A Day at
Camp Aranzazu
It starts with a spark
It ends with life-long friendships.
From marshmallow paint wars to bird watching, from the highest of heights to the slow embers of a campfire, we work to create the moments that forge human connections every single day. Our goal is for every camper to leave with a sense of belonging, and feeling of self efficacy and a strong desire to return. This is how we do it.
From Sailing to Capture the Flag
Fun at Camp
Challenge Course
The challenge course offers something for everybody- from building your team dynamics with games and low ropes options, climbing our rock walls, soaring to new heights on the zipline, testing your balance on our incline log, or simply cheering on your friends from the ground.
Sailing
Sailing on Copano Bay in the summers is a camp favorite for both new and returning campers! Our sailboats are called Hansa Access 303 accessible dinghies, and campers will set sail with a trained skipper right off of the T-head and sail near enough to camp to be able to wave to friends and counselors the whole time.
Tie-Dye
Campers get to let their creativity shine by tie-dyeing a Camp Aranzazu t-shirt that’s as unique as they are! It’s the perfect way to take home a piece of the camp magic and show off their artistic talent.
Tiles
Tile painting at camp provides a chance for campers to leave their mark! Campers are given creative freedom to paint a ceramic tile and leave it here for us hang up—turning their art into a lasting part of camp!
Archery
Campers get the opportunity to be brave at our archery range! Using our genesis compound bows, campers will safely learn shooting techniques, different adaptations, appropriate stance, names of equipment, and aim for that bullseye!
Boating
In our boating pond, campers get the opportunity to practice their paddling skills on a canoe, single kayak, tandem kayak, or stand-up paddleboard! Whether they are boating for the first time or are experienced and ready to race, paddlers of all levels are welcome on the water.
Pool
With our lifeguards overseeing the fun and providing accessible, safe options for each swimmer, campers get to practice deep-water swimming down to 9ft at the Classic Pool or playing volleyball in the shallower 4ft water at the Party Pool. Both pools have a zero-depth entry option with rails, additional steps for transfers, and, of course, cannonballs are always an entry option too.
Birding
Located in a birding hotspot, Camp offers countless opportunities to observe birds native to our coastal environment. Campers will learn what birding is all about, how to use binoculars, and get to practice identifying a variety of bird species.
Nature Hut
The Nature Hut is an educational space where our summer campers come face-to-face with a variety of animals, both furry and not! Learn where the species is from, their special traits, and maybe even get to hold them yourself! The inland nature program also teaches campers about the beauty of the native flora (plants!) and fauna (animals!) of camp through games and nature walks together.
Campfire
Whether you are sitting around the campfire by the inland pond or Copano Bay, you are sure to be met with some silly songs, tasty s’mores, campfire traditions, and most importantly - a chance to connect. We love to gather around our campfire after supper and honor the Camp Aranzazu tradition of connection with each one!
HOST
HOST (Hands On Skills Time) involves hands-on activities that help campers build hard skills. Campers are presented with options and get to choose which HOST group they are a part of for the week! Whether they're cooking up something tasty in the kitchen or putting creative science experiments to the test, there's always something exciting to learn!
Marshmallow Paint War
Get ready to get messy in this ‘mallow’ filled battle! Campers and their team will prepare for battle by getting decorated with paint, take to the field, and fire some paint-covered ‘mallows’ at the other team. The team that makes the biggest mess of the other is declared the Marshmallow Paint War Champion of the week.
Med Distribution
8:00 am — 8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am — 9:15 am
Inland Nature with Animals
9:15 am — 10:00 am
Screamer (Giant Swing)
10:00 am — 10:55 am
Leather Crafting
11:05 am — 11:50 am
Lunch + CNN (Camper News Network)
12:00 pm — 1:00 pm
Rest Time
1:00 pm — 2:00 pm
Swim Time
2:15 pm — 4:15 pm
Change & Snack Break
4:20 pm — 4:50 pm
Host
5:00 pm — 5:50 pmDinner
6:00 pm — 6:45 pm
Free Play on Front Lawn
6:45 pm — 7:15 pmMarshmallow Paint War
7:20 pm — 9:00 pmBedtime Med Distribution
9:00 pm — 9:30 pm
Care &
Accessibility
Our Partner Model allows for our partner’s counselors, staff, and medical team to handle the daily care and medical needs of campers. Our Camp Aranzazu staff focuses on safety, teaching, and adapting activities so campers can try new things and play in nature! This partnership ensures focused care for health, well-being, and recreation—all centered on safety, fun, and intentionality.
Accessibility is alive! For us, accessibility means continuously working to create spaces where folks feel they have what they need to not just be, but belong. If you have unique needs or questions beyond our accessible campus, please reach out to our camp director, Amelia, to start a conversation and help us continue to make everyone feel welcome.
Campers with dietary restrictions, allergies, or unique needs will have a planned meal that is as similar as possible to the family-style menu. Picky eaters can check in with the kitchen for a classic substitute or bring some or all of their own food; we will plate it for them.
Our campus has wide, paved pathways or decked boardwalks connecting every building and activity. This smooth, clearly defined route helps everyone navigate camp with greater ease.
At activities, we offer many participation options, using specialized tools and equipment (with staff assistance):
- Archery: We provide a quick release to help with gripping the bowstring, or the bow can be mounted cross-bow style for seated campers.
- Challenge Course (Zipline): Campers who cannot climb can use our triangle hammock and reverse haul system. Seated and supported, they are lifted by a pulley, hauled to the top, and zip down, with our staff managing the entire process.
- Kayaking: Options include a paddle mount for extra support or additional cushions/beanbags for upright seating. Campers can also relax on a beanbag in a canoe and get help from friends to paddle.
- Art Center: We offer great textures, high-contrast visual options, and lighted magnifying glasses for creative support and painting small details.
Activities
Outdoor Activities
Inland Adventures
Archery
Canoeing
Challenge Course
Freshwater Fishing
Kayaking
Messy Games
Nature / Animals
Sports and Games
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Swimming
Water Games
Bayfront Activities
Beach combing
Birdwatching
Dolphin Tour with Captain Tommy Moore*
Environmental Education
Sailing
Saltwater Fishing
Stargazing
Creative Pursuits
Arts and Crafts
Cooking/Baking
Drama
Leather-Crafting
Mosaics
Music and Stories
Painting
Photography
Pottery
Stretching & Mindfulness
Tie-dye
Tiles (a camp tradition!)
Evening Activities
Campfire - songs, stories and s’mores
Capture the Flag
Dance Party
Ice Cream Social
Karaoke
Kickball
Marshmallow Paint Wars
Movies
Night Swim
Talent show
Double check your list
What to expect
Cabins
You won't be alone! You'll be part of a cabin group (your roommates for the week) and will be with counselors or staff members at all times. Cabin Buddies (Camp Aranzazu Activity Leaders) are assigned to your cabin, joining you at meals, hanging out before bed, and answering any camp questions you have while you're here.
Reassurance & Safety
Safety is our top priority
Trained Staff
Our team includes certified lifeguards and challenge course facilitators. All activity leaders are trained by experts, including three Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), ensuring safe and fully inclusive programming.
Emergency Procedures
Our emergency procedures are routinely reviewed and practiced, guaranteeing all staff members are fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively if the unexpected happens.
Staff Background Checks
For the safety of all our guests, every seasonal and full-time staff member undergoes thorough background checks prior to their employment with Camp Aranzazu.
Emergency Warning System
New this year, we have installed an emergency alert system to enhance our on-site weather monitoring and support rapid communication with everyone at camp if an unexpected event occurs.
