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• June 15-21, 2008

• June 22-28, 2008

• June 29 - July 4, 2008

• July 6-12, 2008

• July 13-29, 2008

• July 20-26, 2008

• July 27 - Aug 2, 2008

• August 3-9, 2008

• August 10-16, 2008

• August 17-23, 2008

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Wolf Camp was voted 1 of 2 Best Camps in the Northwest Family News Reader's Poll of 2001, the only year they ran a poll, and we were also chosen as one of the five "best camps ever" by YM Magazine in its March 2003 issue.

“Wolf Camp was the best experience of the summer for me. The counselors are awesome and the other campers were great. I can't wait until next summer!" – Sierra Thomas, Age 15 in 1999 Please Note this Change for 2008: Camps run through Saturday Noon! Scroll Down or Click Here for Wolf Camp Accolades & Logistics: • Registration Process, Camp Costs & Refund Policy: Register by March 31st for Discounts! • Daily Schedule & Transportation Choices; • Weekend (Sat-Sun) Stayover Schedules; • How to Prepare & What to Pack • Behavioral Agreements
August 3-9, 2008
Availability: Space Remains Open. Scroll Down or Click for Current Enrollment. The Alpine Quest - Navigating, Camping & Composing for ages 9-17, with one prerequisite. Prerequisites: All those who would like to participate in this camp need to have participated in an overnight at Wolf Camp previously and have talked with camp director Chris Chisholm about the need to additionally support those participating in the ultimate herbalist camp which will be running simultaneously. All participants also need to attend the stayover which ran this previous weekend. • Activity List & Locations. • Main Goal & Skills Covered. • Session History & Lead Instructor. • Camp Storyline & Songs. Current Enrollment: Open/Available. If you are already comfortable camping and navigating in the wilderness, then you will fully enjoy this week as we visit one of the last unprotected, low elevation, old growth temperate rainforests, and then proceed from there to the top edge of subalpine old growth forests and beautiful alpine lakes which sport incredible blueberry wildflower fields. If you are a novice to wilderness camping and navigation, then this is the perfect opportunity to gain experience and comfort living in what many people think are scary circumstances: tenting in all kinds of weather; sharing space with black bears; finding your way off trail in the wilderness; etc. We will follow the best protocol for safe wilderness camping, including how to hang or otherwise cache foods, how to read topographical maps to find hidden wilderness, how to select the best hiking and camping gear while spending the least money; and of course, how to practice all the basic earth skills since that is our specialty. In particular, since we will be visiting an old growth temperate rainforest and the edge of subalpine-alpine wilderness, we will be learning to identify birds and other animals there while collecting wild edible plants that specialize in those habitats. Underlying all our activities will be the development of personal journals which will include guided sketching and field notes, plus free-form compositions of poetry and music and prose. This camp session begins at Wolf Camp and then follows a path into an old growth rainforest, then sub-alpine meadows, and low peaks of the North Cascade mountains. Activities covered during this camp session include, but are not limited to the following list, and are somewhat dependent on weather, instructor descretion, camper desire, and serendipity: • Saturday: Planning & Packing, Sensory Awareness, Mapping the Trip. • Sunday: Intro to Navigation & Wilderness Camping, Old Growth Forest Ecology. • Monday: Alpine Ecology, Small Peak Hiking. • Tuesday: Free-Form Music & Poetry, Nature Journaling & Drawing. • Wednesday: Complete Activities List Written Below. • Thursday: Support Returning Herbalists, Making Crafts, Feasting & Storytelling. • Friday: Leaving No Trace, Preparation for Presentations, Campfire Stories & Music. • Saturday: Closing Circle and Family Presentations The goal of this camp session is to help you become comfortable camping and hiking in any regional wilderness, while also teaching you about the natural history of the region, and finally, to serve as support for those participating in the Ultimate Herbalist. Skills covered during this camp session include, but are not limited to the following list, and are somewhat dependent on instructor preference and camper readiness: • Tracking & Birding • Sensory Awareness & Stealthy Movement • Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants • Firemaking & Fire Maintenance • Natural Water Purification • Cordage Making • Singing, Playing Instruments. • Drawing, Naturalist Journaling. • Artistic Compositions of Choice. • Campfires, Storytelling. • Camp Cooking. • Camping & Hiking. • Orienteering Challenge. • Original Outdoor Games. • Rabbitsticks, Knife Carving. This session's storyline is the Rite of Passage but may be modified by the instructor, and some of the songs you may learn this week include: • Bear in Tennis Shoes • Cielito Lindo • House of the Rising Sun • Kum Ba Ya • Annie's Song • Somewhere Over the Rainbow • Trees Are On Fire This session's likely lead instructor will be Bill Baroch with assistance from our up-and-coming campers-turned assistant instructors such as Alexandra Bunker, but may change depending on need and availability, and the history of this camp session includes: • Pilot Year: 2000 but we have only periodically run this camp, but feel again the need to offer it because so many people come here to learn primitive firemaking, herbalism, tracking, etc., but so few have real experience camping, hiking, or navigating in the backcountry. • Intensity Rating: 5-8 depending on weather. • Rating on Fun Scale: 6 since it rates higher on the serenity scale. Enrollment as of March 31st: We have 2 campers confirmed out of a total capacity of 8 in this camp. Next update likely May 15th.		