Programs with
purpose; relational ministry; experiential education. Experiences that change lives for campers and counselors who
will CHANGE THE WORLD!
“In the hills of old
Virginia, where the whippoorwills are calling, where the crystal
springs are flowing, is our Camp Bethel.”
Written in 1927, our old Camp song
evokes the lasting images of this blessed place: the hills
and forests rise to meet the towering Blue Ridge Mountains; the
abundant wildlife scampers through the fields and flits in the
tree tops; the wash of waters gurgles in our streams, our glassy
ponds, and rises to fill the Big Spring; youth and children sing
in a peaceful sanctuary of sun-filled days and star-lit nights.
The Summer Program
Camp Bethel's program has been established since 1927 and is
accredited by the American Camp Association. Activities
include swimming, hiking, crafts, environmental education,
singing, camp-outs, cook-outs, Home-in-the-Woods camping skills,
group games, creek-play, campfires, fishing, group challenge course,
nightly evening programs and worship, daily work duties, service projects and
daily Bible Study.
Our program offers progression into
more adventure-based experiences for older campers so that
campers are encouraged to return year after year. These
adventures include our high-ropes course, backpacking, canoeing,
caving, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing,
float-fishing and white-water rafting.
Our philosophy is a small group emphasis which focuses on creating and nurturing
an intentional Christian community, living as the Body of Christ.
All daily activities are experienced as a family unit as each group learns to work, play, and
worship together.
Follow the link on this page for our
list of summer programs, and see
you at Camp Bethel this summer!
SUMMER STAFF:
We are very proud of our excellent
summer staff of counselors,
volunteers
and support staff and their commitment to quality programming at Camp
Bethel! Each staff member is interviewed, screened, selected and
trained by
the Program Director and Camp Director. Staff are hired on the basis of
their Christian character, their ability share their faith and teach
all our camp skills, their love of activity and the outdoors, and
their commitment to helping children and youth.
The
Camp Director and
Program Director
train the staff during an
intense, comprehensive, fun, two-week Staff Training prior to the
first camper week. Staff Training includes detailed and complete
preparations in safety, first aid, emergency procedures, prevention,
and all the methods and procedures of our educational goals and camp
activities. All staff are certified in CPR, Basic Life Support
and 2nd-Level Pediatric First Aid. Your campers are sure to have a
safe and fun week living and learning with their counselors.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining
the 2008 Camp Bethel Summer Staff, contact Susan Chapman for an
application at (540)
992-2940, or e-mail at
camp.bethel@juno.com.