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Moments That Matter: Inside Our Summer Adventure Camps

Written by Winslow Passey, Lead Guide for Wasatch Mountain Guides’ Kids Adventure Camp, this article shares the heart and story behind Utah’s most inspiring outdoor kids program. Born from a mother's desire to get her son off screens and into nature, the camp has grown into a space where kids climb, bike, fish, paddleboard, and hike their way toward confidence, teamwork, and self-discovery. Through powerful moments — from summiting peaks to building rafts — kids learn that they are strong, capable, and part of something bigger than themselves. Each day blends fun, challenge, and reflection, helping campers develop resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love of adventure.

Moments That Matter: Inside Our Summer Adventure Camps -
By Winslow Passey (Lead Guide for WMG’s Kids Adventure Camp)

Summertime, in my mind, should be full of fun and adventure. But if you’re a modern-day parent, you probably know the struggle of prying kids away from screens and coaxing them out the door. I wanted to create something different — something fun, challenging, and maybe even life-changing — for my son and his friends.

My son could spend all day watching YouTube shorts if I let him. I didn’t want him wasting away his summer and his life on watching other people’s adventures, so I aimed to create our own adventures. He didn’t want to go with just me, though, so we were always inviting his friends along. But without structure, it is easy to get a late start to the day or end up with just half of an adventure. So I wanted to create something really cool. I had a dear friend coming into town with her two daughters, and I thought, what are the most fun things we have to do in the summer here in Utah? And I planned out a week with rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and paddleboarding. They were thrilled. That ended up blossoming into Wastach Mountain Guides’ Kids Adventure Camps.  

Drawing on my background in guiding, wilderness therapy, and teaching kids, I pulled together my skills and imagined the most exciting adventure camp I could. I pictured a space where kids could believe in themselves, do hard things, work together as a team, and develop a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

And over the years, they’ve grown into something truly special. I learn as much from the kids as they do from me. They remind me that our best teachers come in all shapes and sizes — and sometimes they show up in muddy shoes, sunburned cheeks, and wide-eyed wonder.

A Day in the Life: Moments That Matter

Every day at camp is a new opportunity for discovery. We start with a plan, but the real magic happens in the spontaneous, unscripted moments — the ones that stick with you long after the gear is packed away.

Climbing Confidence

One morning, a camper reached the top of a rock climb and came down gleaming. “I felt like I was an awesome person when I made it up there,” he said, beaming with pride. I looked him in the eyes and told him, “You are.” That kind of achievement — earned through effort, courage, and support — can plant a seed that lasts a lifetime.

Raft-Building Ingenuity

At the lake, one camper showed up in jeans — not ideal for swimming, but perfect for raft-building. He was into survival skills and had a vision. He rallied the group, and soon everyone was gathering logs, vines, and makeshift paddles. Some searched the water, others scouted the shore, and a few of us waded in to help tie it all together. In the end, we had a working raft. The kid in jeans climbed aboard, and his teammates pulled him across the bay. It was a beautiful display of creativity, teamwork, and grit — the kind of ingenuity that will serve them far beyond camp.

Fishing Joy

One afternoon at the beach, half the group was fishing. One camper — a spirited young gal — caught four fish. Her excitement was contagious. She was proud, and the others gathered around to hold the fish, pose for photos, and help release them. It wasn’t just about the catch — it was about the shared joy, the connection, and the respect for the living world around us.

Wildflower Wisdom and Cold-Water Courage

With another group, we hiked to the summit of Peak 10,420 in the Wasatch. This crew was especially curious about wildflowers. We used an app to identify them, learning which were edible or medicinal and what they were traditionally used for. The hike flew by, and when we reached the top, the kids stood in awe, gazing out at the vast expanse of the Wasatch Range and the alpine lakes below.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. We continued on to Laxawaxen Lake in search of Tiger Salamanders — rare, fascinating creatures that resemble axolotls. At the second lake, the kids found their courage. One by one, they jumped into the icy water, then basked in the sun, proud and exhilarated. It was a moment of bravery, connection, and pure alpine joy.

River Play and Paddleboard Creativity

One day, we paddleboarded to where the river flows into the lake. To get there, we had to navigate a small six-inch waterfall — just enough of a challenge to spark excitement. Once upstream, we got creative: we removed the fins from the boards, walked them up the river, and floated back down, gliding over the little drop like it was our own mini rapid. We had so much fun, we did it three times. It was kids being inventive, working together, and finding adventure in nature. What could be better?

