Since 1952, Camp Tanuga has provided quality overnight camping experiences for campers. Whether it's a one night trip for our youngest campers at a campsite on our property or the CIT's hiking the trails of Isle Royale National Park, these trips expose campers to new challenges and opportunities.
We believe we have created a program suited for today's Tanuga camper while continuing our commitment to the overnight camping experience. Campers ages 8-12 attending the partial or full session (4.5 & 6.5 weeks) will have the opportunity to participate in an overnight camping trip.
While much excitement is created about these overnight trips, campers do have the choice to "opt out". Once campers reach the ages of 13-15, the trips will be more extensive, with destinations further away from camp.
The progression begins with state park wilderness destinations that include short hiking excursions, followed by sports trips, canoeing and state campsites that include longer hiking excursions. Our oldest campers of 8th and 9th graders continue the tradition of hiking trips to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.
All overnights will include some scheduled "trip prep" in camp prior to the actual trip. This goes a long way in lessening the anxiety that often is the case with less experienced and first time campers.
Preparation is the key ingredient to a successful overnight experience. The longer the trip, the more time is spent on preparation. During "trip prep" campers and their staff will become acquainted with many aspects of a trip before they actually head out. Prep hikes, wilderness etiquette, setting up tents, packing for a trip, and practicing cooking outdoors all happen in the comfort of Tanuga prior to sleeping out away from camp. Discussions of what each day will include, the fun that will be had and what meals will be cooked all go into the prep process, making the experience more comfortable for your camper!
The benefits of these overnight trips are lifelong!
Campers learn independence, group decision making, and self reliance. With support from our qualified staff, these overnight camping experiences provide foundation blocks for growth & maturity into adulthood. The goal of our tripping program is to expose younger campers to brief positive experiences. As campers become older, they are more confident to embark on more challenging trips that are further away from camp and longer in duration.
It is on these overnights that the closest of friendships are made, cabin unity is formed, and self confidence is gained. Adversity, challenges, "healthy struggle" and accomplishments that occur provide memories that will last a lifetime. It has become commonplace amongst fellow campers to share stories of overnight experiences 25-30+ years later!
Due to variations in locations and length, some overnights will require a nominal trip fee. When deciding to send your camper to Tanuga, you are making a choice for your child(ren) to have the option to participate in this experience.
