12,000 Camps in America. Only One Augusta.
Full every summer since 2009. Here’s exactly why.
We’re Not Your Average Summer Camp
Augusta is a humble 501c3 nonprofit camp. Yet we’ve had a waitlist every session for over 15 years. Families return year after year. Staff come back for 5, 10, even 15+ summers. Alumni send their own children.
Why?
Not because we have the biggest climbing wall or the newest facilities. We’re full because we’ve built something rare: a camp where every element is intentionally designed around how children actually grow, led by people who deeply understand development, in a community small enough that everyone truly belongs.
If you’re seriously researching camps—comparing programs, reading philosophies, asking hard questions—this is your page. Below, you’ll find the evidence-based specifics of what makes Augusta different, with links to deeper exploration of each area.
This isn’t marketing. This is what we do, and why we do it.
There’s a lot to say about all the things that make us different. We encourage you to click around to the pages found here. You’ll be surprised at what you find.
What Makes Us Different?
Click to find out.
Additional Differentiators
Nature Immersion
Living in Old-Growth Forest
- 90 acres of heavily forested land
- 200+ foot old-growth trees
- Open-air cabins (no walls, candlelight at night)
- 100% solar powered (230+ panels)
Water Everywhere
- Lake Vera (canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rope swing)
- Waterfall pools on-site (Gypsy Falls, Secret Pool)
- Yuba River nearby
- Rock Creek running through camp
Environmental Stewardship
- Composting, extensive recycling
- Minimal-impact camping
- Food waste tracking
Exceptional Food
92% Organic, Scratch-Made, Radically Inclusive
Not typical camp food.
- 92%+ organic ingredients
- Scratch-made from whole ingredients (not heat-and-serve)
- Locally sourced when possible
- No fryer, no candy, no junk
Radical inclusion: Every dietary need accommodated – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, allergen-free. Not afterthoughts—freshly prepared alternative options.
Full salad bar at every lunch/dinner with house-made dressings
Twice-weekly local Lazy Dog Ice Cream (30+ handmade flavors)
Kitchen Mission: “We pledge to provide whole food that is nutritious, healthy, alive in flavor, aesthetically pleasing, and presented reverently.”
Our Vision:
To Reclaim and Foster the Beauty, Wonder, Awe, Potential, and Innocence of Childhood
Not just a tagline. A lived commitment.
Deep Philosophy
We go way beyond the extra mile. Our basic staff manuals are over 500 pages of carefully managed knowledge and philosophy. We bring intentionality to everything we do.
Learn more about some of our philosphies:
Compare For Yourself
| Element | Industry Standard | Camp Augusta |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Training Length | ~6 days | 3+ weeks (23+ days) |
| Pre-Camp Work | Minimal/none | 70 hours |
| Training Materials | 20-50 pages | 500+ pages |
| Interview Process | 30-60 minutes | 3.5-4 hours |
| Staff-to-Camper Ratio | 1:4 to 1:8 | 1:1.67 overall, 1:5 in cabins |
| Camp Size | 200-400+ | 90 maximum |
| Food | Institutional | 92% organic, scratch-made |
| Activity Variety | 30-60 | 150+ |
Ready to Learn More?
For Prospective Families
Interested in Camp Augusta for your camper?
Fill out our New Camper Interest Form to be placed on our interest list. We’ll contact you about availability and next steps.
For Prospective Staff
Want to work at the most intentional camp in the country?
Explore our summer positions and apply to join our community.
Questions?
We’d be thrilled to chat with you. Get in touch with us.