Camp Tepeetonka for 10-13 Year Olds

The Tepeetonka Program

Designed for the older camper, Tepeetonka is a natural extension of the Leif Ericson experience. It recognizes the changing needs for more adventure, more challenge and more accomplishment, and is all the more meaningful because they are shared with others…. This is a unique camping experience that has a reputation of instilling traditional values through the example of a wonderful staff, inspirational campfire programs and opening reflections each morning at beautiful Campfire Point.

Overnights and Family Night

Tepeetonka campers will experience two distinctive overnights during their two-week experience. 12-13 year old groups and 10-11 year old groups will be at separate alternating overnight locations that have unique and age specific features. Two beautiful sites for overnights will be at Camp Tepeetonka in our authentic Lakota tipis and Inspiration Hills Camp in a tent village surrounding a warm fire South of Canton. The day following the first overnight campers will arise to a breakfast cooked over the campfire. Preceding the 10-11 year olds first overnight we invite parents to a Family Night presentation of a meal and program. Both overnights are bursting with activities, songs, skits and special events. The second overnight is when the unforgettable closing campfire and special awards night is held for our campers.

Tepeetonka Horse Program

Our corral will be the site where campers will learn about saddling, riding, and the history of horses as part of our Tepeetonka horse program. Campers will have trail rides through the winding trails along the Big Sioux River under the supervision of their counselor and trained wranglers.

Activities at Camp

Campers will build new friendships and increase self esteem as they go through their days at camp participating in activities such as archery, rafting, crafts, nature, bb guns, and horses along with camp wide activities like the Scavenger Hunt and the Water War. Off camp activities such as sliding at Wild Water West water park are also included in camp fees.

High Ropes Course

Tepee campers will be challenged on our state-of-the-art High Ropes Course that is the largest course in the state of South Dakota. The course increases self-confidence, team building, courage, and a sense of accomplishment in a safe environment. Campers are all able to be successful at their own level in this "challenge by choice" activity.

10 & 11 year old campers

These campers partake in the BEST activities at camp! From throwing thousands of water balloons during the Water War; to learning survival skills and teamwork to safely get off of the legendary Shipwreck Island.

Campers will have a delicious time learning to cook over an open fire at our Outdoor Cooking program and battling aliens at the "Alien Invasion" shooting gallery!

12 & 13 year old campers

As campers get older they want more! They get more by continuing their High Ropes experience by partaking in real rock climbing at Palisades State Park with our trained climbing staff. Our Equestrian Program extends to hands-on training with award winning show horses at Performance Plus Arabians to name a few. The two weeks ends with an unforgettable competition of "Body, Mind and Spirit" which includes the renowned Mud Pit!

Leif Ericson/Camp Tepeetonka Information

Camp Dates 2008 (Leif Ericson and Tepeetonka Campers ONLY)

• Camp 1 -- June 2 - 12
• Camp 2 -- June 16 - 26
• Camp 3 -- July 7 - 17
• Camp 4 -- July 21 - July 31
• Camp 5 -- August 4 - 14

Transportation To And From Camp

(Leif Ericson and Tepeetonka Campers Only)

Children are picked up between 7:30 and 8:30am They are dropped off between 3:00 and 4:30pm. Exact pick-up and drop-off times will be mailed before camp begins. Transportation not available for Little Vikes campers or Tepeetonka Explorers. Additional pick-up points will be made available if possible.

Lunch provided daily for Leif Ericson and Tepeetonka campers.

Important Documents

Frequently Asked Questions about YMCA Day Camp

Download a YMCA Day Camp Registration

New! Online Registration is now available!

Direct questions to Chuck Bennis, (605) 336-3190, ext 325 or cbennis@siouxfallsymca.org.