“I made new friends. I did stuff I never knew I was good at.” from a Jumonville summer camper.
One mom said, “I love the one-on-one time with my child, without the distractions of phones, TV, internet, and household chores.”
“Camp helped me become closer to God and think about God for myself instead of being told information. It helped clarify some of my questions that I have about my faith and make it stronger.” Email from a Jumonville summer camper.
Top ten benefits of summer camp:
1. Fun Activities - Camps offer sports (soccer, volleyball, street hockey, baseball, basketball, tennis, disc golf, etc!) games, skits, dance, and music. Plus there’s swimming, adventure (canoeing, rafting, climbing, caving), crafts, hikes, campfires, and s’mores!
2. Friendship - Children and adults make new friends and renew familiar ones, often becoming friends for life. It builds community in a unique way, where children and youth can be silly and have loads of fun, and gain an anchor of support and encouragement that overcomes time and distance, age and experience, long after camp is over. The Deans and counselors are also able to get to know your child and their individual needs, and support their spiritual and social growth in a rich Christian environment.
3. Adventure - New experiences challenge students to learn (age-appropriate) outdoor skills and thrills, in nature, through sports, arts, and on the adventure courses. More than that, they learn trust, self-confidence, and problem-solving in an affirming atmosphere.
4. Cooperation - Children learn to play, work, and live with others who are different from them. Camp encourages kids to be themselves, and all are accepted for who they are, regardless of their background. Artificial barriers disappear as everyone joins together in small groups, enjoying the same activities together, learning to accept each other’s differences, and celebrate what they have in common.
5. Responsibility - With encouragement, they learn to do things for themselves and for others, and to see the results and rewards of their actions. It’s also a place where they can learn to serve others and have a healthy self-concept. These enriching experiences can provide your child with a compass that points toward integrity in a forest of choices around them, and can lead to a lifetime of growth and maturity.
6. Appreciation - Opportunities are given to develop new interests and be a part of the group in a setting designed so each child can contribute. Thankfulness and encouragement is displayed at mealtimes, sports activities, and in camp traditions, such as the “Official Applause”, silly camp songs or a special note of something they did well. Your child can shine at camp in so many ways!
7. Health – Campers eat well, enjoy wholesome outdoor activities, and learn new skills. They are encouraged to care for their physical, social, and spiritual needs. For example, sports, arts or adventure activities can improve their hand-eye coordination, their critical thinking skills and their relational abilities all at the same time!
8. Inspiration - Summer camp provides a new environment that allows a child to be away from home and yet in a Christian atmosphere where they can test their faith and be challenged to decide what they really believe for themselves. They glean spiritual values from nature itself and from the quality of the camp community in mentoring and discipleship in spiritual growth. Your child is immersed in a Christian “incubator” where they can ask questions, explore different viewpoints, and practice spiritual disciplines on a journey of spiritual discovery. Devotions and small group discussion are an integral part of this lively growth experience at a Christian camp.
9. Good Citizenship - Youth are engaged in an environment where democratic group living is a necessity. Everyone is needed and has a part to play for success and fun to happen. Values of fairness, equality and order are modeled and imitated. Campers get a chance to practice the lessons they have learned at home, and incorporate them into real situations where they can put them into action.
10. Independence - Camp can increase self-esteem and social skills by giving youth the independence they crave - trying new things, discovering more of God’s love, and being encouraged by mentors brings self-confidence. Living in a nurturing and challenging environment and being away from mom and dad gives kids a chance to learn things like respect for others, teamwork, kindness, and honesty in a new setting, while having fun as they learn! The separation really will be good for both of you, plus, you’ll enjoy the fun of their sharing exciting new experiences when they come home.
Christian camps exist for the purpose of blessing your family with rest, renewal, and recreation in the out-of-doors. It begs you to appreciate the beauty and mystery of creation. It’s a vacation with God! Don’t miss out on a chance to allow The Divine to surprise you with the amazing gifts of camp and retreat centers to provide an intensive spiritual and relational spark to your family, your children and your church.
Jumonville is such a place to be refreshed. It is a Premier Christian Camp and Retreat Center with much to offer. It is best known for the white, steel, “Cross of Christ” that stands 60’ high on the mountaintop. Hiking up to Dunbar’s Knob to see the cross and the breathtaking view is an inspiring highlight for visitors and guests.
Established in 1941 by the United Methodist Church, Jumonville exists to share Christian love and faith with all who come. The dedicated staff and volunteers operate a summer camping program that is well known for its variety and quality. Camp has always been a great way for young people to make new friends, grow in self-confidence, and experience the best fun of the summer!
“I believe summer camp is one of the best sources of emotional growth, learning, fun and adventure available to a young person during the summer vacation months. These Christian programs offer a safe place to learn social, physical, and spiritual skills in a nurturing environment.” Larry Beatty, Jumonville Director.
Plus, camp isn’t just for kids! Children, youth, adults & families may come to Jumonville for a week of recreation, inspiration, and adventure for a very reasonable rate. In addition, scholarship help is available for children and families who want to come to summer camp, but need assistance to attend.
An extensive program of Christian adventure, sports, arts, sampler, family and mini-camps is offered each summer, and retreat space is available year’round. Co-ed, resident camps are usually one-week sessions, with some shorter options for younger campers. Jumonville’s historic campus, wooded trails, and breathtaking views are ideal for rest, renewal, recreation, and adventure.
Jumonville has been a leader in Adventure programming and training for 40 years. Three challenge ropes courses and an indoor Adventure Center serve our most popular programs for rock climbing and individual initiatives. Not only is it challenging and fun, the Jumonville Adventure Program is an outstanding tool for building teamwork, self-confidence and personal growth in life-changing ways.
Adventure camps may offer age-appropriate rock climbing, caving, biking, mountain-boards, canoeing, or whitewater rafting.
Sports camps include specialties in soccer, volleyball, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, fishing, or swimming, with opportunities to enjoy many different sports during the week.
Creative arts programs focus on music, art, dance, or beginner to advanced crafts such as stained glass, photography, or handmade jewelry.
Specialty camps include: Camp Samplers, Games Extravaganza, mini camps (for those under 10 who are beginner campers), and even Mommy/ Daddy and Me camp (for 4 –7 year olds, or 7-10 year olds) to enjoy 3 days of fun and special memories at camp with a parent or grandparent.
Each event is designed with plenty of outdoor recreation, campfires, and inspirational opportunities to enjoy. Don’t forget the timeless camp activities of singing, S’mores, hikes to the Cross, Bible study, crafts, swimming, worship, free time, and getting an ice cream cone at the Snack Shop. There’s something for everyone!
Lodging options range from luxury private rooms to family-style lodges and family style cabins with private baths. Dining facilities for up to 350 are available, with a variety of meeting and recreational facilities included.
At the end of an exciting day, there’s nothing like sitting by the campfire, looking up at the stars, and seeing the awesome sight of The Great Cross shining into the night. It is a landmark that has touched the hearts of people from around the world. Whether you are looking for inspiration, training, or adventure, Jumonville has something to offer. Discover the treasure in your own backyard at Jumonville!
Call or go to www.camp.jumonville.org for your FREE DVD with summer camp or retreat information. Office (724) 439-4912, E-mail Jaye@jumonville.org, Fax (724) 439-1415
