Bethelwoods
Summer Camp 2008

About the Summer Camp Program
Program Descriptions
How to Register
Printable Calendar of Programs
Forms for Summer Camp
Publicize Summer Camp at My Church
Download the 2008 Brochure

Bethelwoods Summer Camp Program
Bethelwoods is a year-round camp and conference center supported by Providence and Charleston Atlantic Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our mission is to provide campers with a unique Christian opportunity for spiritual learning and growth in a natural setting with activities leading to responsible appreciation and use of all God’s creation and to deeper personal relationships with God and with one another.

Bethelwoods offers overnight and day camping experiences for children and youth of all denominations. It is our goal to provide developmentally-appropriate activities for each age group and to offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships with peers, camp counselors and with God through community-oriented fellowship and Bible study. All of our programs have been developed and staffed to meet this goal.

The Staff
While many camps highlight their unique location or special activities, Bethelwoods believes that a quality staff is the "key ingredient" to a successful and safe camping experience. The staff at Bethelwoods takes the mission of the summer camp program very seriously.

The directors, lifeguards, camp counselors and the health care manager are enthusiastic and dedicated Christians. They have been screened, selected and trained to ensure an exciting and meaningful camp experience. The staff members have at least one year of college and are all certified in first aid and CPR. The staff receives 11 days of intense training before camp begins and continues with ongoing instruction throughout the program. This training equips the staff with skills that enable them to create a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers.

The Camp Experience
We maintain a ratio of no more than seven (7) campers to one camp counselor while your son or daughter is at camp (there is a 6:1 ratio for the Day, Discovery Day,  Mini and Explorer Camps).  A group of boys (with their male counselor) and a group of girls (with their female counselor) together make up a “family group.”  It is with this group that the camper will do most camp activities.  On the first day of camp, the members of the group come together to decide what activities they would like to participate in during the week.  Every evening, the whole camp gathers together for worship and an all-camp activity (such as a campfire or an all-camp swim time).  The community that forms within the family group and within the camp as a whole is an important aspect of the Bethelwoods experience.  Campers are expected and encouraged to be involved in all camp activities.

B.L.A.S.T.
These letters stand for “Bible Learning and Sharing Time.”  Each day, campers will have the opportunity for reflection and active learning of the scripture.  This year’s theme, “Handle With Care" will focus on the the many ways in which God calls us to live in community with each other and the environment. Campers and staff will explore what it means to "Handle With Care" their relationship with creation. All first-time campers in multi-day programs will be given a Bible to use at camp and then take home.

Charleston Atlantic Transportation 
Round-trip transportation is available from Summerville and Orangeburg for all camps that have the above icon.  You can now pay the $30 fee for bus transportation online when you register for camp by May 15th (after May 15th, the fee will be $40).  This small fee includes a bag supper for the ride home on Friday (Bethelwoods serves supper on Sunday nights).  For those who choose register by mail, a transportation form will be sent to all campers registering from this region. 

Opening and Closing of Camp
The check-in for all camps is held at the Main Lodge on Sunday from 4:30-5:30pm (campers will be served supper).  The camps will conclude with a closing program on Friday at 5:30pm (campers go home to eat).  Exceptions to this are the Day, Discovery Day, Mini, Explorer and the Camp for the Day programs.

Camp Fees, T-shirts, and Pictures
The camp fee includes all costs for lodging, meals and snacks.  Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and group photo to commemorate his or her stay at camp.  Camp store items are only available during the opening check-in and closing program of each camp session.  No spending money is needed during camp.  A “To Bring” list will be sent upon registration. 

Contact with Campers
Mail from home is always welcome (sent by stamp, fax or e-mail).  Please limit all e-mail and faxes to one page in length.  Campers can send news home via stamped mail or by camper email/fax sheets that can be purchased at check-in.  Phone use is not available for campers, but we will make sure they receive any emergency phone messages.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of our campers are monitored and maintained at all times.  Camp programs are not without risk, but with careful attention to safety procedures and a mature staff, we aim to minimize that risk while still offering a fun and challenging program.  Bethelwoods has a health center and a health care manager on staff.  Complete medical facilities are available in Rock Hill (less than 10 minutes from camp) and arrangements have been made for emergency response, if needed.  Before your child comes to camp, a health examination by a physician is recommended, but not required.

