Camp Manitowa is a premier summer camp nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Benton, Illinois. Located in the heart of the Midwest, this camp is beautifully situated among the lush forests and serene lakes of the region, offering a perfect backdrop for a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures. With its close proximity to Rend Lake, the second largest lake in Illinois, Camp Manitowa provides an idyllic setting for water sports, fishing, and exploration.

The camp’s story began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a welcoming, inclusive community where children and teenagers can grow, learn, and enjoy the wonders of nature. Since its inception, Camp Manitowa has been dedicated to fostering personal development, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships through its diverse and dynamic programs. The camp prides itself on its ability to offer a unique blend of traditional camping experiences with modern, innovative activities, all designed to meet the evolving interests and needs of its campers.

At the heart of Camp Manitowa is a mission that resonates with values of respect, empathy, and self-discovery. The camp’s philosophy is centered around the belief that every child deserves a place where they can feel safe, valued, and connected to the natural world. Through a supportive environment and a wide array of activities, Camp Manitowa aims to empower its campers with the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.

Camp Manitowa is a camp that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. It is designed to cater to children and teenagers looking for a summer filled with adventure, friendship, and personal growth. Whether it’s through sports, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, or team-building exercises, Camp Manitowa offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for young individuals seeking a memorable summer experience.

Programs Offered by Camp Manitowa

Camp Manitowa offers a variety of programs designed to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups, ensuring every camper finds something they love. These programs are thoughtfully crafted to encourage skill development, foster personal growth, and provide endless fun and adventure in a supportive community environment.

Description of the Programs

The programs at Camp Manitowa are diverse, offering campers the opportunity to engage in activities ranging from outdoor adventures and water sports to arts, crafts, and STEM projects. Campers can choose from traditional camp experiences, which include canoeing, archery, and campfires, to more specialized programs that focus on areas like performing arts, sports, and environmental science.

Length of Sessions

Camp Manitowa understands that families have different needs and schedules, so it offers flexible session lengths:

One-Week Sessions: Perfect for first-time campers or those with busy summers, providing a taste of all that Camp Manitowa has to offer.
Two Week Sessions: Allows for a deeper dive into camp life, with more opportunities for skill development and forming strong friendships.
Full Summer: The ultimate camp experience, giving campers the chance to fully immerse themselves in the community and activities, with the greatest growth and bonding happening over this extended period.

Specialty Programs

Arts: Campers can explore their creativity through programs in visual arts, theater, music, and dance, culminating in camp-wide performances and art shows.
Sports: Offers a variety of sports programs, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more specialized clinics focusing on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Science and Nature: Engages campers with the natural world through hands-on environmental science projects, wildlife exploration, and sustainability education, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Manitowa is carefully structured to provide a balance of activity, learning, and free time, ensuring campers remain engaged and energized throughout their stay.

7:30 AM: Wake Up
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning Activities (Campers participate in their chosen specialty program or a rotation of different activities.)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Rest Hour (A quiet time for campers to relax, write letters home, or read.)
2:00 PM: Afternoon Activities (A continuation of morning programs or different elective activities.)
5:00 PM: Free Time (Campers can choose from a variety of supervised free-choice activities.)
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening Program (Each evening features a different program, such as campfires, talent shows, or themed parties.)
9:00 PM: Cabin Time (Campers return to their cabins to wind down and discuss the day with their cabin mates and counselors.)
10:00 PM: Lights Out (Varies by age group)

This typical daily schedule is a blend of structured and free-choice periods, designed to offer campers a comprehensive and enriching camp experience that promotes independence, teamwork, and personal growth.

Accommodations in Camp Manitowa

Camp Manitowa offers comfortable and accommodating living arrangements, dining options, and facilities designed to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive camping experience for all campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Camp Manitowa consists of cozy, rustic cabins designed to blend into the natural surroundings. These cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal items, housing campers in age and gender-specific groups. Cabins are well-ventilated and designed to provide a comfortable living space, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among campers.
Tents: For specific programs or outdoor expeditions, campers may have the opportunity to sleep in tents. This allows for a more immersive outdoor experience, teaching campers basic camping and survival skills.
Dorms: Depending on the camp’s infrastructure, there might be dormitory-style accommodations for older campers or special programs. These dorms offer a more private living space while still promoting the social and communal aspects of camp life.

