Close-knit community

As a smaller camp, everyone is known at Netop. With tent groups of 4-5 campers, it doesn’t take long to get to know your tent-mates. There’s a natural openness with the tents that promotes communication and inclusiveness. At meal-time, our confidently silly culture can be felt as post-meal announcements are made and chants begin. It’s not unusual for a young camper to raise his hand, stand on the bench and pronounce to the entire camp that his buddy caught his first fish during morning activities. What follows feels a bit like an Olympic medal was just won, with smiles, cheers and congratulatory gestures from all present.

Four Spokes philosophy

The first thing you see when you enter our main Lodge is the giant wagon wheel above the dining hall. The Four Spokes philosophy is not simply a brochure tagline, but something we put into action every day. The philosophy emphasizes balance in four spokes, or areas of life: mental, social, physical and spiritual. We encourage campers to stretch, grow and learn. Campers set goals for the coming year and receive a reminder letter from their counselor in January. What do the four spokes mean?

• Mental: responsibility, leadership, judgment, confidence
• Social: friendships, teamwork, empathy, community
• Physical: fitness, skill, sportsmanship, health habits
• Spiritual: values, character, nature, influence

We believe:

• Face to face conversation is an essential life skill
• A close knit community gives kids the confidence to be themselves
• Living and playing outdoors feeds the mind, body and spirit
• Activities that mix fun and skill development create passion
• Exceptional role models foster character development
• A well-rounded life helps build success and happiness