open house & camp tour
We welcome individual families to come explore the camp, meet the leaders, check a cabin, and hike a trail. Schedule a do-it-yourself family tour before camp begins by calling 540-992-2940 or [email protected].
DISCOUNTS, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & CAMPERSHIPS
We're happy to provide every family with the option of choosing our lowest discounted ("Subsidized") fee for every program.
In addition to our already discounted camp fees, a limited fund for partial or full camperships is available for families in need. If your family needs financial assistance for your child’s camp fee, follow the instructions at our Campership Financial Assistance page (www.CampBethelVirginia.org/help). Your pastor, social worker, agency worker, or school guidance counselor will need to complete the Campership Financial Assistance Application Form. Camperships are granted first-come, first-served, only one per camper per summer, and camperships are currently only available through the Campership Financial Assistance Application. A response email will inform families of granted campership requests. Donations to Camp Bethel’s Campership Fund are always needed, and are fully tax-deductible in the year given.
In addition to our already discounted camp fees, a limited fund for partial or full camperships is available for families in need. If your family needs financial assistance for your child’s camp fee, follow the instructions at our Campership Financial Assistance page (www.CampBethelVirginia.org/help). Your pastor, social worker, agency worker, or school guidance counselor will need to complete the Campership Financial Assistance Application Form. Camperships are granted first-come, first-served, only one per camper per summer, and camperships are currently only available through the Campership Financial Assistance Application. A response email will inform families of granted campership requests. Donations to Camp Bethel’s Campership Fund are always needed, and are fully tax-deductible in the year given.
“Good-As-Gold” = Assistance from Virlina Churches
Separate from our campership fund, Virlina Church of the Brethren congregations will sponsor campers with “Good-As-Gold” Certificates. Good-As-Gold Certificates may be used for full-payment or partial-payment including deposit or “Your Balance Due.” Contact your Camp Rep, pastor or Camp Bethel for information on financial assistance and Good-As-Gold Certificates. Encourage your pastor or Camp Rep to organize Good-As-Gold certificates before April 1 to ensure your first camp choice.
camp rules to teach your camper
- Be kind and be helpful.
- Stay with your Unit.
- Obey your Counselors.
- No rough play.
- Wear shoes always (except bed, shower, pool).
- Do not throw or kick anything.
- Walk on paths, pavement or gravel.
Campers with Special Needs and Differing Abilities
We are able to include campers with special needs in any of our camps where accommodations can be secured. If your child has severe allergies, extraordinary dietary needs or other specific needs, or to check accommodations for your child, contact the Camp Bethel office at 540-992-2940 or [email protected].
SAFE Behavior Policy
Is a Camp Bethel program a good fit for your camper? She/he will be with other children/youth and their counselors all day each day. We stay together with our group during our entire time at Camp Bethel. By requesting enrollment into Camp Bethel programs, you and your camper agree to our Behavior Policy and understand that safe behavior is required. Your camper will be with other children/youth and their counselors all day each day. We stay together with our group during our entire time at camp. Unsafe behavior does not fit and cannot be tolerated. Behavior deemed dangerous, inappropriate, intolerable, detrimental to the group, or unmanageable by the counselors or directors is grounds for dismissal from camp. Examples include: not following the camp rules; hurting others (verbally, physically, or emotionally); possession of prohibited or harmful item; constant misbehavior; unsafe behavior; straying from your group; etc. The Program Coordinator will call parents/guardians as needed. Should it become necessary for your child to return home because of unmanageable behavior, homesickness or other reason, you agree to accept the Program Coordinator’s decision and arrange for transportation.
Things NOT to bring to camp: (A specific pack/gear list is sent to every camper upon registering)
Do NOT bring: vapes, tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol, drugs, marijuana, CBD products, smoking/vaping/drug paraphernalia, weapons, knife, fireworks, matches, lighter, money, jewelry, valuables of any kind, clothing with inappropriate language/images or is too revealing including string bikinis or speedos, cell phone/smart phone, tablet, electronics, video games, toys, pets, food, drinks, candy, snacks, gum, cologne, perfume, scented products, hairspray, because these attract biting insects AND many persons have allergies to scented products, flip-flops, Crocs, skateboard, hair dryer, curling iron.
