Activities

Each day there are 4 scheduled activity periods. Each activity period is 45 minutes in length. Campers are allowed to fill up to 3 of those 4 periods with pre-scheduled activities. However, your camper does not have to fill all 3 periods. Most activities take up one period, but some activities (such as Science Camp) will fill two activity periods.

During free periods, campers have the opportunity to select from our “free choice” activities: crafts, nature, drama, sports and games, or archery. They can change their free period choice each day if they want to. The counselors will announce each morning what will be happening at those activities (e.g., sports and games might play kickball, crafts might make friendship bracelets, nature might be going on a water hike, drama might be playing freeze, and archery might be having a balloon shoot).

In 2011 we switched to an all-inclusive camp fee, which means that all of the activities except Water Skiing are included in the price of camp. The only activity that costs extra is Water Skiing, in order to cover the cost of insurance and boat operating costs.

When you register your camper for camp, you will have the opportunity to select their preferred activities. You can make changes to those selections up to one week before your camper arrives at camp. However, many activities have a limited number of spots, and may not be available if you wait to sign up. To make changes to your child’s activities, please email Miss Amber (amber@tannadoonah.org) or call us at 574-387-6095.

We ask that campers do not make changes to their activities at the check-in desk. We will try to accommodate changes, but because the schedule is already set for the week by the time they check in, we may not be able to get them into their preferred activities.

2012 Specialty Camp Programs

Weekly Camp Activities
(note: all weekly activities are one period)

The following activities do not require pre-registration (campers can go to these activities during free periods):

Specialty Programs

Specialty programs are offered one or more weeks during the summer. Note: Some of these activities each take two activity periods, which may limit options for other activities.

Diving Camp

SPLASH! Do you know what a 103C is? How about a 5231D? Learn to decipher the code at diving camp! Dive off a 1-meter board into the clear blue waters of Birch Lake. ** Limited to 10 campers. Offered Gameshow Week (June 17-23) only.

Science Exploration

Why did the mushroom go to the party? Because he’s a fungi! This 2 period science program will allow campers to explore nature in new and exciting ways, using cool science tricks and tools. ** Limited to 10 campers per week. Offered Gameshow Week (June 17-23), Survivor Week (June 24-30), International Week (July 8-14), and Olympic Week (July 29 – August 4). NOTE: Open only to campers going into the 3rd grade and older.

Volleyball Camp

Take to the court and practice serving, bumping, and setting during this week-long volleyball camp. This 2 period activity will be coached by Sue Felix, former St. Joseph’s College volleyball player, and current girls volleyball coach at St. Joe Mishawaka grade school. Plus she’s our very own assistant camp director! ** Limited to 20 campers per week. Offered Survivor Week (June 24-30) only.

Lacrosse Camp – NEW in 2012

Learn the basics of the game of Lacrosse. Campers will learn how to handle a lacrosse stick, the rules of the game, passing techniques, and more. This 2 period activity will be coached by Mr. Rich Mullin, a Birch Lake resident and lacrosse player. ** Limited to 12 campers. Offered International Week (July 8-14) only.

Japanese Camp – NEW in 2012

Learn about the culture and language of Japan from Mishawaka High School Japanese teacher Ms. Melissa Raffelock. Campers will will learn some basic Japanese vocabulary, and learn about traditions, cultural activities, and get to sample some traditional Japanese foods! * Limited to 10 campers. This is a *2 period activity offered International Week (July 8-14) only.

Spanish Camp – NEW in 2012

Learn about the Latin culture and language! Campers will will learn some basic Spanish vocabulary, and learn about traditions, cultural activities, and get to prepare and sample some traditional Spanish and Latin American foods! This 2 period activity will be taught by Ms. Allie Nanni. ** Limited to 10 campers. Offered Christmas in July Week (July 15-21) only.

Basketball Camp

Work on your basketball skills during a week-long basketball camp program! This program will help campers work on their ball-handling and shooting skills. Coached by Mr. Chris Nanni, former Notre Dame basketball player (1986-1988). ** Limited to 20 campers. Offered Christmas in July Week (July 15-21) only.

Zumba – NEW in 2012

Get fit and have fun! Zumba is a Latin Dance-inspired fitness program that incorporates dance and aerobic moves. Taught by Ms Allie Nanni. ** Limited to 20 campers. Offered Christmas in July Week (July 15-21) only.