Dining Options

Camp Manitowa is committed to providing nutritious, delicious, and varied meals to ensure campers have the energy they need for a day full of activities.

Meal Plans: The camp offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by experienced kitchen staff. Meals are served in a communal dining hall where campers and staff eat together, promoting a sense of community.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to individual needs, Camp Manitowa offers dietary accommodations for allergies, religious observances, and personal dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. The camp encourages parents and campers to communicate any dietary requirements before arrival to ensure these needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Camp Manitowa provides modern, clean, and accessible bathroom and shower facilities. These facilities are strategically located throughout the camp to ensure easy access from the cabins, dorms, and main activity areas.
Privacy and Safety: The camp prioritizes the privacy and safety of its campers, with separate facilities for different age groups and genders. Staff members are trained to promote hygiene and respect for privacy, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for all campers.

Camp Manitowa’s accommodations, dining options, and facilities are thoughtfully designed to make the camping experience as comfortable, inclusive, and enjoyable as possible, allowing campers to focus on growth, friendship, and fun.

Activities in Camp Manitowa

Camp Manitowa is a haven for young adventurers, offering a wide array of activities that cater to a variety of interests and skill levels. From outdoor adventures to creative arts, the camp is dedicated to providing a fun, engaging, and educational experience for all campers.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Summer camps can explore the great outdoors through activities like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and zip-lining. These activities not only provide fun and excitement but also teach important survival skills and environmental stewardship.
Water Sports: With its proximity to Rend Lake, Camp Manitowa offers an array of water-based activities, including swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding, promoting water safety and skill development.
Arts and Crafts: For those who love to create, the camp provides opportunities in painting, pottery, jewelry making, and more, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
Sports: Camp Manitowa features a variety of sports activities, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and archery, focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness.
Performing Arts: Campers interested in drama, dance, and music can participate in performances, talent shows, and musical activities, helping to build confidence and stage presence.
Nature and Science: The camp offers programs in environmental education, wildlife exploration, and STEM projects, fostering curiosity and a love for science.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Manitowa is rich in traditions and special events that foster a sense of community and create lasting memories. These might include:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These ceremonies bookend the camp experience, setting the tone for the session and providing closure, with reflections on personal growth and friendships formed.
Campfires: Regular campfires offer a time for storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, reinforcing the camp community spirit.
Theme Days: Throughout the session, campers enjoy themed activities and dress-up days, which add an extra layer of fun and creativity to the camp experience.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days, featuring a variety of physical and mental challenges, fostering teamwork and camp spirit.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Manitowa is committed to the personal growth and development of each camper. Through its diverse activities, the camp offers numerous skill development opportunities:

Leadership: Through team activities and leadership programs, campers can develop leadership skills, learning to lead by example, make decisions, and work effectively with others.
Independence: The camp environment encourages campers to take on new challenges, make choices, and learn from their experiences, promoting independence and self-reliance.
Social Skills: Living and working in a community setting helps campers improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful relationships.
Environmental Awareness: Activities focused on nature and conservation teach campers the importance of environmental stewardship and the role they can play in protecting the planet.

Camp Manitowa provides a holistic camping experience where fun meets learning, ensuring every camper leaves with not just memories, but also new skills, friendships, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The staff of Camp Manitowa

Camp Manitowa takes great pride in its dedicated and highly qualified staff, understanding that the quality of the camp experience largely depends on the individuals who guide, teach, and support the campers. Ensuring a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment is paramount, reflected in the camp’s staff-to-camper ratio, rigorous hiring process, and comprehensive training program.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Manitowa maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention, support, and guidance. This ratio varies depending on the age of the campers and the nature of the activities but generally aims to exceed industry standards to enhance safety, engagement, and overall camp experience. For example, younger campers may have a higher ratio of staff members to ensure their safety and meet their needs, while older campers might have slightly less, promoting independence while still providing adequate supervision and support.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

The hiring process at Camp Manitowa is thorough and competitive, designed to select candidates who are not only skilled in their areas of expertise but also passionate about working with children and committed to the camp’s values. Potential staff members undergo:

Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are conducted to ensure the safety and security of all campers.
Interviews: Candidates participate in in-depth interviews to assess their experience, qualifications, motivation, and suitability for the camp environment.
References: Applicants must provide professional references, which are carefully checked to verify their qualifications and character.

