Six days of real character growth — through challenge, connection, and purpose. Built from the ground up.
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Real growth.
Real character.
Ground Up is a character development program — six days of meaningful engagement, physical challenge, creative expression, nourishing food, and honest conversation, all designed to help teens grow into who they're meant to be.
We immerse teens in an environment that draws out the best in them — building things, cooking meals, playing sports, having real conversations, and figuring out who they are through effort and connection. Sessions run at our home base in San Diego, with a winter retreat option available in New York. This is for motivated teens who are ready to be challenged, connect with great people, and grow.
This isn't a treatment program. It's something better — a transformative experience for teens who are curious, capable, and ready to grow.
Five ways to grow
Every day at Ground Up is packed with purpose — across five areas your teen will carry with them long after camp ends.
Meaningful engagement
Service projects and civic action that connect teens to something bigger than themselves.
Physical activity
Hiking, team sports, and outdoor challenges that build real strength and resilience.
Creative expression
Art, music, writing, and hands-on projects that give every camper a voice to be heard.
High-quality eating
Chef-prepared nourishing meals that show teens what it feels like to truly fuel well.
Real conversations
Facilitated discussions on identity, leadership, and what it actually means to show up.
Meet the founder
Ground Up was built by someone who has been taking teens on transformative adventures for over a decade — and knows exactly what they're capable of.
Zevi New holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and has spent 18 years engaging with youth through experiential, adventure, and community-based programs. He is passionate about adolescent wellbeing and growth, and has spent over a decade leading teens on immersive trips across the country — from the deserts of New Mexico to the beaches of Oahu, the mountains of Idaho, and the streets of Seattle. Ground Up is the culmination of that experience: a structured, intentional, joyful program built on everything those years have taught him about what teens actually need.
Yaniv brings hands-on experience and steady energy to every Ground Up session, helping create the kind of structured, supportive environment where teens feel safe enough to push past their comfort zones. More details coming soon.
The San Diego grounds
Tucked into the hills with sweeping mountain views, a private pool, putting green, and wide open outdoor space — this is where the magic happens.
Where we've been
Ground Up is built on a decade of real trips, real teens, and real transformation. Here's a look at where the journey has taken us.
Camp details
All-inclusive, residential, and fully immersive. Everything your teen needs — covered.
Join the waitlist
Sessions are filling up. Leave your name and email and we'll reach out as soon as dates are confirmed — waitlist families get first access.