Archaeology Camp – NEW in 2012

Do you “Dig” History?!? Campers will learn about the field of archeology from Ms. Tish Harman including excavation techniques, forensics, and more. This is a great opportunity for kids with an interest in archaeology, history, science, and being outdoors. ** Limited to 10 campers. Offered Hawaiian Week (July 22-28 only). Please note: this is a 1-period activity. HOWEVER, on Friday it will be 2-periods in length, so if your camper signs up for 2 other activities, they will not have a free period on Friday.

Advanced Sailing – NEW in 2012

Campers will learn more advanced sailing techniques, and try their hand at captaining an MC sailboat. MCs are 16-foot sailboats (larger than the basic Barnett sailboats we typically use at camp). They are typically seen in sailing races, including the weekly Birch Lake Yacht Club sailing competitions. This two period activity will be taught by Mr. Rick Harman. ** Limited to 6 campers. Offered Hawaiian Week (July 22-28 only). NOTE: campers must be going into 7th grade or older and have taken sailing at Camp Tannadoonah at least one time in the past.

Soccer Camp

Spend a week working on your soccer technique! Work on footwork, ball handling, goal-keeping and more! ** Limited to 15 campers per week. Offered Olympic Week (July 29-August 4) only.

Guitar Lessons

Learn the basic chords on an acoustic guitar. Campers will learn some camp songs or popular musical pieces that may be performed at Council Fire on Friday night. ** Limited to 10 campers per week. Offered Olympic Week (July 29-August 4) and Pirate Week (July 5-11).

Art Exploration

Try your hand at several different art media. Possibilities include painting, ceramics, knitting, macrame, sewing, charcoal, pastels, and photography. ** Limited to 10 campers per week. Offered Pirate Week (July 5-11) only.

Weekly Camp Activities

Waterskiing

Learn how to waterski on the crystal clear waters of Birch Lake! The lake is quite empty during the week, so it’s the perfect opportunity to teach beginners the fundamentals. Trainer skis (attached at the toes) will be available for campers. One instructor will be in the water with the skiers to help them learn proper positioning and helping them get up on the skis. Depending on skill level and experience, campers may even try slalom skiing by the end of the week! Meets one period per day. * Limited to 12 campers per week. *Cost: $75.

Low Ropes Team Building Challenge Course

Learn how to work with other campers to build a strong community. Solve problems, figure out puzzles, and learn more about yourself and your fellow campers! Plus, you’ll get to find out what “Yogurt Bridge,” “Giant’s Finger,” “Giant’s Skis,” “Porthole,” and many other strange things mean! Campers who sign up for this special program will be guided through the confidence- and team-building course for one hour per day. Our lead instructor is certified in Low Ropes Course Facilitation (level 1) by Universal Ropes Course Builders, Inc. Meets one period per day. Limited to 48 campers per week.

Tennis

Our tennis instructors will teach campers the fundamental rules and skills of the game of tennis. Campers will have to opportunity to play singles and doubles matches against other campers and their instructors. Campers are encouraged to bring their own racquets, but we do have racquets available to borrow if needed. Beginner and Advanced Instruction offered. Meets one period per day. Limited to 32 campers per week.

Bejeweled

Do you love to express yourself through arts and crafts? Whether using beads, wood, or cloth, campers will spend this session using their creativity making various jewelry projects. Meets one period per day. NOTE: open only to campers going into 3rd grade and older. Limited to 24 campers per week.

Digital Photography

Explore digital photography during your week at camp. Our instructors will teach campers the basics of digital photography. Campers will learn how to frame images, determine appropriate lighting, edit and select their best image, and then cut out their own mat to show off their photos. Each camper will take home a disk with all of their photos, and one printed and matted image. We recommend that campers bring their own digital camera, but we do have cameras to borrow. Meets one period per day. Limited to 24 campers per week.

Iron Chefs

Learn how to make California Egg Scramble, Foil Dinners, Pie Irons, Pizza Bread, and many more recipes (all over a fire!). Rain or shine! Campers learn how to build their fire, prepare a recipe, and cook it all over the fire. Campers also spend time learning about food preparation and care. Meets one period per day. Limited to 24 campers per week.

Fishing

Campers can spend a lazy morning fishing in beautiful Birch Lake.Learn how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in the catch of the day! Meets one period per day. Limited to 20 campers per week.

Yoga

Learn basic yoga postures which strengthen the body while also learning how the breath connects the mind and body. Limited to campers going into the 6th grade and older. Meets one period per day. Limited to 24 campers per week.

