Camps Newfound & Owatonna

This is a Christian Science summer camp for kids, (and they have a one-week family camp that I know nothing about). It's very traditional, with strict dress codes, gender separation, no electronics, and many traditions that clearly go back 50+ years. Kids need a letter from a Christian Science Sunday School teacher, saying they've at least occasionally attended, to sign up, and kids do bible study on Sundays. The boys camp (owatonna) is also a bit militaristic, like most boys camps pre-1960, and they haven't let it go. If all that sounds good to you, and you've got the money, it's an amazing camp, with great staff, providing a rare experience in the modern world. And water skiing. And 3 day capture the flag in the woods (for older campers).

A one of a kind, life changing experience. Our family has been going for three generations now.

The most amazing summer camp around for ages 6-18.

I have never rated anything over a 5, but this experience was a 10+. This was my daughter's first year ever at Camp Newfound (age 11). We knew it would be a great experience, but they exceeded everything we could imagine. Tuition can be daunting at first, but when you see and hear about all your daughter experienced- the experiences offered to your daughter- the price tag somehow pales in comparison with the value received. Camp Newfound's setting is nothing short of idyllic. I don't know that there is a more magical, perfect , epic camp setting to learn and grow anywhere in the world. Camp Newfound excels in: quality experiences, safety (they take it very seriously and I'm impressed at how they ensure safety is paramount every step of the way) and they have specialists who excel in each activity your girl signs up for, so your daughter is getting top quality education and knowledge in that particular activity. They constantly offer the girls choices each week. The food is amazing (according to my daughter), and there is a balance between discipline and order (cabin inspections for cleanliness, team work in cleaning up the camp on certain days) and creative time and freedom. There is incredible spiritual growth and the letting go of fear and trying new activities. There is joy. There is learning independence and relying on your Source for all power and stretching and soaring to new heights. The cabin counselors ROCK, as do all the staff. For this first time camper mom, the ability to text the Camp Director directly for updates on my daughter as well as see the uploaded photos from the camp photographer daily was a necessary comfort to watch my daughter's experience. But the bottom line is how my daughter felt about it and she was begging to sign her up for next year. It has been said that investing in the overnight cabin /camping experience is one of the greatest gifts one could give their kid - better than "college prep" summer courses - because camp teaches them how to build community and how to connect experiences throughout life. And these are the skills that prove success in careers and life way more than all the summer college prep courses one could take. Investing in Camp Newfound takes this concept and expands on it because it also includes spiritual growth and the day to day practice of *living* love and growing and knowing where your power comes from. All while having the fun and making memories of a lifetime. We are lifelong fans of Camp Newfound. Here are some highlights of what your girls can experience: Lots of water sport opportunities (water skiing, wakeboarding, swimming, water play, bumper-tubing); volleyball, lacrosse, arts and crafts, drama/performing arts, tennis, and off-site field trip experiences like canoeing and camping outdoors; fishing, team building activities, socializing "parties" and opportunities, and so much more.

The great people at Camp Owatonna helped me grow and mature as a kid in the summer of 89'. The counselors helped to make me who I am today. I made lots of life long memories.