Makemie Woods Camp and Conference Center: Virginia : Christian Summer Camp: VA Overnight Programs

A TYPICAL DAY FOR A CAMPER AT MAKEMIE WOODS

Because the campers themselves contribute to deciding what their daily activities will be, a firm schedule is not set until after the campers arrive. Each camper can be assured that every day will be filled with many of the following activities:

BIBLE STUDY AND WORSHIP: Time is set aside to focus on our faith. A short and exciting Bible study will be led each day by a minister or Christian educator. Campers and staff lead Vesper worship in the evenings. Morning watch and devotions add times of learning and discussion.

SWIMMING: The Makemie Woods pool is equipped with a diving board and a basketball goal! All activities at the pool are supervised by qualified lifeguards.

BOATING: Rowboats (for younger campers) and canoes give campers the opportunity to explore the reservoir. All campers are required to wear lifejackets when boating. Activities are supervised by certified lifeguards.

CRAFTS: Using natural and recycled materials, campers will have the opportunity to make a variety of items they will be proud to bring home.

ARCHERY: Most campers enrolled in sessions for 4th grade and older will have the opportunity to learn and practice archery skills. Campers will be instructed by certified staff.

ZIP LINES: Campers in traditional camp sessions beginning with 6th graders or older will have the opportunity to "fly" on the camp's zip lines. These "hand-stop" lines allow the participant to control their own speed. No climbing is involved, so this activity is available even to persons with some mobility impairments. (Off-site trip camps and specialty camps will only be able to participate if time and weather permit.)

GROUP ACTIVITIES: Many evenings include larger group activities, such as campfires, skit night, pool parties, dances (for older campers), “Smugglers” or "Underground Church." The camper groups may also choose to go hiking, stargazing, meet our pet snakes or visit our giant tortoise... There are too many possibilities to list!

When the schedule permits, campers will have an opportunity to choose to learn some basics of a new skill taught by one of the counselors. Some which have been offered in the past included sign language, learning to write their name in Chinese, soccer, field hockey, playing drums or guitar, and tie dying.

CAMP STORE: Each camper will have the opportunity to purchase a soda for $.60 before lunch. At least once during their stay, each camper will visit the "camp store" after lunch to purchase souvenirs.

CAPERS: Each camper group will be assigned a responsibility daily which serves the larger camp community, such as cleaning or leading vespers.

MEALS: Generally, meals and snacks are served in the Main Lodge, with all campers eating together. Most campers will have the opportunity to cook-out over an open fire.

MAIL: Letters should be sent at least 3 days in advance to assure delivery. Address: Camper’s name, camp session, PO Box 39, Barhamsville VA 23011. DO NOT SEND FOOD!! We don’t want to invite unwanted critters or bugs into the living quarters. Parents may also send email to their camper through a service called Bunk One. A link to this service will provided at the time of summer camp. Makemie Woods does not receive any financial benefit from using this service.

General Information About Your Favorite Summer Camp

Makemie Woods is a 275 acre camping facility, comprised of an awe-inspiring forest of pines and hardwoods, surrounded by the Diascund Reservoir. Campers live in cabins and longhouses in the midst of God’s creation, often catching glimpses of deer, raccoons and other wildlife, and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and owls. Canoes and rowboats give campers the opportunity to venture onto the breathtaking beauty of the reservoir.

Makemie Woods offers a small-group camping experience, where each camper is important. Counselors live with their campers 24 hours a day, serving as teachers, activity leaders, and most importantly, as friends. No camper is lost in the crowd, but instead is given opportunities to contribute significantly to the growth of the group, and to begin friendships that last a lifetime.

Makemie Woods offers mature Christian leadership. The presence of Jesus Christ is experienced in all of the activities, and explored in Bible studies, worship, and devotions. Staff have been thoroughly screened, and trained to provide a well-rounded and safe camping experience.

Makemie Woods welcomes the participation of children of every faith, every race, every nationality. The camp is owned and operated by the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia, Presbyterian Church (USA), and supported by the Peninsula District of the United Methodist Church.

In accordance with Federal Law and US Department of Agriculture Policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (See statement in bold below)

Makemie Woods is striving to be accessible and welcoming to every child who desires to participate in this program. Campers should expect that there will be other children in their camping family group who come from different backgrounds, who are of different races, and who have different gifts and ability levels.

Parents of children who have special physical, emotional or medical needs should contact the Director , the Rev. Michelle “Mike” Burcher at 800.566.1496 before enrolling their child to ensure that Makemie Woods can provide a successful experience for your child and to discuss the options available.

How Much Does Camp Co$t?

Our camp fees are low in comparison to other camps due to the generosity of the local Presbyterian and Methodist churches who help pay for the program. The actual cost per child of a single day at camp is approximately $90, (not including the T-shirts and off-site trip or specialty camp expenses). Persons or churches who would like to help provide scholarships are encouraged to send a donation to the camp earmarked "Scholarship Fund."

Note: as a service to parents, many sessions which begin early in the summer have a discounted fee.

Have questions? E-mail us

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or retaliation.

If you require this information in alternative format (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (Voice or TDD).

If you require information about this program, activity or facility in a language other than English, contact the USDA agency responsible for the program or activity, or any USDA office.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call, toll free, (866) 632-9992 (Voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.