Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Plymouth, Wisconsin, Camp Anokijig offers a unique retreat within the expansive Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Established in 1926, this camp has flourished through the decades, fostering an environment that encourages adventure, camaraderie, and personal growth among its campers.

Operating under the enduring philosophy, “They serve,” Camp Anokijig is dedicated to creating lifelong memories and friendships in a welcoming, inclusive setting. This ethos permeates every aspect of camp life, aiming to instill values of teamwork, integrity, and respect in all attendees.

Camp Anokijig is a facility that welcomes boys and girls aged 7 through 16. It offers a diverse array of activities that cater to the interests and developmental stages of these age groups, ensuring a balanced experience that combines fun, learning, and personal development. Whether through waterfront activities, horseback riding, or arts and crafts, Camp Anokijig provides a safe, engaging backdrop for a summer filled with exploration and new experiences.

Programs Offered by Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig offers a variety of engaging programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of children aged 7 through 16. These programs are crafted to ensure a well-rounded experience, promoting skills development, personal growth, and fun.

Description of Programs

Camp Anokijig provides a diverse range of activities including:

Outdoor Adventures: These include hiking, canoeing, archery, and fishing, encouraging campers to connect with nature and learn valuable survival skills.
Arts and Crafts: Fostering creativity through projects in pottery, painting, and woodworking.
Water Sports: Activities like swimming, kayaking, and sailing are available, focusing on safety and skill-building in water environments.
Horseback Riding: Offering lessons and trail rides to develop equestrian skills and confidence.

Length of Sessions

The camp offers flexible session lengths to accommodate different family schedules and preferences:

One-week sessions are ideal for younger campers or first-timers looking to get a taste of the camp experience.
Two-week sessions provide a more immersive experience, allowing for deeper involvement in camp activities and community.
Full summer options are available for those who wish to enjoy the Camp Anokijig experience throughout the entire summer season.

Specialty Programs

Camp Anokijig also hosts specialty programs tailored to specific interests, such as:

Sports Camps: Focused sessions on sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis.
Adventure Camp: A more intense focus on outdoor skills including advanced hiking and wilderness survival.
Arts Camp: An intensive arts program that delves deeper into various creative mediums.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Anokijig is structured to provide a balance of activity, personal time, and community involvement:

Morning: After waking up and participating in a morning flag-raising ceremony, campers enjoy a hearty breakfast followed by a morning meeting to discuss the day’s schedule. The morning typically involves rotation through planned activity sessions.
Afternoon: Post lunch, campers continue with scheduled activities, which might include specialty program sessions or free time for individual interests.
Evening: Dinners at camp are communal times followed by evening activities such as campfires, talent shows, or night hikes.
Nighttime: The day concludes with a reflection or group bonding activity before lights out.

This structured yet flexible schedule ensures that every camper at Anokijig has the opportunity to explore new interests, develop skills, and make lasting friendships.

Accommodations in Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig provides comfortable and well-organized accommodations designed to create a safe and communal living experience for campers. The facilities are crafted to blend into the natural environment, ensuring that campers stay connected to nature while enjoying modern comforts.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Camp Anokijig primarily uses cabin-style housing, which is typical for traditional camps. These cabins are built to house multiple campers, typically ranging from 8 to 12 per cabin. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. Cabins are grouped by age and gender to ensure a comfortable and appropriate social environment for all campers.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Anokijig operates a communal dining hall where meals are served three times a day. The camp prides itself on providing nutritious, balanced meals that are hearty enough to fuel campers through their active days. Menus are varied throughout the session to cater to different tastes and ensure nutritional balance.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of inclusive dining options, Camp Anokijig is committed to accommodating special dietary needs. Whether campers have allergies, or dietary restrictions, or prefer vegetarian or vegan options, the camp’s kitchen staff is prepared to meet these needs. Families are encouraged to communicate any specific dietary requirements well in advance of the camper’s session start.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities at Camp Anokijig are communal and strategically located near camper cabins. These facilities are separated by gender and are designed to offer privacy and convenience. The camp maintains a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, with facilities cleaned multiple times daily.
Accessibility: In addition to standard facilities, Camp Anokijig is equipped with accessible bathroom and shower options to accommodate campers with disabilities.

Overall, the accommodations at Camp Anokijig are designed to ensure that campers can comfortably enjoy their time at camp, with all basic needs thoughtfully addressed. This setup not only supports the physical comfort of the campers but also fosters a community environment where friendships can flourish.

Activities in Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig is renowned for its wide array of activities that cater to diverse interests, ensuring that every camper finds something they love. The camp not only provides fun and entertainment but also focuses on skill development and personal growth.

