Challenge 2026, July 19-31
2026-07-19 13:30 - 2026-07-31 13:15 (America/Chicago) | Camp Tanglefoot, 14948 Dogwood Ave, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
Get ready to challenge yourself this summer in our special two-week session just for rising ninth graders! This is your chance to dive into a journey of self-discovery, teamwork, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Spend your days soaking up the sun at the waterfront – sailing across Clear Lake, paddling in canoes and on paddle boards, swimming, and more. Bravely take on the two-level high ropes course, including ziplines and the Leap of Faith! Sharpen your archery skills, enjoy all the activities that make a summer at Camp Tanglefoot so special, and embark on a two-night canoe trip across the lake at a local state park. Throughout this session, you’ll explore your leadership potential through hands-on experiences and team-building activities, develop valuable leadership skills, and gain confidence in yourself before heading off to high school. With your camp friends, you’ll even get to plan and host a special event for younger campers! This two-week adventure is the perfect stepping stone for those interested in joining the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program in the future. It’s your time to shine–challenge yourself and grow into the leader you’re meant to be.
Highlights of this session:
– Two-week session, just for ninth graders.
– Experience all of camp’s great activities.
– Go on a two-night canoe trip across the lake to a state park.
Registration deadline is 7/5/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Ready, Aim, Adventure!, July 19-24
2026-07-19 14:00 - 2026-07-24 13:15
Get ready to dive into a week of exciting challenges and outdoor fun! Hone your aim with multiple sessions at the archery range, then take your skills to the next level with a special off-site field trip to a local archery facility. On the water you’ll become a confident paddler as you kayak, paddleboard, and embark on a scenic canoe day trip to a local beach. Beyond the archery targets and lake adventures, you’ll tap into your creativity with hands-on crafts, bond with friends around the campfire, and take on team challenges at the low ropes course. Campers entering seventh grade and above in fall 2026 will also have the opportunity to take on the high ropes course!
Highlights of this session:
– Do archery multiple times with unique targets.
– Take a canoe day trip.
– Go on a field trip to a local archery range.
Registration deadline is 7/12/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Tree Climbing Extravaganza, July 19-24
2026-07-19 14:30 - 2026-07-24 13:15
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you ascend into the treetop realm of our magnificent Burr Oak, lovingly named Wilma! Harness up, gather your courage, and climb into the branches of this giant tree multiple times throughout the week—each climb offering a new perspective and challenge. When you’re not up in the tree, the fun continues all around camp as you splash into the lake to go swimming, enjoy boating on the sparkling waters, aim for the bullseye at archery, and express your creativity with a tree-inspired craft. Take on exciting team challenges at the low ropes course, explore nature on a guided hike through the woods, and watch the sunset from the dock. In the evening, gather around the campfire for songs and stories of the day, enjoying s’mores under the stars.
Highlights of this session:
– Go tree climbing and do multiple climbs.
– Take on low ropes course challenges with friends.
– Make a tree-inspired craft.
Registration deadline is 7/5/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

CIT I: Camp Tanglefoot, July 20-Aug 8
2026-07-20 14:00 - 2026-08-08 13:15
Leadership starts with you—and at Camp Tanglefoot’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and experience to make a difference in the world. This dynamic program, over the course of two summers, is designed to prepare you for future roles in camp counseling and beyond, equipping you with valuable skills, confidence, and lifelong tools for leadership. This program’s design is grounded in the expertise of child development professionals and resources from Girl Scouts of the USA and the American Camp Association. This leadership experience is more than just a training—it’s a journey of growth and discovery.
CIT I is all about building your foundation as a leader. You’ll explore your personal leadership style, learn how to be a responsible and inspiring role model, and dive into learning about topics like youth development, outdoor living skills through a primitive camping experience, teamwork, conflict resolution, and creating positive camp experiences for younger campers.
CIT II takes your skills to the next level as you continue building on the learning and skills from CIT I. You’ll become a leader among your peers as you plan for and go on the primitive camping experience. You’ll spend a week assisting counselors in units as you work with and support younger campers. This week of practical experience helps you develop confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of group dynamics and program planning. After completing the CIT program, you’ll be eligible to apply for a position as an apprentice counselor on the Camp Tanglefoot staff the following year!
CITs will have a break from Friday, July 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. to Monday, August 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. During this break, CITs must leave camp. It’s your time to relax and recharge before coming back for more exciting adventures!
Highlights of CIT I:
– Counselor-in-training leadership experience.
– Go on a primitive camping adventure.
– Lead a day camp for younger campers.
Registration deadline is 7/6/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

CIT II: Camp Tanglefoot, July 20-Aug 8
2026-07-20 14:00 - 2026-08-08 13:15
Leadership starts with you—and at Camp Tanglefoot’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and experience to make a difference in the world. This dynamic program, over the course of two summers, is designed to prepare you for future roles in camp counseling and beyond, equipping you with valuable skills, confidence, and lifelong tools for leadership. This program’s design is grounded in the expertise of child development professionals and resources from Girl Scouts of the USA and the American Camp Association. This leadership experience is more than just a training—it’s a journey of growth and discovery.
