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2008 Summer Program Descriptions:
Parent-Child Overnight Camp (4-7 yrs old + parent)
June 6–June 7 (Friday-Saturday)
Take your first step into Summer Camp together. This camp offers upcoming campers an exciting Camp Bethel experience with the security of a parent, grandparent or adult relative. Campers who may not be ready to come to camp alone can bring an adult cabin-mate for 2-days and 1-night of games, a wagon ride, hiking, singing, swimming, creek-play, Bible study, stories, crafts, a nature lesson, and a campfire. Check-in is at 5:00pm Friday, and check-out is at 4:00pm Saturday. Campers are housed in cabins with like pairs: mother-daughter; mother-son; father-daughter; father-son; any adult relative is welcome. This camp is lots of fun for everyone!
By May 1 = $80/pair; after May 1 = $110/pair
Knee-High Day Camps (rising K, 1st, 2nd graders)
Monday-Friday: June 30-July 4, July 7-11
It’s a daily dose of summer camping fun! Campers will enjoy crafts, silly & fun songs, Bible lessons, swimming, exploring nature, group games, creek-play, a wagon ride, hiking the camp trails, parachute games, and delicious lunches including a campfire cookout. Daily check-in is at 9:00am and check-out is at 4:30pm. Campers are encouraged to attend all-5 days, but we allow abbreviated attendance, (check days on the registration form). Our excellent day-camps are very popular, so register early to secure your spot. Great counselors, great program, and a great Camp!
WEEK FEE: By May 1=$85; after May 1 = $135
DAILY FEE: By May 1=$17/day; after May 1=$27/day
Tenderfoot Mini-Camps (rising 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders)
June 29-July 1 (Sun-Tues), July 2-4 (Wed-Fri), July 27-29 (Sun-Tues)
Mini-Camp is a 3-day, 2-night, safe, comfortable and fun introduction to resident camping. During their stay campers will get a taste of living and playing in the outdoors and will develop Christian friendships with their counselors and their cabin mates. Fun group games, a wagon ride, creek-play, campfires, silly songs, hiking the camp trails, swimming, a polar bear swim (?), morning devotions, bedtime stories, crafts, feeding our Heifer animals, exploring nature, parachute games, delicious meals, campfires, worship and Bible lessons make Mini-Camp a great choice. Mini-Camp is FUN and very popular!
By May 1 = $105; after May 1 = $155
Elementary Day Camp (rising 3rd-5th graders)
July 14-18 (Monday-Friday)
This camp is a great way to see what camp is all about. We’ll fill each day of your week with group games, crafts, songs, Bible lessons, swimming, nature lessons and exploration, creek-play, tending our Heifer animals, a wagon ride, hiking the camp trails, parachute games, delicious lunches, a campfire cook-out and more. Daily check-in is at 9:00am and check-out is at 4:30pm. We hope you’ll attend all-5 days, but we allow abbreviated attendance, (check days on the registration form). It’s a great program option for 3rd-5th graders!
WEEK FEE: By May 1=$85; after May 1 = $135
DAILY FEE: By May 1=$17/day; after May 1=$27/day
Elementary 3-day Sampler Camp (rising 4th-6th graders)
June 29-July 1 (Sunday-Tuesday)
Looking to squeeze a few camp days into your busy summer? Sampler Camp is an excellent 3-day, 2-night resident camping option. In 3 days, you’ll get a “heaping helping” of camp-living and playing in the outdoors while building Christian friendships with counselors and cabin mates: group games, swimming, a wagon ride, creek-play, campfires, lots of singing, hiking the camp trails, parachute games, morning devotions, crafts, feeding our Heifer animals, a polar bear swim (?), exploring nature, delicious meals, campfires, skit night, worship, Bible lessons and much more. This Sampler just might leave you wanting more…
By May 1 = $105; after May 1 = $155
Elementary Resident Camps (rising 4th-6th graders)
June 15-20, June 22-27, June 29-July 4, July 13-18, July 20-25
This classic week of resident camping is filled with fun, fellowship, and lots of adventure. You will live in a co-ed family-unit of 10-12 campers and 2-4 counselors. You and your unit will plan your week’s activities including swimming, group games, crafts, nature lessons and exploration, a wagon ride, creek-play, parachute games, camping skills, challenge initiatives, unit-participation vespers and Morning Watch, cabin and evening devotions, Bible study, special evening programs, night activities, skit night, daily group duties, tending our Heifer animals, hiking the camp trails and a singing-hike to Horseshoe Bend, polar bear swims (?), hosting meals, and nightly campfire worship. On Tuesday or Wednesday your family unit will have a cook-out and overnight camp-out in your Home-in-the-Woods! See you here for an awesome week!
