Programs : Camp Christopher : Camps
Camp Christopher is proud to be Accredited through the American Camp Association. Only about 25% of camps achieve this recognition that is based on over 300 standards including: program quality, staff training and qualifications, emergency management, and health and safety.
Resident CampDay Camp
Family Camp
Special Populations Camp
September Song
Christmas Camp For Kids
Winter Family Camp
Fall Festival
Catch the spirit and join in a week long, overnight adventure at Camp Christopher. This popular and longest running tradition gives kids the freedom to explore, succeed, gain independence and have fun! The spirit is contagious as campers join with their cabin mates and counselors to plan their week’s activities, complete challenges for spirit points, manage their cabin and participate in larger camp gatherings. As the week progresses, the spirit becomes greater and deeper as friendships are formed and every camper learns to appreciate one another. Whether your child is a first-time camper or experienced camper,
Camp Christopher Resident Camp is split into three programs: Resident Camp Voyage, Resident Camp Express, Stables Adventure. All programs offer multiple camp activities throughout the week, evening programs, daily prayer and an outdoor mass. We encourage you to sign up early as numerous sessions sell-out quickly.
Resident Camp Voyage – Our traditional and most popular resident camp option. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, low ropes challenge course, archery, fishing, songs, and crafts. Special evening programs and an outdoor Mass add to the excitement during the week. For teenagers, a more advanced Voyage includes high ropes challenge courses, zip line, kayaking and advanced hiking and riding trails. Lodging is in a secluded wooded area with nightly campfires outside the cabin. Additional opportunities for off-site field trips and mentoring younger campers.
Resident Camp Express – Just like Resident Camp Voyage, only shorter. A great program for first-time campers or campers who don’t want to be away from home for a whole week. Campers will have the opportunity to try everything at camp once (weather permitting).
Stables Adventure – If horses are your thing, then Stables Adventure is for you. Campers spend a minimum of 4 hours each day at the stables learning about horse care basics, feeding, grooming, anatomy, first aid, safety, and RIDING! Each camper is assigned his/her own horse for the week so they can form a bond and enjoy the true responsibilities of your own horse. Hard sole shoes/boots with a small heel and long pants are required. When not at the stables, campers participate in traditional camp activities with their cabin group.
| Resident Camp Voyage | Resident Camp Express | Stables Adventure |
| 7 days, 6 nights | 3 Days, 3 Nights | 7 Days, 6 Nights |
| Sunday – Saturday Ages 7 – 16 |
Sunday – Wednesday (Ages 7 – 9) Wednesday – Saturday (Ages 10 – 12) |
Sunday – Saturday Ages 12 - 16 |
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Day Camp at Camp Christopher is about doing, not watching. It’s about enjoying the great outdoors, not sitting inside on your couch. Each year, over 1,000 kids enter the gates of Day Camp and engage in a world of adventure. The outdoor experience fuels campers to be creative, challenged, and ready to have fun. Campers grow in self-confidence as they receive praise and encouragement from their counselors and peers. At the end of the week, campers leave with increased confidence, social skills and friendships that last for years to come.
Our Day Camp program is split into two groups: Day Camp Juniors and Day Camp Adventurers. Both groups participate in multiple camp activities throughout the week. Day Camp Juniors experience activities at an age-appropriate level that stresses fun, inclusiveness and participation in a group. Day Camp Adventurers experience a higher level of challenge, both at the team and individual levels.
