Activities
Waterfront
It’s hard to beat swimming and boating on beautiful Fairview Lake on a hot summer day! Just steps from the center of camp, the swim and boat dock are a focal point of camp activities. Fairview Lake is a private, crystal clear, natural, spring fed lake that warms up in the summer to a comfortable 74-76 degrees.
Camp Oneka follows the requirements of the American Camp Association and it is camp policy that all boaters, skiers, and tube riders wear and approved life jacket at all times. All waterfront activity areas are staffed with American Red Cross certified lifeguards at all times.
Swim lessons and free swims
All of our swimming is done in our “pool” in the lake. The dock system forms a 25 yard long, six lane wide swim area, complete with a diving board and sliding board. Except for the oldest campers, everyone has a daily swim lesson with a group of swimmers of the same ability level. All of our swim instructors and lifeguards are American Red Cross trained lifeguards.
Free swims are for fun! Going down the slide, floating on tubes or noodles, cannonballs off the diving board, or a game of “sharks and minnows” - you can do it all!
Sailing
All campers have the opportunity to sail on our fleet of Sunfish sailboats. Many girls learn to sail and handle a boat at camp. Younger or less experienced girls sail with counselors; while more experienced girls can solo and compete in the Saturday sail races on the lake. As girls learn to sail they can pass skill levels and earn achievement patches.
Canoeing
A camp favorite! Girls enjoy the fun of canoeing on Fairview Lake and senior girls may take canoe trips on the Delaware River. Like the sailing program, canoeing also offers the opportunity for girls to earn achievement patches as they improve their skills in canoeing.
Waterskiing
The calm, clear waters of Fairview Lake provide an excellent venue to learn to waterski. For beginning skiers, a counselor is in the water with the camper, reassuring and guiding her through the basics. As girls improve their skiing skills they can ski around the lake, drop one ski or slalom ski.
Water Trampoline and Tubing
Just for fun! Campers jump and play on our 20 foot wide trampoline, or on the water mat floating in the lake. Then take a ride on a tube! Our tubes hold one or two campers at a time and zip around the lake, being towed by our motorboat. No skill needed – just hang on!
Kayaking
Campers experienced with canoe skills, step up to kayaks. As they learn safety skills and become proficient with the boats, girls can pass skill levels and earn achievement patches.
Standup Paddle Boarding
Campers have the opportunity to try paddle boarding on the lake.
Sports
Field Sports – On our field, campers have the opportunity to learn the skills of and play: field hockey, softball, soccer, and various other games.
Tennis – Skill sessions teach and practice fundamentals, plus there is plenty of opportunity to play for fun or hone skills with other campers or counselors during free time. Oneka enters a local USTA tournament each summer.
Horseback riding – Girls interested in horseback riding, can ride and have a weekly lesson at a local stable for an additional fee. The lessons involve ring riding and are supervised by a professional riding instructors.
Climbing tower – Our 3 sided climbing tower offers challenges for campers of all climbing abilities, with a beginner wall, a more challenging wall with a “bulge “ and a third side with ropes, tires, and ladders for a different type of climbing experience. All of our tower staff are trained each summer in climbing techniques and safety procedures.
Other Activities – Camp Oneka also offers instruction and the ability to participate in archery, volleyball, and newcomb.
The Arts
Arts and Crafts -The Oneka Craft House is always humming with activity as campers enjoy a wide range of arts and crafts activities Including: sketching and drawing, jewelry making bead work, pottery and ceramics, sculpture, basket making, weaving, air brush painting, leatherwork, textiles, tie dying, stenciling, candle making, paper mache, woodburning
Drama and Music – All campers are encouraged to participate in our camp theater productions, whether performing on stage, or helping backstage with props, scenery, costumes, lights and sound. Senior campers perform a full musical production, such as “Annie” and “Sound of Music” at the end of the first session of camp in July. The younger age groups put on their own small productions during the summer. Counselors work with the girls to build skills and self-confidence as they experience music and theater at camp.
The Out of Doors
Our beautiful setting in the Pocono woodlands on the shores of Fairview Lake allows us to take full advantage of outdoor activities. Along with our camp property and a woodsy camping area nearby, we have the use of 500 acres of pristine, undeveloped forest across the road for hiking, biking, and camping.
Campcraft -- Start a fire with wet wood? Make a survival shelter without a tent? No problem, we can do it! These camping skills as well as outdoor cooking, first aid, camping skills and basic orienteering are part of our campcraft program. Girls can pass skill levels and earn patches for achievement.
Trips – Campers of all ages have the opportunity to participate in day hikes and go on an overnight camping trip to our other property, about 2 miles from camp. The younger campers hike locally to the Mill Pond, the blueberry farm and at Promised Land State Park. Older girls hike the Appalachian Trail, and trails in Hickory Run, Ricketts Glen, and Worlds End State Parks. Senior campers take canoe trips on the Delaware River plus an optional trip to lakes in the Adirondack Mountains in New York.
Camp Essentials
- New Camper Register
- Camp Forms and Letters
- Directions to Camp Oneka
- Oneka Calendar
- Accommodations
- Camp Outfitter
- Refer a Friend
Important Links
CAMP NEWS
Jul 09, 2023
Registration for family camp 2023 is open! Space is limited and is first come, first served.
Wednesday, August 16th (after 2pm) to August 20th (at noon).
- Adults (11 and up): $95 per night
- Children (3-10): $75 per night
- Children under 3: Free