Camp Black Hawk

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Camp Black Hawk Facts

The Trading Post at camp was originally the main shower house.
Before the lodge was built, campers ate meals under a circus tent.
My Guy & I programs were added to the regular camp sessions beginning in 2002
“The Tamarack rocks. Here you can do anything artsy from making candles or bracelets to making life long friends.”
“CBH has taught me that people love you for who you are.”
Liz Hennig was the first director on record for CBH 1957-1958
CBH was purchased from Dick Thorne of Antigo in September 1955 for $25,000
First session at CBH was family camp in 1956, followed by 8 weeks of troop camp
A car would have cost you $2,100 in 1956 and gas was $0.30 per gallon.
1958 the dining hall (aka, Lodge) was built
1979 the corral and horse shelter were built
Family of Friends, which is the camp motto, began in 1984 and is still strong today
Women’s Week began in 1976.
The climbing wall was added to camp programming in 1997.
The first staff of CBH consisted of only 3 core staff: a camp director, waterfront counselor, and a nature and arts counselor.
CBH offers EMAs (early morning activities) everyday for both campers and staff.
Zumba® became a staple at camp in 2010
“While I was at camp, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon for the first time. A television was set up in the lodge so we could watch.“ Nancy Moore, 1969
“I wrote my first song at age 19 for Camp Black Hawk, I Sit by the Fire.” Suzi Lienhart, 1963-1965
Tajar is the camp mascot, and is still helping campers (and staff) who may be homesick or just need a friend to listen.
The fireplace in the Lodge was constructed in 1960. Today its mantle holds fond memories of camps old and young.
Everyone receives a pin at opening campfire that welcomes you into our Family of Friends or welcomes you back. The pin color shows how many years you have been coming to camp.

Kim “Tigger” Rathsack, Camp Black Hawk Director

Welcome to Camp Black Hawk! Summer 2012 marks my 15th summer as the director and my 20th year as a professional camp staffer. Over the years, I have seen campers create lifelong friendships, develop leadership skills, build their self-esteem, and learn so much about themselves and others. The girls spend their days and nights with other campers who share similar interests, are in the same age group, and enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Our camp programs are designed so campers have the opportunity to experience activities they may not get to back home, build confidence, foster a spirit of cooperation, develop "life" skills, and allow campers to have fun in a safe environment. The staff and I look forward to meeting you and your camper this summer!

Happy Camping,

Kim “Tigger” Rathsack
Camp Black Hawk Director

About Camp Black Hawk

Camp Black Hawk is located near Antigo on 285 acres of land and 90 acres of lake area in Langlade County, Wis. It is approximately 3 ½ hours of travel from Madison or La Crosse, 4 hours from Beloit, and 4 ½ hours from Platteville. Campers live 4 to a tent in platform tent units with other campers in their program group. Each unit has an outdoor campfire ring for cooking and activities, screened in unit shelter with a fireplace, running water, and a “La La” (latrine). In the main camp area, there is a large dining hall that can also double for indoor activity space on a rainy day, two shower houses with flushing toilet facilities, a trading post, and health center. Camp Black Hawk offers two different areas for water activities. Lake Niobe, 33 acres, is completely contained within the property limits of camp and houses our waterfront swimming area as well as docks for row boating, canoeing, kayaking, and other water adventures like the Zeus Swim, a CBH tradition! Lake Florence, 57 acres, is where campers can experience sailing and a floating lunch! Campers receive horse education at the “Barn” and experience riding on our trails and in the riding ring depending upon their program and level of experience. The 18 horses that reside on site every year live in a wide open corral with a covered shelter. We maintain an archery range, sand volleyball court, and Ga Ga Pit, another camp tradition! For the really adventurous campers, Camp Black Hawk has a high ropes course, a low ropes course, and a climbing wall. In 2011, we also planted a camp garden where campers can participate in growing vegetables and learning about where their food comes from. Campers will also spend time at the Tamarack where they create arts and crafts that are far from ordinary. Camp Black Hawk provides girls the opportunity to create an experience that will last forever!

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