| Day Camp Activities | Day Camp Juniors (5 – 9 year olds) |
Day Camp Adventurers (10 – 12 year olds) |
| All Day Campers participate in the opening and closing flag ceremony, and morning prayer service. |
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| Hiking | Visit Mummy’s Cave, Old Man’s Cabin and other low trail adventures | Explore Devil’s Cave and a natural high bridge in addition to the traditional stops at Mummy’s Cave and Old Man’s Cabin |
| Nature | Water stomp through Fern Cliff Creek, observe water species in one of four lakes, learn about tree and plant life | Water stomp through Fern Cliff Creek, observe water species in one of four lakes, learn about tree and plant life |
| Waterfront | Canoeing with your counselor, swimming, beach | Independent canoeing, kayaking, swimming, beach and dock privileges (upon completion of a swim test) |
| Stables | Guided horse rides and horse grooming | Trail rides and horse grooming |
| Sports | Archery, Basketball, Dodgeball, Ga-Ga, Field Games | Archery, Basketball, Dodgeball, Ga-Ga, Field Games |
| Low Ropes Challenges | Learn to work together as a team on the Wild Woozy and Whale Watch obstacles | Experience greater challenges that require teamwork and problem solving skills on the Space Web, Spider Web, Mohawk Walk and 10-ft. Wall |
| High Ropes Challenges | Sorry, due to safety requirements, this activity is not available for children under 10. | Zip Line |
| Other Camp Activities | Fishing, mud pit, songs, skits, crafts | Fishing, mud pit, songs, skits, crafts |
Family Camp
Families of all ages
6-day, 5-night camp program
(Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.)
Arrival: Sunday between 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (during your registered week)
Check-out: The following Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Summer Family Camp
Family Camp provides the opportunity for family togetherness and sense of community that touches all who participate. Designed to include the entire family, this camp has proved to be Camp Christopher’s most popular program.
Campers are grouped according to age and are under the direct supervision of the camp staff during morning and evening activities. Throughout the afternoon, families may spend time together enjoying various camp activities. After evening programs, parents may put their child(ren) to bed and enjoy activities designed for adults, while camp counselors perform regular bed checks on the children.
Parents and children reside as a family unit in rustic cabins, and all meals are served family style in the Dining Hall. Catholic Mass and Prayer Service is offered throughout the week.
Back to topSpecial Populations
Adult Program (ages 17 and older)
Integrated Camp Program (ages 7 – 16)
Special Populations Camp enables persons with disabilities to experience the excitement, activities and friendship available at Camp Christopher. Each camper participates in programs of their choice based on his/her ability. With a staff to camper ratio of one staff member to every four campers and an Assessment Team that reviews all applications and Personal Care Forms, Camp Christopher is able to best meet the camper’s individual needs.
Camp Christopher offers campers accessible facilities including ramped dormitory style cabins, bunk beds and one in-cabin restroom. Although some of the terrain on the campgrounds is rough, the facility includes walkways to and from key areas. Campers (ages 17 and older) may choose to come for 1 week or up to all 5 weeks.
**** Camp Christopher accepts the Individual Option Waiver and the Level One Waiver as payment for service.
NEW in 2010! Camp Christopher will be offering a special 1-week integrated camp experience for children ages 7 – 16 with developmental disabilities. Campers will participate in numerous camp activities based on ability. For more information call the Camp Director at 800-CYO-CAMP, x229.
September Song
Adults, Age 50+
6-day, 5-night camp program
Arrival: Tuesday between 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: The following Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
A program for young at heart campers! Come join in the social and recreational activities you know and love. With a leisurely schedule, fun camp activities, delicious meals, and special entertainment and field trips, you’ll be sure to enjoy your week at Camp Christopher. Also included is the celebration of Catholic Mass and a relaxed spiritual program.
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Christmas Camp For Kids
(Ages 5–16)
“Tis the season to be jolly! Come to Camp Christopher for 2 nights over Christmas break and enjoy camp in a way like you never have before! Have a ball hiking, sledding, storytelling, and making crafts. Evening campfires, meals and snacks are provided! Campers sleep in heated cabins with counselors from the CYO Camp Christopher Staff.
Winter Family Camp
Beat the family winter blues! Join us for the same nationally recognized program you’ve seen in the summer. Enjoys meals, sled riding, snowman making, hot chocolate, and roaring fires! Programs include morning age groups, afternoon free time, early night program for families, late night program for teens and adults, and the celebration of mass!
Fall Festival
Spend the day at Camp Christopher and enjoy games, hayrides, pumpkins and more! Enjoy the beautiful scenery at Camp Christopher like you never have before. Beautiful fall colors and fresh smells of Fall make the day one to remember! Open to the public. A small admission will be charged.