OUR STORY
WE ARE WAUKEELA
CAMP LIFE
JOIN OUR FAMILY
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Ages 7-10
Ages 11-13
Ages 13-16
THE BEGINNING OF WAUKEELA LIFE
SPRITES, LEPS, ELVES
MINI ALLEY
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Mini alley kids spend their summer having fun with everything they do. To them the world is a game and they want to play it.
IMAGINATION AT PLAY
We make sure we give them the time, the ideas, the props, and the support for any crazy game they might think of. In mini alley it’s not weird to see stuffed animal weddings, bug funerals, secret trading systems, and our counselors & staff charged with the task of helping make the veil out of toilet paper. These games involve as many people as possible and become some of camp’s most treasured moments.
SUPPORT TO GO OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONES
It is also a time for kids to try new and challenging things, to push themselves out of their comfort zone in an environment that will support them completely. With 1 cabin counselor for every 2-3 campers, kids are looked after in a professional way, while giving them the space to do things on their own.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Our minis are encouraged to treat others with the same kindness and respect that they are being treated by the community and because of their age, encounter real connection with others for one of the first times in their lives. They form friendships, have conflict and experience interacting with others away from their safety nets and learn to live with others in community.
A parent once said to us “My kid loves it here because older kids actually want to listen to what she has to say in a way that no older kid outside of camp wants to.”
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THE MAGIC BEGINS
SPRITES
Sprites, 7 and 8 year olds, going into first and second grade are the youngest campers at Waukeela. They come to enjoy a carefree and enchanted, magical summer where they are welcomed, appreciated, loved, and happy. These cherished campers hold the future of Waukeela in their hands, as their experiences lay the foundation for lifelong memories.
FUN, FRIENDSHIPS, AND FIRSTS
Throughout their stay, Sprites are cared for by experienced counselors, handpicked for their dedication to working with children and their ability to handle homesickness. The friendships formed here often last a lifetime, as older campers look after the Sprites, thriving on the responsibility and fostering a supportive community. Sprites experience real independence for the first time, venturing out of their comfort zones and trying new activities such as hikes, berry picking, and participating in the scenic railroad and scavenger hunts. Traditional camp activities like singing, making s’mores, and the enchanted forest session, where they sign the summer’s mini alley heart, make their time at Waukeela truly special.
EXPERIENCES
Experienced counselors and older campers
Independence
Foundation for lifelong friendships
Loved and cared for
ACTIVITIES
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Enchanted Forest
Introduction to Traditions
Scenic Railroad
Berry Picking
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DEEPENING THEIR ROOTS
LEPS
Leps, 9 year olds going into 3rd grade, are relatively new to Waukeela, though some may have one or two years of experience. They are entrusted with holding the magic and spirit of Mini Alley, being the youngest to truly know and cherish Waukeela. Throughout their magical summer, filled with traditions, happiness, and kindness, they experience a newfound independence.
CREATING AN ENCHANTED FUTURE
By the end of their two-week or full session, Leps write a paragraph and share it in the enchanted forest, expressing why they want to return as an Elf next summer. Handpicked counselors, passionate about working with children, ensure Leps are well cared for, while older campers also look out for them. Their days are filled with activities like berry picking, exploring the Polar Caves, and hiking Mini Alley, all contributing to a summer they will hold in their hearts forever.
EXPERIENCES
Experienced counselors and older campers
Independence
Foundation for lifelong friendships
Loved and cared for
ACTIVITIES
Enchanted Forest
Polar Caves Exploration
Local Hikes
Berry Picking
LEADERS OF MINI ALLEY
ELVES
Elves, 10 year olds going into 4th grade, the oldest members of Mini Alley at Waukeela, should feel a deep sense of pride in their leadership and the magical experiences they have cherished. They serve as role models, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for Sprites and Leps to look up to. During their time at camp, Elves have the opportunity to lead the Alley and plan a special Elf Night, fostering teamwork and responsibility as they organize an event for the entire Mini Alley.
FROM COMFORT TO CONFIDENCE
By the end of their two-week or full session, Leps write a paragraph and share it in the enchanted forest, expressing why they want to return as an Elf next summer. Handpicked counselors, passionate about working with children, ensure Leps are well cared for, while older campers also look out for them. Their days are filled with activities like berry picking, exploring the Polar Caves, and hiking Mini Alley, all contributing to a summer they will hold in their hearts forever.
EXPERIENCES
Experienced counselors and older campers
Conflict Resolution
Leadership Skills
Regulating Emotions
ACTIVITIES
Team Building
Planning Elf Night
Polar Caves Exploration
Enchanted Forest
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THE SPIRIT OF CAMP
Junior alley campers are heroes to our minis, while looking up to their Senior Alley role models.
