Can you outline the full application process?

First thing to do is complete the interest survey. Once that is completed, you’ll receive an email to set-up a family call with a RW representative who will outline the camp, answer family questions, and get you the RW Camper Application. Following the call you’ll be asked to complete the online application and, if you are receiving financial support, you’ll be asked to complete the financial application. Lastly, all parents are asked to participate in at least one of the family info nights as well as a mandatory pre-trip meeting with all of the families on that specific trip (for now via Zoom).

What if my child has never camped before?

That’s great news! We’re an organization that is focused on helping novice campers develop a love for the outdoors through safe, healthy and fun experiences. It starts with small weekend trips in the spring to help campers understand some of the basic elements of camping before we take them out on longer trips in the summer.

How are you dealing with COVID-19?

Using the ACA’s Field Guide for Summer Camps during COVID-19, we are implementing practices to ensure that our safety measures follow all guidelines as laid out by the ACA and medical practitioners. Prior to travel, families will receive a guide outlining pre-travel expectations. This will include a RT-PCR Test (also known as a molecular test) 48-72 hours prior to the trip along with a commitment to quarantine between the time the test is taken and your arrival at departure site. All travelers will also take a rapid-test the day of departure at the departure site.

What do you require of your trip leads?

In order to work with our youth on trail, all trip leads must have, at minimum, a Wilderness First Aid certification - essentially First Aid and CPR certification for accidents taking place in the wilderness. Guides also spend time prior to trips training our leads in the areas of cultural awareness, Social and Emotional Learning best practices as well as strategies for individual and whole group reflection. All of our trip leads pass a rigorous interview process along with reference checks and criminal background checks.

What’s the ratio of trip leads to campers?

The ratio of trip leads to campers is 2 trip leads (one male and one female) to 13 campers. This is standard practice across many travel camps, it’s also the max capacity of a 15-passenger van!

Is Roam Wild insured?

Yes, Roam Wild is a fully insured organization with trip guides who have years of experience as well as Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications.

Do parents get to communicate with their child during the trip?

In a manner, yes. Although campers do have to turn in their cell phones once we arrive, we offer specific times during the trip when campers will be able to make phone calls home if needed, if they are feeling homesick. Additionally, trip leads will use apps such as Remind and Photo Circle to keep parents updated - posting daily pics and updates about travels when/where there is a signal.

What do do campers need to bring with them?

Campers need only bring toiletries, and a few clothing items as well as two pairs of shoes (the full list of items will be sent out by trip leads a month prior to the trip). On the day of departure families will meet in the parking lot of a local church and pack backpacks provided by Roam Wild. We also provide sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping pads as well as any other supplies that are specific to the trip. Lastly, parents of campers who take a medication of any kind, must have the prescriptions in hand, along with directions prior to travel.

Food on trail?

Roam wild will provide meals for youth that are rich in calories and healthy fats - we provide campers a daily caloric intake based on camp-world best-practices and with support from dietitians and pediatricians. We also make adjustments to meals for any campers with food allergies or dietary restrictions/preferences (if you’re vegetarian or vegan, we can make that work!).

Are sessions Co-Ed?

Currently, all sessions are co-ed. As we have more campers in future years, we will offer gender-specific sessions for our rising 7th and 8th grade campers. For families that have questions about how specific elements of what our co-ed travel looks like, we can assure you we take all necessary precautions; expectation-setting is a big part of our family orientation. Join us for a family night to hear more.