Availability: Space Remains Open. Scroll Down or Click for Current Enrollment. The Ultimate Herbalist: Wisdom of the Alpine for ages 13-adult, with prerequisites May include the following prerequisites TBA: • The workshop which ran during the past weekend stayover • Completion of Wolf Journey Part One which you can start now. • One camp week dealing with Herbal Medicine which may include "collecting critters" in years past. • Two camp weeks on any combination of the following: wilderness medicine, wilderness survival, permaculture pioneering, natural arts and music, ancient scout skills, or wildlife tracking and birding. • All participants need to read the quest essay and call Chris at 360-799-1997 to apply over the phone and receive personal recommendatioins for how to prepare. • Activity List & Locations. • Main Goal & Proficiency Challenges. • Session History & Lead Instructor. • Camp Storyline & Songs. Current Enrollment: Open/Available. This experience begins with a visit to an old growth pine forest as it awakens with springtime birds and flora, and then we will proceed down into the beautiful, romote canyonlands on the east slope of the North Cascades. The quest is an option for residential program participants who began with us last fall, spring or summer, as well as any of our older summer campers who are ready for this rite of passage. If you are just beginning one of our Resident Programs this spring, you can participate as a support person for others who are questing so that you know what to expect in case you quest at a later time, and to gain greater experience with wilderness camping, navigation, and community leadership. Underlying the experience, we will develop a foundation of learning ancient secrets of healing, both herbally and metaphysically. This quest is an option for residential program participants and any of our older summer campers who are ready for this rite of passage. If you are unsure about participating, you can also attend the Alpine Quest described to the left in order to support others who are questing so that you know what to expect in case you want to quest at a later time, and to gain greater experience with wilderness camping, navigation, and community leadership. Activities covered during this camp session include, but are not limited to the following list, and are somewhat dependent on weather, instructor descretion, camper desire, and serendipity: • Saturday: Planning & Packing, Sweat Lodge. • Sunday: Herbalist Review, Old Growth Forest Meditations. • Monday: Center Circle & Alpine Explorations. • Tuesday: Solo Time. • Wednesday: Solo Time. • Thursday: Solo Sharings & Circle Closing. • Friday: Metaphysical Healings, Integration Preparations. • Saturday: Closing Circle and Family Presentations This camp session begins at Wolf Camp and then moves to Heart Lakes, our name for a special sub-alpine forest and meadows above a pristine old growth rainforest. Activities that take place during the quest are purely confidential, but rest assured that many physical, mental, and emotional challenges will dot the week – rites of passage that mark a great transition in your life. This week will become more than mere memory; it’s an experience you’ll carry in your heart the rest of your life. The goal of this camp session is to help you manifest your intention, to realize your vision, which may be your purpose in life, or a quest for healing, or other intention that is unique to you. Your preparation time before questing, and your integration time after you go home, are genuine tests of character, so to read about these themes, click here to read about the Special Application Process and Prerequisites. Another goal of this experience is to bring you to the next level as an herbalist, from merely working with the herbs on a physical level, to also understanding the mental, emotional, physical and social needs of your patients so that they may fully heal, and in order to do so, we will work on accomplishing the following skills: • Recognizing the gifts of 10 Important Plant Groups. • Understand the meaning of plant characteristics (astringent, etc.) • Ability to make plant extractions (decoctions, essences, etc.) • Ability to relate symptoms to all aspects of the Medicine Wheel. • Ability to make primitive fire and rock boil. • Starting work on Wolf Journey Part Three or similar herbalist curriculum, scheduling participation in a Wilderness First Responder certification course, and planning the development of an Herbal & Vegetable Garden. This session's storyline is highly spiritual, and some of the songs you may learn this week include: • I Listen to the Wind • Weathervain • Eagle Soars • Spirit of the Eagle • Silence Falls in the Valley • Man Who Planted Trees • Circle Game • All My Life's A Circle • Down to the River to Pray • Humble Yourself to the Wild This session's likely lead instructor will be Chris and/or Nikki, and the history of this camp session includes: • Pilot Year: 1998. • Chris has not lead a quest since 2002 so now is your chance before the next time. • Intensity Rating: 10 • Rating on Fun Scale: N/A Enrollment as of March 31st: We have 3 verbal intents so far out of 6 total capacity, with final acceptance not available until July. Next update likely May 15th.

