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Varsity & LT Trip Information

We are very excited about our Varsity-1 (9th Grade), Varsity-2 (10th Grade), and Leadership Training (LT) trips this summer! During First Session, we will have three separate multi-day trip experiences: one for our V-1 campers, one for our V-2 campers, and one customized trip designed specifically for our LT participants. During Second Session, our Varsity campers will also enjoy exciting multi-day trip experiences.

We are thrilled to be working with Custom Tours, Inc. again this year as our partner for our Varsity and LT trips. Below are highlights, packing details, travel information, and additional information about the trips.

Note: Medication, Food Allergies & Dietary Needs on Trips

If your teen takes medication at camp, everything will be sent along with them on their trip and dispensed while they are out of camp in a similar fashion to how it would be handled while they are on-site at camp.

If your teen has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, we will arrange for safe food options throughout the trip. Our trip partner is working closely with us to meet our campers’ food needs.

General Packing & Travel Information

Campers should bring a backpack to camp, along with a medium-sized duffel bag for clothing and toiletries. We encourage you to send travel-size toiletries for the trip.

Campers will pack clothing that they already have at camp, including:

  • CLC shirts

  • Shorts

  • Sweatshirt

  • Sneakers

  • Toiletries

Depending on the trip, participants will travel by air-conditioned charter bus or commercial airline. Trips will be supervised by members of our Leadership Team, Varsity and LT staff, and Custom Tours staff, who provide additional logistical and security support.

Participants will spend each night in a hotel, with multiple campers assigned to each room. Our staff will determine room assignments with input from participants when appropriate.

All meals, lodging, transportation, activities, and spending money are covered. Please do not send additional spending money with your child.

First Session V-1 Trip: Pittsburgh & Cleveland Adventure

Register (CLICK HERE) for our First Session V-1 Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting for parents, to be held on July 2 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

This is a 5-day, 4-night trip from July 12-16.

Our V-1 participants will be visiting Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and other exciting attractions in the region.

Itinerary

Sunday, July 12

  • Depart camp early for Pittsburgh

  • Arrive for a professional baseball experience and lunch

  • Visit Mount Washington for scenic views of the city

  • Dinner and fun at Dave & Buster’s

  • Arrive at the hotel in the evening and get settled

Monday, July 13

  • Breakfast buffet at the hotel

  • Depart for Kennywood Amusement Park

  • Lunch and fun at the park

  • Dinner, bowling, and activities at Pinstripes

  • Return to the hotel

Tuesday, July 14

  • Breakfast buffet at the hotel

  • Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

  • Lunch and time to explore at Belden Village Mall

  • Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • Dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill

  • Evening visit to the Museum of Illusions

  • Return to the hotel

Wednesday, July 15

  • Breakfast buffet at the hotel

  • Spend the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park

  • Lunch and dinner at the park

  • Return to the hotel

Thursday, July 16

  • Breakfast buffet at the hotel

  • Final day of activities and adventures

  • Return to camp in the evening

Staff Lead | Alexandra (“Alex”) Tate, Varsity Director

This is Alex’s fifth summer leading Chestnut Lake Camp’s Varsity program. An accomplished high school English teacher and experienced student travel leader, Alex has guided educational and adventure trips throughout the United States and internationally, including destinations such as Spain, Virginia, New England, and the United Kingdom.

Alex is passionate about helping teenagers build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through new experiences. She is excited to help create a safe, fun, and memorable travel experience for our Varsity campers this summer.

First Session V-2 Trip: Colorado Adventure

Register (CLICK HERE) for our First Session V-2 Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting for parents, to be held on July 2 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

This is a 6-day, 5-night trip from July 12-17.

Our V-2 participants will be visiting Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and other nearby areas.

Trip participants will be traveling by commercial airline. Additional airport and flight information will be provided in advance. Each camper will be able to check one bag. Since campers are minors, they do not need identification to fly.

Itinerary

Sunday, July 12 – New York to Denver

  • Depart camp for the airport

  • Arrive in Denver

  • Visit Boulder and the University of Colorado campus

  • Explore Pearl Street Mall and enjoy dinner

  • Visit Gateway Fun Park for mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, and other activities

  • Return to the hotel for the evening

Monday, July 13 – Colorado Springs

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Depart for Garden of the Gods Nature Center

  • Enjoy a Jeep tour, Gold Camp Road, and waterfall views

  • Dinner and evening activities

  • Return to the hotel

Tuesday, July 14 – Denver/Boulder Area

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Depart for Elitch Gardens Amusement Park and Water Park

  • Return to the hotel to change for dinner and evening activities

  • Dinner at Denver Milk Market

  • Late-night snack stop

  • Return to the hotel

Wednesday, July 15 – Breckenridge

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Depart for Breckenridge for a day of mountain activities and exploration

  • Time on Main Street in Breckenridge

  • Dinner at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

  • Return to the hotel

Thursday, July 16 – Denver

  • Late breakfast at the hotel

  • Lunch and exploring at 16th Street Mall

  • Flying W Ranch dinner and activities

  • Depart for Denver International Airport

  • Evening flight back to New York

Friday, July 17 – Return to Camp

  • Arrive back in New York

  • Return to camp

Staff Lead | Amy Winheld, Assistant Director

Amy serves as one of Chestnut Lake Camp’s Assistant Directors and oversees all Varsity and LT leadership programs. She has spent her career working in both residential and day camp settings and is a strong believer in the transformative power of camp for children and young adults. At Chestnut Lake Camp, Amy provides leadership and support for our teen programs while also overseeing aspects of camper wellness and support services.

Amy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Penn State University and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. During the school year, she works as a Pennsylvania-certified K-12 school counselor. Amy has led countless student and camp travel experiences throughout the United States and Canada and is excited to help ensure that every participant enjoys a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable adventure this summer.

First Session LT Trip: Mountain West Exploration

Register (CLICK HERE) for our First Session LT Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting for parents, to be held on July 3 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

This is a 6-day, 5-night customized trip from July 12-17.

Our LT participants will take part in a customized Mountain West adventure designed specifically for our oldest campers. This unique experience combines travel, exploration, team-building, leadership development, and memorable outdoor experiences.

Because this trip is tailored specifically to the LT program, a detailed itinerary will be shared directly with LT participants and their families prior to departure.

Staff Lead | Mike Smith, LT Director

Mike Smith is a veteran educator, coach, and youth development leader with more than 15 years of experience working with students and athletes. He currently serves as Department Chair and Physical Education Teacher at Ironwood Ridge High School in Arizona, where he is also the Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track & Field programs. A former NCAA Division II All-American and 2025 Chadron State College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Michael has led multiple state championship teams and has been recognized as Southern Arizona Coach of the Year.

Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, Mike has held numerous leadership roles at Chestnut Lake Camp, including Program/Operations Leader, Varsity Head Counselor, and Outdoor Adventure Director. He is passionate about helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits through athletics, outdoor experiences, and meaningful mentorship.

Second Session Varsity Trips: New England (V-1) & Orlando Adventures (V-2)

During Second Session, our Varsity campers will also enjoy exciting multi-day trip experiences to these amazing locations. Itineraries are still being finalized and there will be updated highlights here soon. 

Register (CLICK HERE) for our Second Session V-1 Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting for parents, to be held on July 29 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Register (CLICK HERE) for our Second Session V-2 Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting for parents, to be held on July 29 at 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

Additional Second Session trip details and itineraries will be shared with families once finalized.