Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Newport, Washington, Bear Paw Camp offers an unforgettable experience for campers looking to explore the great outdoors. Located in the Pacific Northwest, their camp is surrounded by the lush beauty of the Washington landscape, with nearby landmarks such as the pristine Pend Oreille River and the expansive Colville National Forest, providing a perfect backdrop for adventure and learning.

Bear Paw Camp was established with the vision of creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development in young people. Their mission is to empower campers by providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement, all within the setting of their beautiful natural surroundings.

Bear Paw welcomes boys and girls across various age groups, typically ranging from 6 to 16 years. They specialize in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every camper can thrive while participating in a wide range of activities designed to build skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

Whether it’s hiking, canoeing, arts and crafts, or campfire stories, Bear Paw Camp is committed to delivering a comprehensive camping experience that combines fun, education, and personal growth, aligned with its core values of integrity, community, and excellence. Join us for a summer of adventure where you can be yourself and discover the great outdoors!

Programs Offered by Bear Paw Camp

Bear Paw Camp provides a diverse range of programs that cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring that every camper finds something exciting to do. Their sessions vary in length, offering flexibility to accommodate the needs of all families and campers.

Program Descriptions and Session Lengths

Explorer Program: Designed for their youngest campers, ages 6-9, this program introduces them to camp life through a series of guided activities that foster curiosity and teamwork. Sessions last one week and focus on building confidence and comfort in an outdoor setting.
Adventurer Program: For campers aged 10-13, the Adventurer program offers two-week sessions that delve deeper into skill development and outdoor exploration, with activities ranging from wilderness survival to advanced arts and crafts.
Leadership Development Program: Aimed at teenagers 14-16 years old, this program is offered as a three-week session. It focuses on leadership skills, community service, and preparing for counselor roles, including a camper-led project that impacts the camp community.

Specialty Programs

Arts and Creativity: This specialty track enhances creative skills through workshops in painting, sculpture, theater, and music. It’s a chance for campers to express themselves artistically in a natural setting.
Sports and Recreation: Emphasizing teamwork and physical fitness, this program includes activities like soccer, archery, swimming, and canoeing. It’s perfect for campers who love to stay active and try new sports.
Science and Discovery: Campers can engage with the natural world in this exciting program that includes activities like astronomy, biology, and environmental science. It’s designed to spark curiosity and a love for learning.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 AM – Wake Up & Morning Exercises
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Morning Activity Block (specialty program activities)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activity Block (rotating daily activities)
5:00 PM – Free Time and Optional Activities
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening Activities (campfires, group games, talent shows)
9:00 PM – Cabin Time and Reflection
10:00 PM – Lights Out

Each day at Bear Paw Camp is structured to maximize engagement, learning, and fun, while also providing ample time for rest and personal reflection. Their programs are designed to nurture growth, promote discovery, and create lasting friendships under the canopy of the great Washington outdoors.

Accommodations in Bear Paw Camp

Bear Paw Camp offers well-thought-out accommodations that cater to the comfort and safety of their campers, ensuring a home away from home in the heart of nature.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation type, the cabins at Bear Paw Camp, are designed to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among campers. Each cabin houses 8-12 campers and is supervised by two trained counselors, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Cabins are equipped with bunk beds, storage space for personal items, and electricity and heating for comfort during cooler nights.
Tents: For specific programs focused on wilderness skills and older campers, they offer the option to sleep in tents. This allows for a more immersive outdoor experience, teaching campers how to live and thrive in the wilderness.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: All meals at Bear Paw Camp are included in the camp fees. They serve three balanced meals a day in their communal dining hall, where campers gather to eat and share their day’s experiences. Meals are prepared by professional chefs and are designed to be nutritious, tasty, and energy-boosting to keep campers fueled for their adventures.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all dietary needs, their kitchen staff is trained to prepare meals that meet a variety of dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific requirements. They aim to ensure that every camper enjoys delicious and safe dining options.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility, ensuring easy access for all campers. These facilities are separated by gender and are equipped with multiple stalls and showers to prevent crowding and ensure privacy.
Hygiene Standards: High standards of cleanliness are maintained at all times, with regular cleaning scheduled multiple times a day. Additionally, campers are encouraged to uphold personal hygiene practices, guided by their counselors.

Bear Paw Camp’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to ensure that every camper feels comfortable, secure, and connected to their surroundings, making their camp experience truly memorable and enjoyable.

