Created in 2018, Camp Rocky Road was a summer leadership camp for rising 9th-grade girls from all walks of life. Filled with classes, workshops, and hands-on experiences, the camp empowered participants to take actionable steps toward discovering their path, staying true to themselves, and cultivating unwavering confidence. With guest contributors ranging from executives to creatives and entrepreneurs, the girls engaged with inspiring women who shared the tools and stories behind their success.
The mission of Camp Rocky Road was to help young women recognize the strength and possibility already within them. By connecting them with inspiring female leaders and encouraging self-exploration, the camp sparked a deeper sense of purpose, confidence, and curiosity. It encouraged participants to dream big—and gave them the tools to begin turning those dreams into reality.
A sleep-away version of the camp was planned for 2020 but was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19. While the sleep-away concept will not continue, bringing young women together to foster leadership and connection remains one of the core pillars of Younger But Wiser. The spirit and principles of Camp Rocky Road live on.
Building on that foundation, Ripley created the Younger But Wiser podcast—an evolving platform dedicated to uplifting the voices and stories of young women. The ideals of the camp continue to grow in new and exciting forms, especially through initiatives that facilitate college funding and long-term support as young women transition into adulthood.
Camp Rocky Road was just the beginning. The movement it sparked continues—bolder, broader, and more committed than ever to empowering the next generation of female leaders.
"BEST
WEEK
EVER!"
"I saw more growth and confidence in my daughter in 1 week than I saw in the entire year prior. Camp Rocky Road was the best thing that I could have done for her at that time in her life"
"As a previous member of Ripley's camp I can genuinely say that it is the best camp that I have gone to, literally. The sisterhood and positive vibes made you want to stay forever. Not to mention the photo shoots, yoga sessions and totally insane confidence boosters that taught me that it is OK to be awesome...and I still live by that till this day."
"Being at Camp Rocky Road the summer going into my freshman year of high school was absolutely transformative. The women I met and the lessons they taught me in being comfortable in myself, knowing my worth, and standing up for what I want has echoed in my head ever since. The girls hand-picked picked by the divine Ripley Rader taught me a lesson in making friends judgment free and throughout the week we all allowed one another to learn and grow in a fabulous and safe space. Camp RR is beautiful and incredible and I will cherish my time there greatly."
