Camp Daggett Wilderness Trips offers campers ages 13-15 an exciting opportunity to challenge themselves and learn new skills in a wilderness setting. Wilderness Campers will meet fellow campers from all over the state, country and sometimes even the world. You will bond over the shared experiences backpacking and canoeing as we explore the awe-inspiring wilderness of Michigan and leave with lifetime memories and lasting new friendships.

Wilderness Campers arrive Sunday afternoon for check-in, experience a day of adventure and teambuilding on our ropes challenge course on Monday, and depart for their Wilderness Trip on Tuesday. The group will then put their new found skills to the test as they head off on a four day, three night adventure in the wild – arriving back at Camp Daggett on Friday.

Although the trips vary in location and difficulty, each focuses on “Leave No Trace” backcountry ethics, basic survival skills, and the general history and ecology of the area.

TRAILBLAZER: June 25 – July 1, 2023 | LOCAL EXPEDITIONS

Beginner backpackers are welcome to join us for a NEW trailblazing adventure at Camp Daggett! Trailblazers will set up camp onsite at Camp Daggett as we learn the basics of backcountry camping – including gear set-up, food prep, fire building, water filtering, trail etiquette, and more. During the day, Trailblazers will pack up and venture offsite to explore local trails, preserves, and rivers in our area, returning to the Camp Daggett Yurt Base Camp in the evenings. The trip will culminate in an overnight camp-out in the Jordan Valley. This is a great experience for campers who want to learn more about the basics of backcountry camping while exploring local hotspots like the Jordan Valley, the Bear River, sections of the North Country Trail, and Fisherman’s Island State Park! This is a beginner-friendly Wilderness Trip – no previous backpacking experience is necessary. Limit 12 campers.

PATHFINDER:  July 9 – July 15, 2023 | PIGEON RIVER COUNTRY

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for a four day, three night backpacking excursion in “The Big Wild” – the Pigeon River Country State Forest! At 12 miles wide and 20 miles long, the PRC is the largest block of contiguous undeveloped land in Michigan’s lower peninsula. Pathfinders will hike through diverse forest and stunning scenery, explore sinkhole lakes and rivers, and cook their meals around a campfire each night. Keep your eye peeled for signs of elk – the Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi! This is an intermediate wilderness trip – backpacking experience is welcome but not required. Limit 12 campers.

CANOER: July 23 – July 29, 2023 | THE AU SABLE RIVER

Get your paddles ready for a trip down the Au Sable River. This four day, three night river excursion begins in Grayling and travels west to east towards Mio, with multiple canoe campgrounds along the way. The Au Sable River is known for crisp, clear waters, brown trout fly fishing, incredible wildlife, and stunning scenery, and it’s known as one of the best canoeing rivers in the Midwest! After working on our river paddling skills during the day, canoers will enjoy campfires and camaraderie in the evening. It is sure to be a trip full of fun and adventure! Canoers may be paddling up to 5-6 hours a day – paddling experience and comfortability on the water is recommended. Limit 10 campers.

EXPLORER: August 6 – August 12, 2023 | BEAVER ISLAND

Who’s ready for an island adventure? Beaver Island is part of the Beaver Island Archipelago which includes High, Hog, and Garden Islands, and it is the third largest island in Lake Michigan. Explorers will embark on a two-hour ferry ride from Charlevoix and arrive at the Island for a four day, three night backpacking adventure. Enjoy beautiful hiking trails, refreshing beach swims, and explore the Beaver Island Lighthouse as we hike from east to west across this island gem. Keep an eye out for the Milky Way, Northern Lights, and meteor showers – Beaver Island is unique as its location in the middle of northern Lake Michigan gives some of the darkest night skies in the world! This is an intermediate wilderness trip – some backpacking experience is welcome but not required. Limit 12 campers.

2023 Wilderness Trip Rates

• In-Area Campers: $573
• Out-of-Area Campers: $903

Adventure Trip Goals

• To enhance self-confidence while building teamwork skills and traits.
• To learn responsible and safe backcountry travel, camping and survival skills.
• To foster an appreciation for the natural world and wild places.
• To have new and fun experiences in unique and adventurous settings!

Staff

Each trip will be led by 2 knowledgeable and experienced staff members–a male and a female guide. Wilderness Guides will each be certified in CPR and First Aid as well as have a Lifeguard Certification when swimming is available on the trip.

Packing List

Please review our Wilderness Trip Packing List here.