By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $255
Elementary Adventures (rising 5th-6th graders)
1, 2, 3: Horseback: #1=June 15-20, #2=June 22-27, #3=June 29-July 4
4 & 5: River Float Fishing: #4 = July 13-18; #5 = July 20-25
It’s all the fun of a regular week of camp with an adventure twist! As an Elementary Adventure Camper, you will live in a cabin, not the Adventure Village. Elementary Adventurers will have a very active week of hiking and exploring, and an overnight camp-out in your Home-in-the-Woods, plus all the other activities of Elementary Resident Camps (listed above).
Elementary Adventures 1 (June 15-20), 2 (June 22-27) & 3 (June 29—July 4) include a day of riding horseback at Reba Farm Inn in Bedford, Virginia. Learn basic horse-care and gain Western-style riding skills along the winding trails and overlooks as you “Giddy-up” close and personal with your new equine friend. Pack a pair of blue-jeans or long pants. It’s a great day of climbing the hills on the back of a one-horse-powered, muscular mare or mustang. (Take the mule-cart for a drive before you leave!) Gear, helmets, leaders and ice-cream stop included. Minimum weight 60 lbs; “no horsing around!” Rated: easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $290; after May 1 = $340
Elementary Adventures 4 (July 13-18) & 5 (July 20-25) include a day of float-fishing on the beautiful, historic James River. Beginners and experienced anglers will learn new fishing skills from counselors, adult volunteers and fishing outfitters as we cast a fly or throw a spinner and crank bait in style cruising the calm river waters. On the night after our trip, we’ll feast on our catch (assuming we’ll have a catch!) All gear, canoes, PFDs, and leaders provided. If you have it, bring your own rod, reel & tackle OR borrow one of camp’s. Rated: easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $290; after May 1 = $340
Junior High Resident Camps (rising 7th-9th graders)
June 22-27, July 6-11, July 13-18, July 27-August 1
This very popular, classic week of resident camp has your perfect mix of wild fun and discipleship activities. You will live in a co-ed family unit of 10-12 campers with 2-4 counselors. Activities for the week include group games, nature, crafts, music and singing, campfire vespers, swimming, a wagon ride, low-ropes group challenges, creek-play, Home-in-the-Woods camping skills, hiking the camp trails and a singing hike to Horseshoe Bend, unit-participation vespers and Morning Watch, Bible study, polar bear swims (?), night activities, special all-camp programs and a day on the high ropes course! On Tuesday or Wednesday your family unit will have a cookout in your Home-in-the-Woods and have one or more overnight camp-outs. Junior High Camp is a great week of spiritual development and adventure, and you’re sure to make lasting friendships; exploring your extraordinary faith journey, learning how to “Handle With Care” the gifts God gives you, and building and being the Body of Christ.
By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $265
Junior High Adventure Camps (rising 7th, 8th, 9th)
Adventure Camps are for “tough” campers who are comfortable living out-of-doors and ready for the next level of camp adventure. You will truly live as a Christian body in a co-ed family unit of 6-12 campers with 2-4 counselors. Base camp is our creek-side Adventure Village located in our vast and beautiful riparian forest. The A.V. includes a boys’ hut, a girls’ hut and your dining shelter with fire circle, all by the clean waters of Wilson Creek. You’ll eat most meals in the Ark, swim in the pool, sleep on mattresses with personal screening, attend all-camp events, and have access to all the amenities of the camp (including showers!). The highlight of each week is our one-or-two-day Adventure outing (see program descriptions). Plus, we still get all the regular camp activities listed for Junior High Resident Camp above including a day on the high ropes course! A specific letter and gear guide will follow your sign-up. Attend as many weeks as you like! Limit 12 campers/wk.
Trip/Adventure Ratings Explanation
Camp is an active experience; on-the-go all week with games, hiking and swimming. We walk everywhere we go (except JHA 5).
Easy = Camper in average physical condition will succeed.
Moderate = Some physically strenuous moments.
Challenging = Frequent physically strenuous moments.
Difficult = Very physically demanding.
