About Mini Camp

Mini Camp is the beginning of something big. It is designed for younger campers who are ready to take their first step into the world of overnight camp and are excited for a shorter, gently paced introduction. With only fifty campers per mini session and an attentive 3:1 staff ratio, Mini Camp feels warm, personal, and supportive, echoing the same signature magic families return for year after year. 
 
Here, confidence grows in small but meaningful ways. Children are encouraged to try new things, meet new friends, and discover what they are capable of in an environment that feels adventurous and luxurious at the same time. For many families, Mini Camp becomes the perfect bridge into our full Pali Adventures summer program.

This four-day, three night program is intentionally crafted for campers who may be brand new to sleepaway camp, or have never spent more than a night or two away from home. Mini Camp gives them a complete Pali experience in a timeline that feels manageable and exciting rather than overwhelming. 

Parents love it because it blends the magic of summer camp with thoughtful developmental support. Campers love it because every moment feels playful, energetic, and tailored to their age group. It is a safe place for first sleepovers, new friendships, and the kind of small wins that build lifelong courage.

Mini Camp introduces campers to many of the same activities that our older campers enjoy, presented in versions that feel fun, achievable, and perfectly suited for younger campers. Each day brings a mix of outdoor adventure, creative exploration, water play, and the joyful Pali silliness we are known for. Campers may climb, swim, create, explore science experiments, try magic tricks, decorate baked treats, paint, dance, and experience a variety of rotating activities that keep each day fresh. 
 
Mini Camp serves as a gentle gateway into the full Pali Adventures program. It gives campers a chance to explore a wide range of activities before choosing a specialty in future summers.

Arrival day is designed to help campers warm up quickly. Families join us in the afternoon for check in, followed by a welcome carnival filled with games, inflatables, and arts and crafts. Campers meet their cabin groups, decorate banners, share a snack, and attend a welcome campfire with counselor skits. The first night ends early so everyone can settle in comfortably.  

Program days follow a familiar rhythm that keeps campers grounded. Each morning begins with wake up, morning movement, and a themed breakfast. Campers enjoy three activity blocks before lunch, followed by rest hour and a fourth activity in the afternoon. Evenings include dinner, an all-camp activity, time to wind down, and lights out at a consistent time. 

 Departure morning includes a goodbye breakfast, a final walk to pick up, and a warm send-off from their counselors. 

A complete schedule is listed in the Daily Schedule tabs below  reflects the exact timing outlined for Mini Camp

Young campers thrive when they feel supported. Every Mini Camp cabin includes three staff members for up to nine campers. This level of attention allows our counselors to create strong relationships and assist with everything from morning routines to nighttime comfort. 

Each cabin team includes a lead counselor with experience working with young children, a high energy counselor who brings outdoor skills and activity expertise, and a support counselor who focuses on social and emotional comfort. Together, they create a predictable and nurturing atmosphere where campers feel understood and cared for.

We know that the first overnight camp experience can bring nerves for both parents and campers. Mini Camp integrates gentle support from the moment families arrive. Counselors help campers settle into their cabins, introduce them to their bunkmates, and begin forming friendships through simple games and bonding moments designed with early campers in mind.  

Throughout the program, counselors lead regular check ins, encourage open conversation, and create comforting routines that help campers settle at bedtime and begin their mornings with confidence. Most campers adjust quickly and end the week feeling proud, brave, and eager for more.

Parents want to feel connected to their child’s experience. Families receive daily photo updates through their CampMinder app, offering a warm glimpse into their camper’s adventures throughout the session. At the end of the session, counselors provide a short summary that captures growth, memorable moments, and personal milestones. 

Campers take part in a thoughtfully curated rotation of activities that include rock climbing, archery, swimming, paintball target shooting, arts and crafts, tie dye, culinary fun, magic, movie makeup, science activities, wacky sports, and gaga ball. The schedule is designed to give every cabin a well-rounded mix of adventure, creativity, water fun, and pure Pali joy. While campers may not experience every activity Pali offers, they will enjoy a thoughtful introduction to the broader Pali Adventures experience.

Mini Camp is where the Pali journey begins. With only fifty campers per session, we maintain an intimate, supportive environment that fills quickly each summer. 

 It’s common for families to see a remarkable shift in their child by the end of Mini Camp. When campers discover their confidence and settle into the rhythm of overnight camp, many are ready for a longer stay. If that’s the case for your family, you can extend their experience with an additional Mini Camp session or enroll in another session later in the summer while space remains. 

Have questions or want to personalize your experience?
Contact our team anytime at info@paliadventures.com or call 909-867-5743.