Since its beginning in 1999, we have served nearly 200 young people each summer using a staff of 8 to 10 college age counselors. In many ways the developmental experiences have as profound an impact on the staff as they do on the campers. We seek to make the camp available to all young people without regard to their ability to pay. Our camp fee for 2010 is $180 per camper. This includes six days and five nights of a residential camp, all meals, program supplies and activity fees. The cost to the Center is approximately $350 per camper. We rely on contributions from individuals, churches, businesses, civic organizations and grants from foundations to fund the difference between the fee charged and the actual cost. We also offer scholarships to approximately 30% of those who come to camp.

Our camp has been tremendously successful over the years because of the commitment of the staff and the unique skills and talents they bring. For the past three summers, we have had at least one international counselor as a member of our staff. These international staff members have come from England, Wales, Slovenia and Poland. They have added a great deal and broadened the perspective of our camp program. In addition to the very competitive salaries we offer, we spend approximately $500 per staff member for training. Each member of the staff receives two weeks of training on basic camp counseling, certification in first aid and CPR, high and low ropes course facilitation, and rock climbing and rappelling certification.

If you attended summer camp when you were growing up, you probably have fond memories of counselors, activities, challenges and fun, that made it a great experience at the time, but in years later, looking back, have realized just how formative those summers at camp really were.

The Camp Program

Our programs are for rising fifth through twelfth graders. We operate eight camp sessions during the summer. In addition to our basic camp activities like hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, campfires, etc., we also have special camps focused on nature and the environment, rock climbing and rappelling, community service, backpacking and camping, caving and climbing. All of these programs offer real challenges in an environment that is safe.