Adventure-Based Learning (often referred to as “Experiential Education”) is a purposeful approach to leading, teaching, and facilitating programs & activities.
At William Lawrence Camp, we utilize this methodology to help build a feeling of community among campers; to foster positive leadership development; to teach healthy communication skills; and promote the William Lawrence Camp Spirit.
What is Adventure-Based Learning?
What is the advantage to using Adventure-Based Learning?
William Lawrence Camp is excited to take part in the American Camp Association’s “Character at Camp” Initiative. Over the next six years, our camp Leadership team and staff will take part in educational and peer-learning opportunities, networking, training and other experiences to help us strengthen and expand the character development programs offered at William Lawrence.
“My first year at camp I stayed for two weeks as a junior. I tried so many fun activities including many I had never done before. By the end of those first two weeks I knew I had to come back the following year for a full summer. Year after year I came back. Every year I would come back because of the fun activities I could only do at camp.
As a middler I began to go on trips, learning how to whitewater canoe and improve my camping skills. By the end of my second senior year I knew I wanted to be a Bill Larry Man. In 2010 I returned as a Leader in Training to begin my molding process into a camp counselor. For most of my tenure on staff I taught archery and lead most of the out camping trips. Although being a counselor involved a good deal of work, that hard work is what turned our camp buddies into life-long friends.
Being a counselor and a trip leader directly contributed to my interest in becoming a backcountry ski guide, which is now my full-time career combined with working logistics for a whitewater rafting company.
I cherish every one of my 16 summers I have spent on the Knoll and feel lucky to have met so many amazing people that I can call friends.”
We encourage campers to embrace new experiences, from challenging hikes to creative projects, fostering personal growth, curiosity, and self-confidence, and turning their camp experience into an unforgettable journey of discovering talents and building lasting memories.
We aim to cultivate character growth by instilling a deep sense of loyalty in our campers — to themselves, their principles, and the camp community — guiding them to embrace their strengths, confront weaknesses, and uphold their values in a supportive environment.
At WLC, we emphasize the importance of camaraderie and compassion, encouraging campers to stand up for others and extend a helping hand, thereby fostering a sense of empathy, kindness, and solidarity within our camp community.
Our final cornerstone is sportsmanship, focusing on character development and personal growth over only physical competition, teaching campers valuable life skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership, and instilling in them the values of fair play, respect, and empathy that transcend into all aspects of life.
The Honor Society at William Lawrence Camp is a prestigious program that campers can choose to engage with to deepen their camp experience. To become a member, campers must demonstrate both skills and character across a variety of camp activities, embodying the core values of Willingness, Loyalty, Comradeship, and Sportsmanship.
Progression within the Honor Society:
1. Pathfinder: Achieved by passing the first level of the first 13 tests.
2. Trailblazer: Earned after completing all 13 tests.
3. Woodsman: The highest honor, awarded upon passing all 18 tests.
The tests are designed to cater to different skill levels, providing campers with intermediate milestones along their journey. This process requires dedication over multiple years, allowing campers to grow and challenge themselves.
Ceremonial Traditions:
Every Monday evening, the entire camp gathers around the Great Central Fire for a ceremony that celebrates these achievements. Campers are grouped by their Houses (Lakes, Mountains, Rivers, and Forests) and participate in storytelling and intra-house activities, with the goal of contributing to their House’s points total in the color war. Cheered on by fellow housemates, campers and staff engage in various activities that promote teamwork, camaraderie and sportsmanship, all while fostering a sense of healthy competition. The Great Central Fire embodies the spirit of inclusivity at William Lawrence Camp. It welcomes everyone, regardless of their level of involvement in the Honor Society or other activities. Whether campers are participating in a ceremony, cheering for their House, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet reflection, the fire is a place where all are embraced and celebrated.
In essence, the Great Central Fire is a cornerstone of William Lawrence Camp, playing a crucial role in shaping the culture, values, and traditions that define the camp experience. It is a place where memories are made, friendships are deepened, and the spirit of the camp thrives.
At the end of the first Council ring, campers are invited to take their first challenge which is Test of Resolution. During the Test of Resolution, campers look into the Head Woodsman’s eyes as they vow to remain silent until Reveille. This moment of commitment is profound, symbolizing their dedication to the values of the Honor Society and the WLC community.
Campers have access to the complete list of tests throughout the summer and on the website, ensuring they can track their progress. The camp office keeps a record of test results, making it easy for campers to stay organized and focused on their goals.
The Honor Society embodies the spirit of inclusivity at William Lawrence Camp. It welcomes everyone, regardless of their level of involvement in the Honor Society tests or other activities around camp. Whether campers are participating in a ceremony, cheering for their House, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet reflection, the Council Ring is a place where all are embraced and celebrated. The Honor Society not only fosters individual growth but also enhances the community spirit at William Lawrence Camp, making it a cherished tradition for generations of campers.
