Activity Areas

OUTDOOR SPORTS AREA

Camp Willson has a fantastic sports field area for your enjoyment! Here you will find our 3 tennis courts, 1 basketball, and 1 volleyball court. This entire area is surfaced and even lighted if you wanted to play a night game! You can also find our soccer, and football/softball fields in this area. We have also added two new games that your group is sure to love: GaGa, a modified version of dodge ball and a life-sized Human Foosball Court. All sports equipment is provided upon request. If your group is likely to play “pick-up” games after meals and other breaks, it is best for the group to bring their own balls.

Also on the sports field is our archery, air rifle ranges. Camp Willson staff are required to supervise and teach these activities to all groups (regardless of age). These events are all included in your cost, please talk to the Conference Director about scheduling these activities for your group.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Horseback riding is available to all groups at an additional charge. Trained staff lead each horse activity and no previous horseback riding experience is necessary. The minimum number of participants per group is 10. All participants (both adults & minors) must sign a risk waiver to participate in horseback riding. If you are working with a youth group or if any child is attending without the parent present, those individuals must have the waiver completed before attending camp. See waiver in the packet. Participants will not be allowed to ride if they do not have a completed horseback riding waiver. All participants must wear long pants, closed-toe shoes (no sandals), and safety helmets (provided).

Trail rides are scheduled at one hour intervals with actual riding time being 30-45 minutes. Each participant must be at least 48” tall, and not be over 250 pounds.

Corral rides are adult-led pony rides for younger children (ages 7 and under) at a lesser charge.

There are many options for horseback riding opportunities including a beginners lesson, private lessons, group lessons, extended trail rides and overnights. Contact the Conference Director for additional information about these options.

LAKEFRONT ACTIVITIES

Water activities abound at Willson. During the summer come check out Lake Mac-O-Chee and enjoy swimming and our water trampoline and Blob! During the spring, summer, and fall enjoy row boating, canoeing, and kayaking as weather permits. Fishing is also available for those bringing equipment and bait. No fishing license is required, as the lake is privately owned. All fishing is catch and release only. All participants must wear personal floatation devices (PFD’s) while boating, regardless of age. Willson staff provide supervision for all lakefront activities. Ice skating is also available during the winter. Don’t forget to bring your skates!

ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS

An indoor songbird observation area located in our Birdhouse, a collection of live reptiles and amphibians in the Critter Room, a small Petting Zoo with farm animals, and a walkway through the wetlands all are available for our groups to enjoy. There are many hiking trails throughout Camp Willson that provide opportunities for learning or reflection. The native prairie, woodlands, and open fields complement the grounds nicely. Ask the Conference Director for paths and locations to hike to.

Willson staff must provide leadership for archery, air rifles, challenge activities, tobogganing, and all aquatic activities.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

In addition to the sports area, Camp Willson has a variety of challenge course activities. Our group initiatives “challenge course,” 25’ Climbing Wall, 11-element High Ropes Course, Pamper Pole, Double Zip line, and Giant Swing are also available. Each of these activities can be used to foster teamwork, group communication, and trust. The High Ropes Course, zip line, pamper pole, and swing are available at an additional charge with advance reservation. Camp Willson may recommend hiring additional staff to help facilitate group initiatives depending on the size of the group.