The last session at Camp Wakonda brought together the best of camp life, from cherished traditions to new experiences. From the moment the campers arrived, they dove headfirst into a week full of classic camp activities, evening programs, and new outdoor adventures. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the memorable moments from the final week of the season.
Campers kicked off with a timeless camp tradition: s’mores! On their first night at camp, the kids gathered around a crackling fire to roast marshmallows to gooey perfection and bond with their cabin mates and unit members—who they would be sharing the next week of outdoor adventures with.
Campers had boatloads of fun on the lake during their daily rotation at the waterfront. The young captains honed their paddle skills in canoes and rowboats as they worked together to confidently navigate the water.
During Pioneering, it was all about trust and teamwork! Campers paired up for a thrilling challenge where one was blindfolded and had to rely on their partner to navigate a tricky rope obstacle course. This exercise wasn’t just a test of outdoor skills—it also fostered communication and camper bonding.
Who says Halloween is just for October? At Camp Wakonda, the spookiness came early! Campers donned their best costumes—superheroes, witches, you name it—and took part in a night of spooky games, trick-or-treating, and haunted house excitement.
Campers got a taste of the world’s cultures, thanks to the amazing counselors who brought their heritage to life at the long-awaited International Night. With Camp Wakonda “passports” in hand, they traveled from Colombia to Poland and beyond, sampling delicious foods like arepas and pierogies and learning about the diverse cultures of their counselors.
Water night made a big splash—the sports field became a giant slip ‘n slide and the lake pools transformed into a playground of water games and floaties. It was the perfect way for the campers to cool off and let loose after a hot day.
As tradition goes, the session wrapped up with camp carnival hosted by Stifel. The afternoon buzzed with classic carnival games, colorful face paint, and costumes, while campers snapped Polaroid keepsakes to remember the day. Highlights included the dunk tank, where counselors took the plunge, and a lively DJ set—one camper even got a turn behind the decks! Campers cooled off on inflatable water slides and indulged in tasty treats like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and buttery popcorn. To top it all off, one lucky camper celebrated a birthday, making the day even more special. It was the perfect grand finale to an unforgettable summer.
