2025 Summer Camp Series

Camp Gifford draws youth who can't go to camp

 

For more than 100 years, Camp Gifford on Deer Lake has provided an outdoor experience for youth who generally don't have access to camp, according to Captain David Cain of the Salvation Army.

This summer, four camp experiences are offered: 1) five five-day sessions of Discovery Camp from June 23 to Aug. 1 for ages 7 to 12; 2) four five-day sessions of Wilderness Camp from June 23 to July 27 for ages 13 to 17, and 3) two weeks of Sailing Camp for ages 13 to 17.

"I am excited we can offer the sailing camp this summer because we didn't have the leadership for it last year," said David. "It provides an opportunity for young kids to engage in adventure and develop skills with small boats, boat safety and sailing."

The Salvation Army camp experience aims to foster six values: 1) spiritual development to grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus, 2) friendships, 3) discovering their potential, 4) social and emotional growth, 5) skill development through adventure and 6) being in a safe, secure environment.

One way they facilitate values is by requiring campers to leave electronics at home.

"This gives them the opportunity to learn to talk to each other and try new activities," said David.

Because their purpose is to provide camping experiences to youth who aren't usually able to have them, "no one is turned away because of their circumstances," David explained.

The at-risk youth who come include those who are often don't go to camps because they live in poverty or are in foster care.

"We ask for a registration fee for all campers but offer scholarships as needed," he said.

Camp Gifford can accommodate about 1,000 kids every summer.

"Our numbers are still down from pre-COVID, but each year since then, they have gone up a little," David said. "I am not sure why, but I think this generation of parents weren't as regular about sending kids to camps and, during COVID, got used to not planning for summer camp."

Camp Gifford invites older youth to participate in leadership training to become counselors. Some work in the kitchen or do maintenance.

Camp Gifford also partners with Camp America, which provides international students as counselors.

"Last year, we had students from Nigeria, England and Ireland," explained David. "Our campers were amazed by the different English accents and their different life experiences. This is just another way that Camp Gifford enriches our campers' lives." 

For information, call 233-2511 or visit campgifford.com