IHC West

A unique opportunity offered at Camp IHC is our IHC West Program, for campers entering the 10th grade. 

The IHC West experience is the pinnacle of our outdoor adventure program – a four-week journey that brings together skill, exploration, and memories. After two years in Hill Camp developing their hiking, mountain biking, and climbing abilities in the Adirondack Mountains, campers in the IHC West program take their adventures out west.
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The experience begins with two weeks at camp, where participants train with their IHC West staff, sharpening their outdoor skills in preparation for the road ahead. From there, they set off on an epic journey through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California.
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This once-in-a-lifetime trip strikes the perfect balance between wilderness and adventure. Campers will raft the Colorado River, mountain bike in Utah, horseback ride through Bryce Canyon, surf the waves of San Diego, and hike through iconic national parks like Zion, Arches, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Along the way, they’ll also explore cities from the outdoor culture of Boulder and the bright lights of Las Vegas, to San Diego’s Gaslamp District and the iconic sights of San Francisco.
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After their adventure, IHC West campers return to Camp IHC for the final 10 days of the summer, just in time for Olympics and closing ceremonies.

It’s the best of both worlds: a summer filled with favorite camp traditions and an unforgettable journey across the American West.

San Francisco

Boat ride and tour of Alcatraz, The Exploratorium, Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and Alamo Square.

San Diego

San Diego Zoo, surf lessons at the beach, San Diego Padres at Petco park, and a Mexican Fiesta.

 

Lake Powell

Campers spend a whole day on the lake tubing, swimming, and riding around on ski boats. Then they have a BBQ feast on the water on the side of a pontoon boat!

 

Yosemite National Park

Best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, campers will find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more

 

Grand Canyon

Campers will experience the unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms that decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep!

 

Rafting the Colorado River

A day and a half rafting down the river amongst majestic 300 foot cliffs. Campers paddle through class three rapids and go camping over night along the river underneath the stars.

 

Las Vegas

Campers take a limo tour down the strip out to the big Las Vegas welcome sign. Then they walk the strip and check out all the Vegas sights and sounds, and end their trip at a huge buffet dinner at the famed Bellagio hotel.

 

Zion National Park

Utah's oldest national park, campers will explore Zion's incredible canyons and spectacular views.

IHC West had many of my favorite parts of camp incorporated in it, and the feeling of camp didn’t go away, no matter if we were hiking in Colorado or swimming in Arizona. It opened my eyes to the opportunities that were available to me, not just on the trip, but after the trip. I enjoyed every minute of every day. I don’t think I will ever forget it, and I don’t want to.

Alex J.

IHC West is like you nothing you can ever imagine! It will honestly be the best 4 weeks of your life.

Sara K.

I love camp because I'm so comfortable there that it's like my home away from home. My favorite part of camp is College Days! I would tell a friend that sleep away camp is an unforgettable experience!

Ryan L.

I would tell a new friend that it will be the best seven weeks of your life, and every year I don't think it can get better but every summer it gets better by 100 times!

Jared E.

STEPPING UP AND GIVING BACK

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