About Zanika Lache
Unplug and join us this summer at Camp Zanika Lache! For 75 years Camp Zanika is operated by Camp Fire USA North Central Washington Council. Zanika offers a wide variety of  programs for campers in grades 1-12 at our site nestled in the Wenatchee National Forest on the shores of Lake Wenatchee. Our camp features forest, trails, cabins, game fields and waterfront. Our programs are based on the Camp Fire USA philosophy: an emphasis on small groups, individual attention, acceptance of differences and a loosely-structured child-centered approach. Programs focus on appreciation of the out-of-doors, democratic group living, non-competitive sports and games, skill development, respect, concern for others, fun and friendship. Our programs are focused on progression so as children get older and develop more they get to experience new and different things that challenge them in new ways.
Summer 2010 session schedule.
Register today!
History
Camp Zanika Lache was established in 1922, Camp Fire NCW council's resident camp. Zanika Lache is located on a 13 acre site on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness area. When Zanika first started the campers were all girls and stayed in Wall tents placed around camp.
In 1931 Kiwanis lodge was the first building to be built. What is now the staff retreat was originally the kitchen and a large deck connected to the lodge was where meals where held. Rotary cabin was the first cabin to be built in 1935 by the Wenatchee Rotary club. Materials to build Rotary had to be brought in by boat because there was no road yet.
" I attended Camp Zanika for ten years of my childhood and young adulthood. I learned a great deal about community living, the great outdoors, and having a blast with others. The cabins are rustic, the lake is gorgeous, and the hiking and camping is great for building kids' confidence." - Laura A
Meaning & Symbol
Zanika Lache means "Building for Health by the Lake". This is symbolized by tree, heart, thought, and lake. The tree has two meanings. First it represents strength or building, and secondly it represents the trees surrounding camp. The heart stands for love and, togehter with thought, represents health. the lake also has two meanings. First it stands for Lake Wenatchee and secondly, it represents the eternal values of Zanika Lache.
Our staff
"We perform background checks on our staff, check outside references, require current first aid and CPR certifications, and expect exceptional role modeling for your children. We understand that you are trusting us with the most precious part of your life – you are trusting us with your child.” Camp Director Theresa Samuelsen
Our staff is highly trained and places an emphasis on a quality program for youth in a safe and healthy environment. We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which means we voluntarily comply with more than 300 nationally recognized industry standards for camp programs and facilities.
Camp fire believes that in order for children to have a positive camping experience a well-trained, mature, enthusiastic staff is the key. Camp counselors are carefully chosen for their maturity, and values. Staff is required to have gone through a leader in training, and/or counselor in training program or have at least one to two years of college. All Staff members undergo an extensive 13-15 days of training prior to the camp season, emphasizing safety, child development and growth, group dynamics including facilitation where campers are encouraged to not only process feelings and behavior, but to resolve conflict, gain confidence develop a sense of belonging and skill in decision making. Reference checks, criminal history background checks including national database for sex offenders are completed on all staff and volunteers. The entire staff is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED and when help is delayed, all lifeguards are certified to supervise on open water activities. Many of our staff is trained in wilderness first aid, and our camp nurse lives in camp and is available 24-hours a day. Camp fire is dedicated to provide a safe environment for both campers and staff.
Read about a few of our 2010 staff members, here.
 
Camp Zanika Lache is inclusive. Acceptance and participation in our programs is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Apply to work at Camp Zanika today!
Camp Zanika Alumni |