Overnight Campout

Campers can opt to take part in a one-night tent camping adventure during their week at camp. This activity does not count as one of their 3 pre-registered activities; however, they must sign up in advance. Limited to 12 male and 12 female campers each week.

Dance

Throughout the week campers will develop and learn a dance to be performed at Council Fire on Friday night! Meets one period per day. Limited to 40 campers per week.

Swimming Lessons

Red Cross Water Safety Instructors teach campers swimming and diving skills. Classes for all Red Cross levels are offered, so lessons are appropriate for campers of all ages and swimming abilities! Swimming classes meet one period per day, at the same time each day. Campers who plan to take lessons are tested on Sunday evening to determine to which of the 8 Red Cross Swimming levels they will be assigned. At the end of the week campers who took lessons will be tested to see if they have met all of the Red Cross Requirements, in order to move on to the next swimming level. Meets one period per day.

Boating

Boating courses are offered in canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Boating classes meet one period per day, at the same time each day. For boating, we ask campers to demonstrate some swimming proficiency for their own safety. To be eligible for boating, a camper must earn either an intermediate or advanced swimming band (swimming and boating tests below). If the camper does not earn a band, but still wishes to take boating, he or she can qualify for boating by treading water for 10 minutes. Please note: all campers taking boating will wear life jackets at all times. Boating activities meet one period per day. Kayaking: limited to 36 campers per week. Canoeing: limited to 48 campers per week. Sailing: limited to 24 campers per week.

Swimming and Boating tests

To earn an “intermediate” band, campers will be asked to swim one length (approx 25 yards) on their front and one length on their back.

To earn an “advanced” band, which gives campers access to the diving board, campers must swim a third length on either front or back.

For campers taking swimming lessons, we will test campers according to Red Cross standards to assign swimming level.However, this stroke proficiency will have no bearing on swimming band assignment.

No Pre-Registration Required

Sports and Games

Each day of the week the Sports and Games leaders schedule a different activity. Friday is “Camper’s Choice,” and campers who attend sports and games get to vote to decide the game of the day. Activities include basketball, softball, wiffleball, golf, relay races, dodgeball, Spud, Frisbee golf, kickball, and many others!

Archery

Campers will learn the basics of archery. At the end of the week campers can participate in the Golden Arrow Tournament with their peers. Archery counselors are trained and supervised by a certified National Archery Association (NAA) Level 1 instructor.

Nature

Learn nature lore in the forests surrounding Camp Tannadoonah, visit the Princess Tree, take a trust hike, learn how to build a camp fire with no matches, learn pocket knife safety, carve yourself the perfect marshmallow roasting stick, or take a water hike. Learn to identify different types of trees, flowers, and bugs. We’ve also added hikes to Dr. Lawless County Park, GPS tracking and geocaching activities, and an overnight campout!

Drama

Charades, Improv Games, “Freeze”, Pictionary, act out skits and scenes. Have a great time being creative and goofy playing drama games.

Arts & Crafts

Learn how to build a birdhouse out of recycled materials, braid a keychain or lanyard, make a friendship bracelet for your best buddy, or make a popsicle stick box to store all of your camp treasures. Those are just a few of the fun things the handcraft leader has planned for the summer!

Bluebirds

Our youngest campers at Camp Tannadoonah get to take part in special “Bluebird” activities. The Bluebirds leader will plan a schedule of activities to keep campers busy and entertained throughout the week. Bluebirds campers have the opportunity to participate in all regular camp activites, and are guided in their choices by the Bluebird instructors. Bluebird campers are all campers going into the 3rd grade and younger.

Polar Bear

Campers can opt to get up each morning 30 minutes before reveille to take a dip in the cool waters of Birch Lake. Campers who attend Polar Bear every morning throughout the week receive a special prize at breakfast on Saturday morning, and are eligible to purchase a Camp Tannadoonah Polar Bear Club T-shirt at the camp store.

Frozen Foot

Campers can also opt to get up each morning 30 minutes before reveille to go running with a group of counselors. On Saturday morning they may have an opportunity to run all the way around Birch Lake – a total of 3 miles (based on counselor evaluation of ability).

Lake Swim

On Saturday morning each week, a brave group of early-bird campers gets up at 6:00am to swim all the way across Birch Lake (approximately 1000 yards!).Campers who wish to do the lake swim must qualify for an intermediate or advanced swim band, and demonstrate their endurance by swimming 500 yards during a free swim prior to Saturday morning. Lake Swim t-shirts are available for purchase in the camp store for those who complete this extraordinary feat!