Special news for this coming summer's Pawnees
As members of our Mini Day program, our 3 and young 4 year olds receive very special care. Small groups and very personalized attention are fundamental to our approach. Counselors in charge of our 3 and 4 year olds are adults and teachers.
The Mini Day program is a true camp experience. It is not an extension of a nursery school program. It consists of a careful balance of outstanding swimming and sports programs, creative and performing arts, specialty activities and an array of special events. Lunch, refreshments, and round-trip air-conditioned transportation are also included. The return bus leaves at 2pm.
All campers who are 3 years old when camp starts, or who turn 4 years old after September 1, 2024, are eligible for the mini-day program, as well as a full-day program.
We are currently busy planning this program, including many new and exciting activities for you. Here is a preview. Also, for a typical weekly schedule, click here.
LEARNING TO SWIM AT CAMP HILLARD
Our beautiful 7 heated swimming pools are the place to be! Campers are able to move up from our Junior camp pools to our mid-sized pools to our Olympic-size pools as their ability increases.
Pawnees swim primarily in pools #1 and #5. These pools are designed for young children, providing an excellent learning and teaching environment.
Our Mini Day swim program features:
• 40-minute swim periods each morning (not including time for swim change). A 2nd free swim twice a week as well. Towels are provided by Camp for all swim periods.
• Small Camp Hillard Aquatics Groups organized by ability. All groups are taught by certified instructors.
• Water adjustment activities for hesitant swimmers.
• Formal American Red Cross instruction. Deep-water instruction is always on a one-to-one basis.
• Proper safety and supervision at all times.
• Towels are provided by Camp for all swim periods.
CAMP HILLARD SPORTS
We pride ourselves on the quality of instruction provided to our younger campers.
Our emphasis is on building campers' confidence and self-esteem, as well as developing gross and fine motor skills.
Each activity involves a combination of skill instruction, game play and plenty of fun!
Younger campers are introduced to the main camp team sports in an age-appropriate manner:
• Basketball • Soccer • Field Hockey • Softball • Gymnastics • Tennis •
Younger campers use equipment designed especially for them such as:
• Instruction provided by our sports staff
• Smaller basketball hoops and basketballs
• Oversized bats and batting tees
• Pitch backs to learn to throw and catch
• Incrediballs and special gloves to play like the pros!
• Softee hockey sticks make playing hockey both safe and fun.
AN ACTIVE PROGRAM WHERE FUN AND LEARNING GO HAND-IN-HAND
SPECIALTY ACTIVITIES
Pawnees also participate in weekly specialty activities including:
• Miniature Golf
Pawnees play on our one-of-a-kind course that challenges campers with exciting holes such as the one in which campers climb the tower, hit the ball into a hole, and watch the ball travel down the zig-zap flume as it makes its way to the flagstick below.
• Tennis
Tennis at Camp Hillard begins with Pawnees on our Mini-Tennis courts. Campers are introduced to the basics using smaller racquets and special designed tennis balls. In addition, campers are performing fun drills that teach balance, agility and coordination.
• Non-Motorized Go Karts
This activity combines physical fitness and fun. Campers pedal ride themselves around our new race track in our 4-wheel non-motorized racecars.
• Gymnastics
Our gymnastics program for younger campers includes such camp favorites as the balance beam, tumbling, introductory vaulting, the octagon tumbler, and the horizontal ladder.
• Creative Play
Pawnees enjoy our unique Creative Play area complete with state-of-the-art playground equipment that is always well supervised.
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Pawnees participate in all aspects of our Creative and Performing Arts program.
The MUSIC & MOVEMENT program features special performances combining music, songs, and movement. Pawnees also perform on stage as part of the performing arts programs.
MOVEMENT EXERCISES expose campers to basic body movement and improve coordination in a fun environment. Exercises are set to the latest tunes. Get on your dancing shoes!
MUSIC is a Camp Hillard favorite. Campers learn popular songs as well as the traditional Camp Hillard songs. Campers also practice for the annual Tribal Song & Cheer contest. Go Pawnees!
Campers make weekly projects during ARTS & CRAFTS. Projects have included Painted Warhol Flowers, Spiral Mono Prints, and Floral Leis. New projects are being planned for this summer.
The Camp Hillard NATURE Center is an exciting spot at camp. Our animals and other fun activities are a hit with all campers. This summer will feature new projects as well as some of the campers' favorites.
PAWNEE SPECIAL EVENTS PREVIEW 2025
Each summer Camp Hillard features both annual and new special events. These events are scheduled throughout the summer and complement the regular program.
Here are some of this year's highlights:
• Annual Lollipop Hunt
• Marshmallow and SMores Roasts
• Tribal Song and Cheer Contest
• 97th Year Celebration
• Special Camp Show
• Themed Dress-up Day
• Festival of Fun
• Ice Cream Party
• Carnival Extravaganza