Camper Safety is Top Priority
We voluntarily undergo a rigorous risk management process to ensure the safety of all campers, staff and participants. This includes (1) a thorough annual pre-camp assessment/evaluation of health and safety procedures, (2) thoroughly screening all staff AND training all staff in First Aid, CPR and risk management practices, (3) an onsite Health Coordinator at all times, (4) coordination with Botetourt Sheriff and Emergency Services for routine patrol, presence, open communication and rapid response, and (5) our counselors providing 24-hour direct care and supervision of your camper.
Quality Programming
We voluntarily follow 300 health, safety and program quality standards covering every facet of our operation: site and food services; transportation; health and wellness; human resources and staffing; program design and activities; aquatics; adventures and trips. Camp Bethel is committed to providing a safe, nurturing camp community; caring, professional counselors and staff; developmentally appropriate experiences; opportunities for service, leadership, personal growth, and discovery; and experiential education. Our policies and practices create a conducive environment for child and youth development. We strive for excellence in all we do, and we invest in accreditation because your children deserve our best. We are proud of 95 years of excellence at Camp Bethel!
Your Counselors
Our program is excellent because our counselors are excellent. Camp Director, Hannah Jarrett and Program Coordinator, Kathleen Nettnin interview, screen, select and then train your counselors during a comprehensive two-week training prior to the first camper week. Training includes detailed and complete preparations in physical and emotional safety, certification in CPR, First Aid, emergency preparedness, all activity skills and methods of our educational goals. We perform thorough background checks on ALL employees and volunteers. You will have a safe and fun week with your counselors. Our hiring is open to persons of all ethnicities and Christian denominations. Paid counselors are frequently paired with trained adult volunteers and CITs to enhance camper care and supervision. Apps and info at our Summer Staff page.
HOMESICKNESS POLICY AND PREVENTION
Good preparation gives campers the confidence to fully enjoy a camp experience. Make every effort to fully prepare your child for the camp experience, and set realistic expectations for their time at camp. Camp Bethel will never force a camper to stay who does not want to stay. Unfortunately, there are no refunds for early departure.
WHY 3 PRICES FOR SUMMER CAMP? THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
Each family is different, so Camp Bethel offers a voluntary fee program. You know your family's finances better than we do, so choose the fee most suitable for your family. All campers receive the EXACT SAME QUALITY Camp Bethel experience, no matter what amount you choose to pay or contribute.
The Supporter's Fee is what it actually costs Camp Bethel to provide this summer camp experience for one camper, including counselor and lifeguard pay, utilities, insurance, meals, building and grounds maintenance, vehicle upkeep, replacing outdated equipment, accreditation and permits, program supplies and curriculum.
Choosing the Sustainer's Fee (actual cost + $50 gift) gives you the opportunity to help us do more with the mission funding we receive. You help us stretch our limited campership funds to help more children experience the power of camp. You help Camp Bethel make needed improvements and foster future growth in all we do.
The Subsidized Fee is a discounted fee. You may be surprised to learn that this fee does not reflect what it costs to offer summer camp programs. This reduced (subsidized) rate is made possible through the mission funding dollars we receive from our District congregations, multiple annual fund-raising events, and gifts from individuals who value the impact the summer camp experience at Camp Bethel has on children, youth, and families. We're happy to provide every family with the option of choosing our lowest discounted ("Subsidized") fee for every program.
The Supporter's Fee is what it actually costs Camp Bethel to provide this summer camp experience for one camper, including counselor and lifeguard pay, utilities, insurance, meals, building and grounds maintenance, vehicle upkeep, replacing outdated equipment, accreditation and permits, program supplies and curriculum.
Choosing the Sustainer's Fee (actual cost + $50 gift) gives you the opportunity to help us do more with the mission funding we receive. You help us stretch our limited campership funds to help more children experience the power of camp. You help Camp Bethel make needed improvements and foster future growth in all we do.