Meet our Adventure Outfitters:
Lester Zook (www.wildguyde.com) = rock climbing, caving
USA Raft (www.usaraft.com) = white water rafting on the New
Tangent Outfitters (www.newrivertrail.com) = canoeing the New
Reba Farm Inn (www.rebafarminn.com) = horseback riding
Twin River Outfitters (www.canoevirginia.net) = canoeing the James
Roanoke City Parks & Recreation = Rocwood Indoor climbing walls
Blue Blaze Bike (www.blueblazebikeandshuttle.com) = Creeper Trail biking
Elements to Excellence (www.teame2e.com) = high ropes
Junior High Adventure 1: Horseback Riding + White Water Rafting (rising 7th-9th grade)
June 15-20: Your combo-adventure week includes a day of horseback riding at Reba Farm Inn in Bedford, Virginia. Learn basic horse-care and gain Western-style riding skills along the winding trails and overlooks as you “Giddy-up” close and personal with your new equine friend. (Be sure to try the mule-cart before you leave!) See more Horseback photos on page 13. Pack a pair of long pants for riding and your bathing suit and wet-shoes for rafting. Part one is a great day of trail riding on the back of a muscular mare or mustang. Part two is a day of wet, wild & wonderful fun, courtesy of our USA Raft guide and the glorious Lower New River Gorge. Learn crucial teamwork and coordination as we paddle “all-forward” through Class IV and V rapids: the “Keeny’s,” the “Railroads” and the “Million Dollar Wave.” It’s an incredibly fun experience; suitable for beginners and soggy-paddlers alike. All gear, helmets, PFDs, paddles, professional leadership and ice cream stops included. “Dig in” and “giddy-up” for adventure! Rated easy-moderate.
By May 1 = $340; after May 1 = $390
Junior High Adventure 2: Horseback Riding (rising 7th-9th grade)
June 22-27: Your week includes a day of riding horseback at Reba Farm Inn in Bedford, Virginia. Learn basic horse-care and gain Western-style riding skills along the winding trails and overlooks as you “Giddy-up” close and personal with your new equine friend. Pack a pair of blue-jeans or long pants. It’s a great day of climbing the hills on the back of a one-horse-powered, muscular mare or mustang. (Take the mule-cart for a drive before you leave!) See more Horseback photos on page 13. Gear, helmets, leaders and ice-cream stop included. Minimum weight 60 lbs; “no horsing around!” Rated: easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $290; after May 1 = $310
JH Adv 3: Indoor-Outdoor Climbing Combo (rising 7th-9th grade) June 29-July 4: Why climb? Because we can! We’ll learn and practice for a day at Roanoke City’s awesome RocWood Climbing Center. Then we’ll put our skills to use on a second day of excellent outdoor anchored belay climbing, led and instructed by the experts from Wild Guyde Adventures. Learn all the moves and gear as we safely “jam” up the “crux” of the “headwall” and rappel back to “deck”; suitable for beginners and experienced “Edgers.” Back at camp, we’ll participate in the high ropes course AND we’ll learn about high ropes facilitation: very cool! See more climbing photos on page 17. All gear, helmets, harnesses, leadership and ice cream stop provided. Rated easy to moderate with challenging options. By May 1 = $300; after May 1 = $350
Jr High Adv 4 & 5: Biking + Canoeing (rising 7th-9th grade)
#4 = July 6-11; #5 = July 13-18: Pedal and Paddle! Bring a bike & helmet to camp for the week or borrow one of camp’s bikes, because we’ll pedal all week through camp. Outing 1 is a day of mountain biking down the awesome Virginia Creeper Trail (a historic “rail-to-trail”) with top-grade rented bikes & helmets. Outing 2 is a full day of paddling on the beautiful New River in Virginia, the oldest river in North America. Canoe skills, swimming, lunch on the beach and more with your adventure counselors on a 10-mile river section, perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers. Back at camp, we’re on 2 wheels exploring our 470-acre playground and enjoying our camp week. Gear, leadership, pizza and ice cream stops provided.
Rated easy-moderate. Prerequisite: Must be able to ride a bike.
By May 1 = $295; after May 1 = $345
Jr High Adv 6: Caving (rising 7th-9th grade) New outfitter!
