Overnight Camps

At Camp Fire USA our mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders and that’s exactly what we do at Camp Hantesa. Through our premiere outdoor education programs, Hantesa fosters individual growth in each camper that spends a week with us. At Camp, we believe that every child has the potential to reach great heights if only given the chance to succeed. Our staff are proud to offer an inclusive, engaging, and challenging environment for youth to gain independence, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging, all while experiencing the wonder of nature and the outdoors.

What to expect:

Each day campers participate in a variety of activities of their choice. All campers swim,experience nature, and explore all Hantesa has to offer. Trained staff maintain a 8:1 maximum ration with youth, and deliver age-appropriate programming to all campers. There will be great food, fun songs, and incredible evening programs. While every day is different at Camp Hantesa, know that it will be like no other place on earth. And it’s all part of the adventure!

The best part of the Camp Hantesa experience is that it’s fun! We offer an exciting theme each week, called a specialty, exposing campers to a range of activities from classics like swimming, nature exploration and group games, to more unique endeavors like rock climbing, photography, kayaking, or geocaching. Living in cabins or tents with five to seven other children, campers are challenged with group decision making and also given the opportunity for personal choice. Campers individually choose several activities each day, depending on age and ability. This allows campers to set goals, increase abilities, and build confidence.

Summer Camp Programs

Hantesa Specialties – Grades 1 to 12

Our specialty weeks offer activities celebrating the Hantesa experience.  Standard daily possibilities include: swimming in our great zero entry pool, nature exploration, photography, and group games.  More unique endeavors include: our climbing and rappelling tower, zip line, canoeing and kayaking, geocaching and creating a newspaper.  Campers have a choice of several activities depending on age and ability.  Through progression, campers can set goals, increase abilities, and build confidence through the camp session. Summer 2011 dates

Herman’s Ranch Equestrian Camp – Entering 4^th -12^th grade

If horses are your passion, you have to try Herman’s Ranch.  No special experience or equipment is necessary.  Campers spend an hour and a half each day in English style riding lessons (weather permitting) honing riding skills at any level.  Beginners learn the basics such as starting, stopping, and guiding their horse.  More experienced riders work on posting, trotting, cantering, and even jumping for advanced riders.  Your time at the ranch includes training in grooming, horse care, and barn management with certified staff.  Traditional camp experiences including swimming, cookouts, and campfires come with every resident week.  Summer 2011 dates

Leadership Challenge (LC) and Buckaroo - Entering 10th grade

During their 10th grade year, many youth are ready to take on the challenge and tradition of leadership. The Leadership Challenge/Buckaroo program can be the first step. During this two week overnight camp session, campers will define themselves as leaders through team challenges, study mentoring styles, develop citizenship through service learning, interact as role models with campers and track their progress.  Buckaroos spend time at Herman’s Ranch beginning the development of their teaching abilities and increasing their riding skills. Summer 2011 dates

Apprentice and Wrangler -Entering 11-12th grades

Apprentice and Wrangler at Hantesa Overnight Camp is a service oriented, 4-week program that readies you for future leadership roles.  Typical apprenticeships are two summers in length.  Your role in camp begins the transition from youth to adulthood.  During your experience you will conduct live-in studies in units across camp and learn directly from our exceptional staff the responsibilities of role modeling and caring for our future leaders.  Wranglers conduct their live-ins at Herman’s Ranch.  You must submit an application, camp registration form, and deposit. Deposits will be returned in full to applicants who are not accepted to the Apprentice/Wrangler Program. Summer 2011 dates

Tradition and High Ideals

• Established in 1919 with a focus on outdoor and environmental education.
• Weekly vesper service and Native American themed council fire and honors ceremony.
• Skill development and recognition in a variety of activities that promote progression in learning and honor personal achievement.
• Owned and operated by Camp Fire USA - Heart of the Hawkeye Council. Inclusive for boys and girls. Participation in Camp Fire USA clubs is not required.

Health and Safety

• Staff counselors are American Red Cross certified in first aid, CPR, AED, and lifeguarding.
• Riding staff certified by the American Association of Horsemanship Safety in riding instruction.
• Health lodge supervised by nursing professional.
• Standards of the American Camping Association are met or exceeded.