Treasure Hunt
The treasure hunt is a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure exclusive to Camp Shi’ini. This extraordinary five-week journey features heroes, villains, confrontations, mysteries, and astonishing feats. Each year, the campers find themselves in search of a legendary American Indian treasure. Throughout the decade, our campers have discovered the Gold of El Dorado, the Fountain of Youth, the Treasure of Montezuma, and countless other riches! But the quests are never easy. The vile Colonel Soyer, who is the archenemy of Camp Shi’ini, and his ruthless team of villains are always after the ancient artifacts as well. Last summer, Soyer stole the treasure from the campers and attempted to use it to activate an ancient machine capable of wiping-out every Shi’ini Warrior in the area! Luckily, with the help of the heroic Shish-Boom-Rah, Camp Shi’ini foiled the villain’s plans, destroyed his fiendish machine, and reclaimed the ancient treasure. But somehow Colonel Soyer captured Shish-Boom-Rah, and is still holding the camp’s hero prisoner to this day! This summer, the adventure of a lifetime continues as the campers embark on their next great treasure hunt expedition, and attempt to find and rescue Shish-Boom-Rah!

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular daily activity for the younger tribes (typically ages four to seven). The shaded pathways of the lower Arroyo Seco are a scenic location for our horse trails. Campers earn Camp Shi’ini Horse Ribbons for exploring the “Twisted Trail of Lava Lagoon” and the “Haunted Trail of Kickapoo Forest.” All the ponies we use are carefully selected, good-natured, and are accustomed to being around children. While riding, the campers are supervised by trained horse wranglers.

Fishing
Fishing is one of the premier daily activities for the middle tribes (typically children ages seven to ten). During the event, the campers get into canoes and set sail in the Arroyo Seco casting pond. The campers row after battery-operated fish, attempting to catch as many as possible with their fishing nets. At the end of each summer, the fishing teams are awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals depending on how many fish they catch. The water level of the casting pond typically falls between eight and ten inches.

 

Archery
Archery is a highly anticipated daily activity for the older tribes
(typically children ages ten to thirteen). During each archery session, individual instruction is given to the campers regarding the fundamentals of shooting and safety methods. Official patches and chevrons are awarded for progress and advancement through the Camp Archery Association. Our counselors have been extensively trained in archery in order to adequately assist and monitor the campers.

Crafts
Throughout the summer, campers assemble a variety of Native-American-inspired crafts. Some past crafts include: kachina dolls, tomahawks, dance rattlers, pueblos, teepees, tom-tom drums, totem poles, spirit sticks, spears, kokopelli flutes, pouches, rain sticks, hanging chili peppers, baskets; and wooden coyotes, bears, and buffalo. Campers learn about the purpose and origins of each craft.

 

 

Bear Hunting
Last summer, the campers experienced the debut of bear hunting. During the amusing event, campers armed themselves with slingshots and ample ammunition (ping-pong balls). As the bears approach, the campers fire the ammunition. Points are given to the teams that shoot the most bears, and gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded at the end of the summer. Although it goes without saying, the campers don’t hunt real bears.

 

 

Swimming
On regular camp days, swimming is held at Pasadena City College’s outdoor pool. Our counselors supervise and swim with the campers. Although Pasadena City College provides several trained lifeguards, our counselors also oversee the campers inside the pool, at the diving boards, on the deck, and in the locker rooms. Camp Shi’ini counselors always take the utmost precaution during swimming time. Camp Shi’ini provides sunblock for the campers.

 

 

Hiking
Each summer, the campers embark on a grant hiking adventure. Locations include Pasadena’s Millard Canyon (located off Fair Oaks Boulevard), Altadena’s Eaton Canyon (located off Altadena Boulevard) or Arcadia’s Chantry Flats (located off Baldwin Avenue). All hikes lead to scenic waterfalls and ponds, where the campers eat lunch and explore the surroundings.

 

 

 

Elephant Soccer
In Elephant Soccer, two teams of campers maneuver gigantic 4-foot-diameter soccer balls, and attempt to score enough goals to win the game. This event became an instant classic when it first debuted in 2004, and remains one of the camper’s favorite activities. On special occasions, Elephant Soccer morphs into a mammoth game of dodge ball!

 

 

 

Capture the Flag
Throughout the summer, the older tribes are arranged into four teams that continuously compete for the Capture the Flag Championship. These red, blue, yellow, and green teams are coached by junior counselors, and battle for the coveted championship belt most afternoons.

 

 

 

Sunset Beach Trips
On select days, campers travel to Sunset Beach, a relatively private beach just south of Seal Beach, about 40 minutes from Camp Shi’ini. While at the beach, the campers are thoroughly supervised by both our counselors and the lifeguards on duty. We set up a perimeter in front of a lifeguard tower, where counselors surround and watch over the campers, who enjoy splashing in the shallow waves and building sandcastles in the sand. Camp Shi’ini provides additional staff for beach trips.

 

Camp Olympics
This spectacular event is held on the final two days of camp and is eagerly awaited by the campers. During the Olympics, the camp is divided into ten teams, which compete for the coveted Camp Shi’ini Olympic Cup. Some of the featured events include: the Tug-of-War Tournament, the Hockey Relays, Dinosaur Soccer, Floating Islands, Critter Hatchers, Jail Break, the Potato Sack Race, and a host of other activities. The Camp Shi’ini Olympics is a great way for campers to showcase some of their individual abilities and talents while also learning the value of teamwork. After the games, the campers enjoy an end-of-summer barbecue, where counselors prepare the legendary "Shi’ini Hotdogs."