What is camp? 
An Overview

Bethelwoods is a place set apart to encounter God's love through creation and community as we grow in Christian faith. Through fellowship, recreation, and worship, campers learn how to live in community with one another and with God's creation. We believe we have built a place where our campers and staff can come and feel safe to be themselves, to learn something new, and to have fun - all in an atmosphere that affirms Christ's love for them. Camp is an adventure that your child(ren) will never forget and you will never regret!

Read more about what you can expect when you register your child(ren) for camp at Bethelwoods as well as some frequently asked questions below. 

Our Counselors come from a variety of background and undergo an intensive two-week training designed to keep your children safe, teach them about God's love, and have a great week of camp! All of our staff must pass a Background Check, show competency in all skills necessary to our camp program, and successfully obtain an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification course. 

Family Groups form the core of our camp ministry. Campers are placed in groups with peers of their own ages in ratios of one counselor to a maximum of eight campers to form their family group for the week. Together, these family groups fellowship together through all activities, meals, Bible study, and Worship.

Bible Study is an integral part of each camper's stay with us. Our counselors are trained to prepare age-appropriate lessons that will connect throughout the day. It's a proud tradition of forming community in family groups as campers explore and develop their faith.

Worship is an important part of the Bethelwoods experience. With a fun and creative style, campers encounter God in this beautiful place and learn how to think deeper about their world and trust fully in God's ever-abiding love for them. Each week Bethelwoods welcomes a weekly Worship Leader to partner with our staff to create a meaningful worship experience.

Activities at camp include: swimming, canoeing, team building challenges, archery, slingshots, volleyball, arts and crafts, gaga ball, Bible study, worship, campfires, songs, s'mores, and weekly theme based All-Camp-Activities.

Lodging for camper is in a climate controlled cabin, complete with bunk-beds, private showers and single-stall bathrooms. Campers will be grouped according to age and gender identified at registration. 

Check-In for overnight camp is held at Lake Lodge from 3:00pm-5:00pm on Sunday afternoons. When you arrive, leave your camper's bags at the door, and come inside to check-in. If you child has medications you will visit the camp nurse to turn those in. Once campers are checked-in, parents will say their good-byes for the week as campers go to meet their counselors outside. 
Day Camp check-in is held at Hopkins Lodge from 7:15am-8:15am, Monday-Friday.

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Summer Camp
Frequently Asked Questions

Day Camp

Q: What time is drop-off and pick-up each day for Day Camp?
A: Drop-off runs from 7:15am-8:15am; Pick-up runs from 4:30pm-5:30pm.

Q: What meals are included for Day Camp?
A: We serve breakfast and lunch each day for Day Campers.

Q: What should I pack each day?
A: We recommend sending your camper with a water bottle, good shoes, sunscreen, swimsuit, a change of clothes, a towel, and a labeled back pack or sack to carry all of their belongings.

Q: What type of activities will my Day Camper do?
A: In addition to daily Bible Study, Day Campers spend plenty of time in the pool, at Arts & Crafts, slingshots, canoeing, and more! We also have a weekly All-Camp-Activity that is centered around the week's theme.

Day Camp Handbook

Camper Experience

Q: What are the behavioral expectations of campers?
A: Campers are part of "family groups" based on their age/camp they registered for. Within their family group, campers participate in various activities, eat meals together, and attend worship. Counselors rely on positive encouragement as a first tool to encourage campers to join in the group. Examples of further discipline could be some time out from a given activity to cool down or a processing conversation with a member of leadership staff. Repeated behavior will result in calls home and possible dismissal from camp for the remainder of the session. Bullying, in any form, will result in immediate contact to parent or guardian and possible dismissal from the session. Physical violence (throwing, hitting, etc.) will likewise be grounds for immediate parent or guardian contact and dismissal for the remainder of the session. 

Q: What training does the summer staff receive?
A: Our counselors undergo two weeks of intensive training. We have a number of experts who cover topics from Child Development and Healthy Boundaries to Bible Study and camp activities. We stand by our extensive training program, which is among the longest and in-depth you'll find anywhere. All of our staff are American Red Cross First Aid/CPR certified. 

Q: What can my camper get from the camp store?
A: Every camper receives a t-shirt with the cost of registration to camp. During their session, campers typically visit the store 2-3 time where they can purchase snacks, water bottles, decals, or additional apparel. A maximum of $25 (on UltraCamp) may be loaded onto your campers store account either online and more may be added at check-in. Our Camp Store does not accept cash from campers. 

Q: What size groups will my camper be a part of?
A: Our family groups are in ratios based on camper ages. Younger campers remain in groups of 6 campers for every 1 counselor (1:6) while older campers remain in groups of 8 campers for every 1 counselor (1:8). Campers spend the majority of their day in their family groups, which typically consist of two counselors and up to 12 or 16 campers (depending on their age). 

Overnight Camps

Q: What time is Check-In and Pick-up for Overnight Camps?
A: Check-In runs from 3:00pm-5:00pm on Sundays at Lake Lodge. Closing Worship/Pick-up begins at 5:00pm on Friday and usually lasts approximately half an hour. The only exception is for our Explorer Campers (their info is here).

Q: Are cellphones allowed at camp?
A. We do not allow any camper to bring electronics with them. Parents can communicate via snail mail or send an email via [email protected].

Q: Where do campers stay? 
A: Our overnight camper stay in one of our climate controlled cabins with their assigned family group. Each cabin contains 5 bunk beds, private shower, private toilet, and a common area perfect for nightly devotionals. 

Q: How can I communicate with my camper?
A: Campers can receive mail at our address (922 W Mt Gallant Rd, York, SC 29745) or e-mails at [email protected]. Please address any packages with your campers name as well as week and camp that they are attending. Mail from campers will be collected daily and sent to parents, or campers may purchase email sheets at the camp store. Visitors during camp sessions are highly discouraged, as this interrupts the development and group formation that are core to the camp experience.

Q: What activities will my Overnight Camper participate in?
A: In addition to daily Bible Study and Worship (more info here), Overnight Campers will participate in archery, swimming, slingshots, canoeing, as well as weekly All-Camp-Activities that are specific to our weekly theme! 

Overnight Camp Handbook

Registration

Q: How do I register my child for camp?
A: Click on the Register Now buttons throughout our website. Or, just click here! A $50 non-refundable deposit is required when registering your child for camp. After registering, please download the Camper Handbook to help prepare for the camp experience. 

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Bethelwoods offers a tiered-pricing system (more info here) to help families choose what price best fits their budget. A limited number of Scholarships are also available on an as-needed basis. Contact us at [email protected] or (803) 366-3722 for more information. 

Q: Why are there three prices?
A: Bethelwoods realizes that each family it serves has a different ability to pay for camp. Our tier pricing system allows families to choose the price that is right for their family, while also becoming more aware of the costs associated with putting on a summer camp program for each camper. To learn more about our tier pricing click here.