I attended a sleep away summer camp one summer when I was growing up. I was going into first grade. And the memory of that camp has driven me to seek out summer camps for all of my children every summer.
Summer Camp Reviews
All in all, my children have attended three different camps. They have all provided wonderful experiences, fantastic memories and have all been Christ-centered.
WCRC
At first I looked for camps that were close geographically. Williamsburg Christian Retreat Centers Kaleidoscope camp came highly recommended and was just a town over.
Run by Mennonites, this camp experience is teeming with God centered lessons and dedicated Christian staff. Daily activities include Biblical lessons, songs and quiet times.
While the activities are limited in comparison to other larger camps, they are competitive and well run. Tree climbing, archery, canoeing, ropes course and crafts are some of the highlights.
But hands down, all four of my kids say the food is the number one thing about WCRC.
Miracle Mountain Ranch
As the little kids got older, they longed for a different experience. We decided to try Miracle Mountain Ranch. It is also a Christ centered camp, but located much further away in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
The entire camp is themed as a western town. The cabins are rustic and not air conditioned. The community bathrooms are in the center of town.
Paintball competitions, horseback riding and team sports are added to the standard camp activities. They also offer several add on options, at an additional cost, such as overnight camping trips.
The kids enjoyed their time at MMR. If we had not moved, the younger two would have returned.
Strong Rock Camp
After we moved to Georgia suddenly, I was scrambling for activities for the kids. Strong Rock Camp was recommended by a cousin whose daughter attended.
The first year was a no-brainer. It was only an hour from our new home. They offer two week sessions, which was perfect for my younger two on the cusp of becoming teenagers and first time camp attenders fees were half off.
Finally, I found a camp that brought my kids the joy that my one week at camp did for me. With a plethora of activities including gymnastics, riflery, cooking, flag football as well as all of those offered by both WCRC and MMR, each camper gets to choose their preferred activities.
With weekly Church, daily devotionals and team membership, the kids are engaged and quickly bond with their cabin mates. So much so that my typically stand-offish daughter requested to attend every session after her first year there. And has already said she would like to work there when she is old enough.
Conclusion
If at all possible, I highly recommend sending your kids to summer camp. I know it’s been a life changing event for my kids and myself. One that they will never forget!
I have made the decision to enter the dating world, or at least dip my toes in. For anyone who knows me, this is a complete about face for me. I’ve been adamant about not wanting or needing a man for the last 10 years, since my marriage ended. It is a scary decision, but one driven from a longing deep in my gut, an undeniable desire.
The holidays have always been hard for me. I eat up the Christmas movies where a rich man always falls in love with the woman and turns her life upside down with joy and family. The reality is a very different picture, and I must admit to finding it hard to celebrate the joy of the season and the true reason for the season. Instead I get consumed at times with the things I don’t have, the things I long to have. This has been especially true since I became a single parent. The pressure is just overwhelming at times.
