Description of Programs

4-5 Year Old Program
A thematic approach exposes participants to the concepts of seeds and plants, trees, animals, and Native Americans in this pre-camp experience.  

6-11 Year Old Program
Nature education, basic camping skills, and Native American culture are emphasized in the 6-8 and 9-11 year old programs.  Campers enjoy a wide range of activities including hiking, fire building, outdoor cooking, swamp study, nature walks, arts and crafts, Native American rituals/dancing, games, mud sliding, etc.  

Advanced Camper Program

The Advanced Camper program is open to individuals 12-18 years of age who wish to be Junior Leaders (12 years) or Counselors-in-Training (13-18 years).  The program

involves day camping, overnight camping, Native American Lore, basic camping skills, canoe instruction, nature education, ecology, conservation, camp and community service projects, social activities and assisting the Franke Park Day Camp staff with everyday duties.  

Meet the Supervisor

The Franke Park Day Camp supervisor is Chris Freehill.  Chris is returning for his 31st year on staff and his 18th year as the camp's supervisor.  He has many fond memories of his own childhood summers at Franke Park Day Camp.  Chris teaches fourth grade at Forest Park Elementary School.  

Camp Cookbook

For those of you who are curious (or may have an allergy issue) about what we serve at camp, check out the following list for all of your favorite camp recipes:

Tin Foil Stew     Ingredients - Hamburger, Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, and Onions  (Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Ketchup, Mustard To Taste After Cooking)     Wrap Ingredients Into Aluminum Foil     Cook Approximately 10 Minutes On Fire Coals On Each Side  (Cook Hamburger Thoroughly)  

Pork And Beans     Ingredients - Pork And Beans, Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Mustard  (Chili Powder, Garlic Powder To Taste After Cooking)     Warm Ingredients In A Large Pot On Fire Coals  

Pigs-In-A-Blanket     Ingredients - Hotdogs, Bisquick  (Ketchup And Mustard To Taste)     Cook Hotdog Until Done Over Fire Coals     Wrap Bisquick Mixture Around Hotdog     Cook Pig-In-A-Blanket Over Fire Coals Until Bisquick Mixture Is Golden Brown  

Cheese Toastie     Ingredients - Cheese, Bread, Butter     Grill Cheese Over Fire Coals Until Golden Brown On Each Side

For More Information

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, 427-6000 or 
Tony Acosta, Supervisor of Outdoor Education, 427-6000