Activities in Bear Paw Camp

Bear Paw Camp is dedicated to providing a vibrant and enriching camp experience filled with a variety of activities that cater to all interests and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of the main activities, special events, and skill development opportunities that define the spirit of Bear Paw Camp.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps can immerse themselves in nature through activities like hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the nearby river or lake. They also offer archery and orienteering for those interested in honing their survival skills.
Water Sports: Swimming is a staple at Bear Paw, with supervised swim times and instructional swimming available in their on-site lake. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular choices for water enthusiasts.
Arts and Crafts: For those looking to express their creativity, their arts and crafts center provides materials and guidance for a variety of projects, from pottery and painting to woodworking and jewelry making.
Sports: They have facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball, allowing campers to play casual games or participate in more structured team sports.
Environmental Education: Their science-based activities include wildlife studies, star gazing sessions, and environmental conservation projects, which are designed to educate campers about the world around them.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfires: A beloved tradition at Bear Paw Camp, evening campfires offer a time for the whole camp to gather for songs, stories, and skits. These are moments where campers bond and create lasting memories.
Color Wars: This camp-wide competition splits campers into teams to compete in various challenges and games, fostering team spirit and camaraderie.
End-of-Session Banquet: Each session concludes with a banquet where achievements are celebrated, and campers can enjoy a special meal together, often themed and sometimes prepared by the campers themselves.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have the opportunity to participate in leadership programs where they learn skills such as team management, conflict resolution, and effective communication. These are valuable not only at camp but also in everyday life.
Specialty Clinics: For campers looking to improve specific skills, they offer clinics in areas like advanced swimming techniques, competitive sports training, and specialized arts workshops.
Personal Growth Workshops: Workshops that focus on personal development, such as confidence-building, stress management, and independence skills, are also part of their program, designed to support campers in their growth.

At Bear Paw Camp, they strive to offer a comprehensive and diverse array of activities that cater to every camper’s interests and developmental needs, ensuring a summer filled with growth, learning, and fun.

The staff of Bear Paw Camp

At Bear Paw Camp, they pride themselves on having a dedicated and highly qualified staff, ensuring a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for every camper. Here’s an overview of their staff structure, the staff-to-camper ratio, their rigorous hiring process, and the training and certifications that their team members possess.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Ratio: They maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5, ensuring that each camper receives personalized attention and care. This ratio helps us to provide a high level of supervision, guidance, and interaction, which is critical for a safe and enriching camp experience.
Specialty Activities: For more specialized activities such as swimming or archery, the ratio is adjusted to ensure even greater supervision, typically around 1:3, to prioritize safety and provide more focused instruction.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection Process: Their hiring process begins with a thorough screening that includes background checks, reference checks, and interviews. They look for candidates who not only have strong credentials in their fields but also exhibit a passion for working with children and a deep commitment to their camp’s values.
Staff Qualifications: Most of their staff members are college students or graduates with majors in education, recreation, or related fields. Many have previous experience working in camps or with youth programs, and all are selected for their skills and their ability to positively impact the lives of their campers.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid before the camp season begins. These certifications are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and staff.
Additional Training: Staff undergo a comprehensive pre-camp training that covers:
- Child development and behavior management techniques.
- Emergency procedures and safety protocols.
- Specific training related to their assigned activities (e.g., lifeguard certification for swimming instructors).
Ongoing Education: Throughout the camp season, staff participate in ongoing training sessions and meetings to review procedures, share insights, and refine their skills. This ongoing professional development helps us maintain their high standards and adapt to any new challenges.

The combination of a favorable staff-to-camper ratio, a rigorous hiring process, and comprehensive training ensures that Bear Paw Camp not only meets but exceeds industry standards for safety and camper engagement. Their staff is fully equipped to provide a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun during their summer at camp.

Safety and Health in Bear Paw Camp

At Bear Paw Camp, the safety and health of their campers and staff are paramount. They have established comprehensive safety protocols and health policies to ensure that everyone enjoys a secure and healthy camp experience. Here’s an overview of their safety procedures, on-site health facilities, and emergency handling policies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Daily Safety Checks: Routine inspections and maintenance of all camp facilities and equipment are performed daily to ensure they are in safe working condition. This includes sports equipment, watercraft, and any gear used for outdoor activities.
Activity-Specific Protocols: Each activity offered at the camp follows strict safety guidelines, which are taught to campers at the beginning of each session. For example, water activities require life jackets at all times, and archery is conducted under close supervision with controlled access to equipment.
Supervision: Campers are under constant supervision by trained staff members during all activities, in cabins, and during free time. Their low staff-to-camper ratio ensures that supervision is always adequate and effective.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Bear Paw Camp has a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a part-time visiting doctor. The health center is capable of handling routine medical care and responding to minor injuries or illnesses.
Medication Management: They have strict policies for managing medications, ensuring that they are safely stored and administered as prescribed. Parents are required to provide detailed information about any medications, including dosages and administration times.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Bear Paw Camp has a detailed emergency response plan that includes procedures for natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. All staff members are trained in these procedures and participate in regular drills to ensure preparedness.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, their policy is to ensure clear and prompt communication with all relevant parties. This includes contacting local emergency services, communicating with parents or guardians, and coordinating with local authorities.
Evacuation Procedures: They have clearly defined evacuation routes and procedures for different scenarios, which are practiced in drills conducted with campers and staff at the start of each camp session.
Health Screenings: Upon arrival, all campers undergo health screenings to identify any immediate health concerns and to ensure that everyone is fit to participate in camp activities. Regular health checks are also part of their routine to monitor the well-being of their campers throughout their stay.

