In 1915, Dr. Bernard C. Ehrenreich - "Doc E" - established Camp Kawaga because he believed that a boy needed a place where he could “do all the things near and dear to his youthful heart” and learn to “mix with fellows of his own age.”

As one of the first 25 camps in the country, Doc E was a pioneer in the camping industry. At a time when camping was virtually an unknown Doc E understood that play was an essential part of a child’s life. He also recognized that “unless a camp improves a boy physically, mentally and morally then that camp has accomplished but little.” 

There have been many improvements and changes over the years to Kawaga’s physical structure and camp operations. However, the basic principles and philosophies remain intact. The values of Fellowship, Sportsmanship, Spirit, and Enthusiasm are still the backbone of our institution.

Kawaga is a traditional eight-week camp with four-week opportunities and an incredible 1 week Rookie Camp for first time campers (age 6-10). Our program is designed so that in eight weeks our campers are exposed to all programming aspects.

Kawaga is a camp, but it is also something much more. It’s a community of over two hundred people each summer that have fun, work, live, laugh, and overcome challenges together. It’s a place where boys learn and grow while becoming better people. Kawaga is about heart and character!

A Home Away From Home - Our campers think of Kawaga as their home away from home, and we boast an amazing 85-90% camper return rate each summer. They come to us from all over the United States and Mexico. With a counselor-camper ratio of 1:4 and a targeted enrollment of 185-200, each Kawaga camper finds his own special place in the Kawaga Family.

When you ask Kawaga boys what makes their camp different from all the rest, they'll give you an easy answer: it's the friends they make and keep at Camp. Kawaga's nurturing environment encourages boys to care about each other, work with each other, and have a blast together! That's why Kawaga friendships last a lifetime.

Kawaga's Staff - Kawaga boasts a fantastic, committed staff. More than 90 percent return each year - an unheard of number in camping that reflects the love and dedication these men and women have for Kawaga. The majority of our counselors are former campers, providing a strong sense of continuity. They understand Kawaga's culture, our values and philosophies, and relate extremely well to the campers.

We also bring new staff to Kawaga each year to provide fresh ideas and new skills to Camp. Many are coaches, and all are qualified instructors. Kawaga campers learn from the best! But, there's nothing more important to Kawaga counselors than making sure each boy is safe, happy, and having the time of his life.

PROGRAMMING

Camp Kawaga offers a balanced, well-rounded program. Boys who are skilled athletes and those who are not both love Kawaga and find their own niche here. With endless opportunities, Kawaga offers an exciting array of more than 100 athletic and non-athletic activities! Our philosophy is to encourage our campers to participate in all areas of camp.

Our Kawagian and Blue-Gold Leagues make for fun, healthy competition. We also compete against other camps in a wide variety of sports. Inter-camp competition builds camp spirit and unity, giving all our boys the opportunity to represent the camp they love.

Clubs & Activities

Clubs are the most intense instructional phase of camp. Each club runs for 3 or 4 days and campers are encouraged to choose clubs in which they have a desire to acquire new skills. Participation and improvement is stressed, regardless of the camper's initial level of proficiency when the club begins.

The following is a partial list of clubs that are offered at Kawaga:

Archery Baseball Basketball Bicycling Boating & Canoeing Boxing Drama

Fishing Football Frisbee Golf Improvisation Lacrosse Music Photography/ Video

Outdoor Adventure Riflery Roller-hockey Rugby Sailing Soccer Softball Swimming

Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Waterskiing Weightlifting/ Conditioning Wood Shop

Special Events

 A summer at Kawaga is laced with numerous special days and programs. Most have existed for years and thus form an integral part of the Kawaga Tradition!

Indian Traditions of Mawanda and Sachem - Since the early years of camp, Kawaga has rewarded diverse participation and achievement by admitting campers into the honorary tribes of Mawanda and Sachem. Campers earn points by participating in every area of camp life. Once entrance into a tribe is made, the camper can receive a feather for his headband and an Indian name.

Powwows - Every Sunday evening, when the sun sets over Lake Kawaguesaga, Kawaga campers meet around the council fire for a Big or Little Powwow. The powwow is one of the longest traditions at Kawaga and promotes the philosophies and values that have been a part of Camp since 1915. The Little Powwow is an opportunity for campers to set individual and group goals, and also reflect on the previous week and the week to come. The entire camp gathers in the Council Ring for a Big Powwow to take part in a legendary ceremony!

Overnight Wilderness Trips - Each camper has an opportunity to take at least one canoeing or hiking trip during the summer. As campers get older, they go on more challenging trips. The oldest campers take a canoe trip through the Boundary Waters of Canada!

Kawaga Invitationals - Over the past 35 years we have annually hosted tournaments open to other boys' and girls' camps in sailing and water-skiing. 

For MORE INFORMATION call or email us.

Camp Type:  Residential Year Established: 1915 Gender: Boys Age of Campers: 7 to 16 years old Cost/Week: $651.00-$1000.00/wk Religious Affiliation: Camp Owner(s): Fisher Family Camp Director(s): Matt and Karen Abrams Nearest Large City: Wausau, WI Off Season Rental: Yes Accreditations ? ACA AIC MAIC

Camp Focus: Adventure Camps: Wilderness Sports Camps: General Sports Sports Camps: Water Sports Traditional Camps Special Accommodations: Asthma, Food Allergies,

Art Activities:

Sports Activities:

Adventure Activities:

Miscellaneous Activities:

8 week session - June 18 to August, 10, 2012

First Session - June 18 to July 13, 2012

Second Session - July 15 to August 10, 2012

Rookie Camp - July 15 - July 21, 2012 (first timers ONLY)

8 week cost - $7700 + canteen

4 week cost - $4700 + canteen

Rookie Camp - $1000

We offer Father Son Weekend, June 15-18, as a fun way to start the summer.  Our highly rated Rookie Camp is a major success - a one week program for 6-10 year olds - allows them a taste of what Kawaga is all about.  Rookie Camp costs $1000 and runs from July 15 to July 21, 2012.

We also are offer our camp for rental for parties, weddings, reunions, retreats and large and small gatherings.  Contact Matt for pricing, dates and details.