Trackers A-Team (Advanced Team)
Outdoor Skills & Leadership

Trackers A-Team Application

To confirm a student Tracker's interest in learning advanced skills, this program requires an application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with acceptance notifications sent within two weeks. Given the very limited space in Trackers Teams, early application is advised.

Fill Out Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program require prior experience?
No, it can be useful for students to be familiar with Trackers activities, yet if a student is truly motivated to learn the Trackers Skills described here, they will succeed.

What are the sleeping accommodations?
Each camper sleeps in tents supplied by Trackers—though they are welcome to use their own with approval from Trackers Guides to ensure it is functional. Tents are all-weather to keep out rain or inclement elements. Campers must bring their own cold weather sleeping bag and pad—we give equipment recommendations upon registration. Campers learn to care for their own tent and organize their Trackers Kit (gear & clothing) to stay clean, dry, and well maintained. Almost all activities take place outdoors. This is an authentic camping experience.

What kind of meals do student Trackers eat?
We often serve meals outdoors. Depending on the season and program logistics, food may be cooked over an open fire or on personal camp stoves. Meals are simple, using menus common to backpacking or overland expedition kitchens, for example, hearty stews. Please understand that this is not the camp for choosy eaters. We may be eating food we butchered, foraged, or processed from the wild. Due to the rugged nature of this camp, it may be difficult to provide accommodations for specialized diets. If your child has a severe, systemic food allergy, contact us and we may be able to work with your Medical Doctor (MD) to see if adjustments can be made to meal plans.

What is your medication policy?
We do not directly oversee medication administration at this program. Given the independent nature of the program, student Trackers are tasked with their own self-care, which includes reminding themselves and administering their own medication during the program. This approach emphasizes responsibility and autonomy, aligning with the program's focus on independence and self-sufficiency. Student campers must bring medications in original packaging, labeled with name and dosage, and keep them in their backpacks. If the student Trackers has an EpiPen or inhaler, they should carry it and inform the instructor of its location for emergencies.

What gear should we pack?
We give recommendations for the ideal Trackers Kit (Gear & Clothing) to outfit you to camp in all weather. Our goal: to get student Trackers ready while helping them become independent for future adventures beyond the program. The Trackers Kit you assemble will include a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, outdoor clothing, and other personal gear. It also includes the required Trackers Uniform of a designated wool shirt jacket, wool pants, and Team patch. Before the program begins, we send you packing recommendations with links so you can stock their kit efficiently and cost-effectively.

Can my child bring their cellphone?
No, 100% leave them behind—this is a direct rule. Electronic devices can distract from developing real-world observation skills in the outdoors and wilderness. Tracker Guides will carry cellphones for any necessary contact. While not a rule, discouraging both short and long-term social media use will be part of the Trackers Team culture. Digital distractions can significantly divert our attention, creating skewed perspective and focus. This severely limits the development of optimal situational awareness—a critical survival skill. Cultivating this awareness means being fully present and attentive to the details of our real world.

How much time commitment will my child need to give to independent study?
This decision rests with them. Training independently, away from mentors, is intentional and as vital as guided training. The core aim is to foster self-sufficiency and competency. It's for the Apprentice and their family to decide the time commitment. We suggest, but don't mandate, 2 - 4 hours weekly for personal study on skills projects and tracking. This could include naturalist journals, backyard nature-mapping, useful reading, and even harvest chestnuts, acorns, and other wild foods in season. Parents may need to facilitate access to greenspaces. Because of this, we also advise student Trackers of appropriate age to start learning to drive—moving into greater independence and the ability to contribute to community and family. This capability is crucial for accessing wilderness areas for their skill development.

What am I getting my child and our family into?
Trackers offers truly "fun" summer camps, yet the Trackers A-Team extends beyond the typical camp experience. Our foundation is built on deep outdoor skills, best learned through rigorous training comparable to, if not more comprehensive than, martial arts. Such training demands focus and diligence from the Apprentice, enhancing both academic and physical capabilities. The practice of ecological thinking, particularly in animal tracking, cultivates an ability to understand complex systems and the workings of the world, fostering humility, patience, and strategic thinking.

What is the role of program mentors?
Our program mentors are among the best at Trackers, responsible for directing and developing the curriculum and logistics for our field days. They adapt their mentoring to each team, regularly checking in to gauge the well-being of students in the program. They are readily available for families seeking advice on skills, independent study locations, or updates on their child’s progress.

Have Questions?

For any questions, please feel free to contact our Family Success team.