Located in the serene Northwoods of Wisconsin, nestled near the picturesque shores of Tomahawk Lake, Clearwater Camp stands as a beacon of adventure and growth for young minds. Founded in 1933, this historic camp in Minocqua, Wisconsin, has been dedicated to fostering independence, confidence, and community among its campers through a rich tradition of wholesome outdoor activities.

Clearwater Camp operates with a deep-seated philosophy that centers on empowering young individuals. The camp’s mission is to cultivate a supportive environment where girls can develop their strengths, explore their passions, and form lasting friendships amidst the natural beauty of the Northwoods region.

Designed specifically for girls, Clearwater Camp welcomes campers from various age groups, offering a range of programs that cater to different stages of development and interests. Each session is crafted to not only teach valuable skills but also to instill a sense of responsibility, cooperation, and respect for the natural world.

At Clearwater Camp, every summer is an opportunity for growth, laughter, and the making of memories that will last a lifetime. Whether canoeing under the clear blue skies, hiking through lush forest trails, or simply sharing stories by the campfire, campers leave with a profound connection to nature and a strengthened sense of self.

Programs Offered by Clearwater Camp

Clearwater Camp provides a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the varied interests and developmental stages of its campers. Here’s an overview of what the camp offers:

General Camp Programs

Session Lengths: Clearwater Camp offers flexible session options to accommodate the needs of different families and schedules. These include one-week introductory sessions for younger or first-time campers, two-week sessions for those looking to dive deeper into the camp experience, and full summer options for a comprehensive, immersive adventure.

Specialty Programs

Arts: Campers can explore their creativity through activities like painting, pottery, and crafts. These sessions are designed to inspire creativity and self-expression.
Sports: The camp offers a variety of sports programs including swimming, canoeing, archery, and team sports. These activities focus on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Nature and Science: Emphasizing environmental education, these programs allow campers to engage in wildlife studies, botanical hikes, and science experiments, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Clearwater Camp is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, personal time, and community interactions. Here’s what a typical day might look like:

Morning:
- Wake up and morning dip in the lake
- Breakfast followed by cabin cleanup
- Morning activities (campers participate in pre-selected or rotational activities)
Afternoon:
- Lunch and rest hour
- Afternoon activities (focus on specialty programs or free choice)
- Free swim or general playtime
Evening:
- Dinner
- Evening program (varies daily, could be a campfire, talent show, or group games)
- Cabin time and lights out

Each day is thoughtfully planned to ensure that campers enjoy a mix of physical activity, creative outlets, and downtime, all while fostering friendships and community spirit.

Accommodations in Clearwater Camp

Clearwater Camp prides itself on providing comfortable and inviting accommodations that enhance the camping experience while fostering a sense of community and independence among campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Campers stay in cozy, rustic cabins that are designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses a small group of campers and is supervised by trained counselors, ensuring safety and a supportive environment. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings, providing a comfortable and communal living space.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Clearwater Camp offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes three well-balanced meals per day, served in the communal dining hall. The meals are designed to be nutritious and appealing to young campers, providing the energy needed for active days.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all campers, Clearwater Camp is committed to accommodating special dietary needs. Whether it’s allergies, vegetarian options, or gluten-free requirements, the camp kitchen staff is prepared to make the necessary adjustments to ensure every camper enjoys healthy and delicious meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: The camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities strategically located near the cabins. These facilities are maintained with high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Separate shower areas provide privacy and convenience, ensuring campers can comfortably manage their personal hygiene throughout their stay.

Overall, the accommodations at Clearwater Camp are designed to ensure that every camper feels safe, comfortable, and part of a close-knit community, making their summer experience both enjoyable and memorable.

Activities in Clearwater Camp

Clearwater Camp offers a wide range of activities designed to engage, challenge, and entertain campers throughout their stay. These activities not only promote fun and excitement but also encourage skill development and personal growth.

List of Activities Offered

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on the clear waters of Tomahawk Lake.
Land Sports: Archery, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, nature walks, and overnight camping trips exploring the scenic beauty of the Northwoods.
Creative Arts: Crafts, pottery, painting, and drama workshops to spark creativity and self-expression.
Environmental Education: Programs that include nature studies, environmental stewardship projects, and wildlife exploration.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Symbolic events that mark the beginning and end of the camp season, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Campfire Nights: Regular evenings spent around the campfire, featuring storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, which help build camaraderie and create lasting memories.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days and includes a variety of physical and creative challenges, promoting teamwork and camp spirit.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to take on leadership roles, guiding younger campers and helping to organize camp activities.
Specialty Skills: Workshops and clinics in specific areas like advanced swimming techniques, wilderness survival skills, or advanced arts and crafts.
Personal Growth: Activities are designed to challenge campers and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, fostering resilience, confidence, and independence.

Clearwater Camp’s robust program ensures that every camper has the opportunity to explore new interests, develop skills, and make friendships that enrich their camp experience and personal growth.

The staff of Clearwater Camp

Clearwater Camp is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for all campers. The staff plays a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of the camp experience, from daily activities to ensuring safety and well-being.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Ratio: Clearwater Camp maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio, typically around 1:4, to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and care. This ratio helps in fostering a supportive and attentive environment, where staff can effectively oversee and engage with each camper.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: The hiring process at Clearwater Camp is rigorous and includes thorough background checks, interviews, and reference checks. The camp seeks individuals who are not only skilled in various recreational areas but also have a genuine passion for working with children and youth.
Staff Qualifications: Staff members often have backgrounds in education, child psychology, sports, arts, and other related fields. Many are also former campers who return with a deep understanding of the camp’s culture and values.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: All staff members undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and activity leadership.
Certifications: Staff responsible for specific activities such as swimming, boating, and climbing are required to hold relevant certifications. Additionally, a significant number of the staff are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid to handle any medical emergencies or health-related issues that may arise.

