Braves are our youngest campers in the Camp Lakota family, and for most, it’s their first time at summer camp! The Braves program is designed to introduce younger campers to sleepaway camp in a way that feels supportive, structured, and fun.
For families looking for a summer camp for 6, 7, 8, and 9 year olds, Braves provides a strong foundation where children can begin building independence while feeling safe and cared for.
For most of our Braves, their first summer at Lakota is their first time away from home without their parents. That’s why our Braves program focuses on creating a nurturing environment where campers heading into 1st through 4th grade feel comfortable from the start.
While we believe that spending the summer at camp has many benefits for young campers, we still make sure our campers have a smooth transition into camp life. With a consistent daily schedule and hands-on counselor support, campers quickly adjust to camp life and begin to thrive.
To provide our Braves with the attention that first-time campers need, our counselor-to-camper ratio is higher than in the other divisions. Our youngest campers are under the watchful eyes of our caring Camp Moms. Camp Moms are attentive to each child’s needs and help to maintain hygiene, clean clothes, ensure teeth are brushed, hair is shampooed, sunscreen is applied, and kids are kept hydrated.
Some of the ways we make sure you can stay in touch with your child is by having weekly phone calls home, encouraging parents and campers to write letters, and having parents create a Bunk 1 account. Bunk 1 gives parents a chance to view photos daily, read our blog posts with updates on all the exciting things happening at camp and send their children “Bunk Notes”. These small touchpoints provide campers with the check ins they need to feel supported while away from home and ultimately have a successful first-time camp experience.
Braves get to experience all our camp has to offer! We make it a priority to set up all our activities to be safe and fun for campers of all sizes. We also strive to create well rounded schedules, so campers participate in a wide range of age-appropriate activities, including athletics, waterfront, arts, and outdoor adventures.
Our Braves also get the chance to go on our whole camp trip as well as a day trip planned just for our younger campers.
Through each activity and outing our focus is on helping each child:
In between all the excitement each day at camp, we also carve out time to give our Braves a chance to rest and relax. Each day after night activity our Braves get to stop by the canteen for a quick snack before returning to their bunks to get ready for bed!
It’s no coincidence our youngest campers are referred to as the Braves, because coming to camp for the first time at such a young age takes a lot of bravery! Many of our Braves start the summer not knowing anyone, but with in no time they will have formed bonds and made friendships that could last a lifetime.
For many campers, joining our Braves program before they head into 1st through 4th grade is just the beginning. The skills and confidence they gain here prepare them for continued growth through each stage of camp, while also making a long term impact on their self confidence and overall growth.
We can’t wait to welcome your child to the Camp Lakota family. Contact us to get all your questions answered, or start the enrollment process today!
Yes, the Braves program is Camp Lakota’s youngest division and is specifically built around the needs of first-time campers. The Braves maintain a higher counselor-to-camper ratio than any other division. Braves campers also have dedicated Camp Moms, who are experienced staff who help with daily routines like hygiene, sunscreen, hydration, and clean clothes, so no child feels lost or overlooked. For many Braves, this is their first time away from home, and the program is designed to make that transition feel manageable from day one.
The Braves program uses a predictable daily schedule to help younger campers feel settled quickly; when children know what’s coming next, anxiety drops significantly. Counselors and Camp Moms are trained to spot early signs of homesickness and respond with reassurance, activity engagement, and one-on-one attention.
Parents stay connected through weekly phone calls, letters, and Bunk1, which allows families to view daily photos and send Bunk Notes that are printed and delivered to campers with the mail.
That’s the norm in the Braves division, not the exception. Most Braves campers arrive not knowing anyone and having never spent a night away from their parents. The structure of the program, with familiar routines, small group settings, Camp Moms on hand, and counselors who live alongside campers, is specifically designed to make that first experience feel safe. Most Braves settle in faster than their parents expect. Learn more about how Camp Lakota supports first-time campers.
Braves participate in the full range of Camp Lakota activities, including swim instruction, athletics, arts, gaga, cooking, outdoor adventure, and elective choices each day. All equipment and safety gear is sized for children of all ages, so younger campers participate fully and safely alongside the rest of camp. Braves also get a whole-camp trip as well as a day trip planned specifically for their division, and each evening they stop by the canteen for a snack before bed.
If your child can follow basic routines, is curious about making new friends, and is open to new experiences, then they’re likely ready. Many children are ready for camp earlier than parents expect. Read more about readiness signs.
If you want a first step before committing to a full session, a camp tour gives younger campers a chance to visit camp, meet staff, and experience the environment before summer begins.
Yes, and for younger children especially, the benefits are hard to replicate elsewhere. Camp helps kids build independence, confidence, and social skills in a setting where they’re supported but not sheltered. For many Braves campers, arriving not knowing anyone and leaving with close friends is one of the most formative experiences of their early years. See why families choose Camp Lakota.