Activity Descriptions

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Archery

a popular target sport for campers who can track their progress by building bow and arrow skills to work through the archery ranks from Yeoman to Illahee Archer.

archery at summer camp for girls

Arts and Crafts

the Busy Bee is the place for campers of all ages to enjoy hands-on studio arts projects such as jewelry making, basket weaving, book and paper making, and lanyard braiding.

basket making at summer camp for girls

Basketball

this action packed sport in the Rec Lodge involves a mixture of drills, fun games, and scrimmages designed to help campers improve their courtside skills.

campers posing with basketball at summer camp for girls

Wilskills *campcraft reimagined for 2022*

For the campcraft gal seeking fun and practical wilderness skills such as orienteering, fire-building, outdoor cooking, and camping skills. This will have adventurous participants ready to spend more time in the great outdoors.

summer camp girls hiking in the Pisgah National Forest

Campfire 101 (Sparks)

required for Sparks (campers entering 10th grade only). This activity offers time for Sparks to hang out together and develop their leadership skills, work on final night, and enjoy time with camp directors and each other.

summer camp girl building campfire at Camp Illahee

Canoeing

campers enjoy the canoe lake and learn basic canoeing strokes and boat handling skills through instruction and games. When ready, campers may have the opportunity to try out their skills on the nearby French Broad River or show off their skills as stars in Canoe Formation during the last days of camp.

Ceramics

a hands-on favorite, campers enjoy playing in clay and learning techniques to increase their skills in hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing. Unloading projects from the kiln is a highlight at the end of the session.

camper throws clay pot on wheel at Camp Illahee summer camp for girls

Cooking

spicing it up in 2022, cooking is back! Campers will focus on dips, desserts, and creative snacks while learning basic baking and knife skills needed to be a future chef.

great cooks are born at camp illahee summer camp in the north carolina mountains

Dance

McLeod lodge offers studio space for campers to learn dance steps, groovy moves, and routines building up to a great final performance at the end of the session.

group dances are lotads of fun at summer camp for girls

Diving

the diving dock is a great setting for a cannonball plunge and learning how to dive and flip when ready. A diving exhibition during the swim show lets girls show off their skills. For Illahee swimming level 5 or above. Illahee Swimming Level 5 or above.

diving in cool mountain spring water at summer camp

Drama (Behind the Scenes)

based in the costume room, this activity focuses on stage make-up, set design, and casting techniques to explore the world of theater from behind the curtain.

girls help with lighting and stage managament at summer camp

Drama (Production)

campers work on acting techniques while interpreting roles in camp’s musical theater production. A live performance is a camp highlight during the last week of camp.

Faith and Fellowship

explores Christian teachings and God’s love in our daily lives; each summer offers a focus built around a specific book in the Bible. This activity offers time to share with peers and a mentor counselor in a relaxed small group setting.

faith and fellowship

Fiber Arts

campers explore fiber arts through lap looms, inkle looms, and floor looms as well as other weaving projects such as elaborate friendship bracelets, crocheting, and toe weaving.

summer weaving fun at camp illahee for girls

Field Hockey and Lacrosse

this team sport activity includes time for basic instruction in both field hockey and lacrosse, building stick sport skills through drills and games. for entering sixth graders and up.

girls enjoy field hockey instruction at summer camp

Fitness for Fun

fun and playful games to develop strength, cardio-vascular fitness, and improve coordination are the focus of this activity.Recommended for campers through 6th grade.

camp illahee girls learn fitness for fun at Illahee

Fitness for Life/Aerobics

develops strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and improved coordination through strenuous aerobic activities including step aerobics and the Illahee circuit. Recommended for campers in the 7th grade and above.

rewarding summer job teaching aerobics at camp illahee for girls

Gymnastics

campers move at their own pace developing strength and flexibility through stretching, tumbling skills, and work on the balance beam. An end of camp gymnastics exhibition allows campers to have time in the spotlight.

summer job teaching gymnastics at camp illahee camp for girls

Games! Games! Games!

*New in 2022* for all ages. What is summertime without a variety of “neighborhood” field games? Gather for Spud, Kick-the-Can, Spike-ball, 4-Square, Cross-Net, Cornhole, Sardines, Ultimate Frisbee and time to play non competitive sports for fun!

Glee Club

*New in 2022* for all ages. Sing, sing, sing! An acapella gathering to learn harmony and songs to perform. Help lead songs at campfire, worship or at camp wide events! A focus on bringing back old favorite camp songs along with popular music will make this a time for “joyful noise”!

Nature

hands-on exploration of the natural world around camp. Small animals, hikes, nature crafts, and field trips are all part of the nature program. Plant identification, stream exploration, turtle tracking, and critter hunts are highlights. The nature activity is home base for chickens, goats, rabbits, snakes, turtles, and other animals that girls can get to know during the activity.

nature summer jobs at camp illahee for girls

Painting

the “Ladybug” studio is the spot for drawing and painting with watercolors and acrylics. Campers learn various techniques and enjoy sketching their favorite camp scenes such as McLeod lodge, the Beanstalk, the lilies, the bell or swim lake and then fill in with color.

watercolor painting at camp illahee for girls summer camp

Puppetry

*available in all sessions for 2022* we can all say “Pup Pup Puppetry!” to cheer for this activity where campers develop their own storyline and work together to create a script and cast of characters. Creating the puppets, props, and developing the characters leads up to the end-of-session puppet show.

making puppets at summer camp for girls at illahee

 

Riding

Camp riders enjoy hunt seat instruction in three mounted lessons per week. Any camper may take riding; helmets are provided, but each camper must wear her own pants and, if the camper has boots please bring them. Rain boots and hiking boots with lug soles are neither safe nor appropriate. Some riding boots are available at camp. For additional ground lessons, see “Horsing Around”. Please estimate your daughter’s riding level on the activity form. She will be assigned to lessons accordingly after classification at camp.

riding horses at illahee summer camp  for girls

 

Horse Management

a great class for any level rider interested in building skills and working through the Illahee riding levels. During these unmounted lessons campers learn all things in horse care: nutrition, grooming and maintenance, health care, and handling. This is a great activity for girls who love time at the barn and want to build responsibility and independence. A camper may sign up for both Horse Management and Riding.

