Our Specialty Areas are what make up the bulk of our campers’ schedules. At Camp Harmony, we place a very high value on quality staff running quality specialty areas. Each area (with the exception of Mini-Golf) is staffed by a Specialty Head and, in many cases, multiple Specialty Counselors.
While the vast array of activities can seem a bit daunting, don’t worry! We do all of the hard work in individually crafting each group’s schedule to be custom-tailored to that group’s age & gender. That said, every camper will get a chance to experience every activity every week. Specialty Heads are trained to make activities age specific. Example: Every group, from our 3 year old Blueberrys to our 12 year old Buckskins will be scheduled at Ropes; the Specialty staff simply crafts lessons that are appropriate to their age and skill levels.
For more on our facilities (where all of these activities take place), feel free to visit our Facilities & Grounds page by clicking here or take a tour of the grounds by clicking on the right!
Archery
Campers who are entering 1st grade or older learn interesting archery facts, the parts of the bow and the arrow, and hands on instruction on shooting at a variety of targets. Campers use recurve bows and ACA regulated field tip arrows. Armguards are provided, and campers follow strict archery range rules whenever at the range. Our Archery instructor is certified by the National Archery Association of the United States.
Arts & Crafts
Projects in the Arts & Crafts cabins are varied and unique – all custom crafted for that specific group’s age. Some projects are tailored to our special days (like making crazy hats for Crazy Hat Day). All campers love to use lanyard to make bracelets, anklets, and key chains.
Computers
Even at Camp, we know computers play an enormous role in our ever advancing word. At Harmony, all ages of campers participate in our Computer program which familiarizes campers with the basics of the computer. Games, Word Processors, PowerPoint and paint programs are used to craft custom projects. Even the youngest campers learn to type their names & use pre-school software!
Cooking
Campers become classic chefs during our cooking program! Age-appropriate recipes allow campers to create their own treats and snacks in a supervised environment (and bring home the recipes to make over and over again)! All recipes follow our strict allergy guidelines. For more information on our Allergy Awareness & Nut-Free Environment, click here.
Drama
Our Drama instructor teaches the campers to enter imaginary worlds and to become fun characters, act out comics, plan their own performances and so much more!
Earthlore
Using a combination of storytelling, folklore, arts & crafts, and song & dance, at Earthlore we learn about and appreciate how different cultures connect to and see the world. Drawing heavily from Native America lore and practice, each week we learn another way to marvel at the world around us, and to walk softly upon our Mother, the Earth. With projects ranging from making “ojo de dios” (God’s eye), to learning one’s Indian name, to learning about the four directions and the four elements, we open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts to all who walk this earth with us. As we say in Earthlore, “Ma Xica Tenemec” (may you all be well)!
Gaga
Gaga (or gaga ball) is an Israeli sport that has become a summer camp staple. This form of pinball is played inside our brand new gaga court (an enclosed octagonal court with approximately 4-foot high walls). If you are hit below your knees you’re out. Join the phenomenon that IS gaga at Camp Harmony!
Gymnastics
Our trained instructor teaches gymnastics basics to the youngest campers and advanced skills to those who have had previous training in our state-of-the-art Gymnastics Center. Campers also learn appropriate exercise techniques and play on our advanced DDR system with large screen plasma TV!
Hip-Hop Dance
Taught by a certified dance instructor, this new specialty area has become a hit with girls and…boys! Lessons are crafted to be gender specific with focuses on modern dance & performances for those that want to showcase their skills in front of the entire Camp!
Karate
Taught by an instructor from a local karate studio, karate (specifically tae-kwon-do) teaches not only the physical arm & leg moves but stresses self-discipline and self-control.
Miniature Golf
Our 9-hole Harmony National miniature golf course is full of challenges, even for the most experienced golf pro! Older groups are known to run tournaments throughout the summer.
Music
Singing is an integral part of Camp life! Songs about Camp Harmony and other popular songs can be heard around camp – from Tuesdays in the Lunchroom to the annual Buckskin/Shadyside Lock-In! We even have laser Karaoke for some extra special fun activities.
Nature/Science
Our large outdoor areas provide an excellent opportunity to indulge in learning experiences about the natural world. Our Nature Yurt is the center for Nature activities and is located at the entrance to our Nature Trail which winds its way through the surrounding forest area. Nature is held indoors on rainy days or if the temperature is too hot.
Rest Time (youngest campers)
Our youngest campers get a well-deserved break during the day to rest and enjoy some quiet time. We provide clean, comfortable mats for napping and on some occasions the groups enjoy story time. While specific “rest time” is only provided for our youngest campers, we do recognize that every age group benefits from a little "down time". With that in mind, we try not to over-program our campers and allow for various “Group Activity” times where Group Leaders can work on teambuilding and social interactions.
Rink (and In-line Skating)
Campers use their own skates and helmets - along with the shin, knee, & wrist pads that we provide - to practice skating skills, play hockey, and learn new tricks. We also have scooters to use in this area for those who do not wish to bring their skates to Camp. Rollerblades are not required for Rink!
Ropes
Our Adventure Ropes course is made up of three distinct areas: our Low Ropes elements (including the Cargo Net, Monkey Bridge and envelope), our High Ropes course (including our 20’ Rock-Climbing Wall, 20’ Cargo Net and Cable Swing) and our 400’ zip line! Run by one of the largest specialty staffs, all of our Ropes instructors are certified annually by The Adventure Network and follow the strictest safety regulations. Campers work on team building, cooperation, and problem solving in various physical situations. Our High Ropes course is primarily used by campers who are at least 6 years old, although even our youngest Blueberrys have gotten a chance to try it out! All campers who climb are required to wear a helmet, harness and sneakers.
Sports
Our sports program is varying and one of our largest single specialty areas at Camp. Coordinated and custom tailored to each individual age level and gender, our Sports program is designed to meet the needs and desires of all age groups. Sports learned and played include: wiffleball, t-ball, soccer, kickball, basketball, softball, volleyball, and various other field and traditional “Camp” activities. Trained instructors teach sports skills with emphasis on learning and development of skills and by stressing the fun of the game.
Tennis
All campers are scheduled for tennis lessons at least once each week. Nursery school age campers begin to learn skills in a pre-tennis program, which requires a little less coordination. Camp Harmony provides rackets, although some avid players prefer to bring their own.