Staff qualifications vary by role, but all are required to have previous experience working with children, strong leadership skills, and a genuine interest in fostering a positive camp environment.

Training and Certifications

Prior to the start of camp, all staff members undergo extensive training that covers a range of essential topics, including:

CPR and First Aid Certification: All staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid to respond effectively to any health emergencies that may arise.
Safety Protocols: Training includes comprehensive instruction on camp safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk management practices to ensure the well-being of all campers and staff.
Child Development: Understanding the developmental needs of children and teenagers helps staff tailor their approach to support and engage campers of all ages.
Activity-Specific Training: Staff leading specialized activities receive training and, where applicable, certifications in their specific areas of expertise, such as lifeguard certification for those supervising water activities.

Camp Manitowa’s commitment to a high-quality staff ensures that campers not only have fun and learn new skills but also do so in a safe, supportive, and positive environment. Through rigorous hiring practices, comprehensive training, and a focus on safety and personal development, the camp staff plays a pivotal role in creating unforgettable summer experiences for all campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Manitowa

Camp Manitowa prioritizes the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining facilities designed to ensure a secure and supportive environment. Recognizing the importance of preparedness and quick response, the camp has established comprehensive safety measures, health services, and emergency policies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Training: Staff undergo regular training in safety protocols, emergency response, and risk management to ensure they are well-prepared to handle a variety of situations.
Activity Safety: Each activity at Camp Manitowa is designed with safety in mind, including the use of appropriate safety gear, adherence to best practices, and supervision by qualified staff. Activities are assessed for risk, and safety briefings are conducted for campers prior to participation.
Environmental Safety: Given the camp’s natural setting, protocols are in place to manage risks related to wildlife, weather, and outdoor activities. This includes weather monitoring, wildlife awareness education, and guidelines for outdoor expeditions.
Bullying Prevention: The camp enforces a strict no-tolerance policy on bullying, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all campers through education, awareness, and intervention strategies.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Manitowa is equipped with an on-site health center, staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and/or a camp doctor available either on-site or on-call. This facility is prepared to handle minor injuries, and illnesses, and manage medications.
Medical Supplies and Equipment: The health center is stocked with essential medical supplies and equipment necessary for the care and treatment of common injuries and ailments.
Health Screening: Upon arrival, campers undergo health screenings to identify any existing conditions or needs, ensuring that the camp can provide appropriate care and accommodations.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Action Plans: Camp Manitowa has developed detailed emergency action plans for a range of potential scenarios, including severe weather, fire, health emergencies, and other critical situations. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has clear protocols for communicating with local authorities, healthcare facilities, and parents. This ensures that information is shared effectively and actions are coordinated promptly.
Evacuation Procedures: Should an evacuation be necessary, the camp has predefined routes and procedures to safely transport campers and staff to a secure location. Drills are conducted to ensure everyone is familiar with evacuation protocols.
Training in Specific Emergencies: Staff receive training in handling specific emergencies, such as water rescues for aquatic activities, first aid for injuries, and procedures for managing allergic reactions, ensuring a rapid and effective response.

Safety and health at Camp Manitowa are foundational to its operation, with every measure taken to provide a safe, caring, and responsive environment. Through rigorous protocols, well-equipped facilities, and a dedicated team of professionals, the camp ensures that campers can enjoy their summer experiences with peace of mind for themselves and their families.

Cost and Registration in Camp Manitowa

The cost of attendance at Camp Manitowa, as well as its registration process and financial policies, are designed to be transparent and accommodating to ensure that as many children as possible have the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of camp.

Cost of Attendance and What It Includes

The cost of attending Camp Manitowa typically covers all aspects of the camp experience to ensure that once campers arrive, they can enjoy everything without additional fees. This includes:

Lodging in cabins, tents, or dorms depending on the program and age of the camper.
All meals and snacks, with accommodation for dietary restrictions.
Participation in all regular camp activities, including specialized programs like arts, sports, and science.
Use of all camp facilities and equipment necessary for activities.
Supervision, instruction, and care provided by the camp’s trained staff.