 

Vaulting

a form of gymnastics on horseback; campers learn balance, grace, and teamwork as they perform gymnastic moves first on a stationary barrel mount and later at a walk and trot on horseback. Breeches and/or leggings are the most comfortable attire but are not necessary. Boots are not needed. A camper may sign up for both vaulting and horseback riding.

horse riding balance for summer camps at illahee

Pickleball

*New in 2022* for all ages. Join those who want a little more time on the tennis courts and learn to love a game that combines ping pong, badminton, and tennis. Whether a low key rally OR highly competitive match is your style, it is guaranteed fun!

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Riflery

an Illahee favorite, riflery emphasizes gun safety as girls improve their target skills on 0.177 caliber BB and air rifles to work through Illahee’s levels from the marksman to expert rankings, including prone, seated, and standing shooting positions.

summer camp with rifles at illahee for girls

Running Club

for girls who want to stay in shape for sports or to learn about running as a lifelong sport for fun and fitness. The program is tailored for both beginner and experienced runners who want to enjoy Illahee’s trails. Appropriate footwear needed.

summer camp running club at illahee for girls

Sew Unique

create your own unique projects while learning a variety of useful stitches and embroidery techniques, as well as assembling projects on a sewing machine.

sewing crafts for girls at illahee summer camp

Soccer

a popular teamsport with campers who enjoy scrimmages and drills to help them improve their game. Bring soccer cleats if you have them.

summer camp soccer at illahee for girls

Swimming

Campers are required to participate in instructional swimming unless they have passed Illahee level 6. The Illahee waterfront is an important area of camp and we emphasize the necessity of campers to be strong swimmers to develop this important life skill. Please send a copy of certification to camp if Level 6 is completed at another facility. (The YMCA equivalent to Level 6 is Flying Fish.) If you are not sure of your daughter’s level, an estimate is fine. All new and returning campers will take part in a swim classification on opening day or within the first two days of classes to confirm their skill level and to be placed appropriately. Occasionally campers who have taken swimming at another facility to pass out will still need to complete through Level 6 at Illahee in order to be water safe on the lake. Note that a one-piece bathing suit is required on the waterfront.

summer swimming camp for girls at illahee

Splash

For those campers who love the Illahee waterfront! Splash is a period of free swim and water games with a chance to enjoy the water slide, Tarzan rope, diving dock. Wearing a lifejacket during Splash may be required of some level 3 and 4 swimmers to prevent fatigue. A one-piece bathing suit is required on the waterfront.

Synchronized Swimming

A traditional camp favorite; campers learn water ballet and a swim routine which is the highlight of the camp swim show. Campers must have passed the Level 5 or equivalent.

advanced swimming camp at illahee for girls

Team Sports

for the camper who wants to learn a little about a lot, this activity offers a variety of competitive sports such as flag football, softball, volleyball, and kickball.

sports team camp at illahee for girls summer

Tennis

the Illahee courts are central in camp and are a place to develop tennis skills and confidence through individual instruction, drills, and fun games. This activity is tailored for all level players from beginners to the tournament participant. Camper/counselor tournaments are a highlight in the June and July sessions and the courts are always active during the afternoon choice period.

summer tennis for girls at illahee camp

Climbing

*New in 2022* Campers will learn the ropes in knot-tying skills, belaying and climbing,and will participate in fun challenges on Illahee’s climbing wall and Beanstalk tower. Climbing trips out of camp will be offered for campers to sign up during the summer and will be based on skills and readiness!

climbing for girls at summer camp illahee

Kayaking

*New in 2022* for all campers swim level 5 and above. Campers learn and progress in kayaking skills on our lake starting with the wet exit and building to a roll, with paddling practice, rescue techniques and games in between! Note: This activity is for two periods and requires a swim level of 5 or above. Illahee Swimming Levels.

summer job kayaking for girls at camp illahee

Trips Out of Camp

*New in 2022* for all ages. (sign-ups will occur during the camp session) Campers will have the opportunity to sign up for various trips offered through their session. Girls can explore Western North Carolina and take their kayaking, climbing, or hiking skills on a new adventure out of camp. Trips will include favorites such as hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway’s spectacular trails, rock climbing in Pisgah National Forest, and kayaking down the French Broad River. Trips of various levels will be offered, some by invitation based upon skill level. Tubing trips, stream explorations and adventures to Sliding Rock will be offered throughout the session for cabin groups and nature classes.

summer job kayaking for girls at camp illahee

Woodworking

campers design and build projects such as birdhouses, jewelry boxes, and wooden baskets as they learn basic woodworking skills; for entering 6th graders and up .

wood fun at camp for girls illahee

Yoga

this lower impact fitness class offers a chance for campers to experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga through building on foundational techniques. Campers will participate in a gentle and intermediate flow sequence, while receiving instruction on how to improve their form and focus.

To download a pdf file of the swimming levels for evaluation, please click here.