Week Prior: July 27 - Aug 2: Natural Artists & Musicians, and the Stone Age Artisan
Weekend Prior: 4x4 Essencials Theme (preparations for backcountry travel)
This Weekend: Scouting Theme (history, philosophy and challenge, with unique schedule due to Stilliguamish River Festival)
Next Week: August 10-16: The Permaculture Activist, and Secrets of the Ancient Scout

Click Here to Go Back to the Index of Overnight Youth Camps, or print out an Application Form which has the whole schedule listed, and register for as many weeks as you like!

Click Here if you would like to listed to an Audo Recorded Camp Greeting from Wolf Camp founder and coordinator Chris Chisholm for which you may need the free RealOne Player if it's not already installed in your system, and there is also a Audio Recorded Camp Greeting from our top earth skills specialist Nikki for you to listen to if you like.

What To Bring & What You Get: After registering, we will send you a detailed program description, with directions on how to prepare. For resident youth camps and the adult apprenticeship, we will also send a questionnaire for new campers to complete by the June 1 deadline. It will include health history questions and other information that are designed to ensure that the program for which you apply is the best choice for you. We will also send you a detailed letter on driving directions and how to prepare for camp.

The most important thing for you to do is to sleep well the night prior to camp and eat a healthy breakfast and lunch the day camp starts. Also, please bring the results from your most recent physical exam to place into your file upon check-in on the first day of camp. A very recent physical is not required as long as you were forthcoming when you filled out the health history form (which was part of your registration form), but a physical is highly recommended if you have not had one in the past year. Please tell your doctor your plans for coming to camp, and the activities involved.

Remember, although we have use of the Wolf Camp house, this is really a primitive camp, so set your expectations appropriately. As for what to bring, if you cannot attain all of the required items, or if you have a favorite item you want, even though we haven't mentioned it, or advised against it, or provide it for you, simply advise us before camp starts. We always have extra to share. Otherwise, the items on this page and on the reverse are things you'll need to bring to camp to help ensure that everyone is comfortable.

