Our Mission

At High Camp, our mission is to create a space where adventurers can connect with the wild and with each other. Nestled in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, we aim to offer a retreat that fosters community, exploration, and a deep connection to nature. We believe in the power of shared experiences—whether it's reaching a summit, relaxing by a lake, or gathering around a campfire—each moment spent here becomes a lasting memory. High Camp is more than just a place; it's a chance to rediscover what it means to truly be present, together, in the mountains

High Camp History

Travis Cowan & Tom Shelstad

Tom brings a rich background in leadership and education. He has taught in both public and private schools, as well as at the college level, and has significant experience in wilderness therapy, working with at-risk youth, mentoring teens, parent coaching, life coaching, and athletic coaching through the company he founded, Inner Guide Expeditions. His dedication to personal growth and community building aligns perfectly with the spirit of Alpine Lakes High Camp.

Travis's love for the outdoors began in the kitchens of Holden Village, where he volunteered as a teenager at the north end of Lake Chelan. The deep connection to nature and community he found there shaped his path, leading him away from a career in asset management to pursue organic farming and a life rooted in sustainability. He has spent much of his life exploring the mountain ranges of the West Coast, guiding backcountry adventures, and fostering a deep reverence for wild places. Now, Travis is dedicated to preserving High Camp as a sanctuary for adventure, restoration, and the enduring spirit of the mountains.