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Camp Nathanael has something for boys of all
ages. Great group games, fun counselors, awesome
crafts, and the beautiful outdoors.
Group Activities
Our active, exciting games are eagerly
anticipated during Evening Special, which may
include "Capture the Flag", "Outpost", "Wells
Fargo", perhaps a camp-wide "Olympics" or another
surprise event. Then there are the always-popular s
cabin competitions in Ultimate Frisbee, Hocker,
Water Polo, Flicker or the revamped Obstacle Course.
You won't want to miss the excitement!
 Waterfront
Activities
Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 lakes and Camp Nathanael has a great one. Lake
Wilbur.
What better way to spend a hot summer afternoon
than on the waterfront? Try the many free swims, a
cabin-to-cabin challenge in water games or just a
"pick-up" game during the free periods. This is the
place to be, whether you like to take the "playaks"
for a little racing or the fleet of innertubes for
"Broadsides".
Crafts & Programs
One of things that make Camp Nathanael unique are the crafts and programs offered
that focus on boys. Everyone selects two crafts that meet three or five times
during the week.
Archery
Beginners to advanced will enjoy this activity. The boys will learn the discipline of
consistency and control in an environment that is conducive to listening.
Camp Nathanael provides both compound and re-curve bows but campers can bring their own if they would like.
BB Gun/Riflery
Entry level provides a first chance to learn to sight and shoot usually beginning at 15 feet.
Riflery includes use of .22 caliber fire arms for the older more advanced guys. A shooting platform
is used within an established earthen berm backdrop. Instructors teach gun safety and are DNR safety certified.
Shotguns
Camper learn gun safety, reloading of shells and do trap shooting practice. Responsibility, discipline and
respect are taught along with a careful emphasis on safety and supervision. Instructors are DNR safety certified.
This is a Battalion only craft.
Climbing/Rappelling
Under the guidance of our expert instructors learn to use climbing equipment and
proper techniques to negotiate our very own tower. End the week climbing and
rappelling the Sandstone Cliffs. This is a craft where you build trust in
yourself, fellow climbers and God.
Wood Shop/Handicraft
Handicraft is a chance for boys to build projects out of wood using power tools such as lathes,
band saws, and sanders. This my be their first hands on exposure to power tools and wood working.
Campers will also learn to use hand tools appropriately. Safe operation and maintenance of tools is taught.
Rocketry
Build and paint your own rocket! Blast it off over and over again. Safety is emphasized. Open to
campers grade 5 and up in the fall.
Woodsmanship
Learn to build fires, use an axe, a compass and a knife safely. Build your own survival shelter
while learning basic wilderness survival skills. Spend time out of doors learning about God's creation.
Trail Biking
Campers are taught basic bike safety and repair skills. Riding is done on designated trails and is supervised
by trained instructors. Open to campers grade 7 and up in the fall.
Horsemanship
Horses, horses... need we say more! This program requires pre-registration and additional fee.
Swimming
Hot summers at camp are the perfect time to brush up on past swimming skills or learn new ones.
Swimming lessons are available for all skill levels. Lessons are taught by Red Cross certified
instructors adn include getting comfortable with the water for beginners to learning advanced
strokes. Campers learn to enjoy the water safely, developing confidence in strokes learned, or
refining already accomplished strokes.
Canoeing & Sailing *
Canoeing and sailing are offeres to boys of all skill levels. These are skills that, once
learned, will never be forgotten. Canoeing teaches the basic strokes as well as canoeing safety.
The initial dry-land instructions for Sailing, coupled with daily practice on the water, allows
boys to quickly and safely become proficient sailors. Under close supervision of experienced instructors,
each participant will leave Camp having learned a fun new skill that can be used for the rest of their life.
Fishing *
Learn to fish or practice your skills in the waters of Lake Wilbur. A number of varieties have
been caught as Camp from small to large - - and that is no fish story.
* These crafts require testing out of swim class
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Parents of first time
campers...
"He thought the campfire skits were very funny, plus he enjoyed the crafts &mdahs; shotguns, climbing &
rappelling. We really like that is is a Bible-based camp and that it is boys only.
He will definitely attend next year."
Layne H., Woodbury, MN.
"Since returning from camp, our son (age 9) wants to read the Bible and learn more about God (Yeah!).
He’s also spending more quiet time with God and praying. For his first time at any camp, it was a good
experience for him emotionally, socially and spiritually.”
Paul & Billie Joe, Baldwin, WI.
"We were concerned leaving him in the heat, with unknown persons in charge. It turned out camp was the highlight
of his summer – he enjoyed it immensely. He talks about everything – I haven’t heard anything negative or critical
from him. We appreciate the spiritual emphasis and the amount of time slotted for devotions, Bible study and praise
songs before meals."
Jeannie O., Woodbury, MN.
"I just want to thank you for making such a huge difference in my son. I have never known him to be more passionate
or excited about anything as he was during our cell phone conversation the weekend in between his two weeks at Nathanael
(Freshman Work Crew, then as a camper). He felt appreciated, loved, accepted and valued – and, of course, had the time
of his life. He was also able to begin to articulate his spiritual beliefs in a way I haven’t previously heard from him
before. Thank you for creating such a nurturing and joyous place for boys."
Anne M., Olathe, KS.
"Our son (age 12) appears more confident and mature since he’s returned home from camp. He’s been more polite and
appreciative of things, too. It was a very positive experience for him. He’s stated he definitely wants to return."
Amy M., Clear Lake, MN.
Parents of
returning campers...
"I think Camp Nathanael is a positive, Christian-valued camp to send my sons to where they can be in an environment
with boys and men, having fun and learning more about God. And, seeing and meeting teen-age boys who follow Christ
gives the young boys a great example to follow."
Rod & Michelle., Lakeville, MN.
"This was the first year he had gone to camp not knowing who else would be there. He made friends right away. He
really enjoyed the woodsmanship class. He also was very interested in the pocket Bible he bought – he read it almost
all the way home (1½ hours!). We have been very pleased with Camp Nathanael."
Shelly A., Becker, MN.
"This is Randy’s seventh year at Camp Nathanael. Every year he comes home excited about what he has done and learned.
The spiritual emphasis was excellent. Both his counselors taught Randy how to use his Bible better. Randy talks most
about the Bible readings that he learned and how it is going to help him get through some peer pressures that he was
having. … He learned responsibility (on his Freshman Work Crew week) and it has followed him home. We are not telling
him to do things over and over again. Camp Nathanael is awesome."
Susan Z., Madison Lake, MN.
"He has come for three years and always desires to come back. This year, he tried rappelling, which was new for him
and he really enjoyed it. His noncom is talked about highly. He personally extended his hand to us as parents when we
dropped him off. Very respectful. I appreciated that very much. Keep up the great work."
Mary L., Becker, MN.
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