We provide an emergency whistle, mini first aid kit, keychain flashlight, camp tee-shirt and bandana, plus some journal materials and craft products to be taken home after camp. During some weeks, we also train you to use a real survival knife, but only campers who attend a second overnight camp week and who reach our Level III knife safety can bring the knife home. Alternatively, parents may also pay for a $15 knife at the end of their child’s first week if they wish. We also have binoculars, field guides, instruments, extra sanitary supplies, water bottles, rain ponchos, compasses, blankets, and of course sunscreen available when necessary for use. Many products are also available in our camp store, with all revenues donated to the WOLF Foundation - Max Davis Scholarships.

Please bring the following food items if possible, the leftovers of which you can bring home or donate to camp. The purpose of this food list is to teach campers how to shop for camping, and then give them a sense of responsibility by contributing to, and helping to make, their own meals. Store all of your foods using sturdy zip-locks, and be sure to label them well. Visit the bulk dispenser section of your store for these, using your zip-lock bags, instead of bringing highly packaged or processed foods, canned goods, etc. Our garbage service cannot handle so much waste. We will provide you with a secure container in which to store your food items in our pantry. You can bring home the entire container with you afterwards if you like. Leave no food or aromatic items in your tent! Remember, improperly packaged or disposed-of wrappers alone can cause problems with wild animals.

___ One cup of rice per week, or per family per weekend, if you like rice.
___ One cup of beans or lentils per week, or per family per weekend, if you like legumes.
___ One cup of powdered milk (cow or soy) per week, or per family per weekend, if desired.
___ One cup of a favorite breakfast grain (but not oatmeal as that grows on trees around here) or hot cereal per week, or per family per weekend, depending on taste.
___ One cup of spaghetti or cous cous per week, or per family per weekend, if desired.
___ One cup of wheat flour or corn flour (polenta) per week, or per family per weekend.
___ One cup of dried fish or meat (jerky) or veggie burger mix per week, or per family per
weekend.
___ One cup of hot chocolate mix per week, or ground coffee per family per weekend.
___ One cup of dried fruit per week, or per family per weekend.
___ One cup of snack seeds (sunflower, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts) per week or per family.
___ One loaf of bread or packaged tortillas per week, or per family per weekend.
___ One small package of dried seaweed per week or per family.

We will be teaching you to forage for fresh greens, fruits, seeds, eggs, fish, and other food items during your stay. Don’t worry, it’s all safe, environmentally sensitive, and of course, will be carried out according to legal regulations. If you can’t find certain items in your grocery store, don’t worry about it, and if you want to bring something other than this list, please call in advance to see if it’s needed. We don’t have extra refrigeration or freezer space, so don’t bring any perishables.

Do not bring your own snacks unless you have special dietary health needs. All accidentally brought snacks will be donated to camp for future use. You can bring a wooden, stainless steel, or durable plastic spoon, fork, bowl, cup, and plate if desired, with your name well labeled (no aluminum), but we do provide dishes for you at camp, along with your own mesh bag for storing them.

___ Waistband pack or day backpack that holds a large water bottle (keep it full). Include two oversized plastic garbage bags to cover your gear in rain, and if desired, a disposable camera inside a zip-lock bag. The waistband pack might be a good place to initially pack your sanitary supplies such as toothbrush, floss, feminine products, and a small hair brush or comb. We'll provide biodegradable soap, shampoo, tooth paste, conditioner, and lotion. Leave cosmetics, etc., at home unless you need a special product for health/allergy reasons. Also, remember any protective cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses and solutions, plus for your medicines that you need to take and keep track of yourself.

___ Clothes: Two pair of long pants which are easy to move and run in, two long-sleeve shirts, and two undershirts (t-shirts and tank-tops should be tasteful, and noisy fabric should be avoided. ) 3-6 pair of underwear and socks. ( Two of the sock pairs need to be wool or synthetic material). Swimwear and a large, raggedy beach towel. One pair of shorts is plenty in addition to your swim suit. Also bring polypropylene or wool or nylon/spandex long underwear bottoms and top.

