RAD Expeditions

Horse Extreme Tween 1, July 12-17, 2026 – Ages 11-13
Horse Extreme Teen 1, July 26-31, 2026 – Ages 13-17
Cost: $858 actual, $653 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 28-July 3, 2026
Cost: $997 actual, $758 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. Our RAD program is made to accommodate all levels of experience, from first-timers to experienced. Our only requirement is an interest to try new things and to have a positive attitude!

June 28-July 3, 2026 Rock Climbing 1 / Cost: $954 actual, $725 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
July 26-31, 2026 Ultimate /Cost: $989 actual, $752 subsidized (see paragraph above for clarification)
July 5-10, July 19-24, and August 2-7, 2026 White Water Rafting 1, 2, and 3 / Cost: $1,012 actual, $769 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 1 and 2, Ultimate, White Water Rafting 1, 2,and 3.

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. Our RAD program is made to accommodate all levels of experience, from first-timers to experienced. Our only requirement is an interest to try new things and to have a positive attitude!

June 28-July 3 and July 12-17, 2026 / Rock Climbing 1 & 2
Cost: $921 actual, $700 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. Our RAD program is made to accommodate all levels of experience, from first-timers to experienced. Our only requirement is an interest to try new things and to have a positive attitude!

July 26-31, 2026
Cost: $921 actual, $700 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. Our RAD program is made to accommodate all levels of experience, from first-timers to experienced. Our only requirement is an interest to try new things and to have a positive attitude!

July 5-10 / July 19-24 / Aug 2-7, 2026
Cost: $965 actual, $733 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. Our RAD program is made to accommodate all levels of experience, from first-timers to experienced. Our only requirement is an interest to try new things and to have a positive attitude!

June 28-July 3 / July 5-10 / July 12-17 / August 2-7, 2026
Cost: $969 actual, $737 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. Our RAD program is made to accommodate all levels of experience, from first-timers to experienced. Our only requirement is an interest to try new things and to have a positive attitude!