One with the Pack

An Overnight Awake Ranch Leadership Camp for Boys

July 14–17, 2026 | Ages 8–12
At Awake Ranch in Mulino, Oregon

Where boys learn to lead, contribute, and belong without needing to perform.

There is something boys need that many environments no longer provide:

Open space.

Movement.

Adventure.

Real responsibility.

Strong mentorship.

A team to belong to.

One With The Pack was created to meet that need.

This is not a traditional summer camp filled with screens, schedules, and constant entertainment. It is an immersive overnight ranch experience where boys spend four days outside — building, exploring, competing, creating, solving problems, and learning what it means to be part of a healthy pack.

At Awake Ranch, boys learn through movement, teamwork, challenge, outdoor play, creativity, and shared responsibility.

The goal is not perfection or performance.

The goal is confidence, resilience, connection, contribution, and belonging.

Everything at One With The Pack is built around five simple principles inspired by how healthy wolf packs live, learn, and thrive together.

  • We Are One Pack: Every member belongs. In a healthy pack, every wolf has a role and every contribution matters. Boys learn that they do not need to perform to belong. They are strongest when they know they are part of something bigger than themselves. Core Message: I belong, and I matter to the pack.

  • Our Pack Works Together: The pack succeeds together. Wolves survive by cooperating, communicating, and supporting one another. Boys learn that no one succeeds alone and that the pack is stronger when everyone contributes. Core Message: We help each other, and no one gets left behind.

  • Our Pack is Powerful: Together, we can do hard things. When wolves face challenges, they rely on the strength of the pack. Boys learn that courage grows through persistence, and that they are more capable when they trust themselves and the group. Core Message: We are stronger together than we are alone.

  • In Our Pack, Everyone Leads: Leadership is earned through action. In a healthy pack, leadership is based on trust, responsibility, and service. Boys learn that leadership is not about being the loudest—it is about setting the example and helping others succeed. Core Message: My actions can make the pack stronger.

  • Our Pack Gives Back: Strong packs care for what sustains them. Healthy packs protect their territory and support the ecosystem that supports them. Boys learn that leadership includes service, stewardship, and contributing to the people and places they depend on. Core Message: We leave the ranch, our community, and the world better than we found them.

Each day follows a consistent rhythm that balances adventure, teamwork, creativity, free play, and connection.

Morning Pack Challenge

The day begins with a large team challenge designed around the day’s theme. Boys work together to solve problems, complete missions, and strengthen the pack.


Pack Pride

After the challenge, the boys gather to recognize one another for leadership, teamwork, courage, and helping the pack.


Lunch

A shared meal and time to refuel.


Free Choice Play

The boys choose from activities such as basketball, flag football, art projects, fort building, water games, or simply exploring and relaxing.


Afternoon Pack Challenge

A second team challenge or mission gives the boys another opportunity to apply the day’s Pack Principle.


Pack Pride

The group pauses again to celebrate examples of contribution, perseverance, and leadership.


Dinner

A shared evening meal.


Fire Circle

Stories, reflection, and connection around the campfire with s’mores.


Build the Den

The boys work together to build and improve their shared den using tarps, ropes, and natural materials.


Lights Out

The pack settles in for the night, sleeping in the tipi or under the stars

Games & Adventures Your Son Can Expect

Every day at One With The Pack is filled with movement, challenge, creativity, and outdoor fun. Throughout the week, boys will take part in a wide variety of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and lasting friendships.

Team Challenges & Adventure Games

  • Cross the Wild obstacle course
  • Team scavenger hunts
  • Lost Wolf Rescue Mission
  • Capture the Flag
  • Group missions and problem-solving challenges
  • Obstacle courses
  • Relay races and Pack Olympics

Sports & Active Play

  • Basketball
  • Flag football
  • Tag games
  • Water games
  • Open recreation

Building & Creative Projects

  • Build the Wolf Den
  • Fort building
  • Ranch projects
  • Pack crest and art projects
  • Creative team challenges

Ranch & Animal Experiences

  • Herding goats
  • Feeding animals
  • Helping with ranch chores
  • Exploring the land at Awake Ranch

Camp Traditions

  • Campfires and s’mores
  • Storytelling
  • Pack Pride recognition circles
  • Sleeping in the tipi or under the stars

Outdoor Exploration

  • Nature walks
  • Night missions
  • Stargazing
  • Exploring the ranch

Leadership Experiences

  • Taking on team roles
  • Leading games and activities
  • Supporting younger campers
  • Practicing teamwork and responsibility


No two days are exactly the same, but every day includes plenty of movement, laughter, adventure, and opportunities for boys to grow stronger together as a pack


One With The Pack is designed as more than a one-time experience.

