Kids Camps

Teen camp is designed for the teenager in your family (ages 13-17). At teen camp, we have tons of high-engagement activities to enjoy and to learn new skills. A few advanced classes may be offered for campers who have taken basic courses at Cherokee before.

Teen campers will have five activity periods each day. Four activity periods are chosen during registration and will remain the same throughout the week. The fifth activity period is chosen at lunch each day. Activities, worship programs, recreation, and making friends are just some of the great parts of camp!

Teen Camp Goals and Outcomes

At Cherokee, we hope for each camper to experience a safe and supportive environment in every aspect of the summer camp experience while having the opportunity to learn effective teamwork skills, relationship skills, and conflict resolution. Campers will have availability in activities to advance their skill level while learning about nature and how to respect our environment. Ultimately, our desire is to portray God’s love to every camper and provide opportunities to grow in deeper relationship with God.

Register for Teen Camp Now!

Camp Activities

  • Archery
  • Ceramics (& Advanced)
  • Gymnastics
  • Pool Open Swim
  • Horse Riding
  • Horsemanship (& Advanced)
  • Sports (Sand Volleyball, Soccer, Pickleball, Ultimate Disc, Basketball)
  • Rock Climbing
  • Waterfront – Canoeing
  • Waterfront – Board Sports (kneeboard, wake board, ski, wake surf)
  • Waterfront – Powerboats (tubing, sea sled, board sports)

Additional activities are subject to staff training and experience. A complete list of classes offered each week will be displayed at registration. In order to sign up for an advanced class, previous experience at camp is required.

Most activities are minimal risk with activity difficulty ranging from beginner to intermediate. For more information on risk and difficulty, please ask a staff member during class sign-up at registration.

Junior camp is designed for ages 10-13 with heaps of high-energy activities to keep your child engaged. There are so many opportunities for practicing teamwork, learning new activities, and building relationships!

Junior campers will have five activity periods each day. Four activity periods are chosen during registration and will remain the same throughout the week. The fifth activity period is chosen at lunch each day. Activities, worship programs, recreation, and making friends are just some of the great parts of camp!

Junior Camp Goals and Outcomes

At Cherokee, we hope for each camper to experience a safe and supportive environment in every aspect of the summer camp experience while having the opportunity to learn effective teamwork skills, relationship skills, and conflict resolution. Campers will have availability in activities to advance their skill level while learning about nature and how to respect our environment. Ultimately, our desire is to portray God’s love to every camper and provide opportunities to grow in deeper relationship with God.

Register for Junior Camp Now!

Camp Activities

  • Archery
  • Ceramics
  • Pool Open Swim
  • Swim Lessons
  • Gymnastics
  • Horse Riding
  • Horsemanship
  • Field Sports
  • Rock Climbing
  • Waterfront – Canoeing
  • Waterfront – Powerboats (tubing, sea sled, kneeboard, wake board, ski)

Additional activities are subject to staff training and experience. A complete list of classes offered each week will be displayed at registration.

Most activities are minimal risk with activity difficulty ranging from beginner to intermediate. For more information on risk and difficulty, please ask a staff member during class sign-up at registration.

Adventure camp is designed for ages 7-10 for the opportunity to learn and engage with others. Campers will have the opportunity to learn in new activities, practice teamwork, and build relationships with other campers. This camp offers higher support and supervision for each camper to ensure safety and fun throughout the entire week for your little one. 

Adventure campers will have five activity periods each day. Four activity periods are chosen during registration and will remain the same throughout the week. The fifth activity period is chosen at lunch each day. Activities, worship programs, recreation, and making friends are just some of the great parts of camp!

Adventure Camp Goals and Outcomes

At Cherokee, we hope for each camper to experience a safe and supportive environment in every aspect of the summer camp experience while having the opportunity to learn effective teamwork skills, relationship skills, and conflict resolution. Campers will have availability in activities to advance their skill level while learning about nature and how to respect our environment. Ultimately, our desire is to portray God’s love to every camper and provide opportunities to grow in deeper relationship with God.

Register for Adventure Camp Now!

Camp Activities

  • Archery
  • Ceramics
  • Crafts
  • Horse Riding
  • Pool Open Swim
  • Swim Lessons
  • Field Games
  • Waterfront – Canoeing
  • Waterfront – Powerboats (tubing, sea sled, kneeboard, ski)

A complete list of classes offered each week will be displayed at registration.

Most activities are minimal risk with beginner activities difficulty. For more information on risk and difficulty, please ask a staff member during class sign-up at registration.

