Preparing for Camp
Updated: June 1, 2026
The Heart of Horseshoe is the core philosophy of Camp Horseshoe, a traditional boys overnight summer camp in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Through athletics, outdoor adventure, wilderness trips, leadership opportunities, teamwork, traditions, and cabin community, Camp Horseshoe helps boys ages 8–18 build confidence, resilience, friendship, independence, character, and lifelong memories in a positive and spirited environment.
Everything you need before Opening Day.
Information for summer 2027 coming soon!
We can’t wait to welcome your son to Camp Horseshoe. Whether this is your family’s first summer at The Shoe or you’re getting ready for another incredible season, this page will help you stay organized before camp begins.
Below, you’ll find important reminders about forms, packing, travel, bunk requests, baggage, camp gear, and other pre-camp details.
Pre-Camp Checklist
Use this checklist to stay on track before Opening Day. Complete forms, confirm travel, label belongings, and review deadlines before your camper heads to The Shoe.
Complete camper health forms
Medical history, medications, allergies, dietary needs, and emergency contacts.
Submit camper information form
Share details about your son, cabin life, friendships, and support needs.
Review transportation plans
Confirm how your camper will travel to and from camp.
Preparing for Camp FAQs
Complete all required forms through your camp account before the deadline. Families should be prepared to submit health forms, medication information, allergy and dietary information, camper information forms, parent authorization forms, transportation details, bunk requests, and canteen setup information.
Yes. Families may submit bunk requests before camp. While we do our best to accommodate requests, cabin assignments are based on several factors to create the best experience for all campers.
Use the official Camp Horseshoe packing list when preparing for camp. Campers should pack in soft duffel bags only, avoid trunks or hard-sided luggage, label all belongings, include any required camp gear, and bring practical, camp-ready clothing.
Required camp gear and logoed apparel can be purchased through the Camp Store.
Please label all clothing, gear, bedding, shoes, and bags with your camper’s name to help us return misplaced items.
[Add baggage service provider, instructions, shipping deadline, pickup deadline, and return baggage details. Summer 2027 information coming soon.]
Please do not pack phones, tablets, smart watches, gaming devices, computers, food or candy, or expensive and irreplaceable belongings.
Yes. Campers should leave phones, tablets, smart watches, gaming devices, and other internet-connected electronics at home. Any portable device that can send or receive emails, text messages, phone calls, play video content or
access the Internet, is NOT permitted at camp, INCLUDING PHONES WITH THE SIM CARD REMOVED.
Campers can travel to Camp Horseshoe via bus, plane, or by dropoff by family or guardian vehicle. Camp buses depart from Deerbrook Mall (110 S Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015) at 10:00am SHARP – Please arrive 15 minutes prior to
departure time and look for our bus staff in Horseshoe Staff Shirts. If traveling by plane, we encourage families to arrange their travel plans as early as possible so campers can travel together, and so you are able to obtain the lowest available fare.
We once again will be partnering with Travel One Inc. for our campers’ travel plans. Please contact a
camp advisor at Travel One at (844) 803-9683 or camps@traveloneinc.com for more info.