Clothes: Fleece or wool pullover (pants are a plus, too) because wool and synthetic materials are the best rain gear - cotton is very comfortable but it is worthless when wet, and you'll find out that gortex and other plastics are waterproof, but they are loud, they don't breath well enough, and they pool water. Remember that it gets cold by the water, at higher elevations, and at night, even in the middle of the summer. Note that earth tone (greens, browns, etc.) clothes are best for camp skill games and they will increase chances of seeing wildlife.

Clothes: Synthetic or wool hat and thin gloves for warmth, and a hat for the sun, and hair ties if applicable. Please note that for all clothing of every kind, you should expect them to get very dirty. Campers staying over between camp weeks can do laundry on Saturday evenings. The natural color or patterned clothing is most important for the following camp weeks: Scouts, Canyons & Dunes, Tracking, Primitive Fishing, Hunter-Gatherers, Endangered Species, and the Ultimates. The clothing for cold conditions are especially important for the Alpine Hike, Scouts, Canyons & Dunes, Tracking, GeoVORG, Sailing, Survivors Side, Kayaking, Primitive Fishing, Endangered Species, and the Ultimates. Sunglasses and a sun hat are required for those who burn easily, and for all who are attending the Alpine Hike, Canyons & Dunes, Rock Climbing, GeoVORG, Search & Rescue, Sailing, and Kayaking.

Backpacks & Luggage: If you are attending the Youth Mentoring CIT, Canyons & Dunes, Alpine Hike, Rock Climbing, GeoVORG, Advanced Tracking, Sailing, Kayaking, or Endangered Species, you need to be able to easily carry and pack all gear in a large backpack, with your sleeping bag and pad secured tightly to it. Those attending other camps can pack normally, such as in a big duffle bag, but still be able to carry everything in one load 200 yards from our parking area to your sleeping quarters.

___ Tent with a rain fly and zip-up screen if you have one, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad underneath for comfort and warmth. Brothers and sisters may camp together, but otherwise, we will separate boys and girls under the supervision of an appropriate instructor. They will also be grouped by age. Also, if you want, bring your preferred, non-toxic (that means not Deet unless that’s the only thing that you think works for you) bug lotion, not the spray kind. Look for Citronella lotion and other natural products, if possible. We do provide this in our camp store as well.

___ Two comfortable pair of outdoor shoes or boots, and a pair of thin sole shoes or aqua socks for swimming and stalking. Please make sure you have broken them in well in advance to avoid common blisters. Waterproof hiking boots are required for the following camp weeks: Alpine Hike, Pioneering, Canyons & Dunes, Rock Climbing, Tracking, GeoVORG, Wild Foods & Fire, Survivor’s Side, Primitive Fishing, Hunter-Gatherers, Endangered Species, and the Ultimates.

Lost & Found Policy: If you leave it at camp, it will be picked up by charity. We do not have staff to package and send home forgotten items. To help avoid loosing things, please put your name on every item you bring, and bring only what you need. For clothes, print your name on the tag. Go ahead and bring any small artwork tools if desired for drawing, carving, etc, and small musical instruments, like wooden flutes, rawhide drums, rattles, if desired. Leave all electronic devises and other distractions at home.

Wolf Camp - A Haven Of Physical & Emotional Safety: Please read these agreements for participation in camp. They are particularly important to ensure a safe, educational, and fun experience under challenging circumstances that are unique to the WolfCamp. Parents: please explain to your child that deciding to participate in Wolf Camp means agreeing to honor the experience as a safe haven for every person - physically and emotionally. Also, please help us best explain the following agreements by discussing them with your child in an age-appropriate manner consistent with your family values. Campers will also add agreements they wish the group to honor during the week, and instructors will have a few more details to add that will help make Wolf Camp fun and safe. Adults: please edit agreements for age appropriateness.