2024 Kids Camp Fees

  • $474 per child, per week

(Camp sponsorships are available for families seeking financial assistance. Please contact your local Seventh-day Adventist Church for availability.)

Discounts
  • Early Bird: Receive $25 off for paying your account in full by June 1.
  • New York Conference Members: NY Conference Members receive $25 per child, per week!
  • Bring a Friend: If you bring a friend who has never been to Cherokee before, get $15 off each friend! (Maximum discount: $45)
  • Bring your Family: There is a $10 discount for additional immediate family members who attend camp and/or if you stay for additional weeks.
Returned Checks & Credit Cards

There will be a $45 charge for returned checks. If paying by credit card, a 3% surcharge will be added to your balance.

Registration

Registration begins each Sunday at 2:00 p.m. If you arrive before lunch you may join in the noon meal by purchasing a meal ticket for $9.00 per person.

Checkout time is 9:00-10:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of camp week. If the camper is leaving with someone other than a parent, written permission is required.

For families picking up and dropping off campers on the same day, early financial registration is permitted to expedite registration process. The camper still must go through registration lines to sign up for activity classes.

Required Swim Test

During registration, every camper takes a swim test to evaluate water safety. Campers with little swimming ability or who elect to not take the swim test will not be able to sign up for waterfront for safety reasons. Swim lessons are available to improve a camper’s swimming proficiency. (Campers may re-test during the week at the availability of the WSI, though changing registered activity periods 1-4 is not always possible.) If a camper loses his/her wristband during the week, the camper will need to re-test before participating in any activity period.

Camper Health Concerns

Camp Cherokee employs a New York State licensed Registered Nurse who screens and evaluates each camper upon registration. Medications are collected and any physical or emotional limitations are reviewed with parents/care givers prior to completed registration. Pertinent information regarding camper needs is relayed to counselors and activity leaders. Each camp staff is educated and certified in CPR and AED response.

Camp Cherokee is not equipped to handle certain special needs situations. If unsure of your child’s situation, please contact the camp director prior to registering or arrival to see if accommodations are possible. While Camp Cherokee hopes to welcome every child and family, we are unable to accommodate all conditions and situations.

Notification of Camper Injury/Illness

In the event of sudden illness or injury requiring advanced care, Camp Cherokee will contact parent/guardian listed at registration via phone call.

Acceptance

The camp administration reserves the right to reject an applicant and to send home any camper one whose influence is considered injurious to the best interest of the camp and/or campers.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones are not allowed at kids camps. Cell phones should be kept with a parent or turned into the office at registration. If found during camp, the cell phone will be held until departure. Camp Cherokee is not responsible for any held items. A camp phone is provided at specified meal times for calls home.

Camp Store Souvenirs

T-shirts, sweatshirts, and many other items can be purchased at the camp store. Suggested camp store money is $20-$50. Campers are strongly urged to keep personal spending money in the “Camp Bank” for safety purposes. You may also include this amount in your camp fee check and specify its purpose.

Mail Call

Campers love mail! Don’t disappoint your camper. Send your cards and letters early in the week to ensure delivery. Please do not send sweets or candy. Send to: YOUR CAMPER, Camp Cherokee, 433 Gilpin Bay, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Or e-mail at campcherokee@nyconf.org.

Lost & Found

The camp is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Lost and found is located on the camp office porch. Please label your child’s clothing & personal belongings. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity after 3 months.

What to bring to Camp Cherokee:
  • Bible
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Pen/pencil & notebook
  • Soap/shampoo
  • Two Towels: Bath & Beach
  • Washcloth
  • Brush/comb
  • Chapstick
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug repellant
  • Flashlight
  • Shoes (sneakers, shower shoes, running shoes)
  • Socks
  • Athletic Clothes
  • Long pants
    • (required for activities like horses & rock climbing)
  • Closed-toe shoes
    • (required for activities like horses, rock climbing, archery, etc.)
  • Church/Dress clothes (Sabbath & Group Picture)
  • Underwear
  • Pajamas
  • Modest one-piece swimsuit
  • Warm sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Rain gear
  • Coat/jacket/sweatshirt
  • Cash for camp store and offering
  • Camera (optional)
What NOT to bring:
  • Cell Phones
  • Radios/iPods/MP3 Players
  • DVD Players/Gaming Devices
  • Fireworks
  • Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs
  • Weapons of any type
  • Jewelry
  • Clothes that question modesty
  • Bad Attitude