Camp Tanako
4301 Hwy 290
Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 262-2600
Email: tanako@tanako.org

About Us

General Info | Staff | Accreditation | Legend of Tanako

Tanako provides programs that give children, youth, and adults unique experiences that shape and expand Christian commitment.  Campers will grow in faith through small group discussion, music, drama, arts & crafts, recreation, and worship.  Participants leave knowing that they are valued children of God and can enter communities renewed, inspired, and dedicated to faithful discipleship.  We look forward to serving you in the near future.

Each day, three well-balanced meals are served in our dining hall.  If your camper has special dietary requirements, please submit specific requests in writing to the camp director by the registration deadline date.  A reasonable effort will be made to meet these needs.

Cabins are equipped with central heat and air-conditioning, tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and bathroom/shower/vanity areas.  Twenty-four campers share each unit, twelve on each side.

Multiple playing fields provide plenty of room for traditional field sports, relay races, and group activities.

Summer session campers can enjoy kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and rowing at our waterfront locations on Lake Catherine.

Off-site transportation to Lake Catherine State Park, Garvan Gardens,  and Lake Catherine Riding Stables is provided by Tanako's CDL-certified staff and bus.

The 18,000 square foot Horace Cabe Life Center provides breakout rooms fully equipped with tables, chairs, dry-erase boards, overhead projectors,  televisions and VCRs or DVDs, and digital projection units upon request.  Altar tables, communion rails, podiums, electric pianos, and a full amplification system, including microphones, are also available.  Facilities for snacks and coffee breaks are provided in addition to the 7,000 square foot auditorium.

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 Staff

The Tanako Staff, under the direction of Becky Campbell, insures that the mission of outdoor ministries is fulfilled. All paid Tanako staff members are carefully screened and selected for their concern for children/youth.  They hold current American Red Cross certifications in First Aid and C.P.R., undergo background checks, and complete a week long training and orientation process at Tanako.  All aquatic activities are under the supervision of certified American Red Cross (or the equivalent) Lifeguards.  In addition, a full-time staff person is available to administer medications and assist with any other medical needs that may arise.  Tanako deans and volunteers are chosen for their dedication and reputation in leading events designed for children/youth.  Both paid and volunteer staff undergo background checks.

Camp Director - Becky Campbell - When she was nine, Becky Campbell was invited to Camp Tanako by her cousins, who had attended camp the year before. Those three days were Becky’s first organized camping experience, but not her last. As she attended Tanako each summer, she encouraged other kids from Concord UMC in Lonoke to also attend and soon, the small church was sponsoring around twenty campers each summer. Her favorite memories of camp include the canteen, the arts and crafts pavilion, and of course, the campfire.
  During college, Becky came to Camp Tanako as a volunteer for such camps as Middle Elementary and Leadership Weekend. Becky graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Master’s degree in English. In 2003, her youngest sister told her of a job opportunity at Camp Tanako. They were in need of (paid) counselors, who would stay at the camp all summer, lead activities, and help children and youth grow as Christians. Since she did not have a job during the summer months, Becky thought this might be worth applying for.
  During the summers of 2003 and 2004, she enjoyed caring for children and youth while they enjoyed their experience at camp. In the fall of 2004, Terry Everitt called her up and offered her the job of Program Director. Like most Tanako campers, Becky imagined what it would be like to “live” at camp; she never imagined it could be a reality.
  In April of 2010, Becky became Director of Camp Tanako. She is an active member of the American Camp Association, serving as Newsletter/Public Relations Chair for the Heart of the South Section. She has been an active participant in Tanako’s ACA Accreditation process and is a Lead Visitor for the section. Becky is an instructor in Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED, Level 2 Archery, and ServSafe Food Service Certification.

Program Director - Jessica Tanner - A native of Hot Springs, Jessica joined the Tanako staff as a cook’s helper in 2008. That summer she enjoyed cooking for the campers, creating memories in arts and crafts, helping out with carnivals, and s’mores around the campfire.
  While still in college, Jessica worked through the Fall and Spring months cooking and cleaning around the camp. She returned to the camp over and over again to serve where she was needed. After graduating in May of 2010 from Southern Arkansas University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, she joined the camp once again as the Administrative Assistant. In June of 2011, she accepted the job of Program Director. Jessica loves Tanako and finds it is where her heart truly feels blessed with the spirit of Christ. She also loves to help young people feel and share the Good News of Christ’s love to others.
  Jessica is a Licensed Local Pastor for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, active in the American Camp Association Heart of the South Section as an associate visitor, Servsafe Food Service Instructor, and an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor.
 

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Accreditation

The General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church refers camp leaders to the American Camp Association (A.C.A.) standards and recommends their use as a primary resource for those responsible for developing camp guidelines, policies, and procedures specific to a program.  Camp Tanako is proud to have achieved accreditation by the American Camp Association.  Developed exclusively for the camp profession, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety issues, and requires us to review every facet of our yearly operation.  Camp Tanako has voluntarily submitted to this independent appraisal done by camp experts and is the only Arkansas Conference United Methodist camp to have this mark of distinction. (American Camping Association National Web Site)

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Legend of Tanako

Many years ago there lived in the area around what is now Hot Springs a tribe known as the Tanako Indians. Ruling over them was a very good and very wise chieftan who was also know as Tanako. Now the Indians had used the hot waters, found them helpful and knew that they came from some source which they were completely unable to explain. They felt therefore, that the Great Spirit had provided these waters. Since this was so, Chief Tanako sent out word to all tribes that anyone of any tribe might come to this valley of hot waters, if he or she came in peace. As long as they were there, in what was known as the "Valley of Peace" there would be no fighting, no warfare, but all would live together as brothers and sisters, in gratitude to the Great Spirit. They could stay and bathe in the healing waters as long as they wished, so long as they lived in peace.

Tanako is the outdoor ministry center of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church---offering year round camping, hospitality and fun for all ages since 1947. Camping gives unique experiences which will shape and expand Christian commitment. Campers will grow in faith through small group discussion, music, drama, art, recreation and worship. They will leave camp knowing that they are valued children of God.

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NOTICE TO ALL STAFF, CAMPERS, VISITORS, AND GENERAL PUBLIC: All photos, images, logos, and literature are exclusive intellectual property of Camp Tanako. Permission to republish in any public manner (including online) must be secured from the Director of the Camp.