All swimming activities are supervised by a certified lifeguard and campers are required to wear lifejackets when canoeing.  Most of the programs involve the campers staying on Bethelwoods property all week.   Riverwalkers, Paddle Explorers, Woodwise Adventure, Mission Adventure, Trailblazers, and LEAD are the only programs that involve leaving the Bethelwoods property (see camp descriptions for more details).

Our Facilities
Bethelwoods opened in 1965 and has a 42 year history of providing quality summer programs for children and youth. The summer camp facilities include 3 lodges, 8 cabins, 8 covered wagons, 2 platform tents, 2 picnic shelters, a pool, lake, tree house, playing fields, archery range, initiative course, several hiking trails and an outdoor chapel.  Our retreat cabins hold 14 campers and 2 camp counselors. These cabins have a meeting room (great for BLAST time) and a small front porch. The sleeping facilities are 2 separate rooms that each have 8 beds (4 bunkbeds) and a bathroom.

Insurance
Bethelwoods provides initial emergency and first aid services, as required.  Insurance coverage is the responsibility of the camper’s family.

Sleep Out in the Treehouse
Bethelwoods is thrilled to have a treehouse as part of its summer camp facility. This structure has a porch, roof and is screened to provide lots of comfort and space. Most camps for 3rd graders and older will get to spend one special night out in this awesome treehouse.

Roommates
It is recognized that some campers may wish to have a specific roommate during their stay at camp.  Yet, part of the camp experience is making new friends and developing community within the group.  Most Bethelwoods campers do not come to camp with a roommate.  If you desire, you may request one roommate.  Siblings will be placed in separate groups unless you advise us otherwise.  Bethelwoods invites all campers to come with an openness to new experiences and new relationships.

Scholarships
Scholarship funds are available to provide financial support for campers who need partial assistance.  We ask those who are able to consider making a contribution to the scholarship fund as part of their registration payment.  This will allow us to offer this quality experience to campers who could not otherwise afford to attend.  Please contact Bethelwoods for scholarship information at info@bethelwoods.org or (803) 366-3722.  Click here to download and print the scholarship form (pdf file format).

Kindergarteners and Younger Campers:

Many of our programs are available for campers who have completed Kindergarten (K5).  In order to have as positive and meaningful an experience as possible, Bethelwoods requests that these younger campers be able to stay with a group of fellow campers and follow simple instructions during the camp experience.  Please contact the camp office if you have any questions. 

Bethelwoods Summer Camp Open House
On Saturday, April 26th, we invite you and your family to come out for a Bethelwoods Open House.  This afternoon event offers fun for all ages with a taste of what summer camp is like.  Come join us for a great day of canoeing, games, archery, hiking, arts and crafts, s’mores or just relaxing in a rocking chair.  Whether you would like to try Bethelwoods for the first time or have been coming to camp to years, we hope to see you on this special Saturday.    

Our Summer Camp Theme is "Handle With Care"
Camp allows us to step away from our day-to-day routines and focus more intensely on our relationship with God, to experience Christian community, and to practice living out our spiritual values in a supportive atmosphere. 

During the week, Worship Leaders (visiting pastors and church educators) and Camp Counselors will help us explore the many ways in which God calls us to live in community with each other, and the environment. Each day the campers and staff will explore what it means to "Handle with Care" their relationship with creation in a variety of ways including stories, games, and songs both in BLAST and worship and daily activities.

The Handle With Care curriculum is published by New Earth, an ecumenical publishing partnership that includes the Presbyterian Church (USA), Church of the Brethren, United Church of Christ, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), American Baptist Churches in the USA and the United Methodist Church.

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Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center
922 West Mount Gallant Road
York, South Carolina    29745-7475
Phone: (803) 366-3722    Fax: (803) 366-3565
Email: info@bethelwoods.org