Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Summer Camp for Boys in Wisconsin
Camp Kawaga for Boys has been a cornerstone of character development for young men since its founding in 1915. Our mission, rooted in the vision of our founders, emphasizes building integrity, sportsmanship, and fellowship through immersive outdoor experiences. We offer a dynamic program blending athletic, water-based, and creative activities designed to challenge and inspire boys of all ages. Our state-of-the-art facilities, nestled in the pristine Northwoods of Wisconsin, provide an ideal environment for personal growth and lifelong friendships. With a staff retention rate exceeding 90%, our team of experienced counselors and instructors brings decades of expertise and passion to every summer session.We prioritize safety, inclusivity, and tradition while adapting to modern needs through initiatives like our SCOPE program, which expands access to underserved youth. Our unique cabin structure fosters community bonds, while special events and year-round programming ensure the Kawaga spirit endures beyond the summer months. From competitive sports to wilderness adventures, every activity aligns with our core values of enthusiasm, fellowship, and sportsmanship. We measure success not just in skills learned, but in the lasting character forged through shared experiences on The Shores. For over a century, Kawaga has remained committed to shaping better boys who become better men.
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Water Sports Instruction
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Cabin Leadership Development
Father-Son Weekend Events
Off-Season Retreats
Sports Skill Development
Wilderness Exploration
Character Education Workshops
Year-Round Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1915
Highlights and features
- We offer 100+ years of proven experience in youth character development
- Our staff retention rate exceeds 90%, ensuring experienced, dedicated counselors
- We maintain a 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio for personalized attention
- Our program includes 100+ athletic and non-athletic activities
- We operate state-of-the-art facilities on a 400-acre Northwoods campus
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Structured summer programs combine athletic training, outdoor adventures, and character development activities. Boys participate in skill-building workshops, team sports, and leadership exercises designed to foster personal growth. The program emphasizes tradition while incorporating modern safety standards and educational approaches.
Water Sports Instruction
Comprehensive water sports programs include swimming lessons, waterskiing instruction, and paddle sports training. Certified instructors teach safety protocols and technical skills in a progressive learning environment. All participants complete swim evaluations before engaging in deep water activities.
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Guided wilderness experiences include hiking, canoeing, and camping trips. Participants learn survival skills, environmental stewardship, and teamwork through structured outdoor challenges. Programs emphasize safe exploration of the camp's 400-acre natural habitat.
Character Education Workshops
Daily character development sessions focus on core values like sportsmanship and responsibility. Counselors integrate ethical discussions into activities, encouraging reflection on personal growth. The program builds leadership skills through cabin responsibilities and peer mentoring.
Year-Round Community Programs
Beyond summer sessions, we offer alumni reunions, wellness retreats, and special events maintaining community connections. These programs preserve camp traditions and provide ongoing support for former campers and staff members throughout their lives.
People
Ty Simpson
Camp Director
Ty Simpson brings decades of camping experience to his role as Camp Director, having worked in various leadership capacities since 1995. His expertise in youth development and outdoor education shapes the camp's programming and staff training initiatives.
Lauren Simpson
Co-Director
Lauren Simpson co-leads the camp with extensive experience in program development and camper care. Her background in education and child psychology informs the camp's approach to character building and emotional growth.
Questions
What age groups does Camp Kawaga serve?
We serve boys aged 7-16 through our structured summer programs and special events.
How long has Camp Kawaga been operating?
Since 1915, making us one of the oldest continuously operating boys' camps in the US.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio, employ certified lifeguards, and conduct background checks on all staff.
Are there family participation opportunities?
Yes, our Father-Son Weekend allows families to experience camp life together.
What facilities does the camp offer?
400-acre campus with sports courts, waterfront facilities, cabins, and dining halls in Wisconsin's Northwoods.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Ryan Erwin
Dec 04, 2021
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Camp Kawaga is a one of kind experience for boys in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The camp is on the Minocqua chain of lakes and sits on a large lake front property. I went to Kawaga at 10 years old and have been there every summer since, starting as a camper, then a counselor and now as a member of the Alumni Association. For over 25 years, Kawaga has been one of the most influential forces in my life and it makes me so happy to see it thriving and still impacting so many lives for its more than 100 year existence.
Jolie Friedman
Sep 28, 2020
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Camp Kawaga is the most magical camp for boys run by the most amazing owners and directors! Coming off of an unprecedented season this year, they truly are so dedicated and passionate about making camp the most incredible experience for our kids. They provided a safe and healthy environment where the boys could be free, enjoy nature, play and compete as they always do- but were so diligent this year in going above and beyond. Cannot say enough good things about Camp Kawaga
Genna G.
Aug 11, 2019
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This is a great camp filled with good hearted, down to earth, " menchy " kids. Great for kids who are athletic an love to compete ( but you don't have to be super star athlete here to fit in ). Very well run camp. Lots of sports competitions internally and with other camps. Lots of goal setting for personal growth of each individual camper. Lots of fun, creative evening programming.
Daily activities are great and the facility is just beautiful ( that water front is amazing). Nice balance between structured activities and more non structured free choice activities/ down time. My
Daily activities are great and the facility is just beautiful ( that water front is amazing). Nice balance between structured activities and more non structured free choice activities/ down time. My
FiveFantasticFriends
Jul 16, 2018
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Camp Kawaga has so many rooted traditions and an amazing community. Everyone in this camp is motivated to have fun and enjoy every day at the best place on Earth. Whether it is going waterskiing or just sitting on a bench Kawaga allows anyone to enjoy the nature and community of the camp
Njm
Dec 13, 2017
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Incredible Camp
Kawaga fills all my needs for a camp. The cabins are nicely furnished, not too big, not to fancy, but still spice that rustic feel. Campers can socialize in the morning at different spots, like the famous piazza on the Sioux Hill. Breakfast is not rushed, and campers eat and prepare for the day. On to the activities. Kawaga has activities like Clubs, where campers can learn more about there activities and improve. They also feature Evening Programs, which is some campers favorite parts. EP's are incredible all camp games, each different on each night. Kawaga also does a very nice
Kawaga fills all my needs for a camp. The cabins are nicely furnished, not too big, not to fancy, but still spice that rustic feel. Campers can socialize in the morning at different spots, like the famous piazza on the Sioux Hill. Breakfast is not rushed, and campers eat and prepare for the day. On to the activities. Kawaga has activities like Clubs, where campers can learn more about there activities and improve. They also feature Evening Programs, which is some campers favorite parts. EP's are incredible all camp games, each different on each night. Kawaga also does a very nice
Douglas Jones
Oct 17, 2017
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Regarding the 1-star review from Mardell Hill...
Matt Abrams is no longer director of Camp Kawaga. Ms. Hill's son's unfortunate experience likely contributed to the decision to remove Mr. Abrams from his position at the camp. My son has been going to Kawaga for a few years and raves about his experiences at camp. He goes for 4 weeks and begs to go for the full 8 week session.
Matt Abrams is no longer director of Camp Kawaga. Ms. Hill's son's unfortunate experience likely contributed to the decision to remove Mr. Abrams from his position at the camp. My son has been going to Kawaga for a few years and raves about his experiences at camp. He goes for 4 weeks and begs to go for the full 8 week session.
