Our Philosophy

“To live together in the outdoors, building a sense of Self, a sense of Community, a sense of the Earth, and a sense of Wonder through fun and adventure.”
                                - Sanborn Western Camps Mission Statement-

By giving children the tools to better understand themselves, they develop problem solving skills, independence, confidence, and strength of character.  By teaching children how to live and work in a community, they learn to manage themselves in complex social situations, put others’ needs before their own, and to work with other strong individuals from all over the United States and the world.  By helping children value the earth, they become stewards of the natural world and, in turn, value the efforts made by themselves and others to preserve, protect and appreciate the immeasurable gifts of the outdoor world.  And, by imbuing these actions with a deep sense of wonder, children grow to see and appreciate the beauty, magic, and possibility within themselves, others and the world.

Grounded in our mission, our philosophy for the last sixty years has been to provide a quality, safe experience for children in the outdoors.  As youth development professionals, we teach life skills that are necessary for the creation of healthy, productive adults.