The Subsidized Fee is a discounted fee. You may be surprised to learn that this fee does not reflect what it costs to offer summer camp programs. This reduced (subsidized) rate is made possible through the mission funding dollars we receive from our District congregations, multiple annual fund-raising events, and gifts from individuals who value the impact the summer camp experience at Camp Bethel has on children, youth, and families. We're happy to provide every family with the option of choosing our lowest discounted ("Subsidized") fee for every program.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RESIDENT CAMP AND ADVENTURE CAMP?
The biggest difference between Camp Bethel's Resident camps and Adventure camps is their housing. Our Resident campers sleep in our typical cabins which are fully enclosed with AC (most of which have bathrooms inside of them). Our Adventure campers sleep in one of our creek-side Adventure Villages. Each A.V. includes a boys’ hut, a girls’ hut (both with bunk beds, mattresses, & personal screening) and a dining shelter with a fire circle, all by the clean waters of Wilson Creek. Our platform huts have metal roofs and open ends for free air flow. Adventure campers still eat most meals in the Ark, swim in the pool, attend all-camp events, and have access to all the amenities of the camp (including showers!).
No Camper Cell Phones or Gadgets: A matter of TRUST
Aside from the fact that phones and gadgets are expensive, can get lost, and the physical camp environment is rough for such items, the main reason we don't allow campers to have phones/gadgets is TRUST. We TRUST that campers who come to camp WANT to be here, and choose to temporarily disconnect from their constant phone/internet communications in order to be FULLY present with us at camp. When children/youth come to camp they (and you) are making a leap of faith, temporarily transferring their primary TRUST from their parents to their counselors. This is a growth-producing, yet challenging aspect of camp. As children/youth learn to TRUST other caring adults, they grow and learn, little by little, to solve some of their own challenges. This emerging independence is one of the greatest benefits of camp! Let your child/youth know that they can always reach out to their counselor and camp leaders. The Camp Director or Program Coordinator WILL contact you if your child/youth is experiencing a challenge while at camp, and the Camp Director or Program Coordinator WILL contact families in case of any emergency. Counselors do carry charged phones in their backpacks as tools for emergency use if needed. We encourage bringing an inexpensive camera to camp, but you may NOT bring a phone to use as your camera.
Camper Medications
If you send any medication for your camper to take during her/his time at camp, YOU MUST RECORD precise instructions on the enclosed “Camp Bethel Medication Instructions” form. All camper medications must be checked in to our Health Coordinator upon your arrival at check-in. All medications are stored and dispensed by the Camp Health Coordinator unless special arrangements are made through the Health Coordinator and Camp Director. We suggest that you only send a one-week supply. Medications MUST be in the original, labeled container with camper name, medication name & strength, and dosage instructions. Place all this into a gallon zip-lock bag with camper's name on it to speed the registration process. See the Camper Health and Information Form and the Medication Instructions Form HERE.
2024 Policy for Cancellations, Late Arrivals, Early Departure
Should you pay for camp, and later decide to keep your child home, YOU HAVE OPTIONS:
1. Credit your payments toward another available 2024 program, or
2. Credit all but $50 of your 2024 payments to 2025 pre-registration, or
3. Donate part or all to help Camp Bethel enhance how we operate, or
4. Refund all your payments minus your $50 deposit. We just need to hear from you at least 24 hours prior to the start of your camp, and sooner if possible. Please notify the camp office 540-992-2940 or [email protected] ASAP if your camper will not attend this session.
Late arrival and early departure is discouraged, but allowed if needed. However, because staff, food, and supplies are already secured, we cannot provide pro-rated refunds for partial camp attendance once your camper has arrived unless Camp Bethel cancels your child's program. If programs are cancelled, you will be notified ASAP of your options, including full refunds.
1. Credit your payments toward another available 2024 program, or
2. Credit all but $50 of your 2024 payments to 2025 pre-registration, or
3. Donate part or all to help Camp Bethel enhance how we operate, or
4. Refund all your payments minus your $50 deposit. We just need to hear from you at least 24 hours prior to the start of your camp, and sooner if possible. Please notify the camp office 540-992-2940 or [email protected] ASAP if your camper will not attend this session.
