Camper safety is the foundation of everything we do at Big Elk Creek Camp. Our staff complete extensive training in camper supervision, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, homesickness support, leadership, child communication, waterfront safety, and behavior management. At Big Elk Creek, safety isn't just a policy — it's our culture. Our waterfront procedures include several Red Cross certified lifeguards, additional counselor supervision, the buddy system, mandatory lifejackets for all campers, structured swim procedures, and no swimming after dark.
Swan Valley District, Targhee National Forest, Idaho. Rustic mountain camp on a small lake fed by Big Elk Creek, extending to Palisades Reservoir. Runs on hydro-electric power with freshwater mountain spring water.
Ages
7–17
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Wakeboarding
Land Sports
Archery
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
More activities
advanced archery
arts and crafts
campfires
fire making
high ropes course
low ropes course
nature exploration
outdoor survival skills
rappelling
team games
white water rafting
Clues to fit
Big Elk Creek — history and community legacy
Since 2004, generations of campers have returned year after year, building a legacy of laughter, growth, and community that still burns strong today. Our camp may be rustic, but the spirit is powerful. Campers often return for multiple sessions each summer — and alumni from over a decade ago still share lifelong bonds made under the pines at Big Elk Creek.
Setting — Targhee National Forest, Swan Valley District
Big Elk Creek Camp is located amidst the pristine beauty of the Swan Valley District, nestled in the heart of the Targhee National Forest. The majestic backdrop of mountainous canyon slopes and foothills invites extraordinary wildlife, and the quiet serenity of nature. The Camp runs on hydro-electric power, and "the best water in the world" comes from a freshwater mountain spring above the campground providing running water to the whole camp. Big Elk Creek flows through our campground into a small, secluded lake, which extends to the Palisades Reservoir at the end of the valley. Millions of stars await your child!
Camp is designed to help kids unplug and reconnect with real life. One of the biggest benefits parents notice after camp is how refreshed, confident, and socially connected their children become after spending a week away from screens. Instead of phones, campers experience campfires, hiking, swimming, archery, team games, outdoor adventure, and face-to-face friendships.
Campers experience a wide variety of activities including swimming, archery, hiking, outdoor survival skills, team games, leadership activities, nature exploration, campfires, group challenges, and traditional camp activities. To make the experience truly their own, campers frequently get to choose their preferred activities throughout the week, allowing them to focus on what they love most.
Co-Directors Brandy & Jonathan Young — background and connection to camp
From 2002 to 2007, we (Brandy & Jonathan aka "Pops") had the incredible privilege of helping lead this special place, building the foundation of fun, friendship, and personal growth that so many campers still remember today. Together, we bring decades of combined experience in youth development, leadership, education, and camp programming. We've seen how powerful camp can be — how it shapes lives, builds confidence, and creates bonds that last a lifetime. In fact, we're still connected with campers and staff from nearly 20 years ago!
Here's what a typical day at camp looks like. 7:00 AM – Polar Bear Swim, run, or bike ride (optional). 7:30 AM – Wake-up and flag raising. 8:00 AM – Breakfast. 9:00 AM – Devotional: short, uplifting story/message. 9:30 AM – Magic Trash: campers help keep their space tidy. 10:00 AM – Morning Activity Blocks (camper pick). 12:30 PM – Lunch. 1:15 PM – Toes Up Time: quiet rest in cabins. 2:00 PM – All-Camp Game or Special Activity or Waterfront. 3:00–5:30 PM – Afternoon Activity Blocks (camper pick). 6:00 PM – Dinner. 7:00 PM – Evening Games: Capture the Flag, large-group games, or scavenger hunts. 8:30 PM – Campfire: songs, stories, skits, and s'mores. 10:00 PM – Lights Out.
Honestly, if parents could see what we get to witness every single day from our perspective, our registration would be completely full in a heartbeat. The day-to-day transformation, the sudden bursts of confidence when a child conquers a new challenge, and the genuine, positive friendships that form out of nowhere are incredible to watch. They don't just have fun — they come home more resilient, independent, and secure in who they are.
Supervision — counselors in every cabin, buddy system
Campers are supervised throughout the entire camp experience. We use continuous counselor supervision, two trained counselors in every cabin (overnight camps), buddy systems, structured schedules, staff positioning during activities, and supervised transportation. Our staff are trained to always know where their campers are and proactively engage with them throughout the day.
