Shaping Today's Youth for Tomorrow's Future

Adventure Camp at the NRA Whittington Center

Lifelong Bonds and Friendships

Adventure Camp at the NRA Whittington Center

Teamwork Makes It Happen

Adventure Camp at the NRA Whittington Center

Confidence, Achievement, Recognition

Adventure Camp at the NRA Whittington Center

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NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp Youth Program

Our Adventure Camp is perhaps America’s best outdoor youth camp for boys and girls aged 13 to 17. The camp is offered in two consecutive, two-week sessions, beginning in mid-June and ending in mid-July. Under direct supervision of our staff and trained volunteers, our campers learn everything from shooting fundamentals to firearm safety, marksmanship, basic wilderness survival skills, and much, much more.

Talk about fun! Many of our former campers return as camp counselors!

Start planning for 2025 and register today!

Spots fill up fast!

 

 

Register for the 2025 Adventure Camp Today

Spots are now open and filling up fast for the 2025 Adventure Camp Youth Program. Reserve your spot today - they won't last long!

REGISTER

Group of people standing in front of a tent in the mountains

The 2024 Youth Adventure Camp is now full! We are currently accepting applications to be placed on the 2024 waitlist.

If you would like to be placed on the 2024 waiting list, please fill out and submit an application. Applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis for spots that open up. 

2024 Wait List application 

Where Shooting & Outdoor Adventure Come Together

The NRA Whittington Adventure instructors will teach you the fundamentals of pistol, rifle, muzzleloading, and shotgun shooting skills with safety always foremost in mind. They'll introduce you to the fine art of competitive shooting, rifle and pistol silhouette, and bullseye disciplines plus skeet and trap shotgun savvy.

During your 2-week stay, you’ll fire over 1,200 rounds of ammunition!

Experience the Outdoors in the Shadow of the Rockies

Shooting is only part of the adventure. We’ll also teach you important hunting skills. You'll learn skills like wilderness map reading, how to prepare a hunting camp, animal tracking, how to use game calls, care of downed game, and an understanding of wildlife management techniques.

You’ll learn wilderness survival skills. You'll go on a simulated big game hunt with a few days and nights under the stars. You’ll also have the opportunity to become Hunter Safety qualified in New Mexico.

This is true outdoor learning experience, an adventure like no other in America, in a setting that will take your breath away.

Group of young people standing together on a cliff in the mountains
Excited young man laying prone with a long-range rifle.

Come to the Best of the Rocky Mountain West

The NRA Whittington Center is without a doubt the most complete shooting center in the nation.

The camp includes 33,000 acres of rugged western terrain, 10 miles southwest of Raton, all in the scenic high mesa country of New Mexico.

As you might have guessed, the beautiful landscape abounds with wildlife. You'll sleep in the Whittington Center's log cabin housing units and eat in the dining facility.

A Total Equipment Package Plus Expert Training

The NRA Whittington Adventure supplies all firearms and ammunition. Pistols, rifles, shotguns, and blackpowder guns will be provided at the camp.

You will be asked to bring your own shooting glasses and hearing protection, as well as your own personal outdoor items such as sleeping bags and hiking boots. But don't worry, the Whittington Center will provide a complete list of equipment and travel information needed for this unique outdoor experience.

Seasoned instructor showing a young person how to shoot a flintlock pistol
A firearm instructor displays the proper way to shoot a firearm to a group of young people.

Skilled People Ready to Make Your Stay Worthwhile

The NRA is proud of the staff assembled for the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp. All of the adult instructors possess tremendous outdoor and shooting skills. They were chosen because of a demonstrated ability to work with young people. A camp health officer will be on site (each camper will be asked to provide a current physical prior to the camp).

Firing line of youths at a range safely shooting rifles.
Young woman showing off her archery skills at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp in New Mexico
Young woman learning to shoot a sporting rifle.
Two youths work together to sight in a rifle in the mountains of New Mexico at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp
Group of Young People Enjoying the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp in the Mountains of New Mexico
Group of Young Men Enjoying Summer Camp
Adventure Camp youths enjoying some team building time.
Youths shooting pistols at an outdoor range with ear and eye protection
Adventure Camp attendees working as a team to build a tent in the outdoors at the NRA Whittington Center
Adventure Camp attendees working as a team to build a tent in the outdoors at the NRA Whittington Center
Adventure Camp attendees celebrating their building of a tent in the mountains at the NRA Whittington Center
Adventure Camp attendee proudly displaying is archery skills at the NRA Whittington Center
Adventure Camp youths enjoying the range at the NRA Whittington Center in New Mexico
Relaxing in the summer sun at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp for Youths
Young man shooting a rifle at an outdoor range at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp in New Mexico
Girls load a musket at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp in New Mexico mountains.
Young man shoots a musket pistol at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp in the mountains of New Mexico
Expert instructor shows a girl in a pink hat how to properly handle a musket pistol at the NRA Whittington Center
Youth shoots a musket at an outdoor range while attending the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp for youths.
Young girl shoots a musket rifle in the mountains of New Mexico while attending the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp
Adventure Camp attendees studying firearm safety at the NRA Whittington Center
Youth shows great archery form at the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp
NRA Instructor showing students how to properly discharge a hand gun
Adventure Camp attendees proudly standing with the United States Flag in the mountains of New Mexico
Under the watchful eye of NRA instructors, a young girl fires a sporting rifle at a long range target
Excited youth reacts to shooting a sporting rifle at long range under the watchful eye of an NRA Instructor

Staff and Volunteer Opportunities

We are accepting applications for various Adventure Camp Staff positions from highly qualified Camp Counselors and Adventure Specialists. Learn more about career opportunities at the NRA Whittington Center's job board.

LEARN MORE

Continue Exploring the NRA Whittington Center 

The NRA Whittington Center hosts hundreds of private and public events every year. Take a look at our schedule and plan your visit today.

Shooters can take part in competitive shooting, rifle and pistol silhouette, bullseye disciplines, and even black powder muzzle-loading rifles.

Come stay with us! The general public is welcome to stay at the Whittington Center. There is a broad range of housing to accommodate individuals, couples, and small to large groups.

Need Help Planning Your Visit Blue Icon of a Question Mark

Call 800-494-4853 or email [email protected]

NRA Whittington Center

Located near beautiful Raton, New Mexico, the NRA Whittington Center is home to the nation’s premier hunting, shooting, and outdoor recreation facility. The NRA Whittington Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generous contributions of donors who want to preserve our heritage of freedom for the next generation of shooters and hunters.

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