Tucked deep in the Haliburton Forest, Pine’s Red Wolf Overnight Camp offers something truly rare: an immersive backcountry experience where campers don’t just learn outdoor skills—they live them. They build skills, friendships, and confidence through challenge and discovery. They get muddy, laugh hard, and come home changed. Here are just 3 (of many!) ways Red Wolf is truly different:
1. A true backcountry experience with hands-on wilderness skills
Red Wolf goes beyond your classic overnight camp experience. Campers live outdoors—sleeping in tents, cooking over open fires, and learning to be comfortable in all weather. They develop hands-on wilderness skills like bushcraft, foraging, fire-by-friction, animal tracking, shelter building, and backcountry cooking—not as one-off activities, but as part of their daily rhythm. These skills are taught through mentorship, games, stories, and play, making the learning feel natural and engaging. Few other camps teach these skills so thoroughly, and fewer still do it in such a wild, immersive setting. The best part? While campers are learning, they’re also laughing, getting muddy, and fully immersed in the joy of being outside.
“From building her own shelter to spend the night in to carving her own spoon, the rich experiences my daughter gained at Red Wolf have bolstered her confidence and given her new skills and ways of viewing the world.”
– M. Wuensch, parent of Holly (age 12)
2. Freedom to follow your curiosity
At Red Wolf, campers help shape their own experience. There’s time and space each day to pursue the skills or nature mysteries that spark their interest, whether that’s carving, plant identification, bow-making, or simply wandering the woods. This freedom empowers campers to take initiative, build confidence, and find real joy in discovery. It’s self-directed learning disguised as unforgettable summer fun.
“Our son spent a week at Red Wolf having never attended any Pine programs before. He loved meeting like-minded friends and inspiring leaders. He was encouraged to explore his curiosities and learned a lot in the process about nature, history, camp skills and himself. He came home with stories to share and songs…so many beautiful songs!”
– Amy, parent of Owen (age 8)
3. Real community and a deep sense of belonging
At Red Wolf, connection runs deep. Every group of campers forms a tight-knit group through shared adventures, quiet moments, and nights spent under the stars. They cook together, solve challenges as a team, and unwind by the fire each evening, telling stories, singing songs, and reflecting on the day. This kind of community grows naturally in the outdoors, where kids are seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. It’s a place where lasting friendships are formed and every camper belongs.
“Red Wolf really helped me find my place in the world.”
– Shosh, Red Wolf camper (age 9)
“Everyone in my group was so great and I am sad that I can’t spend more time with them all in nature.”
– Lias, Red Wolf camper (age 12)
For many kids, Red Wolf is more than a camp. It’s a turning point: a week (or three!) of freedom, friendship, and forest magic. A place to get dirty, try new things, laugh around the fire, and head home feeling more themselves than ever. As one parent said:
“Thank you, Pine Project, for giving my son a true sense of how courage, self-reliance and communing in nature fills you up in a way that nothing else can. It’s the gift that will keep on giving.”
Or dive deeper into the Red Wolf experience:
Read about how Red Wolf inspired Sophie to grow by pushing herself outside her comfort zone.
Learn why Zac would tell his younger self that “Red Wolf will be some of the best weeks of my life.”
Meet Lexa – the 11 year old who can light a fire quicker than your dad.