Late arrival and early departure is discouraged, but allowed if needed. However, because staff, food, and supplies are already secured, we cannot provide pro-rated refunds for partial camp attendance once your camper has arrived unless Camp Bethel cancels your child's program. If programs are cancelled, you will be notified ASAP of your options, including full refunds.
Emergency Preparedness and Parent Notification During the Camp Week
Using smart phones, our directors and staff receive instant updates on summer storms or emergencies, and your counselors are trained for camper safety during storms and emergencies. In the case of any emergency in which we are requesting parent action, our office will contact you via e-mail and phone. Otherwise, NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS, and the camp community is safe. In case of family emergency that must be communicated to your camper, contact Kathleen Nettnin or Hannah Jarrett at 540-992-2940 or e-mail [email protected]. For after-hours emergency, call the office phone, 540-992-2940, to be prompted to our on-call staff number.
Visitation not allowed during camp week
DO NOT arrive at camp unexpectedly! Our site is closed to visitors/guests during camper weeks. While supervising campers, all staff are trained to stop and question anyone they don’t recognize on site. If you need to visit camp prior to the official pick-up time, you must call ahead AND check in at the camp office when you arrive.
Our Camp Bethel Experience, TOGETHER
Small-Group Philosophy from 1st Corinthians 12: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
TOGETHER with God, each other, and all creation. Building RELATIONSHIPS is WHY we do what we do: with God, with each other, and with creation. When we live TOGETHER in intentional Christian community, even for only one week, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, churches, communities, nation, and world.
10-12 campers and 2-4 counselors combine to make your Unit (the small group as the body of Christ). This setting guarantees 100%, 24-hour supervision by trained staff who follow high safety standards and give you lots of individual attention and care. Cabins/huts are gender separated, then during the day your Unit is co-ed. Your Unit might be all boys or all girls if more campers of one gender register for that program. Your Unit plans your schedule together on the Program Board, and you’ll experience all the activities together as a group. Working and playing together as a group builds focused relationships and develops true empathy, compassion and cooperation. “At camp I can be the REAL me. I can be my true self.” - Blake, 14
You’ll learn discipleship by experience (living and doing), supported by Bible study, worship, and our site-specific camp curriculum. This approach works because it recognizes your Unit’s different learning styles and activates all your developmental skills. Personal relationships and activities are the foundations of your Christian education. Counselors use life examples, tangible metaphors and constantly seek the “teachable moment.” “The Bible Study leaders did a great job. The activities they led related well to the topics, and they were interesting and age-appropriate.” - volunteer parent
We actively participate and interact with God’s creative Earth, and we work to exemplify Earth care. Bible study and nature experiences are revelations of God’s love. Meals are plentiful with additional salad, sandwich & fruit options, plus accommodations for most dietary restrictions. “Home-in-the-Woods was the best. We built a water slide in the creek and ate S’mores. At first I was nervous to sleep out, but my counselor made it SO much fun.” - Erin, 10
Part of the fun of living at camp is the WORK of camp life. We believe there should be EFFORT at camp to provide for our daily needs, so your Unit has a daily duty. By working together, we experience the closeness of living in Christian community as we learn to care for others and ourselves. “I have realized a greater capacity for caring.” - Stacey, 21 “I’m better in the real world because I worked in the camp world.” - Chelsea, 22
Each age level offers a step-up in activities and programs, including low-and-high-ropes/climbing wall challenges, Home-in-the-Woods camp-outs, Bible study, special evenings and Adventure/Trip opportunities. See individual program descriptions for detailed activity lists. Adventure programs are intentionally muscle-or-gravity-powered activities and are designed to create (1) higher levels of group engagement and personal growth through common experience and adaptation to challenge, and (2) a safe wilderness experience. Each camp day involves interaction with our natural setting; we do things at camp you can’t do in other settings by using all of our 470 acres of forests, fields, creeks and trails. You will experience a very active week of on-the-go fun!
“The staff showed that being a Christian isn’t boring; it’s fun and exciting.”