July 20-25: The wonder of exploring the underground world thousands of years old; nothing quite like it. We’ll explore the speleothems (look it up), corridors and cavern rooms in one of Virginia’s natural caves with the experts from Wild Guyde Adventures; a great way to get down and dirty while learning how to protect these uniquely sensitive treasures. Learn what happens underground when water meets limestone, (like the springs and caves beneath Camp Bethel). Bring pants, shoes & long-sleeved shirt to get very muddy. Helmet, headlamp and ice cream stop included. Rated easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $275; after May 1 = $325
JH Adv 7: Horseback + WW Raft (rising 7th-9th grade)
July 27-August 1: (See description for JHAdv 1 above) Your combo-adventure week includes a day of horseback riding at Reba Farm Inn AND a day of rafting fun on the Lower New River Gorge. Pack a pair of long pants for riding and your bathing suit and wet-shoes for rafting. Part one is a great day of trail riding on the back of a muscular mare or mustang. Part two is a wildly fun day of white water rafting, suitable for beginners and soggy-paddlers alike. All gear, helmets, PFDs, professional leadership and ice cream stops included. “All forward” for adventure! Rated easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $340; after May 1 = $360
Jr Hi Adv 8: Canoe + Horseback + Rafting (7th-9th grade)
August 3-8: Your combo-adventure week includes a day of river canoeing (see JHAdv 5 on page 15), a day of horseback riding AND a day of rafting fun (see JHAdv 1 and JHAdv 7 above). “All forward! No duffers! Gid’y-up! Ride on!” Rated easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $375; after May 1 = $425
Jr Hi Adv 9: River Float Fishing + Caving (7th-9th grade)
August 3-8: Combines the subterranean thrill of Caving (see JHAdv 6 above) with the ultimate in leisure/skill-adventure fun: Float-Fishing on the James River! Beginners and experienced anglers will learn from skilled counselors, adult volunteers and fishing outfitters as we cast a fly or throw a spinner and crank bait in style as we cruise the calm river waters. On the night of our fishing day, we’ll feast on our catch (assuming we’ll have a catch!) All gear, tackle, leaders and ice cream stops provided. If you have it, bring your own rod, rell & tackle OR borrow one of camp’s. Rated: easy to moderate.
By May 1 = $355; after May 1 = $405
Senior High Resident Camp (rising 10th-12th graders)
July 6-11: It’s always a fun-packed week of classic camp programming and intense Christian living specifically geared toward high-school-aged youth and the issues that face you. You will live in a co-ed family unit of 10-12 campers with 2-4 counselors. Activities for the week include traditional camp activities such as group games, nature lessons, crafts, music and singing, campfires, a wagon ride, swimming, polar bear swims (?), low-ropes challenge course, creek-exploration, Home-in-the-Woods camping skills, hiking the camp trails and a singing hike to Horseshoe Bend, Bible study, special all-camp activities and worship, plus a day on the high ropes course. On Tuesday or Wednesday your family unit will cookout in your Home-in-the-Woods and have one or more overnight camp-outs. Senior High Camp is the pinnacle of our resident camp programs: a super week of spiritual fun, fellowship and worship. You’re sure to develop lasting relationships; exploring your extraordinary faith journey and learning how to “Handle With Care” the gifts God gives you. Every year is different, and Senior Highs always make a great week, building the Body of Christ.
By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $265
Senior High Resident PLUS (rising 10th-12th graders)
July 6-11: Add extra “oomph!” to your Senior High Resident week: a one-day adventure outing! Choose from horseback riding, or rock climbing (see descriptions on pages 14-15; check your choice on your registration form). Gear, leadership and ice cream stop provided. The best week made better! Rated easy (with challenging climbing) options.
By May 1 = $290; after May 1 = $340
Senior High Adventure Camp (rising 10th-12th graders)
Canoeing + Caving + Rock Climbing July 6-11
Add “triple-oomph!” to your summer! Senior High Adventure is scheduled intentionally during Senior High Resident Camp so you experience the awesome community and all the dynamic activities of regular Sr Hi camp (description on page 16). PLUS you get three-and-a-half exciting day-trips: a day of canoeing on the New in VA, an underground caving excursion, a half-day of indoor wall climbing, and a full day of outdoor rock climbing (see descriptions on pages 15-16). Sr Hi Adv campers will reside in cabins on main camp. Gear, leadership and ice cream stops included! Wild fun and excellent spiritual dynamics.
Rated easy (with challenging climbing) options.
Rated easy to moderate. By May 1 = $370; after May 1 = $420
Performing Arts Camp (PAC) (rising 4th-12th graders)
July 20-25: PAC is an opportunity for you to explore your gifts in drama, singing, dance, instrumental music and backstage theatre. Building on the success of recent PACs, this camp offers activities of traditional residential camp (see listings for Elementary, JH & SH) mixed with morning and evening rehearsals for two Friday performances, (no time for overnight campout during PAC). Friday’s 6:30-7:30pm show is open to families, churches and the public. Singing, dancing, acting and backstage roles are open for all levels of experience, and please bring your instrument if you have 3 or more years of instrument experience. Instruction is by Virlina’s finest music leaders and our talented summer staff. Campers are grouped by age/grade. Come praise God through theater and song! Fee includes music, materials and a great camp week.