List of Activities Offered

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular choices, taking advantage of the camp’s lakeside location.
Adventure Sports: Archery, horseback riding, and rock climbing offer thrilling challenges.
Nature Exploration: Hiking and nature walks are integral, utilizing the surrounding Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Arts and Crafts: These include pottery, tie-dye, woodworking, and various arts workshops to spark creativity.
Team Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball are available for team-oriented fun and competition.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Anokijig holds several special events and traditions that enhance the camping experience and build a sense of community among campers:

Color Wars: A camp-wide competition that splits campers into teams for various fun and competitive activities.
Campfire Nights: Regular campfires feature storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a classic camp atmosphere.
End-of-Session Banquet: A celebratory dinner that allows campers to reflect on their experiences and achievements.
Theme Days: These special days break the routine and allow campers to dress up and participate in themed activities, enhancing the fun and creative expression.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Anokijig emphasizes the development of various skills through structured activities and informal play, including:

Leadership Skills: Through participation in group activities and potential roles as team leaders in games and projects.
Social Skills: Interaction in a diverse group setting helps campers improve communication, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills.
Physical Skills: Various sports and adventure activities promote physical health and teach valuable motor skills.
Creative Skills: Arts and crafts sessions provide the tools and guidance necessary to explore and develop artistic talents.

The activities at Camp Anokijig are designed to ensure that campers enjoy an enriching experience that balances fun, learning, and personal development in a supportive and beautiful environment.

The staff of Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig prides itself on maintaining a dedicated, highly qualified staff to ensure a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all campers. The camp’s staff policies are designed to uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Anokijig adheres to a robust staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and supervision. Typically, the camp maintains a ratio of one staff member for every six to eight campers. This ratio helps to provide a safe and nurturing environment, allowing staff to effectively monitor and engage with all campers.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Camp Anokijig recruits staff members from a variety of sources, including college job fairs, education programs, and recommendations from current and former staff. Potential hires often have backgrounds in education, recreation, or related fields.
Screening: All potential staff undergo rigorous background checks, including criminal history and reference checks, to ensure the safety and integrity of the camp environment.
Qualifications: Staff members are typically required to have prior experience working with children, whether through previous camp roles, teaching, or childcare. Skills specific to the camp’s activities, such as sports, arts, or wilderness survival, are also highly valued.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Prior to the arrival of campers, all staff undergo extensive training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity leadership, and child psychology. This training ensures that staff are prepared to handle a wide range of situations and to support campers effectively.
Certifications: All staff members are required to have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Staff involved in specific activities such as swimming or rock climbing often hold additional certifications relevant to their roles, such as lifeguarding or wilderness first responder.

Continuous Education

Camp Anokijig encourages and often sponsors ongoing education and training for its staff. This might include workshops and courses during the off-season, aimed at improving educational techniques, leadership skills, and specific activity expertise.

The commitment to a well-trained and highly qualified staff ensures that Camp Anokijig not only meets but exceeds the expectations of safety and quality in the camping industry. This diligent approach to staffing fosters a positive, enriching camp experience that promotes growth and learning among campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and health for all campers and staff, ensuring that the camp environment is not only fun but also secure and well-prepared for any emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: Camp Anokijig conducts regular safety drills, including fire drills and emergency evacuation exercises, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures in case of an emergency.
Activity Safety: Specific protocols are in place for each activity offered at the camp, particularly for those that involve higher risk such as swimming, horseback riding, and climbing. Equipment is regularly inspected, and activities are always supervised by qualified staff.
Nighttime Security: The camp enforces a strict curfew and night watch protocol to ensure camper safety during nighttime hours. The campgrounds are patrolled by staff to monitor for any issues and to ensure that all campers are accounted for.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Anokijig has a dedicated health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and, at times, a visiting doctor. The center is equipped to handle minor injuries, and illnesses, and manage routine medications.
Availability: The health center is available 24/7, ensuring immediate access to medical care whenever needed. It is also stocked with essential over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, and emergency equipment.
Record Keeping: Accurate health records are maintained for each camper and staff member, and all health-related incidents are documented as per standard medical protocols.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines specific steps to be taken in various scenarios, including severe weather, health emergencies, or missing persons. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to align with best practices and local guidelines.
Communication: In the event of a significant emergency, the camp has protocols for communicating quickly and effectively with all camp personnel, campers, and parents. This includes using a variety of communication tools such as loudspeakers, mobile alerts, and direct communication by camp leaders.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: Camp Anokijig maintains strong relationships with local emergency services, including fire, police, and hospitals, to ensure a coordinated response to any incident. Staff are trained in how to interact and collaborate with these services during emergencies.

