Arete Prep Freshmen Begin High School Adventure at Charger Camp

As the school year begins at Arete Prep, incoming freshmen take part in the unique tradition of Charger Camp at Camp Tontozona. Located in the Tonto National Forest near Payson, this historic site has long been known as the summer training ground for Arizona State University’s football team. Originally established in 1959 by legendary ASU Coach Frank Kush, Camp Tontozona was designed to instill solitude, toughness, and unity. Today, Arete Prep continues that same legacy by bringing new students into the rugged environment to promote connection, teamwork, and growth.

“Freshman Camp is one of the best things we do at Arete Prep,” said Athletic Director Todd Conklin. “I think of it as a growth mindset kind of camp. We are getting these kids away from home, out of their comfort zone in a beautiful environment and in a place where they can truly connect and develop some deep relationships with their freshman class. So, it’s really an opportunity for them to connect and grow individually and collectively.”

Freshmen rotate through a variety of modules that combine physical challenges, leadership lessons, and opportunities for reflection. “There’s a low ropes course where students do that traditional team building where they climb over walls and work together through obstacles,” explained Dean of Student Leadership Joe Glascock.

One of the highlights is the Tillman Challenge waterfall hike, a rite of passage for many who visit Camp Tontozona, where ASU football player Pat Tillman made his legendary cliff jump into a hidden watering hole on Tonto Creek. “They learn a little bit about how he inspired his team back in 1996, here at this very place,” shared Glascock.

For many students, these activities become both challenging and rewarding. “We did the obstacle course and that was really fun,” said Graciana, a ninth-grader at Arete Prep. “And we learned all about teamwork.”

Students also spend time with their counselors, made up of exemplary upper classmen, who help guide them through high school readiness sessions. “Counselors have a module that prepares and equips them for high school life,” Glascock said. “This year we have 15 camp counselors who are really just the heart of the camp. Each group has three counselors dedicated to them. They’re excited to be here. They’re excited about getting to know the freshmen and I would just say each year they’re the ones that truly make it special.”

“As a counselor now, I just feel an overwhelming sense of excitement. I think I’m really excited to get to know the kids,” shared Aubree, a sophomore camp counselor. “I think my favorite part has been the campfires. The campfire is a good culmination of everything that we’re trying to get the kids to experience at camp. We get them to be silly. We get to sing songs with them. We get to share stories. A lot of counselors share some speeches and kind of just let their worries go and just be.”

For Conklin, the value of the camp lies in helping students step outside their routines. “At school and on our campus, they develop a comfort, and they develop a routine. Getting out here is just different. It’s a different environment. Each module has its own level of growth or strategy in that way. I think that mix really helps them to approach other people and be inclusive and get to know their classmates. People that hopefully they’ll spend the next four years with.”

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