This commitment to a well-trained and highly qualified staff ensures that Clearwater Camp can offer a safe, enjoyable, and enriching camping experience, allowing campers to thrive in a supportive community setting.

Safety and Health in Clearwater Camp

Clearwater Camp prioritizes the safety and health of all campers and staff, ensuring a secure environment where parents can feel confident about their children’s well-being. Here’s how the camp addresses these crucial aspects:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Training: All staff undergo regular safety drills and training sessions, including emergency preparedness, to ensure they are well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise.
Activity Safety: Each activity at the camp is supervised by staff members who are specifically trained and certified in that activity. Safety gear and protocols are strictly enforced, particularly for activities like boating, swimming, and climbing.
Facility Safety: The camp’s facilities are regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards. This includes living accommodations, activity areas, and common spaces.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Clearwater Camp has a dedicated health center staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is prepared to stabilize more serious conditions until further medical treatment can be accessed.
Medication Management: The health staff at the camp also manages and administers medications for campers as needed, ensuring that those with specific health needs are appropriately cared for.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Clearwater Camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that addresses potential scenarios such as severe weather, health emergencies, or accidents. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication Protocol: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear communication protocol to inform all staff and, when necessary, communicate with parents and external emergency services.
Training and Drills: Campers and staff participate in safety drills, including fire and evacuation drills, at the beginning of the camp session to ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.

These measures are part of Clearwater Camp’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy camping experience, ensuring that the focus remains on fun, learning, and personal growth in a secure environment.

Cost and Registration in Clearwater Camp

Clearwater Camp strives to make its unique and enriching summer experience accessible while ensuring the highest quality of care and activities. Here’s what you need to know about the costs, registration, and financial options:

Cost of Attendance: The camp fee for a full 4-week session at Clearwater Camp is typically around $7,500-$8,000. This cost generally includes:

Lodging and meals
All regular camp activities and instruction
Basic health care at the camp infirmary
Camp t-shirt and photo

Additional costs may apply for specialized trips, horseback riding, or other optional activities.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children through an online portal. This portal provides a step-by-step guide to filling out necessary forms and selecting session dates and preferred activities.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months before the start of the summer season. Early registration is encouraged as some sessions fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Clearwater Camp offers flexible payment plans to help families manage the cost of attendance. Options include installment payments spread over several months leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellation: The camp provides a structured refund policy, which includes full or partial refunds depending on when the cancellation occurs. A more generous refund is available before a specified cut-off date, with decreasing amounts as the camp date approaches.
Insurance Option: Parents are also encouraged to consider camp insurance that covers cancellations due to unexpected circumstances such as illness or injury.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Clearwater Camp offers scholarships based on financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of attendance and are awarded after a review of the family’s financial situation.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available in the form of reduced rates for families sending multiple children or for early registration. The camp actively seeks to ensure that no child is turned away due to financial constraints.

Clearwater Camp’s comprehensive approach to cost, registration, and financial support ensures that as many children as possible have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from their summer programs.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Clearwater Camp

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. Clearwater Camp provides detailed guidelines and tips to ensure that everyone is ready for a summer of adventure and fun. Here’s what you need to know:

Packing List

Clothing: Pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, swimwear, and a jacket. Don’t forget a raincoat and sturdy footwear for hiking and outdoor activities.
Bedding: Include a sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (depending on the camp’s requirements), and a pillow.
Toiletries: Bring all necessary toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sunscreen. Insect repellent is also a must.
Equipment: Depending on the activities chosen, you might need to pack specific gear like a water bottle, flashlight, and any sports equipment like tennis rackets or archery gear.
Personal Items: Books, journals, or small games are encouraged for downtime, but space is limited so pack wisely.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Clearwater Camp has a no-electronics policy to ensure campers fully engage with their environment and peers. This includes smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. Emergency contact will be through the camp office.
Visitation: Parents are usually welcome to visit during designated visiting days, which are communicated ahead of time. Outside of these days, visits can be disruptive and are generally discouraged.
Behavioral Expectations: The camp enforces rules regarding respect, cooperation, and participation. Bullying or exclusionary behavior is not tolerated, and there are protocols in place for handling any issues that arise.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Embrace the experience. Try new activities, make new friends, and be open to learning new skills.
- Remember that homesickness is normal. It usually passes as you get more involved in camp life.
For Parents:
- Prepare your child by discussing what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and opportunities to make new friends.
- Write letters or send care packages to provide comfort and connection from home.
- Trust the process. Camp staff are experienced in helping children adjust and thrive in the camp environment.

Clearwater Camp is dedicated to ensuring that both campers and parents are well-prepared for the camp experience, making every summer a memorable and growth-filled season.

Clearwater Camp in Minocqua, Wisconsin, offers a unique blend of adventure, creativity, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Northwoods. With a strong commitment to fostering independence and building character, the camp provides a safe, nurturing environment where girls can explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lifelong friendships. The extensive range of activities, from water sports and arts to environmental education and leadership training, ensures that every camper finds something to spark their passion.

The dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and robust support systems ensure that every aspect of the camp experience is focused on providing a positive, enriching summer adventure. Flexible session lengths, financial aid opportunities, and thorough preparation guides further demonstrate Clearwater Camp’s dedication to accessibility and community engagement.