TOGETHER with God, each other, and all creation. Building RELATIONSHIPS is WHY we do what we do: with God, with each other, and with creation. When we live TOGETHER in intentional Christian community, even for only one week, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, churches, communities, nation, and world.
10-12 campers and 2-4 counselors combine to make your Unit (the small group as the body of Christ). This setting guarantees 100%, 24-hour supervision by trained staff who follow high safety standards and give you lots of individual attention and care. Cabins/huts are gender separated, then during the day your Unit is co-ed. Your Unit might be all boys or all girls if more campers of one gender register for that program. Your Unit plans your schedule together on the Program Board, and you’ll experience all the activities together as a group. Working and playing together as a group builds focused relationships and develops true empathy, compassion and cooperation. “At camp I can be the REAL me. I can be my true self.” - Blake, 14
You’ll learn discipleship by experience (living and doing), supported by Bible study, worship, and our site-specific camp curriculum. This approach works because it recognizes your Unit’s different learning styles and activates all your developmental skills. Personal relationships and activities are the foundations of your Christian education. Counselors use life examples, tangible metaphors and constantly seek the “teachable moment.” “The Bible Study leaders did a great job. The activities they led related well to the topics, and they were interesting and age-appropriate.” - volunteer parent
We actively participate and interact with God’s creative Earth, and we work to exemplify Earth care. Bible study and nature experiences are revelations of God’s love. Meals are plentiful with additional salad, sandwich & fruit options, plus accommodations for most dietary restrictions. “Home-in-the-Woods was the best. We built a water slide in the creek and ate S’mores. At first I was nervous to sleep out, but my counselor made it SO much fun.” - Erin, 10
Part of the fun of living at camp is the WORK of camp life. We believe there should be EFFORT at camp to provide for our daily needs, so your Unit has a daily duty. By working together, we experience the closeness of living in Christian community as we learn to care for others and ourselves. “I have realized a greater capacity for caring.” - Stacey, 21 “I’m better in the real world because I worked in the camp world.” - Chelsea, 22
Each age level offers a step-up in activities and programs, including low-and-high-ropes/climbing wall challenges, Home-in-the-Woods camp-outs, Bible study, special evenings and Adventure/Trip opportunities. See individual program descriptions for detailed activity lists. Adventure programs are intentionally muscle-or-gravity-powered activities and are designed to create (1) higher levels of group engagement and personal growth through common experience and adaptation to challenge, and (2) a safe wilderness experience. Each camp day involves interaction with our natural setting; we do things at camp you can’t do in other settings by using all of our 470 acres of forests, fields, creeks and trails. You will experience a very active week of on-the-go fun!
“The staff showed that being a Christian isn’t boring; it’s fun and exciting.”
A Sample RESIDENT CAMPER Day
As a Unit, campers plan their group’s week together on the Program Board:
7:30 Unit 1 sets tables & hosts meal
7:45 Morning Watch at the Spring
8:00 Breakfast in the Ark & Singing/Announcements
8:30 Cabin & bathhouse clean-up, duties
9:00 Unit activities, Bible Study, Adventure outing, nature lesson, games, etc.
12:15 Unit 2 sets tables & hosts meal
12:30 Lunch/songs/announcements
1:30 Unit activities: pool, hikes, games, Home-in-the-Woods, creek-play, crafts, etc.
5:15 Unit 3 sets tables & hosts meal
5:30 Dinner/songs/announcements
6:30 Unit activities: games, etc.
8:00 All-camp activity or special program
9:00 Campfire vespers: worship & songs
9:30 Lights out for Mini-Campers
10:00 Lights out for Elementary Campers
11:00 Lights out for Middle & High School Campers
7:30 Unit 1 sets tables & hosts meal
7:45 Morning Watch at the Spring
8:00 Breakfast in the Ark & Singing/Announcements
8:30 Cabin & bathhouse clean-up, duties
9:00 Unit activities, Bible Study, Adventure outing, nature lesson, games, etc.
12:15 Unit 2 sets tables & hosts meal
12:30 Lunch/songs/announcements
1:30 Unit activities: pool, hikes, games, Home-in-the-Woods, creek-play, crafts, etc.