Bikes, Balls, and Playgrounds

Mountain biking is a camp favorite — and it has something for everyone. We’ve got great beginner and intermediate trails where kids can build skills and confidence. Some love lapping the jumps and catching air, cheering each other on with every launch. And when we’re off the bikes, the fun continues. We hang out at the skatepark, shoot hoops, play soccer, frisbee, pickleball, or just unwind on the playground. It’s all about movement, choice, and connection — letting kids explore what lights them up.

Interested in the camp? Check out our listing and future dates for the WMG Kid’s Adventure Camp this next summer.

Why It Matters

These aren’t just activities — they’re moments that matter. Moments when a kid feels proud of their strength, curious about the world, or brave enough to try something new. Moments when they feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.

That’s what we’re building at Wasatch Mountain Guides summer camps. A space where kids can grow, explore, and discover who they are — one adventure at a time.

And if we’re lucky, they’ll carry those moments with them — into the school year, into their friendships, and into the kind of adults they’re becoming. That’s the real summit we’re climbing.

 

Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

Wasatch Mountain Guides Kid’s Camp was born from a simple question: What are the most fun things I can do outside with my son?

After spending summer days adventuring with my son and his friends, I realized I wanted to share these experiences more broadly. That’s when the idea for a kids camp clicked—it felt completely natural.

As a mountain guide, my mission is to share a sense of play and adventure. I help people push their limits, embrace challenges, and have a blast in serene alpine settings. I wanted kids to experience that same magic: to learn that they can do hard things, have fun in nature, and grow through adventure.

Every day at camp has a theme and a mantra to inspire the kids. Some of our favorites include:

  • I can do hard things
  • I can handle anything that comes my way
  • I am strong
  • I uplift others
  • I am a team player

We start the week by setting personal goals, and we check in throughout the week to reflect and celebrate progress.

Testimonials from the camp:

“I HIGHLY recommend this camp! It was easy to book online. When I emailed with a question I received a very quick, informative and friendly response. Different activities each day kept my kiddos interested. They were exposed to new activities and were challenged outside their comfort zone.

Activities included SUP, fishing, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skate park, and pickleball.
The two guides, Winslow and Erik went above and beyond! They made sure the kids were safe, engaged and having fun. They took amazing photos throughout the week. They provided gear we didn’t have (rock climbing), and special drinks and snacks. Communication with the guides was very easy and they were understanding & accommodating when we were late due to a traffic accident.
Thank you so much for such for such a wonderful week. My 9 & 10 year olds loved it.” – Tcu T.

“This was everything my outdoor loving kid could ask for in a camp. I felt he was safe and looked after while doing some new and adventurous activities.” – Margot M.

“The camp is really the full experience of summer in Utah. My kids had the most amazing experience at camp. They were so excited to learn about wild flowers and to show me the places they hiked. The camp is really the full experience of summer in Utah from paddle boarding to mountain biking to rock climbing to amazing hikes.” – Kristin W.

What I’ve Learned from the Kids

Every summer, I’m reminded that growth doesn’t just happen for the campers — it happens for us, too. I see how quickly kids bounce back after a fall, how they laugh through challenges, how they ask questions without fear of looking silly. They remind me that resilience is built through curiosity, play, and trying again.

As guides and mentors, we can teach safety, technique, and respect for the mountains — but the kids teach us just as much about trust, optimism, and the joy of being fully present. They show us that confidence is something you build, one small success at a time.

And in today’s world, where so much learning happens behind screens, being outdoors offers something technology never can: real connection — to each other, to the natural world, and to ourselves.

Adventure-Filled Days

Here’s a glimpse of what a week at camp looks like:

  • Rock Climbing & Rappelling: Whether they swing on the rope, climb five feet, or reach the top, every effort is celebrated. We encourage kids to step outside their comfort zones and try something new.
  • Paddleboarding & Fishing: We often build a raft together—a fun, challenging team project that teaches problem-solving and collaboration.
  • Mountain Biking & Skate Park Fun: We start with beginner-friendly loops and offer options for mellow jumps or trail rides. Afterward, we hit the skate park, play pickleball or basketball, and unwind at the playground.
  • Summit Hike to Peak 10,420’: This breathtaking hike offers views of seven alpine lakes and the stunning central Wasatch peaks. We finish the day searching for tiger salamanders at a nearby lake.
  • Camper’s Choice Day: On the final day, kids get to choose their favorite activity to repeat—because their voice matters.

More Than Just a Camp

Wasatch Mountain Guides Kid’s Camp is more than outdoor fun. It’s a space where kids:

  • Discover their inner strength
  • Build friendships through teamwork
  • Celebrate small wins and big breakthroughs
  • Learn to love nature and adventure

Interested in the camp? Check out our listing details and future dates for the WMG Kid’s Adventure Camp this next summer.