Onaway Adventure Camp

OAC Philosophy…

Onaway Adventure Camp (OAC) is a weeklong tent camping experience for Boys & Girls in grades 6 - 9.  OAC uses nature as a backdrop for learning, practicing, and living the Four-fold way of life, while incorporating useful outdoor skills. Leave-No-Trace principles are taught and enforced.

Campers are divided into groups for the week. Water, Earth, Fire, Air, and Space groups are lead by at least one adult leader (mentor) and usually one LIT (co-mentor). In these groups, campers learn about working as a team and are challenged to grow Mentally, Physically, Socially, and Religiously.

During the week of Adventure Camp, campers will have the opportunity to experience several rotations. The rotations include: Road and Trail Biking, Trail and Wilderness Hiking, and River Canoeing just to name a few. These rotations start in the morning and end mid-afternoon and are staffed by the talented volunteers of OAC. Campers eat lunch on the trail.

A Typical Day at OAC…

7:15 – Wake up and help prepare for an 8AM Breakfast.
9:30 – Trip preparations for 10AM Rotations, including lunch on the trail.
3:30 – Return to base camp and enjoy free time activities such as swimming.
6:00 – Supper followed by evening activities.
9:00 – Campfire and prepare for 10PM Lights Out!

Staff & Leadership of OAC…

Onaway Adventure Camp is staffed by dedicated Adult Volunteer Leaders. The leadership of OAC meets during the off-season to plan and prepare for the camp. This summer, OAC will again have a Leader-In-Training (LIT) Program for graduates of OAC who are interested in continuing their participation in Adventure Camping. Each spring, the Leaders and LITs attend a weekend retreat to HCSP to finalize the plans for the summer camp-out. Staff at OAC includes a registered nurse and certified lifeguard as well as a Camp Manager, Director, and numerous volunteer leaders.

Facilities…

Camp Onaway is a well-equipped and staffed summer camp. Adventure Campers spend the first and last days of camp in the relative luxury of the 6-acre island. Since 1908 boys and girls have been camping at Onaway and have enjoyed the many activities it has to offer.

Hartman’s Creek State Park is a well-maintained campground just 15 minutes from Waupaca. OAC spends six days tent camping in two of HCSP’s group campsites. The park includes bathroom and shower facilities. HCSP is centrally located and provides a unique environment from which to launch numerous activities and rotations.

Equipment…

The Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade owns and maintains all the equipment needed to allow OAC to camp in the woods for 6 days and 5 nights. Campers help prepare meals on Brigade’s camp stoves and sleep each night in top-of-the-line tents. The Brigade will provide bikes, canoes and other equipment needed for rotations. Campers will need to bring personal camping gear such as sleeping bags, dishes, clothes, footwear, toiletries, and raingear. Information about what to bring to camp will be mailed before the start of camp.

Sign-up early…

Adventure Camp is open to Brigaders and Non-Brigaders in grade 6-9. Space at OAC is limited and spots will fill up fast. Once the limit is reached, enrollment will be closed. So, don’t delay, sign-up will begin January 2nd and will be available via this website!