5:15 Unit 3 sets tables & hosts meal
5:30 Dinner/songs/announcements
6:30 Unit activities: games, etc.
8:00 All-camp activity or special program
9:00 Campfire vespers: worship & songs
9:30 Lights out for Mini-Campers
10:00 Lights out for Elementary Campers
11:00 Lights out for Middle & High School Campers
Camp Bethel is the outdoor ministry of the Virlina District Church of the Brethren
Camp Bethel is the outdoor ministry of the Virlina District Church of the Brethren that exists to foster and build relationships with God, with each other, and all of God’s creative Earth, TOGETHER. We live this ministry through our summer camps, our services, and availability of our facilities to people of all denominations and backgrounds. We welcome the participation of children and youth of all faiths, traditions, races, and nationalities.
We believe Jesus’ message of life, hope, love and unconditional acceptance. Likewise, your camper (and her/his cabin mate) should expect to share their camp group with other children who have different backgrounds, gifts and abilities. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for the Kingdom belongs to such as these.” (Matt 19:14)
In small groups of 10-12 campers and 2-4 counselors (cabins separated by gender), campers play and learn together in an intentional Christian community as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Trained counselors lead hundreds of active, fun, educational activities. Through these experiences, with Jesus as our hope, campers come to understand that their relationships with each other and all creation are precious to God and worthy of our active care.
Camp Bethel is 470 sacred acres of forests, fields, ponds, streams and hills in Botetourt County. Our property connects to the vast Jefferson National Forest and a 3-mile trail-hike up through Horseshoe Bend to the Appalachian Trail. Our campers reside in rustic-comfortable and modern cabins, each with bunk-beds, air-conditioners, electric lights, and close access to bathrooms and showers. Our camp is a safe, accredited, special place, and your children and teenagers will be “happy campers!”
Camp Bethel programs began at this location in 1927. Camp Bethel is open all year for conferences, retreats, festivals, school groups and other family, church and community events. Supportive congregations, loving guests, faithful families and campers, exceptional food services, a Biblically-based program philosophy, excellent staff, and hundreds of devoted volunteers have established Camp Bethel as the region’s best camp. Learn more about Camp Bethel at www.CampBethelVirginia.org.
We believe Jesus’ message of life, hope, love and unconditional acceptance. Likewise, your camper (and her/his cabin mate) should expect to share their camp group with other children who have different backgrounds, gifts and abilities. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for the Kingdom belongs to such as these.” (Matt 19:14)
In small groups of 10-12 campers and 2-4 counselors (cabins separated by gender), campers play and learn together in an intentional Christian community as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Trained counselors lead hundreds of active, fun, educational activities. Through these experiences, with Jesus as our hope, campers come to understand that their relationships with each other and all creation are precious to God and worthy of our active care.
Camp Bethel is 470 sacred acres of forests, fields, ponds, streams and hills in Botetourt County. Our property connects to the vast Jefferson National Forest and a 3-mile trail-hike up through Horseshoe Bend to the Appalachian Trail. Our campers reside in rustic-comfortable and modern cabins, each with bunk-beds, air-conditioners, electric lights, and close access to bathrooms and showers. Our camp is a safe, accredited, special place, and your children and teenagers will be “happy campers!”
Camp Bethel programs began at this location in 1927. Camp Bethel is open all year for conferences, retreats, festivals, school groups and other family, church and community events. Supportive congregations, loving guests, faithful families and campers, exceptional food services, a Biblically-based program philosophy, excellent staff, and hundreds of devoted volunteers have established Camp Bethel as the region’s best camp. Learn more about Camp Bethel at www.CampBethelVirginia.org.
Who are the Church of the Brethren?
Continuing the work of Jesus: Peacefully, Simply, TOGETHER.