CIT I is all about building your foundation as a leader. You’ll explore your personal leadership style, learn how to be a responsible and inspiring role model, and dive into learning about topics like youth development, outdoor living skills through a primitive camping experience, teamwork, conflict resolution, and creating positive camp experiences for younger campers.
CIT II takes your skills to the next level as you continue building on the learning and skills from CIT I. You’ll become a leader among your peers as you plan for and go on the primitive camping experience. You’ll spend a week assisting counselors in units as you work with and support younger campers. This week of practical experience helps you develop confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of group dynamics and program planning. After completing the CIT program, you’ll be eligible to apply for a position as an apprentice counselor on the Camp Tanglefoot staff the following year!
CITs will have a break from Friday, July 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. to Monday, August 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. During this break, CITs must leave camp. It’s your time to relax and recharge before coming back for more exciting adventures!
Highlights of CIT II:
– Counselor-in-training leadership experience.
– Go on a primitive camping adventure.
– Spend a week in units shadowing counselors and working with campers.
Registration deadline is 7/6/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Stuffie Squad, July 21-24
2026-07-21 14:30 - 2026-07-24 13:15
This special session features an exclusive, official Build-A-Bear experience where you’ll get to make your very own stuffie to join you on your camp adventure! Get pampered as you and your stuffie relax at the Tanglefoot Spa with your friends, and enjoy the breeze as you go on a pontoon boat ride together. Splash into the sparkling lake each day for swimming, try to keep your balance while paddleboarding, and make a craft to take home. At the end of the day, enjoy looking at the stars by the campfire, roast a yummy marshmallow for s’mores, and share laughs with your friends and your new favorite stuffed friend.
Highlights of this session:
– Make your own official Build-A-Bear.
– Visit the Tanglefoot Spa with your stuffie and friends.
– Go on a pontoon boat ride with your stuffie.
Registration deadline is 7/7/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Late Night Legends, July 26-31
2026-07-26 13:00 - 2026-07-31 13:15
Staying up late? Sleeping in? If that sounds like you, read on! When the sun goes down, the excitement ramps up. This week you’ll have an exclusive glow party with games just for you and your camp friends—join in on glow stick Capture the Flag, and show your moves at the glow-in-the-dark dance party! Spend your evenings stargazing under the night sky to find constellations and end the day around a cozy campfire. The fun continues when the sun comes up – enjoy great daytime activities like swimming in the lake, paddling across the water in a canoe, and testing your aim at the archery range. Campers entering seventh grade and above in fall 2026 will also have the opportunity to take on the high ropes course!
Highlights of this session:
– Have a glow party and games just for you and your camp friends.
– Glow-in-the-dark dance party.
– Glow Capture the Flag.
Registration deadline is 7/12/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Sailing Wind & Waves, July 26-31
2026-07-26 13:30 - 2026-07-31 13:15
Embark on a nautical adventure as you learn to sail on our Sunfish sailboats with experienced staff! Throughout the week, you’ll discover the basics of sailing by learning key skills, important terms, and how to maneuver your boat through hands-on practice. You’ll even learn to set up and take down your own sailboat! Beyond sailing, the water fun continues with canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Cool off during swim time with your friends, and enjoy jumping off the Lily Pad for extra splashing and laughing! On shore, sharpen your aim at the archery range, take on team-building challenges at the low ropes course, and express your creativity in a sailing-inspired craft. End your evenings around the campfire singing songs and gazing up at the stars!
Highlights of this session:
– Sail a Sunfish sailboat with experienced staff.
– Learn to set up and take down your own sailboat.
– Swim and jump off the Lily Pad.
Campers should feel comfortable in deep water while wearing a lifejacket and have strong basic swimming skills. Sailing is weather-dependent.
Registration deadline is 7/12/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Midnight Madness, July 26-31
2026-07-26 14:00 - 2026-07-31 13:15
Do you love staying up late and sleeping in? Then this camp is the one for you! When the sun sets, the fun is just getting started. Gaze up at the stars, discover the mysteries of nocturnal animals, and dive into thrilling games like glow stick capture the flag. Get ready to light up the dance floor at our epic glow-in-the-dark camp dance party! But that’s not all—this week also includes a special off-site field trip for cosmic bowling! During the day, soak up the sunshine with refreshing lake swims, paddle across the water in a canoe, conquer the low ropes course, and sharpen your aim at archery. As night falls, gather around the campfire with friends to share stories of the day while roasting gooey s’mores.
Highlights of this session:
– Go glow bowling.
– Glow-in-the-dark dance party.
– Play glow Capture the Flag.
