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Overnight Camps
At Camp Fire, our mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders and that’s exactly what we do at Camp Hantesa. Through our premiere overnight 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 building lifelong friendships and experiencing the wonder of nature and the outdoors.
What to expect:
Each day campers participate in a variety of activities of their choice. Camp allows children the ability to “unplug” and explore their natural surroundings. Trained staff maintain an 8:1 ratio with youth, and deliver age-appropriate programming to all campers. Campers have the opportunity to individually choose several activities each day, depending on age and ability. This allows our campers to set goals, increase abilities, and build confidence.
Activities include:
● Swimming and Swim Lessons
● Horseback Riding
● Orienteering
● Arts and Crafts
● Hiking
● Pottery
● Challenge Course
● Nature Studies
● Canoeing
● Archery
● Riflery
● Photography
● Kayaking
● Drama
● Lapidary
● Rappelling
● Pioneering
● Sports and Games
● Newspaper
● Outdoor Living Skills
● and LOTS more!
Besides daily activities, great food, caring counselors, fun songs, tradition, and incredible evening programs make Hantesa Overnight Camp truly special. Living in cabins with five to eight other children, campers make lifelong friendships and learn independence and how to work within a group.While every day is different at Camp Hantesa, know that it will be like no other place on earth!
Summer Camp Programs
Hantesa Resident Camp – Grades 1 to 12
Our resident weeks offer activities celebrating the true Hantesa experience. 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. We celebrate the accomplishments of each camper at the end of the week during our traditional Friday-night Council Fire ceremony. Each youth has the opportunity to earn honors at the ceremony. Every week, children have the opportunity to progress further and gain more honors. Summer 2013 dates
Herman’s Ranch Equestrian Camp – Entering 4th -12th 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 such as swimming, cookouts, and campfires round out your resident week. Summer 2013 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 begin to define themselves as leaders at camp and in life. Activities include team challenges, studying mentoring styles, developing citizenship through service learning, and interacting as role models with younger campers.
Similarly, Buckaroos begin working on their leadership and horsemanship skills. Along with learning to be a leader and learning to give back to camp, Buckaroos spend time at Herman’s Ranch, developing their teaching abilities and horse knowledge as well as increasing their riding skills. Summer 2013 dates
Apprentice and Wrangler -Entering 11-12th grades
The Apprentice and Wrangler program at Hantesa Overnight Camp is a service oriented, 4-week program that readies high school students for future leadership roles. Typical apprenticeships are two summers in length. Apprentices and Wranglers build on leadership, communication and program delivery skills. Lessons and live-in studies in units across camp allow apprentices to learn directly from our exceptional staff the responsibilities of role modeling and caring for our campers. Wranglers participate in the same activities as apprentices, however they conduct their live-ins at Herman’s Ranch.
An application and interview process is required for admittance into the program. Admittance into the 1st year program does not guarantee admittance into the 2nd year program. You must submit an application (coming soon), camp registration form, and deposit. Deposits will be returned in full to applicants who are not accepted to the Apprentice/Wrangler Program. Summer 2013 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 that honor personal achievement.
- Owned and operated by Camp Fire - Heart of the Hawkeye.
- Inclusive for boys and girls. Participation in Camp Fire clubs is not required.
Health and Safety
- Prior to camp, all staff participate in a training that includes risk management, emergency procedures, positive behavior management, and teaching activities.
- We perform yearly background checks on all staff members .
- All staff are American Red Cross certified in first aid, CPR, and AED.
- All lifeguards have certification from the American Red Cross.
- Barn staff have certification from the American Association of Horsemanship Safety in riding instruction.
- A nursing professional supervises the health lodge.
- We meet or exceed the standards of the American Camping Association.
