Camp Info
| Ages: | – |
| Type: | Overnight |
| Month: | Summer |
| Lodging: | Tent |
| Setting: | Forest |
| Gender: | Boys Only |
| Sports: | Cycling, Mountain Biking |
Etna, CA, USA
This Advanced MTB week is designed for high-school boys (9th–12th grade) with previous mountain biking experience — specifically, campers who have already attended at least one week of MTB camp or can demonstrate equivalent readiness. The camp offers a rare opportunity to ride stunning terrain around the California/Oregon border with guides who are as skilled as they are encouraging. Riders will push their limits on forest singletrack, mountain climbs, and scenic trail networks. Beyond simply riding, this camp fosters leadership, resilience, and teamwork as campers help one another navigate challenging terrain and grow in confidence.
What makes this program special is its deep integration of adventure and reflection — campers don’t just ride fast, they ride with purpose. The natural setting provides a backdrop for spiritual connection; the faith-driven staff encourages participants to reflect on their journey, both on the bike and in life. The camp is ideal for serious young riders who are physically fit, passionate about mountain biking, and committed to a high-energy, meaningful week. It’s more than training; it’s a community, a challenge, and a way to deepen one’s identity through physical and spiritual exploration.
| Ages: | – |
| Type: | Overnight |
| Month: | Summer |
| Lodging: | Tent |
| Setting: | Forest |
| Gender: | Boys Only |
| Sports: | Cycling, Mountain Biking |
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.06.26 - 19.06.26 | 6 | $849 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
Campers stay in tent-style campsites under the stars at Kidder Creek, with the option to bring sleeping pads or hammocks for added comfort. The setting is rustic but intentional: riders live closely with peers, sharing both their gear and their experiences night after night. This style of lodging encourages responsibility — campers help set up tents, maintain their areas, and contribute to camp routines. When not riding, they connect around campfires, enjoy the natural surroundings, and rest deeply in a place removed from busy city life.
Camp meals are served in outdoor kitchens or designated dining areas. The staff provides options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and meat-free diets, ensuring dietary needs are met with care. During the week, campers refuel with nutritious, balanced dishes designed to support long hours of riding. Snack time and hydration are emphasized, and riders are encouraged to bring water packs for on-trail refills. Mealtime also becomes a space for community — sharing stories, celebrating the day’s rides, and preparing for the next.
Safety at the Advanced MTB Camp is a cornerstone of the program. Each ride is guided by experienced counselors who know the trails intimately and are trained to support advanced riders. The camp enforces strict helmet use, requires all riders to check and maintain their bikes, and offers a bike maintenance system to address mechanical issues (see maintenance deposit below). On non-ride days, safety remains a priority through supervised activities, check-ins, and well-defined procedures for emergencies. Staff are equipped to manage both biking risk and typical camp medical and logistical challenges.
Mount Hermon requires all campers to complete medical and health information before arrival. There is a process in place to handle medications, and camp staff are trained to administer first aid on-site. Given the remote trail-based nature of the program, counselors and guides are prepared to respond to physical strain, minor injuries, and dehydration. Emergency protocols are in place for serious injuries, including transport to nearby facilities if necessary. This tight integration of health care and activity ensures riders can focus on their biking and personal growth with confidence.
Tradition plays a significant role in this camp — each day begins and ends with group reflection, allowing campers to celebrate progress and support one another. The week also includes time for night rides (weather permitting), campfire conversations, and testimony-style sharing. Campers ride together, help maintain trails, and bond over mechanical challenges, making the camp both a test of skill and a place for deep spiritual and personal connection. The close-knit cohort of high-school riders often forms enduring friendships rooted in trust, shared adventure, and a shared faith journey.
During the six-day Advanced MTB camp, riders spend most of their time on challenging singletrack and mountain terrain, supported by expert guides who help them improve technique, endurance, and bike handling skills. In addition to full-day rides, the week includes focused skill-building (cornering, climbing, descending), bike maintenance training, and group challenges. Off-bike time features swimming at a creek or pond, high ropes or other adventure activities, evening reflection, and campfire community. The camp’s structure encourages both personal progression and team growth, helping campers return stronger, more confident, and more connected to their faith and fellow riders.
Campers must bring their own bikes, and e-bikes may be restricted on certain Forest Service trails. Refund/cancellation policies include a non-refundable deposit; balance due dates apply.