faith, fun and friendship
Camp Tahkodah is about faith, fun and friendship. It is a place to be outdoors and enjoy nature, a place to learn and grow with people who love the Lord and are living daily for him, a place to make new friends and have lots of fun. The 1,350-acre camp is owned and operated by Harding University. Its location in the Ozark Mountains provides beautiful bluffs, quiet valleys, a spring-fed creek and wooded hiking trails. Campers enjoy daily outdoor Bible classes, horseback riding, swimming, softball, basketball, ping pong, tennis, hayrides, archery, volleyball, crafts, canoeing, fishing, picnics, hikes, Bible bees, talent nights, hymn sings and inspirational devotionals under the stars.
Tahkodah is a special place where children and teens find friends, fun and faith. I hope you will be a part of it.
Travis McNeal, Director
Quick Links
Manage your Tahkodah account
Rent a Cabin
Make a Donation
Summer Camp Registration
Registration for summer camp typically opens on the first Monday in February and can be completed at the link below:
Register Online
Completing the registration process will require the following:
- a completed registration form (online)
- a signed medical form (online)
- a deposit of $150 (cash, check or online credit card payment)
Note: Reservations and preference of session will be accepted in the order they are received until camp is filled to 179 campers per session. The camp fee includes all meals, lodging in rustic log cabins, crafts, class materials, T-shirt, canteen and use of all facilities.
Deposit and Confirmation
Deposit nonrefundable after May 1. If confirmation is not received within two weeks, contact tahkodah@harding.edu or 501-279-4CAMP.
Nondiscriminatory Policy
Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone, without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, creed or national origin.
Sessions Begin
Check-in is Sunday 1-4 p.m. Swim tests: boys at 2 p.m., girls at 3:30 p.m. Changes in cabin assignments will be considered only after all campers are checked in.
Sessions End
All sessions end on Friday morning. Please pick up campers between 9 and 11 a.m. Gates will be locked until 9 a.m. Early departures disrupt camp activities. Exceptions must be arranged in advance with Director.
Camp Store
Open during check-in, pick-up and visitor Sunday. Credit in the camp store can be purchased on check-in day.
Mail, Visits and Departures
- Camp will deliver letters to campers and one package per week only, please (mailed or left at registration).
- Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The normal schedule resumes at 4 p.m. We are not equipped for visitors at other times. Exceptions require approval of the Director prior to arrival.
- No pets please.
- Taking campers from camp for sports events is discouraged.
- Under no circumstances will campers be allowed to leave camp with someone other than a parent without a consent form bearing a parent’s signature (See Forms section below).
- To leave camp, campers must be signed out/in at the dining hall.
What to Bring
Bible, journal, sports clothing (shorts must be below mid-thigh — no Soffe or spandex — no tank tops or cut-off shirts), swimsuit (one-piece or tankinis only), cover-up and flip flops to wear to the waterfront, toilet articles, towels, twin-size bedding and pillow (nights can be cool), flashlight, water bottle, laundry bag, non-menthol shaving cream (to be used only at shaving cream fight), long pants (to ride horses and cool weather), jacket, insect repellent and electric fan. Tennis shoes are required for sports and hikes. Personal sports gear is optional. Camp provides tennis, softball and fishing equipment. Snacks must be in plastic sealed boxes. No coolers. We are not responsible for lost items.
What Not to Bring
Magazines, knives, fireworks and electronics of any kind — including cell phones and iPods — are not allowed at camp. Digital cameras used for vulgar purposes will be confiscated and not returned. Valuable personal items should be left at home. Campers do not need money during camp. Camp Store will open on Sunday afternoons and during Friday departures from 9-11 a.m. Slideshow DVDs, mugs, sweatshirts, etc., may be purchased then. Money for store purchases may be left at registration if you will not be with your child when the store is open.
Christian Environment
Alcohol, tobacco, immodest dress, profanity, stealing, lewd behavior of any kind, and disruptive and uncooperative attitudes or behavior are not allowed at camp. Campers not willing to obey rules of conduct will be asked to leave.
Laundry
Laundry service is provided free for campers in the middle of two-week sessions only. All personal belongings should be well-marked, and each camper should have enough clothing to make one laundry visit sufficient. There is no special-care laundry.
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