SPACE TO DISCOVER THEMSELVES
Junior alley comes at a critical stage of a young camper’s life with so many tricky transitions to overcome. Young people are making the switch from elementary school to middle school, their bodies are starting to change, and this can be a hard and lonely time in school for so many children. Waukeela and Junior alley is the perfect solution to the trials and tribulations by providing the antidote to some of these challenges.
AN INTUITIVE EXPERIENCE
Each day in Junior Alley, the campers are given choices about which activities they wish to pursue and are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone and try new things to grow in confidence & belief in themselves. If they are feeling energetic, gregarious and upbeat they can choose tennis, swimming, ropes or performing arts. If they are in a quieter, more reflective mood they can chill out in arts and crafts or in our special quiet area, ‘Magicalley’. All these choices help the campers better understand themselves, their moods, likes and dislikes. These daily choices contribute to each camper becoming a more rounded and balanced person as they grow into a new version of themselves.
EMBRACING INDIVIDUALITY
Junior alley campers are encouraged to be different, unique, goofy and individual without being judged for doing so. At this age campers make new friends and develop lifelong bonds which change the way they see themselves when they go back to the real world and school. Our campers have a stronger sense of self worth, they are proud of who they are becoming at a time when self perception is normally so fragile.
The social pressures of school and social media are just not present at Waukeela. Young campers at these vulnerable and impressionable ages are free to discover a version of themselves that they are really comfortable with.
EXPLORING NEW ADVENTURES
GNOMES
Gnomes, 11 year olds going into 5th grade, are the youngest of the juniors and have just aged out of Mini Alley. They go from being leaders to learners. Gnomes are generally high energy and are willing to try new activities since they’re still figuring out what they like and their personality. Since minis are very mixed among the age groups, this is their first year as a defined “age group” which helps them solidify their friendships as a group.
UNLEASHING CREATIVITY & CONFIDENCE
Gnomes have fun; they have the creativity and the imagination to come up with goofy games and the ability to see them through. Gnome counselors are people who know how to help kids enjoy themselves and have fun while supporting them in the things they need. Our gnomes take a special trip to Story Land, our local amusement park, as well as go on their Gnome hike which is a little bit more challenging than the hikes the minis take.
EXPERIENCES
Learning from older campers
Self Exploration
Strengthened Friendships
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Reflection Time
ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Skills
Amusement Park
Gnome Hike
Tennis
EMBRACING CHANGE
NYMPHS
Nymphs, our 12 year olds, are right in the middle of the camp at Waukeela, with four age groups above and below them. It’s a transition year—not so much in terms of camp life since they’re still juniors and pretty settled in, but more in terms of their growth and development. They look up to the Pixies and get excited about planning their own Pixie party and pranks, but they're not quite there yet. Some Nymphs are starting puberty and click more with the older kids, facing more complex social situations. Others are still in an earlier stage and feel closer to the Gnomes and their younger friends, creating a mix of attitudes and dynamics in the group.
FINDING THEIR WINGS
Peer influence is huge at this age as they start to form their identities and explore different interests. The counselors are great at guiding them through this transitional phase, and their mixed age G-time group provides them with peers of all ages to relate to. Being away from school and home life gives them a chance to explore who they really are in a judgment-free environment with awesome role models to help guide them. They get to go on special trips like playing mini golf and hiking, which help them connect with nature and their creative sides. Despite all the changes they’re going through, Nymphs have a blast at camp, enjoying the freedom to just be kids and having a lot of fun doing it.
EXPERIENCES
Learning from older campers
Personal Transition
Strengthened friendships
Freedom to be kids
ACTIVITIES
Mini Golf
Ropes Course
Local Hikes
Creativity
SHAPING THE MAGIC OF JUNIOR ALLEY
PIXIES
At 13, Pixies are the leaders of Junior Alley. They take on new responsibilities and privileges, including planning their own evening activity, performing Pixie pranks in their alley, and the opportunity to participate in Junior Lifeguard training! They also get to go on a special out-of-camp adventure to the White Mountain Resort. Most importantly, however, Pixies take on the responsibility of a role model for the younger campers at Waukeela, who look up to them.
TAKING FLIGHT AS LEADERS
At this stage of their Waukeela journey, social dynamics within their age group begin to play a significant role. The age group begins to take on a recognizable personality, as the campers develop strong connections with one another that often last a lifetime, and they begin to understand how they may influence camp as a whole.
