It is a TRADITION at Camp Illahee to offer something NEW. Each year we evaluate the needs and interests of campers. Recent seasons have seen the addition of a Trips Hiking program along with Faith and Fellowship for 8th graders and up. The Hannah Ford Farm activity at Illahee’s nearby 65 acre outpost on the French Broad has been a popular new activity for all age campers. Girls enjoy gardening, fishing, making craft projects and playing large games of tag out on the property. The farm is the site for our favorite evening program- Capture the Flag– as well as the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration.
This summer we introduce Running Club. We’ve gathered training suggestions from former staff members, running coaches and from the Smart Girls program to tailor this activity to campers of all ages. Some girls may be training for their own school cross country team and others may be trying out the sport for their first time. We look forward to helping everyone have fun, be challenged and enjoy exploring the trails near camp.
A few other changes this year include the opportunity for 2nd year Trips Training campers to choose climbing and/or kayaking so that they can specialize in the area they most enjoy. Our 10th grade campers, the Sparks, are going to enjoy their own activity- Campfire 101– three days a week in order to have some time together with their leader for tubing, campfire building and leadership activities.
At Illahee campers are signing up for activities NOW through an online form! This allows us to insure that campers are able to get their favorite activities each session. We add instructors and offerings as needed so that no one is closed out of an activity. With the arrival of spring, we are excited to see their choices so that we can continue to prepare for the BEST SUMMER EVER!