Hi!

We are Mike and Kathy Jay and together we have owned and directed Camp Kamaji for Girls since 1980.

Founded in 1914, Kamaji has the distinction of being the oldest and longest continually running residential summer camp for girls in Minnesota!! We are proud to be the current stewards of a camp that is rich in heritage and steeped in traditional, "old-fashioned" values. Having been at Kamaji for 20 years previous, we entered this ~ the 21st ~ century committed more than ever to Kamaji's founding principles: to be a place where kids can absolutely, completely be kids; where childhood is embraced, nurtured and respected; where our campers can grow and develop, learn new things, do things they can't do at home, and cultivate friendships unlike any they've ever had ~ friendships that last a lifetime.

And over the past five years, we've made an even more concerted effort to ensure that Kamaji is seen as a "safe" place; a place where diversity is valued ~ where each girl is judged by her behavior rather than by her beliefs or her appearance. Too, Kamaji is a place where its campers are treated as individuals, not as stereotypes; where they are respected, trusted, encouraged, praised, loved and, most importantly, valued. Above all, Kamaji is a joyous, fun-filled, child-centered community ~ a place where kids come first.

That is the heart and soul of Kamaji.

About our website:
A mere 25 years ago, we couldn't have imagined talking to you about Kamaji via the Internet! In fact, when we first sat down to develop the website you're now surfing, we wondered what it is that we should say ~ what it is that you, as a parent, would most want to know about Kamaji. We decided to start with the basics and, to that end, we compiled a list of the most frequently-asked questions about Camp Kamaji. Simply click on any question below to view our response. If your question isn't listed, just ask us. We'll be happy to answer all your questions and "snail mail" you more information about Kamaji.

P.S. We recently updated our photo "tour" that lets you see Kamaji using 360-degree spherical images! It's as close as you can get to being here without really being here! Just click on Camp Tour and take a walk into Camp Kamaji!

What is Camp Kamaji? What is Camp Kamaji's philosophy? What is Camp Kamaji's program like? Where do campers live? Does Kamaji offer wilderness trips? Who works at Kamaji?

What is Camp Kamaji?

A girls' camp located in Northern Minnesota, about 200 miles north/northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, 110 miles west of Duluth and 15 miles east of Bemidji. Summer "home" to 160 girls, ages 7 to 15, and 80+ staff members. A residential camp that offers both a four - and eight - week session. A camp accredited by the American Camping Association. A kid-centered camp. A structured, supportive, supervised and positive place where Kamaji's kids are respected, trusted, encouraged, praised, loved and, most importantly, valued.

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What is Camp Kamaji's philosophy?

"Daughters grow up - just once!"

As adults, we recognize what an important time of life childhood really is. All too often, today's kids struggle in a "made over," adult-oriented world where they are "fast tracked" to adulthood.

Whatever happened to letting kids be kids? The idea seems to be lost in today's society, but not at Kamaji!

We believe camp is an integral part of a child's total education and development. Kamaji teaches its campers the skills necessary to grow toward independence and, in time, adulthood. We recognize that, as a parent, you want only the best for your children. You want to give them the opportunity to unlock their potential. To grow. Explore. Develop. And discover the world. As parents ourselves, we want the same for our children - and for our campers at Kamaji.

We're here to help your daughter experience childhood fully. And one day at a time.

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What is Camp Kamaji's program like?
Kamaji offers an individualized, noncompetitive instructional program in over 20 activities. Your daughter can choose from swimming, sailing, canoeing, sea-kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing, fishing, tennis, archery, horseback riding, theater, arts and crafts, painting and drawing, ceramics and pottery, dance, aerobics, photography, outdoor living skills, climbing wall and ropes course.

We make no guarantees that your daughter will leave camp a Wimbledon-caliber tennis star or an America's Cup sailor (but who knows?!). We do, however, promise to help her achieve new skills in recreational activities that she'll enjoy the rest of her life. We'll also help her increase self-confidence through a personal sense of achievement.

We have no doubt that your daughter will return home believing she can excel at just about anything she puts her mind to. And if she does go on to play at Wimbledon or skipper a yacht in the America's Cup race, we wouldn't be surprised!

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Where do campers live?
Groups of eight or nine campers of the same age are housed together in cabin groups. Each cabin group has three counselors. The make-up of each cabin group reflects the geographical diversity we strive to maintain at Kamaji.

Therefore, it's likely that a first-time camper will not know anyone in her cabin group. We believe that's a very positive way to begin a camp experience, untethered to others from her hometown or school; open to developing new, "camp friendships" that are unique, last a lifetime - and are developed truly on her own. It's a positive step toward developing the confidence and independence your daughter will need as an adult.

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Does Kamaji offer wilderness trips?
Yes! And even our youngest campers can participate in our overnight trip program. Accompanied by a specially-trained and experienced trip leader, campers can go on overnight canoeing, kayaking, sailing and horseback riding trips. Trips last from two to nine days.

The goal of our wilderness trip program is to give each camper a meaningful and enjoyable outdoor experience. If she returns from her trip more aware of the beauty of the natural world; if she feels an even closer kinship to those who accompanied her; if she's proud of herself for living up to the challenge and trying something outside her "normal" routine --then our goal has been achieved.

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Who works at Kamaji?
Kamaji's staff, like its campers, is a diverse group. Our total staff numbers over 80. Included in that number are 54 cabin counselors and CITs (Counselors-In-Training), an on-site licensed doctor and two nurses, and activity specialty staff including our wilderness trip leaders. Add to that our full complement of support staff including administrative, kitchen, office and maintenance folks. Many of our staff return year after year. In fact, many are former Kamaji campers! Ninety percent are college-aged or older.

We hire staff who enjoy being with children, who are patient, sensitive and understanding, who enjoy the outdoors, and who will lead the campers by their example. More importantly, Kamaji's staff are understanding, caring and concerned young adults who partner with us and our camper parents to ensure that each girl gets the most from her camp experience.

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