Meet new and interesting kids from Delaware County and beyond. Together you will explore nature, cook and camp in the great outdoors, share a special bond with bunk mates, work in special groups, and sing and enjoy evening programs around the glowing campfire.
Learn Skills
Classes
1. Swimming- Join us for one of our most popular classes. Learn to swim or improve your swimming skills while having a lot of fun. Classes will be taught using the Red Cross guidelines.
2. Arts and Crafts- Take something home with you from camp. A creative atmosphere where kids will produce several projects using a variety of materials. Our emphasis is on the use of natural and recycled materials.
3. Archery I- Class for beginners and young campers. Learn how to shoot the correct way. Learn basic techniques, safety and have fun while doing. Participants will use Genesis bows in this class. Campers may NOT bring their own bows.
4. Archery II- For those campers who have taken Archery I class and have some knowledge of archery. Class will have Genesis, other compound bows and recurve bows available for use. Due to strength of bows, class is restricted to campers 12 years old and up. Campers may NOT bring their own bows.
5. Sports and Recreation- Come on out and play. Active sports such as softball, volleyball, kickball, basketball, soccer and games will be offered. Learn some rules and strategy for these sports. Camp has a lot of sports equipment that campers can use.
6. Backyard Cookery- Learn to build a fire and get to eat at the same time. Enjoy cooking and eating a variety of foods made over an outdoor fire.
7. Science and Nature- Don't be afraid to get dirty and have some fun. Explore your surroundings. Learn about plants and animals. Take a hike in the woods and check out the river shallows for small creatures. Do experiments and dissect an owl pellet. Bring some old shoes and join us for a good time.
8. Photography- Learn photography. You'll learn how to take, compose, manipulate, and print photos.
9. Camp Newspaper- Each camper will make their own page for the paper to be handed out at the end of the week. Learn to be a reporter. Interview counselors or make an art page.
10. Team Challenge Course- Camp Shankitunk has a wonderful low ropes course. The emphasis is on team work by over coming obstacles as a group.
11. Drama- Would you like to have a part in a production? You may act, mime, or coordinate the costumes, set or make-up. Whatever your part, there will be fun for all, with a special event created by your group on Friday.
12. Rocketry I- For those 10 years and over. This class teaches how to build and safely launch your own rocket. Rocketry I may be taken more than one year. Additional charge of $15.00 for each class. Payable at registration or in advance.
13. Rocketry II- For experienced campers 12 years and older and who have taken Rocketry I. Additional charge of $20.00 for class. Payable at registration or in advance.
14. Rocketry III- Rocketry III will be offered for experienced campers 14 and older. Additional charge of $20.00 for class. Payable at registration or in advance.
15. Woodworking I- We have the tools to make it happen. The science center at camp has a camper workshop. You will use tools to make a take home woodworking project. Other 4-H wood working projects are also possible during the week. We will also spend a day learning how to use the various tools in the workshop and the proper safety procedures. There is a $10.00 extra fee for this program.
16. Counselor in Training I- This class is for campers 14 years old and older. A first look at what it means to be a counselor. Self-awareness and cooperation skills will be stressed. Many camp activities will be observed from a counselor's viewpoint.
17. Backpacking I- A beginners program for campers 8 and 9. Learn about equipment used in backpacking. Set up a campsite close to camp and spend a night at the site. Enjoy evening snacks and breakfast cooked over your campfire. You need a sleeping bag. All other equipment provided by camp.
18. Shooting Sports - Introduction to air-rifle safety, fundamentals and marksmanship. Must be 11 years old or older. There is a $10.00 extra charge for this program.
19. Cooking Up Fun - For those 10 and over. Learn about kitchen safety, sanitation, measuring ingredients, reading recipes and eating tasting treats. Making your own food can be fun and healthy. Campers will plan and prepare their own delicious delicacies. Yum! Yum! Join in the Fun! Double class period.
20. Wilderness Survival - For those age 13 and over. If you are up for some adventure, this may be the class for you. Campers will spend two nights camping out, cooking their own meals, building shelters, and learning how to survive in the woods. Double class period.
21. Fishing 1- This class is for beginning campers. Learn how to bait a hook and cast a spinning rod. Campers will fish in the meandering Delaware near camp. Campers may bring their own pole, but it is not necessary. LET'S GO FISHING. Double class period.
22. Fishing II- This class is for campers 10 and up who don't mind taking a hike to get to a great spot. Campers will take a midweek day outing on the rails to trails to experience some untapped fishing holes and beautiful scenery. Double class period.
23. Woodworking II - This class is for campers age 13 and older. Join us for a challenging project in the wood shop. Campers will learn about tools and shop safety while constructing their own Rock-Back chair. There is a $30.00 extra fee for this program. Double class period.
24. Counselor In Training II- For campers 15 years old and older. There will be opportunities to assist in the camp program. CIT numbers may be limited each week. Evaluations will be done. Course teaches philosophy of camping, counseling, differences of campers and leadership. Double class period.
25. Backpacking II- A basic program for campers 10 years old and up. Learn about the equipment used for backpacking and
experience backpacking. Build a better understanding of your abilities as a hiker and more appreciation of packing as a way to carry essentials for living with you. Actually set up a campsite on the mountain overlooking camp. Spend a night and prepare your own food. Good hiking shoes or sneakers required. Double class period.
26. Tennis - (Week 1 or 3 only). A program for boys and girls age 10 years and over. There is a $20.00 extra charge for this program that's payable at registration or in advance. The course will be taught each morning at the Delaware Academy courts. The camp will provide the necessary equipment except tennis shoes. Double class period.
27. Golf - (Week 2 only). Introduction to the game of golf. Must be 10 years old or older. There is a $20.00 extra charge for this program that's payable at registration or in advance. Learn basics of play, practice strokes, hitting the golf ball, putting and driving. Conditions permitting, participants will practice at local golf course, using driving range, pitching and putting area. Double class period.
28. Counselor in Training III - By invitation only. Campers must have completed CIT I and II. This is the final class of the CIT series that prepares campers to be counselors. All Day.
Camp Facts
- Shankitunk is an Indian word meaning Woody Place.
- Shankitunk is located on 165 acres of county owned land.
- Shankitunk is right on the west branch of the Delaware River.
- Open since 1927, Shankitunk is the oldest continuously operating 4-H camp in New York State!