____I will remain within the designated boundaries during camp. The boundaries will be pointed out when we arrive at camp.
____I will go off by myself only with clear permission from my group leader. Otherwise, I will always be with a partner and make it known to my group leader our whereabouts.
____I will only enter water under clear direction from a lead camp instructor.
____I will respect the personal boundaries of others in camp, including bodies, belongings, and behavior that others may or may not witness. We will discuss appropriate sleeping, dressing, and bathroom situations at the start of camp.
____I will refrain from sharing any stories, jokes, or comments which are derogatory toward others in camp, toward groups of people in the outer world, or toward sacred themes such as bodily function, including human reproduction. Also, all participants agree to discuss only age-appropriate themes and behaviors around younger campers without adult supervision.
____I will refrain from taking action satisfying romantic desire or sexual attraction while participating in WOLF Camp.
____I will refrain from using drugs, including alcohol, from 24 hours before the day camp starts, until my last contact with any camp participant after camp is over. I will bring a written description of any prescribed medicines, including instructions for intake.
____I will respect the sensitive plants and animals in special areas during camp, and I will put nothing in my mouth that I don't know 100% that it won't cause illness or poisoning.
____I will always encourage others to rise to the challenge in every group activity.
____I will always watch out for the safety of every person in camp.

These agreements will be discussed the first day of camp to clarify them for participants, and campers will also add agreements they wish the group to honor during the week. Instructors will also have a few more details to add that will help make camp fun and safe.

Remember that deposits are not refundable unless your registration is not accepted. If you cancel after making any payment, you may receive a credit for a future program, minus a 25% administration fee of total payments made, in case of emergency. You will receive a full refund if your program is canceled and not rescheduled at a time that you can attend. Again, no refund (and not necessarily any credit) is given if a camper is inappropriate at camp.

Come Meet Us

June 28, 2008, Saturday 2:00 p.m., Three Amongst the Wolves presentation by world-renown adventurist Helen Thayer, also author of Polar Dream and Walking the Gobi. We consider this the pinnacle event of our year, and believe us when we tell you that you will be absolutely grateful, profoundly moved, and totally delighted if you attend! Sustinance and refreshments provided, with donations accepted for Helen's world-wide youth education program, the Adventure Classroom. RSVP email required, or call 360-799-1997.

June 29, 2008, Sunday 10:00-5:00, Wolf Camp Open House, Visiting Day, Work-A-Thon, and Bar-B-Que. Come visit camp, joining us for the bar-b-que lunch by donation, or collect pledges to raise funds for your camp expeirence at the Work-A-Thon if you like. RSVP email required, and to request pledge forms.

September 21, 2008, Sunday 8:00-8:00, International Day of Peace bonfire, medicine lodge, autumnal feast and fast for cooperative intensive participants and alumni.

October 25, 2008, Saturday 5-8 pm, Twelve Year Anniversary Harvest Party for alumni, family and supporters. This is our way to say "thank you", with dinner provided plus inspirational music and stories with violin virtuoso and salishin bard Swil Kanim, tentative. You may arrive as early as 5:00 pm on Friday and stay as long as 5:00 pm on Sunday to help harvest and prepare for the winter. Our annual summer raffle runs throughout the summer, with winners drawn during the Harvest Party.

2008 Online Scholarship Fundraising Auction

June 15-22, 2008, Sunday-Sunday 8:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Online Auction for Max Davis Scholarships. This is the annual fundraiser upon which we depend for most of the year's scholarship funds, so please consider donating an item (by sending us an email with a description of the item, then we will arrange to pick it up) or by bidding on an item during the auction. Thanks!

Back to the Index of Overnight Youth Camps.

Employment: We only need instructors with experience running camps and teaching in the field of Earth Skills, including Permaculture, Tracking, Primitive Artisanry, Advanced Herbalism, or Wilderness EMT training with real outdoor survival practice. If you would like experience as a teacher and learn skills of the Naturalist, Tracker, Herbalist, Scout, Hunter, Artisan, or Permaculture Pioneer, apply to become an instructor through our Earth Skills Teaching Apprenticeship.

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