out. This offsite camp will have you cruising epic rapids and immense flat-water pools. Surprising adventures fill each and every moment while you learn venerable buccaneering skills on the Deschutes River. Let our experienced Swift Water Guides take you on an exhilarating journey through the basics of learning to tame gnarly water and burly waves. Outfitted by Deschutes U-Boats out of Maupin, OR, our experienced RAD camp staff will guide the rafts down 50 miles of the Deschutes River, ending at the mighty Columbia River. Try your hand at gourmet camp cooking and relax in your tent as you camp along the river. This camp is sure to challenge you, build confidence and make new and exciting memories along the way!
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story telling, star gazing, wilderness education, waterfights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively participate in good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
June 29-July 4 / July 6-11 / July 13-18 / August 3-8, 2025
Cost: $940 actual, $715 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
Our Wakesports camp has it all: Waterskiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, barefooting and other new and exciting wakesports. This is a five-night, six-day adventure, Sunday check-in through Friday check-out. Our Wakesports camp is based at Big Lake and you will be staying in a cabin and eating in the camp cafeteria. You will spend your mornings and afternoons honing your skills and cheering on your cabin mates out on the clear waters of Big Lake, behind some of the best boats in the world. Evenings are filled with fun group games and end with our excellent campfire program, including awesome music and engaging nightly plays.This camp is sure to challenge you, build confidence, and make new friends who love wakesports just like you!
No matter what RAD Expedition camp you choose, you will be sure to enjoy story telling, star gazing, wilderness education, waterfights and daily life on the trail/river/lake or crag. Big Lake Expeditions is not for the faint of heart! While we absolutely love adventuring with first-timers, we do recommend that campers actively participate in good fitness before attending camp and have a strong interest in the chosen activity.
“In-Training” Sessions of Camp = RAD-to-Staff Sessions of Camp
RAD-to-Staff camp sessions (ages 15-17) are built on an expeditionary leadership model, designed to challenge and mentor individuals. If you are interested in working at Big Lake, this is an excellent way to gain some leadership experience, and get to know Big Lake culture. While this isn’t a guarantee of future employment, it lets us get to know you!
To enroll in a RAD-to-Staff program, you will need to complete the session registration, and write a shore essay.
Bus Transport
We understand that transportation can be a concern for parents, which is why we offer chartered bus transportation to/from Gladstone/Portland and Salem. Our buses are safe and reliable, ensuring a comfortable journey for your child. Please note that spaces are limited, so we encourage you to book early. The cost is $67 one-way and $134 round-trip. Unless otherwise noted, bus drop-off and pick-up in Portland will be at the Oregon Conference Headquarters, 19800 Oatafield Rd, Gladstone and Livingstone Adventist Academy, 5771 Fruitland Rd NE, Salem. We are asking parents to pay the bus fare at registration this year.
Friday pick-up on July 25 will be around the corner from where you dropped your camper off for the bus at Rivergate Adventist Elementary School, 1505 Rivergate School Rd, Gladstone. Sunday drop-off on July 27 will be at the Gladstone Park 7th-Day Adventist Church parking lot, 8378 Cason Rd, Gladstone, around the corner from bus drop-off all other weeks.
At Camp Check-in and Pick-up
Our camper check-in and check-out times are assigned by cabins. Watch your email for specific times for your camper about 2-3 days before your camper’s session begins. Plan on these time ranges: Sunday 2:00-5:00 PM and Friday pick-up 1:00-2:30 PM.
Click for Parent Resources like bus info, daily schedules, packing lists and more.
Expeditions Summer Schedule – Updated 1/7/25
Advanced Rock Climbing – July 20-25, 2025
Advanced Rock Climbing RAD-to-Staff – July 20-25, 2025 (must be 15-17 yrs old)
High Desert Wakesports 1 – July 20-25, 2025
High Desert Wakesports 2 – July 27-Aug 1, 2025
Horse Extreme Teen 1 – July 27-Aug 1, 2025
Horse Extreme Teen 2 – Aug 3-8, 2025
Horse Extreme Tween 1 – July 13-18, 2025
Horse Extreme Tween 2 – July 20-25, 2025
Mountain Biking – June 29-July 4, 2025
Praise – July 27-Aug 1, 2025
Rock Climbing – June 29-July 4, 2025
Rock Climbing RAD-to-Staff – June 29-July 4, 2025 (must be 15-17 yrs old)
Ultimate – July 6-11, 2025
Ultimate RAD-to-Staff – July 6-11, 2025 (must be 15-17 yrs old)
Wakesports 1 – June 29-July 4, 2025
Wakesports 2 – July 6-11, 2025
Wakesports 3 – July 13-18, 2025
Wakesports 4 – August 3-8, 2025
White Water Rafting 1 – July 13-18, 2025
White Water Rafting 1 RAD-to-Staff –July 13-18, 2025 – (must be 15-17 yrs old)
Tentatively: White Water Rafting 2 – TBD, 2025
Tentatively: White Water Rafting 2 RAD-to-Staff –TBD, 2025 – (must be 15-17 yrs old)
Tentatively: White Water Rafting 3 – TBD, 2025
Tentatively: White Water Rafting 3 RAD-to-Staff – TBD, 2025 (must be 15-17 yrs old)
Click to Register Online