At Bear Paw Camp, their commitment to safety and health is designed to provide peace of mind for parents and a safe, enjoyable, and healthy environment for all campers. Their proactive approach ensures that risks are minimized and that they are prepared to respond effectively to any situation that may arise.

Cost and Registration in Bear Paw Camp

Bear Paw Camp offers a structured yet flexible registration and payment system designed to accommodate the needs of all families. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of attendance, the registration process, payment options, and their financial aid opportunities.

Cost of Attendance

General Fee: The cost of attending Bear Paw Camp varies depending on the program and session length. Prices typically range from $500 for one-week sessions to $1,500 for three-week specialized programs. This fee includes all lodging, meals, activities, supervision, and basic medical care.
What’s Included: The camp fee covers accommodation in their cabins or tents, three daily meals, all activity equipment, program materials, and access to all camp facilities. Additional costs may include optional extras such as camp merchandise, special outings, or premium craft materials.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children for camp through their online portal. The process involves filling out camper information, selecting the desired session and program, and submitting medical and dietary information.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and runs through April or until sessions are full. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot and take advantage of any early bird discounts.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: They offer flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months leading up to the summer. Plans can be customized during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations: Full refunds are available until one month before the camp session begins, minus a non-refundable deposit of $100. Cancellations made less than one month before the start of the session receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after the session starts, except in cases of medical emergencies, which require documentation.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Bear Paw Camp offers a limited number of need-based scholarships each year, covering up to 50% of the camp fees. These are intended to help families who otherwise could not afford the camp experience.
Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, they occasionally have sponsorships from local businesses and alumni donations that allow us to offer further financial assistance. Families are encouraged to apply early for these opportunities as funds are limited.

Bear Paw Camp is committed to making its camp experiences accessible and affordable. They believe that every child deserves the joy, learning, and adventure that camp provides, and they strive to support families in achieving this goal.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Bear Paw Camp

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both parents and campers, especially those joining us for the first time. To ensure everyone is ready for a fantastic summer at Bear Paw Camp, here is a comprehensive guide on what to pack, understand their camp rules and policies, and some helpful tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To ensure that all campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing including shorts, t-shirts, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts. Include a jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings and a raincoat for wet days.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes for activities, hiking boots, and sandals or flip-flops for showering and leisure time.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, and a sleeping pad if desired for tent sleeping.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small towel.
Other Essentials: Water bottle, flashlight, or headlamp with extra batteries, hat, and sunglasses.
Optional Items: Books, stationary for writing home, and disposable cameras (if you want to avoid electronics).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and connection with nature and fellow campers, they discourage the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. If brought, they will be collected on arrival and returned at departure.
Visitation: For the safety and security of all campers, visitation during sessions is limited to designated visiting days only. Parents are encouraged to check the camp calendar for these specific days.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for others, positive behavior, and engagement in camp activities are expected from all campers. Specific rules and guidelines will be provided during orientation.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to making new friends and trying new activities.
- Remember that it’s okay to miss home, but talking to counselors and friends can help.
- Participate actively and keep a positive attitude.
For Parents:
- Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves, focusing on the exciting opportunities and adventures they will have.
- Send letters or care packages to camp to stay connected with your child.
- Trust the camp staff; they are trained to ensure your child has a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience.

Preparing for camp is about more than just packing; it’s about setting expectations, fostering independence, and building excitement for the adventures to come. Bear Paw Camp is dedicated to creating an environment where both first-time and returning campers can thrive and create memories that last a lifetime.

Bear Paw Camp offers a unique and enriching summer experience for campers of all ages in the picturesque surroundings of Newport, Washington. With a variety of programs that cater to different interests and developmental stages, Bear Paw provides an ideal setting for children to explore, learn, and grow. Their camp is designed to foster independence, build character, and create lifelong friendships through shared adventures and fun.

At Bear Paw Camp, they believe in the power of camp to transform lives. They are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and exciting environment where every camper can thrive while being true to themselves. The blend of traditional camp activities with structured skill development ensures that every camper not only has fun but also takes away valuable lessons and memories.