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 Terry Everitt, insures that the mission of outdoor ministries is fulfilled.  Terry has over thirty-one years of experience at Tanako as the camp director.  He is the only certified American Camp Association (A.C.A.) director in Arkansas and is currently serving as the President-elect for the Heart of the South Section of the A.C.A.  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.

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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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