Summer Camp Overview Outdoor Education Overview Adventure and Team Building Equestrian Programs Weekend Camping Programs Specialty Camps

That the island was not always attached and easily accessed as it is today?
Campers in the 1960's helped move the tons of dirt and rock needed to create the island road.

Ed Levy remembers...
"In the early 60's when the road was built to the island, Camp would have athletics on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. At one point in the summer, Coop would have all the campers and staff roll rocks from the athletic field down to the where the island road was being built, as large trucks couldn't make the trip. We would gather up in small groups and start the "rolling" process down the hill, past the chapel, archery range, and the rifle range to the road site. Then heavy equipment would lift it up and place it where it was needed. In those days, athletics was really athletic!"

Read more about
the history of Camp Eberhart

SUMMER PROGRAM SUMMARIES

Day Camp
Day Camp is designed to give younger campers a taste of camp programs. From their arrival at 8:30 to departure at 5:00, campers spend a full and busy day rotating between sailing, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, games, pony rides, and many more exciting activities. The week is highlighted by an overnight experience each Thursday. For a very reasonable price, campers can combine the camp experience with the luxuries of living at home.

Waterskiing
Campers in this program are able to concentrate on either skiing or wakeboarding under the guidance of skilled instructors. The emphasis is on acquiring skills in a manner that promotes both fun and safety. We operate two Malibu ski boats through the four program periods, and are able to accommodate a large number of campers. We invite your camper to take advantage of this opportunity to learn an exciting lifetime skill.

Swimming
We believe that swimming is a skill that all children should have. For that reason, swimming instruction is mandatory unless a written request of exemption is received from the camper’s parents. At Camp Eberhart, swim instruction is fun and safe! Instruction is given at five levels, and campers progress through the levels at their own rate. Campers enjoy relaxing in the clean, cool waters of Corey Lake.

Windsurfing
Windsurfing has become a very popular water sport at Camp Eberhart. Through instruction, campers learn the basics of balance and are able to progress through our levels.

Fishing
Campers who take advantage of our Fishing instruction program learn the intricacies of the sport from line preparation to fish identification. Fishing is done both from shore and off our pontoon boat. Fishing awards include casting, tackle maintenance, and fish cleaning. Fishing is a skillful and relaxing pastime which many campers continue to enjoy throughout their lives.

Equestrian
From beginner to advanced riders, all campers in this summer’s Equestrian program are looking forward to an exciting and informative week. HorseMasters meet during the two morning program periods for arena lessons, chores, and ground lessons. Horse Riders meet in the afternoon for one period of pleasure trail riding. Our awards system has been revamped, new additions have been made to our curriculum, and all riders have the opportunity to earn awards for both their riding skills and their knowledge of horsemanship.

Drama
This summer’s Drama program is going to be tons of fun! We plan to perform skits and improv and learn how to a stage runs. There are eight steps to a drama proficiency. These include a scene award, beginning and advanced acting, a movement award, and others. This is a great place to explore your talents and get lots of attention!

Sailing
Camp Eberhart boasts one of the largest sailing fleets of any camp in the Midwest! From Sunfish to Snipes to Scows, we have it all. Campers who take sailing learn to rig a boat, maintain the sails, tie knots, read the wind, and many more important sailing skills. Earning a proficiency in sailing is a real accomplishment, and often sparks a passion for sailing that lasts into adulthood.

Kayaks, Boats, and Canoes
Canoeing is a well-known and traditional camp activity. At Camp Eberhart, you get the chance to try 3 different boating programs. Campers receive instruction in the techniques of canoeing, rowing, and kayaking while working on awards. The program emphasizes safety on the water, including controlled "swamping" on those hot summer days. The highlight of the week is our canoeing trip to the restaurant at the end of the lake, where everyone enjoys a well-earned milkshake.

Arts and Crafts
Many traditional crafts projects are featured in this program area. Weaving, beading, and wood painting are just a few. Each week we try to add a new and different craft project. Our crafts building is located on the waterfront and offers a beautiful and relaxing location to exercise your creativity.

Landsports
Unlike many other specialty sports camp programs, our sports program is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels and ages. Campers can try their hand at soccer, cricket, basketball, disc golf, tetherball, ultimate Frisbee, and more! We do teach rules and skills, but the emphasis is definitely on fun!

Archery
Archery has been a part of Camp Eberhart since 1909! Our archery range is a very safe and controlled environment where campers can earn awards leading to an Archery proficiency. Campers have the chance to practice with both longbows and compound bows. The program features weekly contests and competitions between campers.

Riflery
Riflery is another program with a long tradition at Camp Eberhart. The program stresses both skill and safety. Campers are taught the importance of personal responsibility around firearms, as well as learning shooting techniques on a closed and closely monitored range. Campers over the age of 10 may practice marksmanship using .22 caliber rifles. Younger campers are taught with BB guns.

Nature
Our Nature program is housed on a beautiful and unique environment of "the island", extending out into Corey Lake. Nature awards include Fire building, plant identification, and fun things like catching and observing insects, snakes, and turtles. All activities emphasize teamwork and respect for the environment. All campers enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at this program.

Astronomy
This program offers an exciting journey through the universe. During the day, campers build star charts and sundials. They also have the opportunity to build and launch rockets. The real fun begins at night. Camp Eberhart is fortunate to have a retractable dome observatory with one of the largest privately owned telescopes in the Midwest. Campers explore the night skies through laser guided tours and deep space hunts. This is one program where learning is definitely an exciting adventure!

Photography
This program uses digital photography to teach campers how to capture those special camp memories. Campers take advantage of our beautiful natural setting to learn how to frame photos, use special effects, and develop a creative eye. At the same time they are learning to use and respect the camera and computer equipment. Best of all, they get those special pictures to bring home, share, and remember.

Tower Challenge
Tower Challenge activities are available to campers who are eleven years or older. Through the use of our Team Initiatives activities, low ropes course, and 32 ft. climbing tower, campers test their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and team spirit. The majority of activities focus on the climbing tower and on building teamwork skills. Tower Challenge is a great choice for a camper who wants a meaningful growth experience, a chance to bond with other campers, and loads of fun!

High Challenge
Campers thirteen and older can take their challenge experience one step further through High Challenge. In addition to the Tower Challenge activities, this program adds our 15 ft. and 30 ft. high ropes courses to the challenge curriculum. All activities are challenge-by-choice. Each camper sets a personal goal to achieve during the week. This is a great program choice for older campers who really want to test their skills and their courage. All activities are tightly controlled and very safe. Our course operates under the stringent standards of, and is annually inspected by, Low Ropes, Inc. Instructors are trained are certified by this organization.

Raggers
This is a funny name for a serious program with a long and proud tradition. Campers who elect to earn a "rag" are counseled by a mentor as they set objectives to achieve a personal goal of their own choosing. Campers must be at least 12 to participate. Rags are awarded at the end of the week at a solemn ceremony on Raggers Point (a secret location!) This program is designed to give older campers an opportunity for personal reflection and a sense of significant accomplishment from their experience at Camp Eberhart.


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