At the end of their camp session, Pixies experience a powerful transition: moving from being the leaders of Junior Alley to starting fresh in Senior Alley. This, along with the pressures of starting high school outside of camp, can lead to big feelings and hard adjustments. Because of these big changes in their lives, some campers can struggle to regulate emotions, which sometimes leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. As leaders in their alley, they may sometimes push boundaries or challenge rules to exercise their newfound independence and maturity. This is why we strive to set clear boundaries and create safe spaces for them to process!
EXPERIENCES
Newfound independence & maturity
Conflict Resolution
Leadership Skills
Strengthened friendships
ACTIVITIES
Junior Lifeguarding
Team Co Captains
Planning the Pixie Party
White Mountain Resort
COMING OF AGE
GNOMES, NYMPHS, PIXIES
JUNIOR ALLEY
BLUE SPRUCES, SILVER BIRCHES, SCOTCH PINES
SENIOR ALLEY
Senior Alley campers grow into compassionate leaders and build advanced skills within their passion areas.
FOSTERING STRONG CAMP BONDS
Senior Alley is not taken lightly at Waukeela by campers as they realise the eyes of the camp are on them. There is increased responsibility and significant opportunities to grow as leaders. Our Senior alley campers are revered by their younger counterparts and despite the age gap, strong bonds and allyships are formed between the oldest and youngest campers.
BEYOND THE ALLEY
In Senior Alley, friendships that were first born in Mini or Junior Alley are cemented for life as campers become unified by their common love for camp and the magical experiences they share. At a time when high school can provide significant challenges, our Senior campers grow and mature in ways that school seldom provides. Reaching our oldest age group - Scotch Pines is a culmination of many years of discipline and commitment to camp, and is the perfect foundation on which to build college applications and exciting internships.
DISCOVERING STRENGTHS
So many wonderful traditions and experiences await those campers who progress to these age groups. We know that these campers still struggle with self-identity and grapple with who they are. The Senior Alley journey really does help build positive self worth with so many affirming experiences that they share with their camp mates. For example, there are many opportunities to get in the panic zone: whether by taking a lead role in the play, star in the synchro show or brave the beautiful wilderness on an overnight whitewater canoe trip.
It is truly a special privilege to watch these campers grow into strong, independent young adults, and go through rites of passages moving towards becoming counselors one day.
MENTORS IN THE MAKING
BLUE SPRUCES
Blue Spruces, ages 13-14, are the mighty up-and-coming leaders at camp, eager to become seniors and learn as they grow. As they figure out who they are and who they want to be, Blue Spruces give the staff the wonderful opportunity to watch them reflect on what it means to grow up and make lasting memories together.
BRANCHING OUT, PLANTING SEEDS
With high school on the horizon, a summer at camp provides them with a sense of safety and validation that they’ll need in the coming year. They enjoy special experiences like camping at Echo Lake, and have the opportunity to become Junior Lifeguards. The future's so bright for these young leaders!
EXPERIENCES
Safety and Validation
Up and Coming Camp Leaders
Self Discovery
Learning through Growth
ACTIVITIES
Junior Lifeguarding
Camping at Echo Lake
Local Hikes
Tennis
SAVORING THE MOMENTS
SILVER BIRCHES
Silver Birches, age 15, are strong examples and leaders at camp, taking on more responsibility in the Alley. They are ready to embrace every moment, knowing it's one of their last years at camp. Silver Birches love making friends with kids of all ages, and it's a joy to watch them do it! They get to claim the most desired treehouse cabin as their own and, without the responsibility of being the oldest group, they can enjoy camp with both experience and anticipation for the year to come.
BEYOND THE CAMPFIRE
Silver Birches have some of the most fun, with activities like tubing trips, white water canoeing. And can participate in our archery instructor training, after which they can become Archery Instructors and use their certificate anywhere.
EXPERIENCES
Responsibility
Befriending campers of all ages
Up and coming camp leaders
Choose their own treehouse cabin
ACTIVITIES
Tubing Trips
Archery Lessons
Local Hikes
Whitewater Canoeing
MENTORING THE MAGIC
SCOTCH PINES
Scotch Pines are the fearless leaders of the alley. As the oldest, these campers are looked up to, and campers of all ages see how they have learned and taken all the lessons camp has given them in strides. As it is their last year as campers, Scotch Pines take on the role of mentors, bring kids of all ages under their wing, and show them what it means to spread joy through the pines.
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY, LEAVING THEIR MARK
Scotch Pines get to do so many special things and by the end of the summer each one is individually more confident, stronger and self aware. As a group they are bonded for life.