The Church of the Brethren is a Christian church similar to other mainstream Protestant groups such as Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians. We base our beliefs on Jesus’ life and teachings and the New Testament. Jesus saved the world by serving its people, so we seek to do the same. Our other distinctions include our peace position (Matthew 5:44) (shared with Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, and Moravians), emphasis on simple living (Romans 12:2) and Christian service (Luke 22:27), feet-washing during Communion worship service (John 13), and baptism by choice (Acts 2:37-39). The name “Church of the Brethren” was chosen in 1908 to emphasize a sense of family and community. The Church of the Brethren views all people as children of God. www.brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren is a Christian church similar to other mainstream Protestant groups such as Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians. We base our beliefs on Jesus’ life and teachings and the New Testament. Jesus saved the world by serving its people, so we seek to do the same. Our other distinctions include our peace position (Matthew 5:44) (shared with Quakers, Mennonites, Amish, and Moravians), emphasis on simple living (Romans 12:2) and Christian service (Luke 22:27), feet-washing during Communion worship service (John 13), and baptism by choice (Acts 2:37-39). The name “Church of the Brethren” was chosen in 1908 to emphasize a sense of family and community. The Church of the Brethren views all people as children of God. www.brethren.org.
What is the Virlina District?
The Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren is made up of 92 congregations in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina (hence, “Vir-lina”). The approximately 10,000 members of these congregations own and operate Camp Bethel TOGETHER by electing a volunteer District Board and Outdoor Ministries Committee. We invite you to meet us and know us; Come and See! www.virlina.org.
Physical expectations of living in a cabin
- No bathtubs here, only individual showers. Ahhh! All the convenience of home, only less convenient!
- We have several bathrooms around main camp. Remember, you can ask your counselor to use the bathroom ANYTIME. Hikes on camp property often venture away from bathrooms, so remember to “go” before you go; counselors will also remind you.
- Living in a cabin with 11 other persons (same gender) might challenge our need for individual privacy, especially when changing clothes. Think of ways you can prepare and adapt to a week of rooming with others.
- We walk everywhere, and we’re on-the-go most of each day. Comfortable (dry) shoes & socks are very important. Take good care of your feet, and prepare for a highly active week.
- On hot summer days it’s important to drink lots of water and apply sunscreen. Pack your water bottle: quart-sized, non-glass, screw-top (available in our Trading Post), and remember to hydrate often and apply sunscreen 20 minutes before outdoor activity. Cabins have window-unit air-conditioners if needed on the hottest days/nights.
Social/Behavioral/Spiritual expectations during Summer Camp
- Group living: We’ll experience all our daily activities together as a family unit, including completion of our daily group duty and eating meals together.
- Make new friends: Even if coming with a cabin-mate, you are expected to be friendly, courteous and helpful to others in the group. Family units are co-ed, unless we need to create an all-male OR an all-female group because one sex of campers registers more than the other. You should expect to share your group with youth of different backgrounds, gifts and abilities. We believe Jesus’ message of life, hope, love and unconditional acceptance, and at camp, “Love your neighbor” is part of daily living.
- Learning and following the Camp Rules is essential to a safe and fun week. Most of each day is active and boisterous. Also there are times and events during the day when we’re expected to listen and participate calmly & quietly, (Bible study/worship, meals/announcements, bed/quiet hours).
- Try new things: Camp is a great place to taste different foods, sing different songs, try and practice new skills, play new games, and grow in our relationships with God, with each other, and with Creation.
WHAT IS HOME-IN-THE-WOODS?
Our older elementary, middle school and high school-aged campers will spend one night of their camp week at a Home-in-the-Woods campsite which they construct themselves. Each campsite will have sky tarps and ground tarps for rain protection, a campfire circle for cooking, and a homemade table made from wood and twine. The campsite will have gender-separated sleeping areas, each gender sleeping on top of their own ground tarp and under their own sky tarp. The Unit will spend most of a day creating their Home-in-the-Woods site, making it as cool as possible using logs, rocks, twine, and anything else they can find. At the Home-in-the-Woods site, the Unit will cook their dinner and dessert over a campfire, have worship and bedtime stories, sleep, and cook their next day’s breakfast. The Home-in-the-Woods experience is a pivotal moment in the Family Unit’s development and is often times the most memorable part of the campers’ week.
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