Frequently Asked Questions About Girls Summer Camp

If we say so ourselves, we have some of the nicest and most comfortable cabins found at any camp. They have each been remodeled inside and out. They are well lit, well ventilated and even have a ceiling fan! The main area contains four bunk beds (with twin-size mattresses), room for up to eight campers along with the adjacent CP (counselor area) where your child’s two counselors will live.

We have four completely modern shower houses within a few steps of each cabin. Showers are private and each shower stall has a private individual changing area. They are professionally cleaned daily.

It is exceptionally pleasant and comfortable throughout our summer season. Highs generally are in the low 80’s (26 C) and evenings may cool into the low 60’s or upper 50’s (14-16 C). We may see a few days in the 90’s (30+ C) as well as a night or two in the 40’s (10 C). June through August is generally dry and sunny, but an occasional shower or storm may occur during your child’s stay at camp.

When storms are forecast, multiple weather web sites are monitored by the directors day and night to allow us to have plenty of time to prepare and react. Weather radios are placed in several locations throughout camp. WeHaKee is also equipped with several below-ground storm shelters which can easily and safely shelter all of our community when necessary.

Yes, we are in the north woods of Wisconsin so mosquitoes, flies and other annoying insects can appear. However, camp’s location is kept well-groomed, reducing the areas for insects to thrive. In addition, we are located on a ridge allowing us to experience frequent breezes, keeping the bugs away! Nonetheless, we do recommend that your child pack a repellant spray or lotion for occasional use in the evening.

Your child can receive plenty of TLC at our Band Aid! Often times a bit of extra rest is all that is needed. We have several private bedrooms in the Band Aid just for this purpose. If your child’s illness (or injury) is more serious, we will contact you right away to discuss the best course of action.

For Your Information – The Band Aid (our health center) is staffed by volunteer nurses who often have 20 or more years of nursing experience. In addition, a doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner is also available to provide assistance and consultation.

It is important to remember that camp is an ideal place for your child to increase their self-confidence and independence. Phone conversations can significantly impede this growth and development. Parents are always welcome to call or e-mail the camp directors at any time to check on their child’s well being. So, if you miss your child or just want to know how they are doing, feel free to get in touch with us. However, despite best intentions, direct phone contact with campers nearly always escalates or intensifies homesickness and is generally discouraged.

Please know that all campers have access to snacks and beverages each afternoon through the Trading Post (at no extra charge). Dessert is served at lunch and dinner. With respect to increased food borne allergies, dietary concerns & sensitivities, WeHaKee will confiscate any food items that a camper may bring to or receive at camp. The presence of candy and other snacks creates challenges in maintaining a healthy, safe and sustainable environment for all of our campers & staff. Specifically…

• All packages delivered to campers will be opened and inspected by camp staff to ensure that no food items have been sent to the camper. Again any food items will be confiscated. If appropriate, confiscated food items will be donated to a local food shelf.

ALL are welcome at WeHaKee… and have been since 1923! WeHaKee Camp for Girls was created and sponsored by the Dominicans of Sinsinawa. We are proud that the Dominicans have been refreshingly intentional in making sure WeHaKee is truly open to ALL!

At WeHaKee, it has been our tradition to be welcoming toward and accepting of all no matter where they may be on their individual journey. We treat each camper respectfully and never advocate one approach over another. We focus on our commonalities while seeking to learn more about our differences in an accepting environment throughout camp.

The WeHaKee experience is about embracing the universal values of Community, Compassion, Justice, Truth and Peace. Upon those values we build a camp experience that cherishes what each camper brings. At WeHaKee it is about LIVING these values within our own beliefs in all we do on a daily basis to build stronger, more positive relationships while embracing the unique differences within each of us.

We conclude each day with Evening Prayer, where each cabin group has a chance (with staff guidance and support) to lead the camp community in short prayers, songs and skits. This short gathering in our beautiful lakeside chapel offers closure to each day while providing each of us a chance to reflect on all that we have received and encourages us to embrace a sense of gratitude.

Our campers and staff consistently share that they have felt accepted without judgement at WeHaKee regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. All are truly welcome on the shores of Hunter Lake!

Most of the campers that attend Camp WeHaKee arrive on their own, without a ‘buddy’. Our staff are skilled in helping each camper experience a sense of belonging almost immediately – if they take the bus to camp, this begins the moment they step onboard the bus. As the cabin groups come together on the first day, the counselors spend quality time helping the campers get to know each other and discover what they have in common so that they begin to make confidence building connections. This continues as they participate in their activities and get to know even more campers from throughout camp.

With our low camper to staff ratio (4:1), each camper receives plenty of personal attention to help them adjust quickly to the camp community and begin to experience fun and success in everything they do.

Supervision and support is key to each camper having a safe, fun and successful experience at WeHaKee. Two counselors are assigned to each cabin group of up to eight campers. The counselors sleep in an adjoining room where they can easily hear and attend to the campers’ needs or concerns. A minimum of two staff are assigned to each activity in order to provide plenty of support, encouragement and supervision.

As campers move from one location to the next, our staff move with the campers so that are available to provide any assistance needed. Our camper to staff ratio of 4:1 allows us to provide plenty of attention and oversight to make sure the campers remain safe and supported in all they do at Camp WeHaKee.