Registration deadline is 7/12/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Splashtacular, August 3-5
2026-08-03 13:30 - 2026-08-05 13:15
Splash into the best water adventure this summer! Get ready for non-stop fun as we glide on paddleboards, make a Corcl train, and go for a cruise on the pontoon boat. Jump into the lake for swimming, zoom down the giant slip ‘n slide, and enjoy lots of laughter during fun water games. The fun keeps going as you learn catchy camp songs and get creative with a craft that’s all your own. At night, gather around the campfire to make your own yummy s’more, surrounded by your friends! Join us for a splash-tastic time!
Highlights of this session:
– Cruise down the giant slip ‘n slide.
– Go swimming.
– Make s’mores at a campfire.
Registration deadline is 7/20/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Tanglefoot Sailors, August 3-8
2026-08-03 14:00 - 2026-08-08 13:15
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you learn the art of sailing on the sparkling waters of Clear Lake. With guidance from our experienced staff, you’ll master the basics of sailing both Sunfish sailboats and Hobie Wave catamarans. The fun continues at the waterfront where you’ll paddle board, kayak, canoe, and enjoy plenty of time swimming and soaking up the summer sun. Midweek, you and your friends will embark on a canoe adventure across the lake for an overnight at a local state park—pitching tents, sharing stories, and sleeping under the stars. Back at camp, challenge yourself at the archery range, work together to complete low ropes course challenges, and enjoy making a sailing-inspired craft. Campers entering seventh grade and above in fall 2026 will also have the opportunity to take on the high ropes course!
Highlights of the session:
– Sail a Sunfish sailboat.
– Sail on a Hobie Wave catamaran.
– Take an overnight canoe trip across the lake to a state park.
Campers should feel comfortable in deep water while wearing a lifejacket and have strong basic swimming skills. Sailing is weather dependent.
Registration deadline is 7/20/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Hogwarts Express, August 3-8
2026-08-03 14:30 - 2026-08-08 13:15
This magical week begins with a sorting ceremony, then you’ll make your own hand-crafted wand and dive into enchanting classes where you’ll learn about spells, potions, and magical creatures. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a whimsical visit to Honeydukes and feel the excitement of a high-energy game of Quidditch with your fellow magical friends. The magic continues in other areas of camp as you splash into lake swims, paddle through boating adventures, take aim at the archery range, and get creative with spellbinding crafts. Put your wizarding skills to the test as you solve mysterious challenges using teamwork and clever thinking. As twilight falls, gather around the glowing campfire to share stories of the day, sing songs, and build friendships.
Highlights of this session:
– Hand-crafted wand making.
– Visit Tanglefoot’s Honeydukes.
– Play Quidditch with your friends.
Registration deadline is 7/20/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Amazing Artists, August 3-8
2026-08-03 15:00 - 2026-08-08 13:15
Get ready to unleash your creativity and let your imagination soar! You’ll dive into the colorful world of art and amazing craft projects. Paint your very own canvas masterpiece to take home, design and create a variety of friendship bracelets to share with new camp friends, and swirl vibrant colors together during a fun tie-dye session. You’ll also enjoy swimming in the lake, paddling across the water in a canoe, trying your skills at archery, and working together with your friends on the low ropes course. Whether you’re creating something beautiful or making memories around the campfire, this week is all about friendship, fun, and finding your inner artist.
Highlights of this session:
– Paint your own canvas.
– Make multiple types of friendship bracelets.
– Tie-dye.
Registration deadline is 7/20/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Lakeside Vibes, August 5-8
2026-08-05 14:30 - 2026-08-08 13:15
Dive into non-stop water adventures this week! Whether you’re gliding across the lake in a canoe or kayak, cruising on the pontoon at sunset, taking a paddleboarding day trip, or mastering the famous Corcl spin, every day is packed with splash-tastic fun. Jump into the cool waters from the Lily Pad, try out canoeing, and jump into the waves like a pro! Beyond the shoreline, the adventure continues as you get creative making friendship bracelets, sharpening your aim at the archery range, and conquering team challenges on the low ropes course. At the end of the day, gather around the evening campfire for songs and ooey-gooey s’mores.
Highlights of this session:
– Take a paddle boarding day trip.
– Go on a pontoon boat cruise at sunset.
– Make friendship bracelets.
Registration deadline is 7/22/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)

Paint the Waves Day Camp, August 6
2026-08-06 09:00 - 17:00
Get ready for a day full of creativity, adventure, and lake fun at Camp Tanglefoot! Start your day by letting your inner artist shine as you tie-dye a t-shirt and make a special painting project. Then dive into the excitement of lake activities! Swim and jump off the Lily Pad and take a scenic ride on the pontoon boat. Throughout the day, you’ll also sing camp songs, play silly games, and make new friends!
Highlights of this session:
– Tie-dye a t-shirt.
– Swim and jump off the Lily Pad.
– Make a painting project.
Registration deadline is 7/23/2026
(Grade level for registration is the grade your Girl Scout will be entering in Fall 2026)
