“Mountain Camp has been with us all Fall and Winter in song, story, memory and most especially in anticipation of next summer. Thank you for this terrific camp!”
The Allen/Kessler Family
OUTDOORSRopes |
LODGEArts & Crafts |
WATERFRONTDock Activities |
OTHEROvernights |
* Additional activities may include: creative writing, photography, cooking, self-defense, music, and more. |
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Ropes Course:
One of the most popular areas of camp is our Challenge Ropes Course. With over 30 different high and low elements, the Ropes Course offers something for everyone. Campers wear safety harnesses, climbing helmets and are connected to belay cables capable of supporting several tons, so although there is the perception of great risk, the Ropes Course is extremely safe.
Highly trained facilitators guide participants each step of the way and the
program is based on a system of “Challenge by Choice”. For many
campers the Ropes Course is truly a life changing activity.
Archery:
Trained counselors instruct campers in range safety, proper techniques and scoring. Bows and arrows of all weights and sizes are available for every sized camper and skill level.
Slingshots:
One of the newer additions to Mountain Camp, our Slingshot Course is already a camper favorite. Counselors guide campers through multiple stations and a wide range of targets and each week instructors hold tournaments and skills competitions.
Outdoor Living Skills:
Being located in the El Dorado National Forest, we feel that it is important to teach campers about wilderness living. OLS covers everything from fire making to compass navigation and wilderness survival. Kids are given the chance to cook food using simple ingredients and of course allowed to eat it, a big draw to the activity.
Outdoor Games:
With a full sized basketball court, sand volleyball court and sports field we are able to offer almost any sport that campers can think of and even a few we invented ourselves. If they can dream it – we can play it.
Science and Discovery:
Science and Discovery allows campers to play, have fun and learn basic science at the same time. Campers create mysterious Ooblek, play with GAK and giant bubbles and the home made camp-style ice cream is everyone’s favorite.
Dance & Stage:
This class allows our campers to write and rehearse skits, songs or dances and perform them on our Campfire Stage. Campers are encouraged to create their own acts or they can choose a camp classic to reenact. Counselors help direct but this is the campers time to shine and be the stars.
Yoga:
Our basic yoga and power stretching class is a great way for campers to relax and re-energize themselves. Classes are held outdoors under the towering pines and are appropriate for all ages and skill levels.
Mountain Scooters:
New in 2004, Mountain Scooters is quickly becoming one of our most popular activities. Imagine combining a mountain bike with a Razor style scooter - they are easy to ride and tons of fun on our mountain trails.
Arts and Crafts:
Few activities are more popular than Arts and Crafts and we make sure that we offer something for everybody. Nestled under huge pine trees, our Arts and Crafts patio is one of the most peaceful areas of camp and the ideal place to enjoy the wide range of creative challenges we offer – lanyards, tie dye, candle making, jewelry, and fimo are just a few of the projects campers are able to try.
Mountain Biking:
Perhaps the best way to explore and enjoy the thousands of acres of National Forest that surround our site is with our Mountain Biking program. Miles and miles of single track and fire roads await the campers and we provide all the top of the line equipment that is needed. Our biking specialists select the proper sized bike and helmet for each participant and teach techniques and safety procedures before setting out. Beginning to advanced rides are available to accommodate every skill level.
Sports and Games:
With a full sized basketball court, sand volleyball court and sports field we are able to offer almost any sport that campers can think of and even a few we invented ourselves. If they can dream it – we can play it.
Newspaper:
Newspaper is the perfect activity for a budding journalist, curious reporter or creative writer. Titled The Daily Dirt, the camp newspaper is typically more hilarious than informative and is posted daily in the center of camp.
Gymnastics:
Tumbling mats, springboards, balance beam and uneven bars are all available in our Gymnastics program. Counselors instruct classes for all skill levels from the most advanced to first timers.
Video:
In Video class, campers write, direct and produce their very own short film or music video. Some campers prefer to act and others want to direct or run the camera but everyone will participate and be proud of the final product. They will even get a copy of their creation to take home and share with family and friends.
Guitar:
Watching our counselors play guitar each night at campfire always inspires campers to want to play themselves. Our Guitar class provides instruction and equipment for all levels of ability. Many of the counselors who play guitar at our campfires actually learned to play when they were campers.
Fort Building:
Fort Building is the perfect activity for the campers who love to create and construct. The instructors provide the building materials and helpful hints and the rest is up to the campers. Campers work on their forts throughout the week and the program culminates with a giant, just for fun, water balloon battle.
Fencing:
Safety comes first as campers are given the chance to compete against each other in duels and other fencing games. Fencing activities include 2 on 1 duels, Three Musketeers, and King of the Hill. Campers wear proper protection including professional mask, body suit, glove and rubber tipped sword.