These comprehensive safety and health measures at Camp Anokijig ensure that the camp provides a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities and experiences with peace of mind, knowing that their well-being is a top priority.

Cost and Registration in Camp Anokijig

Camp Anokijig offers a range of sessions and programs, with costs designed to be inclusive and provide value to families. The camp also ensures that the registration process is straightforward, with several financial options available to accommodate different needs.

Cost of Attendance

Costs: The cost of attending Camp Anokijig varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program selected. Typical one-week sessions may range from $500 to $700, while two-week sessions or specialty programs can cost more. These fees generally include all lodging, meals, most activities, equipment use, and camp t-shirts.
What’s Included: The fees cover full accommodation in camp cabins, all meals at the camp dining hall, full participation in scheduled programs and activities, and basic health services at the on-site clinic. Additional costs may arise for optional activities, special excursions, or specific equipment related to specialty programs.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children via Camp Anokijig’s online registration platform, which allows for easy submission of all necessary information and documentation.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months in advance of the summer session, with early registration discounts available. Specific deadlines for each session are clearly stated online.
Required Information: During registration, parents need to provide camper health information, emergency contacts, and consent forms, among other essential details.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Camp Anokijig offers flexible payment plans allowing families to spread the cost of camp over multiple months, making it more manageable.
Refunds and Cancellation: The camp provides a structured refund policy, which typically includes full refunds up to a certain date, with partial refunds or credit for future camp sessions available as the camp start date approaches. Fees are generally non-refundable very close to the session start date unless cancellation is due to medical reasons.
Cancellation Insurance: Optional cancellation insurance might be offered to cover unexpected changes in plans due to illness or other extenuating circumstances.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Anokijig offers scholarships and financial aid to families who demonstrate need. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of the camp fees.
Application for Aid: Families seeking financial assistance must fill out a scholarship application, providing documentation of financial need. The camp tries to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any child from experiencing Camp Anokijig.
Community Support: Fundraising events and donations often support the scholarship fund, bolstering the camp’s ability to offer more financial aid.

Camp Anokijig is committed to making its enriching camp experience accessible to as many children as possible through reasonable costs, comprehensive financial support options, and an easy-to-navigate registration process.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Anokijig

Proper preparation is essential for ensuring that both campers and their parents have a smooth and enjoyable camp experience. Camp Anokijig provides detailed guidance on packing, rules, and policies, along with tips to help first-time campers and parents.

Packing List

To make sure campers are well-prepared for their stay, Camp Anokijig recommends packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session duration, including layers for cooler evenings. Include rain gear, swimwear, and sturdy footwear.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Equipment: Flashlight, water bottle, and any specific gear related to specialty activities (though most equipment is provided by the camp).
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and small personal items for downtime.

Note: Label all belongings with the camper’s name to avoid loss.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and immersion in the camp experience, personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are typically discouraged or not allowed. If devices are brought, they may be collected and stored safely by camp staff for the duration of the stay.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only during designated visiting days to minimize disruptions to the camp program and to help campers develop independence.
Behavior Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is expected at all times. Campers are also expected to participate in activities and adhere to the daily schedule.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like well before departure, focusing on the exciting opportunities and new friends to be made. This can help alleviate any anxiety.
Communication: Write letters to your camper ahead of time for them to read during their stay. Also, send self-addressed, stamped envelopes with your camper for easy reply.
Pack Together: Involve your child in the packing process to give them a sense of control and responsibility.
Goodbyes: Keep goodbyes brief and positive to reinforce that camp is a safe and fun place to be.

For first-time camp parents:

Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the camp’s communication protocol for updates about camp activities or in case of emergencies.
Trust the Process: Remember that feeling homesick is normal. Trust the camp staff to handle it sensitively and effectively.

By following these guidelines, first-time campers and their parents can feel more prepared and excited about the upcoming adventure at Camp Anokijig.

Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wisconsin, stands out as a beacon of adventure, learning, and personal growth for children aged 7 through 16. With its rich history dating back to 1926 and a steadfast commitment to its mission of “We serve,” the camp has consistently provided a nurturing and enriching environment where young people can explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships.

Offering a wide range of activities from water sports to creative arts, and backed by a dedicated staff who ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere, Camp Anokijig promises a summer experience filled with fun, adventure, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. The camp’s accommodations, safety protocols, and comprehensive program offerings are designed to meet the needs of every camper, fostering independence and confidence.