Scotch Pines get to run their very own special day, Scotch Pine Day, where they take over the whole day, and with the support of the staff turn this day into most campers’ favorite. They also get to go on their very own beach day afterwards to celebrate the hard work they’ve put in. They get to run their own G-time groups, getting to know campers of all ages and playing a vital role as role models for them. Scotch Pines get to experience Peter Pan, the secret trip that only they know about. Scotch Pines are very admired throughout camp which is why it’s no surprise that they finish their years as campers with a deep sense of connection and community to Waukeela.
EXPERIENCES
Communication and Connection
Camper- Counselor Representatives
Confidence and Self Awareness
Leaders, mentors, supportive role models
ACTIVITIES
Planning Scotch Pine Day
Scott Pine Beach Day
G-Time Group Leaders
Synchronized Swimming
LEADERS IN THE MAKING
COUNSELORS IN TRAINING (CITS)
Waukeela allows campers to grow all the way from being a 7 year old Sprite in Mini Alley into our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program. Campers who are entering 11th grade have an incredible leadership opportunity in our summer long program. Over the past 5 years we have developed a professional and unique program that gives our CITs a real taste of genuine leadership that can be rarely experienced at such an early age.
A PROGRAM TO RIVAL ANY INTERSHIP
In a world in which academic progress and internships are pre-requisites for securing a career, our CIT leadership program rivals any internship due to the number of diverse skills that are developed during this program. Every day provides our young leaders with opportunities to collaborate, communicate, cooperate, time manage, decision make as well as a host of other critically important lifeskills. We believe that our Leadership program prepares these young people for employment in many walks of life.
TURNING CAMPERS INTO COUNSELORS
For the first three weeks, our CITs attend a diverse range of workshops that cover all aspects of the role of a leader and counselor. During this time they will observe every department on camp including the diverse roles of our support staff. Simultaneously they prepare for their big adventure known as ET. Extended Trip is when they develop independence and teamwork on a 7 day whitewater canoeing adventure in the wilderness of Canada.
Explore the next chapter in the Waukeela journey:
PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE
Throughout first session and during ET, each CIT is mentored and prepared for the responsibility they will have during their final three weeks at Waukeela. Upon their return to camp, CITs live in a cabin with younger campers where they can experience the real life of a Waukeela counselor. They will also join a department and get the chance to teach some basic lessons.
THE HARDEST JOB YOU’LL EVER LOVE
Over 75% of our counselors at Waukeela return year after year because of their love for Waukeela. Our staff members have the opportunity to lead trips, experience nature, make great friends from all over the world and enjoy the pure joy of summer here at camp. As they prepare for a job in the real world, the rigors and demands of this program are suitably challenging for them to be able to face the hurdles of a full time job.
Our counselors receive around ten days of intense training during our Staff Education Week, a professional development course which overs all kinds of topics. From child development to CPR, and child psychology to DEI, our training program provides a comprehensive array of content to prepare our staff for the many and varied demands of a full summer. We are as convinced that working on staff at Waukeela is the perfect springboard for a job in almost any area, such is the diversity of experiences and skills that are developed.
BECOMING STAFF
CITs are the shining stars of Waukeela, our campers adore them and they often become some of our most talented and loved Waukeela counselors
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When a camper transitions to becoming a staff member, they experience a unique and transformative change in perspective. They move from being recipients of the Waukeela magic to becoming the creators of that magic. This shift offers them a profound and life-changing experience. Many former campers who have taken on the role of counselor often describe their summers in this capacity as foundational to their professional careers and adult lives. They develop a strong work ethic and learn to meet high standards, all within a loving and supportive environment that they are already familiar with and comfortable in.
CULTIVATING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Being a camp counselor provides a safe environment for developing a wide range of essential skills. Leadership is honed as counselors guide and mentor younger campers, taking charge of activities and group dynamics. Independence grows as they manage their own responsibilities and time, often away from home for the first time. The role demands a high level of responsibility and reliability, as counselors are entrusted with the safety and well-being of the campers. Meeting the high standards we set fosters a strong work ethic and attention to detail. Self-awareness and self-confidence are built through constant self-evaluation and the need to act decisively in various situations. And finally, counselors become experts at problem-solving, finding creative solutions to everyday challenges and emergencies alike. This unique combination of skills equips them not only for future employment but also for navigating adult life with confidence and competence.
Staff members go through professional training before they even arrive to camp and then throughout the weeks before the campers arrive they go through courses that prepare them for the roles they will be doing. We have American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course, Water Safety Instructor Certification and Wingspeed High Ropes Certification for the people working in those areas.
Curious about becoming part of our team?
