Children’s Camp
One of the main reasons for purchasing Camp Deerpark was to offer a Christian camping experience to children and youth associated with the New York City Mennonite churches. In July of 1969, only two months after the purchase of camp, the first week of children’s summer camp was held. Two one-week camps were offered for children. The first week was for ages 8–9 and the second for ages 10–11. In 1970, the program expanded and additional summer camping options were added.
Eventually camps ran for 10-day sessions. The sessions continued to be offered for specific ages, with the first camp of the summer open to 8–9 year-olds, followed by 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15 year-old campers. A camp session for older teens was held at the end of the summer.
In 2006, 10-day age-specific sessions were replaced with five-day sessions for all children ages 8–13. This change allowed families greater flexibility and some children now attend camp for the entire summer. Camp continues to offer a one-week teen camp near the end of the summer.
In addition to five-day weeks for campers, summer camp also offers opportunities for young adults to learn vocational and leadership skills. A leadership training week is held for staff prior to the start of summer camps. Teenagers and young adults are given the opportunity to stretch their leadership gifts as they love and care for children during the summer.
Campers
By Marisha Joseph
1997 Summer Camp Counselor
Can’t wait to see them we said,
Then suddenly they arrived.
They were much more beautiful
Than we had ever expected.
Tears filled our eyes.
There were short ones, tall ones,
They were all so great!
Blonde ones, chubby ones, the loveliest
creatures God could ever make.
As time went by their little minds began to expand.
Feeling the love from the Holy Spirit,
And the gentle touch of God’s hand.
Though programming has changed and evolved, the heart of the camping experience remains as it was in 1969: a safe environment in which to learn about God and study the Bible; space in which to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation, new friendships and community; campfires and singing together; play and relaxation.