Disc Golf:
Our new 9 hole course features professional disc baskets and
discs. The National Forest provides plenty of beautiful but challenging
terrain.
Self Defense/Karate:
Safety is our top priority as our highly trained
instructors teach the basics of martial arts and self defense with a focus
on technique, style and thinking.
Dock Activities:
Dock Activities is our all-inclusive waterfront activity. It allows campers to explore our waterfront and try a little of everything. Some of the more popular activities include: snorkeling, paddle boards, playing on the dock, jumping on the water trampoline, playing beach games like Frisbee and smash-ball or just swimming around in our swimming area.
Sailing:
Sailing is one of the most popular waterfront activities. Trained instructors teach campers how to sail or even just take them out for a sail (if campers don't wish to learn how themselves). Campers learn quickly and start going out on their own on one of our lasers (small 3 person boat) or take a Hobie-cat out with a few friends (big 5-7 person boat). Icehouse Lake offers a great area to learn how to sail with light winds perfect for the beginner early in the day and stronger winds in the afternoon for the more advanced.
Windsurfing:
With light winds and very little powerboat traffic, Ice House Lake is an ideal location to learn windsurfing. Our lifeguards teach the basics to the beginners and advanced technique to the campers with more experience and we have the proper equipment for every sized camper.
Kayaking and Canoeing:
There is no better way to explore the miles of shoreline of Ice House Lake than in a kayak or canoe. Instructors lead excursions all around our beautiful lake while teaching campers proper paddling techniques and boating safety. After a little practice, it is up to the campers to decide where they want to go!
Fishing:
Ice House Lake is the perfect place for campers to enjoy fishing. We provide the rods, reels, tackle and bait and campers provide the patience, skill and luck. Our lake is stocked annually with rainbow and brown trout but landing a fish can still be a big challenge. For those campers who are lucky enough to catch a fish, our kitchen is happy to clean it and cook it up for dinner.
Water Trampoline:
Our Water Trampoline is a popular spot for campers who simply want to jump and have fun! It’s only a short swim away from our beach, and a lifeguard is always located on the Trampoline.
Beach Games:
For campers who enjoy the sand, Beach Games are always great. Beach Games include everything from throwing the Frisbee, to building a sand castle. Staff members are always stationed on the beach to facilitate various games for campers.
Wakeboarding and Water Skiing:
New this year, Wakeboarding and Water Skiing
are sure to be two of our most popular activities at the waterfront. Our
instructors have equipment for all for all sizes and skill levels and Ice
House Lake is an ideal location with plenty of calm open water.
Tubing:
Also new this year, Tubing may be most fun way yet to explore our
beautiful lake. No skill or experience is necessary - just hang on and have
fun!
Row Boats:
A great way to enjoy the lake with few friends. Get out to the
best fishing spots or just enjoy playing around on our beautiful lake.
Overnights (two week sessions only):
With the guidance of an experienced Outings Coordinator, cabin groups hike or kayak to a local campsite. They build a fire, have s'mores, tell stories and sleep out under the stars. We wake up in the morning, pack-up the campsite, and are back in camp before breakfast.
Out of Camp Day (2 week sessions only):
With over ten different trip choices, campers get to choose what they want to do for the day. Trips include: Sailing, Creek Hike, Bike trip, Kayaking trip, Arts & Crafts Hike, Music Hike and many others.
Picnic Days (2 week sessions only):
Cabins are allowed to take a trip together out of camp to relax after the first week of exciting activities. Most of the time cabins choose to stay around the lake and swim and have a great time. Picnic day lasts half the day and campers pack a bag lunch and are home in time for afternoon activities and dinner.
Campfires:
Each day concludes with an evening program that ends with songs, skits and stories around the campfire. Every night has a different theme – Lets Make A Deal, Clue Night, Talent Show Night, You Asked For It, Beach Carnival and the Dance are just a few examples. After the activities have finished, the whole camp gathers around the campfire to sing songs, act out skits and tell stories. Many campers tell us that their most special memories of camp are made around the campfire and we think it is the perfect way to conclude the day.
Free Choice Days:
Each session we offer various Free Choice Days where
campers can choose to do whatever activities they wish. Special 3 hour
classes are also offered on these days allowing for longer trips or more
involved projects.
Mountain Camp Radio:
New to camp in 2006, Mountain Camp Radio allows campers to create and perform their own radio program. Campers have their choice of format including music or talk radio. It is common to learn about daily horoscopes, celebrity gossip, and listen to Top 40 songs on Mountain Camp’s very own station. The station is broadcast on radios located outside of the studio in order for other campers to hear.