Tailfeather Camp: Ages 11-15
We partner with Safari Club International to offer a unique one-week camping experience to children ages 11-15.
Our mission is to highlight South Dakota’s vast outdoor opportunities to our youth and build strong families through hunting and fishing traditions. This program is designed for beginning hunters and provides extensive hands-on instruction in basic firearms safety, including shooting techniques in rifle, shotguns, and archery. The program even includes an overnight on Thursday evening! Please note that both Tailfeather I and Tailfeather II run during the same week.
In addition, Camp Tepeetonka has a reputation of instilling traditional values through staff role-modeling, inspirational campfire programs and opening reflections each morning at beautiful Campfire Point.
Summer 2024 dates:
Session 3b – July 8-12
2023 Cost Per Session
Tier 1
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Tier 2
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Tier 3
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Learn More About Tiered Pricing
Realizing that families have differing ability to pay, YMCA Camp Leif Ericson has a voluntary 3-tier pricing program for our summer camp programs to accommodate all financial needs. When you register, please choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. All children have the same experience no matter which tier a family in able to pay. The tier selected by a family is kept confidential.
- Tier 1-a subsidized rate that covers the basic costs associated with attending camp including, food, staff salaries and supplies.
- Tier 2-a partially subsidized rate for those who cannot afford to pay the full costs associated with attending camp.
- Tier 3-most accurately accounts for the true cost of operating camp including food, staff salaries, supplies, wear and tear on equipment, transportation, and depreciation. Please pay this cost if you are able.
TAILFEATHER I
- This program is designed for beginning hunters and provides extensive hands-on instruction in basic firearms safety, including shooting techniques in rifles, shotguns, and archery.
- Campers will have an opportunity to put their skills to the test with an all-inclusive pheasant hunt at the Top Gun Lodge in September.
TAILFEATHER II
*Successful completion of Tailfeather I is a prerequisite for Tailfeather II.
- Tailfeather II campers will have the opportunity to build upon and further develop the skills introduced in Tailfeather I.
- Tailfeather II will provide campers opportunities to learn about outdoor survival, decoy sets, hunting blind construction, hunting dogs, and much more.
- The week long adventure culminates with a trip to Hunter’s Point and a canoe trip down the Big Sioux River.
- Campers will have an opportunity to put their skills to the test with an all-inclusive pheasant hunt at the Top Gun Lodge in September.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Teach and build environmental awareness that will serve our campers, their families, and our communities in the future.
- Engage campers in fun, adventurous activities while building a greater appreciation of land and wildlife conservation values.
- Provide a safe platform for learning the SD HuntSAFE and Bowhunter Education programs in order to receive their hunter safety certification cards.
- Develop safe, responsible hunters who are aware of our hunting heritage and who understand the hunter’s role and relationship with wildlife and the land.
- Participate in outreach activities that will support area communities and their environmental projects and initiatives.
Activities Include:
Archery
Shooting Techniques
Fishing
Nature Education
More Info:
- Registration fee includes firearms and archery equipment use, all ammo and targets, and instructional materials.
- FREE daily bus transportation for your child to/from camp
- Before and after camp childcare (7:30am to 5:30pm) for a one-time fee of $33.00