By May 1 = $225; after May 1 = $275
River Adventure Program (RAP): A shared ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of SW Virginia and Camp Bethel.
The River Adventure Program has provided canoe adventures for over 30 years. Our purpose is to experientially build an intentional Christian community in an outdoor environment, where we face the intense demands of supporting each other during work-duties and challenging group activities. This experience enhances self-esteem, encourages positive Christian values, and develops leadership. www.campbethelvirginia.org/RAP.htm
¨ Leadership: Each experienced leader is certified in Moving Water Instruction, CPR and Wilderness First Aid. A Camp Bethel counselor will serve as support staff on week-long trips.
¨ Equipment essentials are provided, but week-long trip participants must supply their own duffel, sleeping bags, and personal items from a detailed list we send you after registering.
¨ Prerequisites: Prior experience is not necessary, but the physical nature of canoeing requires good health and average ability, (ex: carrying your gear plus helping with group gear). Participants must pass a swim test on first day of camp.
WEEK-LONG TRIPS: Each trip begins with 1 night at Camp Bethel, and then we spend 4 or 5 days and nights on the river, paddling, camping, cooking, playing and living as Christians. Our last day ends at Camp Bethel with a Eucharist celebration before dismissal Friday at 6:30pm. Rated easy to moderate. By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $265
James River Trip (rising 7th-8th graders) June 15-20
1 day of flat water training followed by 3 days paddling on the historic, beautiful James River. On day 5 we’ll experience Camp Bethel’s high ropes course. Leaders: Erin Harden, Joe Harden, Kim Saunders
By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $265
New River Trip 1 (rising 8th-9th graders) June 22-27
5 full days of paddling and camping on the beautiful New River in Virginia, from Pepper’s Ferry in Radford to Glen Lyn on the West Virginia border. Leaders: Jessica Gowar, Beth Wiegandt, Steve Wiegandt
By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $265
New River Trip 2 (rising 10th, 11th, 12th graders) June 29 - July 4
4 days paddling and camping on the beautiful New River in Virginia. On day 5 we’ll switch rivers and paddle the Balcony Falls section of the James River. Leaders: Sue Bentley, John Eggleston, Geno Iannaconne
By May 1 = $215; after May 1 = $265
FAMILY DAY TRIPS: Join us for a day of paddling where we provide the necessary equipment and training, and you provide your own lunch and transport to the river. Leaders will contact participants prior to trip with directions, times and instructions. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and all participants must be able to swim. Print a special Family Day Trip Registration and Health Form HERE or contact Camp Bethel at (540) 992-2940; camp.bethel@juno.com. Rated easy-moderate. By trip date = $10/adult, $5/child or $20/family max. Family Canoe Day-Trip Registration & Health forms HERE!
Family Canoe Day Trip 1 Saturday, July 12
Leaders: Jack Paden-Travers, Kim Saunders, Pam Wiegandt
Family Canoe Day Trip 2 Saturday, August 9
Leaders: Erin Harden, Beth Wiegandt, Pam Wiegandt, Steve Wiegandt
Women Only Overnight Friday-Saturday, August 15-16
Join us for dinner on Friday and a paddle on Saturday on the New River in Virginia. This overnight is designed to give women a chance to enjoy the peace and beauty of God’s creation in a new way. What better way to end the summer and get ready for fall?! Cost includes meals and all gear except personal items. Leaders: Jessica Gowar, Beth Wiegandt.
Rated easy-moderate. By Aug 11 = $50
www.campbethelvirginia.org/RAP.htm
Backpacking Adventure Trips: Journey with Jesus
(8th-12th grades) June 15-20, August 3-8
Ounce for ounce and day by day this journey is the best value, best experience and best adventure we offer: a 6-day, 5-night backpacking trek. Backpacking is a dynamic group experience unequaled by any other program, and each day, mile and footstep reveals powerful life lessons along our journey. We’ll parallel our hike to the disciples’ discoveries during their journey with Jesus (read Luke 24:13-35). Each trip is suitable for beginners and great for returning campers who aspire for leadership. Our trip will range 30-50 miles through lush forest valleys and over spectacular mountain-top views. Join your experienced counselors for this extraordinary journey of discovery as we hike, camp, cook, share and grow together along the white blazes; and learn cool lifelong outdoor skills. A specific gear guide will follow your sign up. If you need one, camp can provide a pack. Both trips are co-ed, and each trip hikes a different trail section, so we encourage you to sign up for both! Rated moderate with challenging moments.
By May 1 = $195; after May 1 = $215