Younger boys are guided by older student leaders, and over time, boys can grow into mentorship and leadership roles themselves.

Our vision is to create a culture where:

  • leadership is modeled, not performed
  • responsibility is earned, not assigned
  • and belonging is built through contribution

A boy arrives.

 He joins the pack.

 He grows.

 And one day, he helps lead it.

Meet the Team

The camp is led day-to-day by Taylen Brooks and Thomas Suddes, with support from adult facilitators Brad Lande-Shannon and Lauryn Henley. Taylen and Thomas are current University of New Mexico students and emerging leaders who bring energy, relatability, and strong experience in teamwork, mentorship, and youth-centered programming. Brad is a leadership coach, facilitator, and co-steward of Awake Ranch, and Lauryn is a former school principal, longtime educator, leadership coach, and founder of Freedom Haus Labs. Together, they create a supportive environment where boys can build confidence, connection, and leadership through meaningful shared experiences.

Together, they create an environment where boys feel:

  • challenged
  • supported
  • included
  • encouraged
  • and inspired to grow

The multigenerational leadership model is an important part of the experience. Younger boys are guided not only by adults, but also by older student leaders who model confidence, teamwork, responsibility, and healthy leadership in action.

Fees

 This year, we are offering One With The Pack at a special introductory rate of $750. Beginning next year, the program will be priced at $995.

Tuition includes the full overnight camp experience from Tuesday through Friday, including all meals, overnight accommodations, and every activity throughout the week. Once your son is dropped off on Tuesday, everything is taken care of until pickup on Friday.

Registration

Space is limited.

  • $750.00

    We are intentionally keeping the group small this first year, with a maximum of 12 boys, in order to create strong connection, meaningful mentorship, and a greater sense of belonging for every member of the pack.

    REGISTER NOW

Team Bios

Brad Lande-Shannon

Brad Lande-Shannon is a leadership coach, facilitator, and co-steward of Awake Ranch who creates transformative experiences that help people grow in confidence, self-awareness, connection, and authentic leadership. Over the past 30 years, he has worked with companies, teams, individuals, and families to build trust, deepen relationships, and support meaningful growth. He believes many boys are missing something essential in modern life: communities outside of school where they can be known, challenged, supported, and guided as they grow. Brad brings a grounded, playful, and deeply welcoming presence that helps boys feel safe enough to be themselves while inviting them into courage, responsibility, and deeper self-trust.

Lauryn Henley

Lauryn Henley is a former middle school principal and teacher, leadership coach, and educator with more than two decades of experience supporting children, families, and communities. Her work weaves together education, emotional intelligence, body awareness, and relational development to help young people build confidence, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate healthy relationships. Lauryn is the founder of Freedom Haus Labs, collaborates with Awake Ranch, and is certified in equine-assisted facilitation. She creates transformative experiences that help individuals and groups align with their deepest values and fullest potential.

Taylen Brooks

Taylen Brooks is a business student at the University of New Mexico and an emerging leader with experience supporting youth events, community events, and team-based programs. Through his work with Freedom Haus Labs, volunteer leadership, athletics, and fraternity involvement, he has developed strong skills in teamwork, responsibility, and mentoring. Taylen brings a grounded and relatable presence that helps boys build confidence, connection, and leadership in a supportive outdoor environment.

Thomas Suddes

Thomas Suddes is a finance student at the University of New Mexico and an emerging leader with experience in youth safety, project management, and community engagement. As a certified lifeguard, former varsity lacrosse captain, and current business intern, he brings strong communication skills, leadership, and a calm, responsible presence to every environment. Thomas helps create a safe and supportive experience where boys can build confidence, connection, and character through meaningful challenges and team-based activities.