Trail Master Program

The Trail Master program is our base programming
at our resident camps - Camp Natarswi and
Camp Pondicherry. The program is designed to build on the skills of each camper by teaching the activities in a progressive way.

There are three skill levels in each activity area and it is a multi-year process to earn all three levels.  Girls earn patches to indicate what level they have achieved in each skill area. 

If campers choose a general session of camp, they will work on at least four activities from those we offer below. If they choose a specialty program, most will still get to choose a couple of Trail Master activities to work on while at camp. 

11 Skill Pathways: Archery Arts/Crafts Boating Hiking Outdoor Skills Nature Rock Climbing (Natarswi only) Sailing (Natarswi only) Sports (Pondicherry only) Swimming Theater (Pondicherry only)

3 Skill Levels: Level 1: Beginner – Introduction and basic skills. Level 2: Intermediate – Builds on beginner skills and allows campers to demonstrate skills. Level 3: Advanced – Campers demonstrate skill and knowledge and will be able to assist in teaching a beginner skill to other campers.

Trail Master Patch

Campers will receive a Trail Master patch their first year at camp. For each skill level earned, they will receive a numbered star (1, 2 or 3) to place around the Trail Master patch. After a camper has earned all three levels in eight of the pathways, they will be awarded a Trail Master pin to be placed on the patch. Completing the Trail Master program is designed to be a multi-year process, so campers can progressively build on their skills. For example, a camper attending one week sessions every year may take 4-6 years to complete eight skill pathways to earn the Trail Master pin. If a camper attends a two week session every summer, it may take 3-4 years to complete.

Campers choose their own pathways at camp to focus on and the number of paths they work on depends on the camp and program they sign up for.

Camp Natarswi

• Trail Seekers and Explorers are normally first time campers and will work on pathways as a group, sampling age appropriate activities during their stay at camp.
• Trail Blazers will choose up to four pathways and may also have a pathway they attend as a unit.
• Trail Guides will choose up to eight pathways and may also have a pathway they attend as a unit.
• Campers in specialty programs work on set pathways.  Depending on the specialty program, they may also work on up to two additional pathways of their choice.

Camp Pondicherry

• Trail Seekers and Explorers are normally first time campers and will work on pathways as a group, sampling age appropriate activities during their stay at camp.
• Trail Blazers and Guides will choose up to four pathways in a one-week session.
• Campers in specialty programs work on set pathways. Depending on the specialty program, they may also work on up to two additional pathways of their choice.