Camp Onaway
Our daily program offers a high level of instruction in traditional camp activities accompanied by strong arts offerings. The Onaway program is a balance between scheduled morning instruction and choice time in the afternoon. We hope each camper will become proficient and derive pleasure from accomplishment in all Camp activities, but we also make sure to provide time for each camper to pursue the activity or activities wherein her greatest interest lies.
Each camper has two hours a week of morning instruction in tennis, arts and crafts, woodworking, sewing, classical dance, boating and/or canoeing, sailing and/or crew . At least one hour per week is allotted to nature study, camp craft, and drama, with extra time for trips, rehearsals, and practical experience. Weather permitting there are two swimming periods a day – one devoted entirely to lessons and the other a free swim time to play.
Other activities such as choir, photography, knitting, creative writing and others are offered under the supervision of trained counselors and are open to campers on an optional basis.
In as much as we believe that outdoor camp craft skills and experience develop almost more than anything else a girl’s self-reliance, initiative, cooperation and sensitivity to nature, Onaway has an active Trips and Camp Craft Program. All groups in Camp go out frequently, and we make sure that only experienced leaders take the campers off the grounds. All groups make overnight camping trips either on the lake or at nearby rivers and lakes. Girls are taught to pitch a tent, wield an axe, read a compass, cook their food, and follow a trail, so as to ensure life-long competence in the woods.
Hiking is popular. Frequent climbs to nearby peaks and the Presidentials are offered whenever the weather is right. These expeditions are under the supervision of skilled counselors, who teach proper techniques. The Senior Hiking Club, Intermediate Hiking Club and Junior Hiking Club are made up of strong, enthusiastic girls. The girls spend up to three days and two nights climbing in the Presidentials and sleeping in AMC huts. Three to five day backpacking trips explore new territory and are challenging experiences. Selection to these expeditions is based on endurance, cooperation and good sportsmanship.