Welcome to the Iron County Chamber of Commerce

Iron County Batawagama

There are so many things do to and experience at Youth Camp Batawagama. Campers learn survival skills, fire building, archery, swimming, art techniques, and much more. This can also  include a nature program with information about plants and animals important to the area.

Usually campers go on an overnight during which they canoe or hike to a spot to camp for the night. They learn canoeing, outdoor cooking, setting up camp, and how to back pack. Overnights are totally unpredictable, so campers have to be prepared for anything. This, however, only adds to their appeal.

Iron County Youth Camp - Batawagama

The camp has been around almost 60 years. Parents who once loved it are now sending their children. At one time it was a CCC Camp, but then the county bought it in the 1940's for youth programs in the summer. Thus, Iron County Youth Camp Batawagama was born. The camp is now supported by a millage that is renewed every 4 years.

Click here (you'll need RealPlayer or player that can play *.rm extension) to listen to the Batawagama Camp Song.

"Down the road a piece in the middle of the woods,
there's a Youth Camp, Batawagama.
Down at Indian Lake there's a camp that takes the cake.
It's the Youth Camp, Batawagama.
Well, if you want to swim or sing a song,
here's your second home just as sure as you're born.
So hail (hail), hail (hail), the gang's all here,
At the Youth Camp, Batawagama.
Oh B-A-T-A-W-A-G-A-M-A!"

 

Band Camp


If you toot a horn, blow a sax, whistle a flute, or beat a drum, the ever popular Batawagama Band Camp is a great experience! Held in June, it's a week filled with fun, friends, and lots of music. There are two separate bands, the Bata Band for those in middle school and jr. high and the Gama band for for those in high school. The two bands alternate a full band practice in Soderman Hall. Sectional practices are held, in addition to large band, during which campers will be directed and taught by some of the best instrumental instructors and musicians in the country.

Music fills the air as Batawagama campers return once again from a successful "overnight" camping trip. Everyone may be a little dirty, hungry, and tired, but the trip was definitely worth it. This is just another one of the programs that makes Iron County Youth Camp Batawagama so unique and special. Click below to learn some more about the camp.

There are so many things do to and experience at Youth Camp Batawagama. Campers learn survival skills, fire building, archery, swimming, art techniques, and much more. This can also  include a nature program with information about plants and animals important to the area.

Usually campers go on an overnight during which they canoe or hike to a spot to camp for the night. They learn canoeing, outdoor cooking, setting up camp, and how to back pack. Overnights are totally unpredictable, so campers have to be prepared for anything. This, however, only adds to their appeal.

Batawagama Camp History

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all made right at camp. After waiting in line in front of the mess hall campers make a mad dash to the table of their choice. Of course, the menu consists of all the usual camp favorites.

Campers shouldn't forget to bring their singing voices either. After meals it's time to sing fun, crazy camp songs that will get stuck in their heads and stay there for years to come.

For those additional cravings during the day there's a canteen where a camper can purchase snacks to satisfy a sweet tooth craving or a cold drink to quench a mighty thirst.

 

Iron County Batawagama
Waterfront Activities


The first day of arrival campers are shown the waterfront and are given a short swim test. This gives the water safety instructors a chance to see how everyone is doing and how they can help each swimmer improve.

Each camper is placed in a level between 1 and 7. If they have passed all of these than they can choose from the following:
  1. Complete C.W.S. (Community Water Safety)
  2. Windsurfing
  3. Scuba Diving
  4. Sailing

 

Each day, time is set aside for free swimming. Campers may participate in other waterfront activities during this time. Diving board, spring board, row boats, ocean kayaks, sea kayaks, or windsurfing are available. Campers are also given boating opportunities as part of their scheduled camp experiences.

 

For more information contact the camp director at icyc@iron.org