From Swan Lake and the swimming pool to the challenge course and 18-plus other activities, Tel Hai's 150 acres are built for groups of every age to play.
Swan Lake: Boating, fishing, and lake views
Tel Hai’s 7-acre, spring-fed Swan Lake sits at the heart of the property. Groups can take out canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and row boats during warmer months, or fish from the shore year-round. The lake is also one of the most photographed spots on campus, with walking paths along the water and quiet benches for early-morning devotions.
A swimming pool built for hot summer days
Tel Hai’s swimming pool is a centerpiece of summer camp programming and a welcome amenity for retreat groups during warmer months. Lifeguarded during scheduled sessions, the pool gives campers and group guests a way to cool off, play, and unwind. Open seasonally.
Indoor gym for basketball, volleyball, and rainy days
Tel Hai’s gymnasium gives groups a covered, climate-protected space for basketball, volleyball, and high-energy group games. When weather pushes outdoor plans inside, the gym is where groups regroup and keep moving. Available year-round for both summer camps and retreat groups.
16 more ways for your group to play
Hit the bullseye or get close. Our outdoor archery range welcomes beginners and experienced shooters with staff guidance during scheduled sessions.
Our rifle range is open during scheduled summer camp sessions with safety oversight from trained staff. Always supervised, always intentional.
Tel Hai’s covered, lighted mini golf course is open day or night, rain or shine. It’s a favorite for evenings, intergenerational groups, and friendly competition.
The high-energy, low-skill, all-ages game where everyone gets pulled in. Our Ga-Ga ball pit stays busy from the first day of camp to the last.
Think four square, but vertical, with three rows of three. Fast, fun, and one of the most-requested group games during free time.
All the fun of tabletop foosball, except your group is on the field. A favorite for youth groups, family camps, and team-building moments.
A simple, addictive table game where you knock your opponent’s billiard balls off the carpet-lined trough. Easy to learn, hard to walk away from.
Our outdoor multi-use court is set up for street hockey and basketball, a popular spot for youth retreats and high-energy camp sessions.
Tour the property the old-fashioned way. Wagon rides are a memorable group activity, especially paired with hot drinks and snacks on a cool evening.
Cast a line from the shore of Swan Lake. Catch-and-release fishing is open to retreat guests and campers throughout the year.
Open grass field perfect for group games, capture the flag, ultimate frisbee, or any free-form group activity that needs room to run.
A second open field on the property, it’s useful when multiple groups are on-site or when one game needs more space than another.
Two campfire rings on the property: A small one for cabin groups and a larger one for full-group gatherings. Where the best evening conversations happen.
Horseback riding is offered during scheduled summer camp programming. Not available for retreat groups, but a highlight for kids during camp weeks.
Wander 150 acres of woods, fields, and creekside paths. The walking trails are open year-round and free for guests to explore at their own pace.
A relaxed outdoor seating swing near Hemlock Hall, with space for 12–14 people. Free to use with no reservation needed, it’s ideal for small group conversations or quiet moments between sessions.
Four facilitated activities go beyond the open recreation spaces. Each led by trained Tel Hai staff and available to book as part of your retreat or camp week.
A challenge course built for bringing participants together
Tel Hai’s challenge course is a series of low and high elements that test physical, mental, and emotional limits in a safe, supervised environment. Led by trained Tel Hai facilitators, the course is built for team-building, leadership development, and group breakthrough moments. Available to groups of all ages with advance booking.
The Giant Swing — for the brave
The Giant Swing hoists participants high in the air before releasing them into a swooping pendulum arc. It is an exhilarating, group-pulled experience that requires the entire team to participate. The Giant Swing is a favorite for groups that want a memorable, courage-stretching activity. Led by trained Tel Hai staff.
Fly the zip line, get the view
Tel Hai’s zip line lets campers glide above the property, taking in the trees and lake from above. Staffed by trained facilitators with full safety gear, the zip line is one of the most-requested activities for both summer camp programs and retreat groups.
Climb routes for first-timers and experienced climbers
Tel Hai’s climbing wall offers multiple routes from beginner to advanced, all staffed by trained Tel Hai climbing instructors. Whether your group is brand new to climbing or coming back for round two, the wall is built to challenge every level.
Tell us about your group, your dates, and what kind of activities you’re hoping for, and we’ll help you build a retreat schedule that includes using the property as well.
Real words from camp families and retreat guests about Tel Hai’s recreation spaces and activities.
“My daughter came home different. Quieter.
Better.”
“We ve brought our youth group here five summers running. They wont let us stop.”
“The staff treated every kid like they mattered. Because they do.”
Common questions from groups planning their retreat or camp week at Tel Hai.
Boating, swimming, and horseback riding are seasonal and are typically available during warmer months. Outdoor activities, like archery, the challenge course, and the zip line are weather-dependent. The gymnasium, mini golf (covered/lighted), and most game-based activities are available year-round.
Facilitated activities (challenge course, giant swing, zip line, and climbing wall) require advance booking and are staffed by trained Tel Hai facilitators. Let our Guest Services team know which activities you would like to include when you submit your retreat inquiry, and we’ll coordinate scheduling, group size limits, and any safety requirements.
Horseback riding is offered during summer camp programming only and is not available for retreat groups. If your group is interested in equestrian activities, contact our office and we can recommend local options.
Minimum age and weight requirements vary by activity and are set for safety reasons. Most high-elements (zip line, giant swing, climbing wall) have a minimum age and weight range that our staff confirms during booking. Contact us with your group’s age range and we’ll let you know which activities will work
Yes. Open recreation areas, like the gymnasium, mini golf, Ga-Ga ball, 9 Square, fields, and walking trails, are available for self-directed group use during your stay. Facilitated activities (challenge course, zip line, climbing wall, swimming pool during designated sessions, and the rifle/archery ranges) require trained staff supervision and advance scheduling.
Still have questions about activities? Our team is ready to help you plan.
