Big Lake’s RAD Camps are overnight, fun, outdoor adventures, specifically designed for 13-17 year olds. With trained and skilled outdoor professional staff, campers will make life-long friends and learn higher level skills specific to their chosen activity. 

Some RAD Camps are based at the 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.

RAD-to-Staff Camps

At RAD Camps, teens are inspired by our unique outdoor leadership program to be positive change agents. Our RAD-to-Staff program is designed for teens ages 15-17 to participate in one of our RAD Camps while also being mentored in leadership by a RAD staff member. While RAD-to-Staff campers are not guaranteed a future position as a Big Lake staff member, participation in the program is recommended because it helps campers see what it takes to work at Big Lake and it allows our staff to get to know them in a unique and important way. This year, the following RAD Camps are offering a RAD-to-Staff component: Advanced Rock Climbing, Rock Climbing, Ultimate RAD, and White Water Rafting.

To apply for a RAD-to-Staff program, you will need to complete the camp application, 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. RAD 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.

Leadership Academy (ages 15-17)  ⁄  $215

June 20-23, 2023

Leadership Academy campers will join our Big Lake staff for the last few days of staff training to participate in some outstanding leadership training and get a taste of several different areas of camp. This may be the best way yet for 15- to 17-year-olds to learn what it’s like to be a staff member at Big Lake. 

Start an Adventure!