Residential Camp

ABOUT RESIDENTIAL CAMP

At Puh’tok we offer both a two week and one week sleep-away, residential camp experience. Children ages 7 – 16 can explore the great outdoors while discovering Native American culture, learning about nature, developing new skills and having fun. Our ever expanding program offers new and exciting activities each year.

PROGRAMS

We have always offered a large variety of activities and programs here at Camp Puh’tok. Throughout the week, children will have the opportunity to test their skills at our archery range, BB range, black powder range, arts and crafts, indian lore, high ropes courses, low ropes courses, nature, homestead and more. Each session we try to include fun evening activities a couple times a session. In the past we have had movie nights on the field, Jug-Band-Boogie Ho-down in the council ring, a fourth of July party, night swim parties with music, and a Hawaiian Pig Roast and feast. We vary our programs according to age. Our older campers will be able to attend additional programs such as rock climbing, canoeing, camping out and  sailing. We try to be versatile in our programming at camp so every camper can find something they enjoy and can look forward to each year. All of our programs are run by trained staff and professionals. Our programs that require more attention are often run by outside professionals such as our Black Powder program run by Paul Davis, a former police officer and marksman.

Ages 7 – 9

Campers in this age group will be able to do almost all of our normal program including lots of arts and crafts, nature, indian lore, low ropes, archery, BB’s, campfires, dancing, field programs and more. Due to age restrictions they will not be able to use the high ropes courses or black powder rifles, go rock climbing, sailing or white water rafting. They will however have on camp overnights available where they will go to a different part of camp and make a meal, roast marshmallows, and sleep over in a covered wagon!

Ages 10 – 12

A few more activities open up for this age group such as Black Powder rifles, white water rafting, canoeing, tubing, overnights, and our high ropes course. They will not however be able to attend our rock climbing programs due to age restrictions. This age group will have an overnight off camp where they will cook their own meals, learn to camp in a tent, and go canoeing.

Ages 13 – 16

Once campers enter this age group all of our programs become available for them. They will go rock climbing, have an overnight away from camp, go on hikes, use our high ropes courses and participate in each of the other programs we offer that summer.

SWIMMING

Each camper will have the opportunity to swim during the week, normally twice a day. On the first day of camp every child will receive a swimming test where they will receive color coded bracelets to wear the rest of the week. There are three levels of proficiency: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Children who have passed the test, comprised of multiple laps in the pool and timed floating, will receive an advanced swimmer band. Children who can only complete the laps will receive an intermediate band. Campers who cannot complete the laps adequately or choose not to take the test will only be able to swim in the shallow end of our pool. Our pool will always have three lifeguards on duty as well as watchers standing around and in the pool observing the children as they play.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Each day will be different for each age group at camp. One group may be at camp following a normal schedule, presented below, and another group could be out tubing on the river! Some programs may vary upon age so not every program will be available for every child. The general schedule for campers is as follows: breakfast, cabin cleanup, morning program, morning swim, lunch, afternoon program, afternoon swim, dinner and then evening program. Program may vary depending on the weather or other camp-wide programs.

General Schedule

DROP-OFF/PICK-UP

Two Week Campers

For campers staying for the entire session, 2 weeks, the drop-off day is Sunday. Each age range is asked to arrive between their designated hours to provide a smooth transition on sign in day. We ask ages 7-9 to arrive at 1:00 p.m., 10-12 to arrive at 2:00 p.m., and 13-16 to arrive at 3:00 p.m.. Our two week campers are picked up and signed out on their last Friday after dinner. On that Friday there is a Tipi Wakan award and dance ceremony that we ask each parent and child to attend.

“A” Week Campers (1 Week)

Campers attending only the “A” week, or first half of the session, will arrive with the rest of camp. Each age range is asked to arrive between their designated hours to provide a smooth transition on sign in day. We ask ages 7-9 to arrive at 1:00 p.m., 10-12 to arrive at 2:00 p.m., and 13-16 to arrive at 3:00 p.m.. “A” week campers leave on the Friday before the weekend. Parents are asked to sign their child out after dinner. There will be a Fun Fire every “A” week Friday to give out awards and participate in Native American dances.

“B” Week Campers (1 Week)

For campers attending the “B” weeks, the second half of the session, the drop off day is Saturday at 9:00 a.m. for all ages. “B” week campers are picked up and signed out on their last Friday after dinner. On that Friday there is a Tipi Wakan award and dance ceremony that we ask each parent and child to attend.

WHAT DO I BRING?

We ask parents to give their children all they need to last the two weeks. We offer a comprehensive list of suggested items in our Residential Camp Packet. When packing, we advise parents look at the upcoming weather and temperatures for the dates their child will be staying at camp. If there is a higher chance of rain, make sure to pack another pair of clothes and shoes. If it looks like there may be some cooler days, we advise packing some longer pants and another blanket for sleeping. Camp does not allow cell phones, ipods, laptops, tablets, any other electronic devices, fireworks, matches, lighters, firearms or other contraband listed in our camp policies. If a child does bring an item to camp, either by accident or on purpose, the items will be held in the camp office until the last day of the session when the parent of the child can claim the items. Camp Puh’tok will not be held liable for any lost, stolen or damaged items, so it is strongly advised not to bring anything of value to camp.

TIPI WAKAN

Every Friday evening family and friends are invited to our Fun Fire or Tipi Wakan. The first week of every two week session will be the Fun Fire for our “A” week campers who are leaving; the second week will be the Tipi Wakan for the two week and “B” week campers who will be leaving. Both will include dances, a campfire, songs and lots of fun for everyone. The Fun Fire will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the Tipi Wakan will begin at 7:15 p.m.. Every Friday campers stay for dinner and will then line up with the rest of camp for Friday’s mail call before proceeding to the council ring. It is recommended that parents call camp about the activities for that Friday if there is any confusion.

OUR STAFF

Our camp maintains a 1:6 ratio. We maintain this ratio because we are dedicated to camper safety. Each staff member is trained in CPR and First Aid. Our staff meets with their director to talk about any issues that may arise with the campers. If any major issues arise, the director will inform the parents as soon as possible. Our staff is trained to handle situations promptly and professionally.