Horseback is a popular daily activity for the younger groups (typically children ages 5-7). During the event, the campers ride horses at neighboring South Pasadena Stables under the guidance of Chemin Shapiro, the stables’ owner. The horses are carefully selected and the riders are supervised by trained handlers. At the end of each summer, the campers showcase their talents and earn awards at the annual Horse Show.

Fishing is a daily activity for the middle groups (typically children ages 7-9). During the event, canoes set sail in the Arroyo Seco Casting Pond and campers row after battery-operated fish as they attempt to catch as many as possible with their fishing nets. At the end of the summer, teams are awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals depending on how many fish they catch. The water level of the casting pond typically falls between 6 and 8 inches.

Throughout the summer, campers assemble a variety of Native American influenced crafts. This year, some of these unique projects include: tomahawks, dance rattlers, Kachina dolls, tom-tom drums, totem poles, spears, and baskets. Campers learn about the purpose and origins of each craft.

On regular camp days, swimming is held at Pasadena City College’s outdoor pool. Counselors both supervise and swim with the campers. While Pasadena City College supplies seven trained lifeguards to monitor the pool, our counselors also oversee the campers inside the pool, at the diving boards, on the deck, and in the actual locker rooms.

Each summer, the campers embark on an annual half-day hike. In 2008, the campers will travel to Cabrillo Beach and hike a along the famous Cabrillo Tide Pools. The hike takes place during “low tide” and is three-quarters of a mile, round-trip. During the journey, campers will spot starfish, sea-anemones, sea-urchins, mussels, hermit crabs, and other small salt-water creatures.

Two teams of campers push around two gigantic three-and-a-half foot soccer balls, attempting to score enough goals to win the game. This event became an instant classic when it first debuted in 2004, and remains one of the camper’s favorite activities.

Throughout the summer, four teams continuously compete against each other for the Capture the Flag Championship. The Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green teams are coached by junior counselors, and compete for the coveted championship belt.

The treasure hunt is an interactive adventure exclusive to Camp Shi’ini. This is not your typical scavenger hunt, but is instead an extraordinary five-week journey featuring heroes, villains, confrontations, mysteries, and astonishing feats. In 2007, the campers worked together to find the ancient location of the Fire Rubies – a nest of precious gems that burned with the heat of the sun! But this mission wasn’t easy. The fiendish Shish-Boom-Rah, who is the long-time adversary of Camp Shi’ini, was also on a quest to discover the Fire Rubies. Aided by his accomplice, Bison, Shish-Boom-Rah hoped to extinguish the Fire Rubies and obtain the legendary Godseye located in the center of the nest of burning gems. With this Godseye, Shish-Boom-Rah hoped to release the dreaded Thunderbird and reclaim the New World as his own. During the treasure hunt’s stunning conclusion, the campers claimed the treasure, defeated Shish-Boom-Rah, and spoiled the villain’s plan. This summer, the adventure of a lifetime continues as the campers embark on their next great expedition. Get ready for the highly anticipated return of Shish-Boom-Rah!

On select days, campers are taken to Sunset Beach, a relatively private beach just south of Seal Beach. Campers are thoroughly supervised by both our counselors as well as the lifeguards on duty. During the final two days of the summer, Camp Shi’ini hosts its annual Beach Barbeque at Santa Fe Dam, where counselors prepare legendary "Shi'ini Hotdogs."

This spectacular event is held on the last week of camp and is eagerly awaited by all the campers. During the Olympics, the camp is divided into ten teams. Some of the featured events include: the Tug-of-War Tournament, the Hockey Relays, Dinosaur Soccer, Floating Islands, Egg Hatchers, Jail Break, the Kangaroo Hop, and a host of other activities. The Camp Shi’ini Olympics is a great way for campers to showcase some of their individual abilities and talents while also learning the value of teamwork.