The cost may vary based on the length of the session, the type of program chosen, and any additional specialty activities or field trips that may be part of the camp experience.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Early Registration: Parents are often encouraged to register their children early, as spaces can fill up quickly, and there may be early bird discounts.
Online Forms: Registration typically involves filling out forms online, including medical history, dietary needs, and emergency contact information.
Deadlines: Specific registration deadlines are set to ensure proper planning and preparation for the arrival of campers. These deadlines are communicated well in advance on the camp’s website and through direct communication to interested families.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that the cost of the camp can be significant, Camp Manitowa usually offers flexible payment plans to spread the expense over time.
Refunds and Cancellation: The camp provides clear policies on refunds and cancellations, including deadlines for full or partial refunds should plans change. These policies are designed to be fair to families while allowing the camp to effectively manage its resources.
Cancellation Insurance: Some camps offer or recommend cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that prevent attendance.

Scholarships or Financial Aid

Scholarships: Many camps, including Camp Manitowa, offer scholarship programs to assist families in need. These scholarships can cover the partial or full cost of camp attendance and are typically awarded based on financial need, merit, or special programs.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid options may be available, and families are encouraged to inquire directly with the camp for more information. Camp Manitowa is committed to making camp accessible to as many children as possible and will work with families to explore all available options.

Cost at Camp Manitowa Benton, IL:

Session IA (2-weeks): $2,485

Session I “mini-camp” (1-week): $1,320

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Manitowa

Preparing for camp, especially for first-time campers and their parents, can be an exciting yet daunting process. Camp Manitowa aims to make this preparation phase as smooth as possible by providing clear guidelines and support. Here’s an overview of what to expect and how to get ready for a memorable camp experience.

Packing List

Camp Manitowa typically provides a detailed packing list that includes everything campers will need to be comfortable and prepared for their activities and time at camp. While specifics can vary, a general packing list might include:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing, including T-shirts, shorts, long pants, sweatshirts, rain gear, and a sturdy pair of closed-toe shoes, as well as a pair of sandals or flip-flops for showers. Don’t forget a hat and a swimsuit!
Bedding and Linens: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, and towels for both showering and swimming.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo, comb or brush, and insect repellent.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight with extra batteries, water bottle, sunscreen, and any needed prescription medication.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (not a smartphone) for capturing memories.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Manitowa often has a no-electronics policy to encourage campers to engage fully with their surroundings and peers. This typically includes cell phones, tablets, and other digital devices.
Visitation: Policies on visitation vary, with many camps setting specific visitation days or restricting visitor access to certain areas to ensure the safety and security of campers.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow rules that promote safety, respect, and inclusivity. These rules will be communicated to campers and parents before the camp session begins.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Familiarize with Camp Life: Review the camp’s website and materials together to learn about daily schedules, activities, and what to expect.
Pack Together: Packing together can help ensure that nothing important is forgotten and gives campers a sense of ownership over their camp experience.
Set Goals: Discuss what your camper hopes to achieve or experience at camp, such as trying a new activity, making new friends, or becoming more independent.
Address Concerns: Talk openly about any worries or questions. Knowing that it’s normal to feel a bit nervous can help alleviate pre-camp jitters.
Stay Positive: Focus on the exciting aspects of camp. For many campers, this is a key step toward independence and growth.
Communication Plan: Understand the camp’s communication policy, including how and when campers can communicate with parents.

Camp Manitowa’s goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment where campers can thrive. By preparing properly and understanding what to expect, campers and parents can ensure a smooth transition to camp life, setting the stage for a summer filled with fun, friendship, and personal growth.

Camp Manitowa stands as a beacon of adventure, learning, and growth, nestled in the heart of Benton, Illinois. It offers a rich tapestry of activities, programs, and traditions designed to foster independence, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. From the tranquil shores of Rend Lake to the bustling energy of campfires and color wars, Camp Manitowa crafts an unforgettable summer experience that campers carry with them long after they’ve returned home.

The camp’s commitment to safety, personal development, and inclusivity is evident in every aspect of its operation, from the carefully selected and trained staff to the wide array of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of every camper. With a philosophy rooted in building community and encouraging exploration, Camp Manitowa creates a nurturing environment where children and teenagers can push their boundaries, discover new passions, and form lifelong friendships.