At Camp Esquagama, we believe kids need time to be kids – and that's what we are best at helping them do! Youth have been creating memories and lasting friendships at Camp Esquagama for over 75 years. Located a few hours north of the Twin Cities and less than an hour from Duluth, our 40 acres on Lake Esquagama is the perfect place to spend the summer outdoors! Campers can stay for five days or longer with our new extended camp sessions.

Life at Camp Esquagama

There's never a dull moment at Camp Esquagama. Youth ages 8-14 can attend camp at any session mid-June through early August. Children and youth will then spend much of their week at camp participating in the same activities as other kids around the same age, so they can make friends fast.

Skill-development through activities

Each camper is encouraged to try new activities, but if there is a particular skill a camper wishes work on, we can help them excel in a specific area. Our well trained and talented staff assists with waterfront, arts and crafts, archery, riffle range and every activity under the sun at camp.

Cabin Placement

Campers are organized into cabin groups by age. We do our best to honor up to two friend requests when made in advance and the campers are in similar age groups. The majority of our campers come alone and make friends quickly.

Meals

The dining hall is more than a place for meals, it's the time of day where all campers are able to gather in a common area and share their experiences with one another. We begin many of our meals with a camp song. Campers eat family style as a cabin group

Our kitchen offers a healthy yet tasty assortment of food options. New as of 2011, a salad bar is also provided at each meal, every day.

We provide the nutrition necessary to energize campers for a full day of camp activity. Scheduled mealtimes are 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If your child has any food allergies or dietary needs, please note these on their medical forms and we will do our best to accommodate. A phone call to the Camp Director well in advance of the camper's session is also appreciated.

Campfire Tradition

Campers gather around our bonfire by the waterfront amphitheater almost every night of camp. Of course, no camp fire experience would be complete without all of the essential ingredients for the perfect smores - YUM!

Waterfront

Each camper's swimming ability will be evaluated upon arrival at camp. Swimming is a camp activity but swim lessons are not provided on site. Campers who aren't able to pass the swim test can still have fun by our sandy waterfront and closed dock area that's only 3 feet deep. The waterfront is always staffed with a head lifeguard and several other alert lifeguards during all waterfront activity.

Canteen Store

Once a day, the Camp Esquagama Canteen store opens for campers who wish to buy soda, ice cream, snacks, and camp merchandise.

Closing Ceremony

On the last day, Camp Esquagama has an awards program, which parents and friends are invited. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. and we'll hand out certificates of accomplishment and sing a camp song or a few. Parents will also then have an opportunity to talk with staff, including the nurse and camp director. It's a great way for all campers to get together for a final farewell – until next year of course!