CT History

BORN IN 1768, CHIEF TECUMSEH was a Native American Shawnee warrior and chief. He is held in high esteem as a terrific orator and someone who had a high purpose working to unify all people. He was a fearless warrior, but also one that treated all people with respect as he was always merciful and protective of his captives.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

Chief Tecumseh one of the earliest motivational speakers, and these words are commonly attributed to him and referred to as his “Death Song”.

Camp Tecumseh’s Values Honor the Great Indian Chief.

At Camp Tecumseh we strive toward a commitment for doing what is good and right. As disciplined, respectful and competitive athletes Tecumseh’s founders through the counsel of today work to engage our current campers in honoring Chief Tecumseh.

Tecumseh is a non-profit, independent Camp certified by the American Camping Association. Financial Aid is available through our generous Blue/Gray Scholarship Program. For details on the application process, length of stay and more information on our scholarship program, please contact the director.