Summer Camps & Day Camp
Our summer program develops self-esteem and self-confidence by encouraging each camper to:
- Engage in Bible study and verbally demonstrate an understanding of Christian community.
- Demonstrate respect for self, authority and the rights and property of others.
- Develop responsibility through group living tasks.
- Form an interest in exploring and enjoying the natural environment.
- Express creativity through crafts, problem solving, worship and personal interactions.
2012 Summer Camp Information
2012 Schedule Grid 2012 Summer Camp Schedule
The 2012 Summer Camp Flyer will give a quick overview of the summer opportunties and is a useful tool in spreading the word about our programs. You can downloand a copy (Summer Camp Flyer) or email holmes@holmescamp.org to request 10 or 20 for your church.
Our Summer Staff
Excellent Staff
Robin Garzoni, Program Director, hand picks our summer staff of 30 persons who are chosen for their ability to share a strong Christian faith, character, maturity, creativity and ability to work with children. Staff spend over a week in training before campers arrive learning what you expect of a Holmes camp experience, how to engage campers quickly into camp groups, how to build a Home In the Woods, cook over a campfire, as well as learn safety skils (American Red Cross First Aid and CPR) and specialty skills (LIfeguarding, ropes course and iniative facilitation and games leadership). Our dedicated staff come from churches in the United States and around the world to share faith and broad world views as we live faith together at Holmes.
The Camp Experience
Campers are placed in cabins/tents with six other campers and a counselor. We maintain a 7:1 ratio for our campers and staff. One cabin/tent of boys (with their male counselor) and one cabin/tent of girls (with their female counselor) make up a “family group”. When campers arrive on the first day, they will decide together as a family which activities they will participate in during the week.
Some of the camp activities include:
• Daily Bible Study & Vespers
• Swim Lessons, Water Sports and Boating
• Hiking - there are over 7 miles of trails
• Campfires, Cookouts and Campouts
• Environmental Education
• Fishing
• Group Building
• High Ropes Challenge Course
• Initiatives Course
• Arts and Crafts
• Bakery
• Archery
Each day family groups of campers of similar ages will gather together for a morning Bible study, evening activity and evening Vespers. Time spent in small family groups and large age group activities enable the campers to form a close Christian community. These opportunities are the foundation of our summer camp experience. Your child will create lasting memories and friendships!
Summer Theme:
SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM: The Parables of Jesus
Each week our Worship Leaders and Staff help deepen our understanding of God, Jesus and our Faith.
During Bible study and Vespers, campers will explore parables unlocking and applying what these parables mean for our daily lives. These parables include the concepts of community and friendship, abundance, generosity, discipleship, and the importance of the small things in the expansive kingdom of God. Campers will leave camp with the Secrets of the Kingdom, seeing our role in changing the world, regardless of age, size, stature or status.
Daily Bible Study Themes
We Are God’s Soil - The Parable of the Four Soils
Mark 4:1-9, 13-20
We Can Ask Boldly - The Parable of a Friend in Need
Luke 11:5-10
God is Generous - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Matthew 20:1-16
God Treasures Us - The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
Luke 15:1-10
Jesus is in the “Least of These” - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
Matthew 25:31-40, 41-46
God Plants Us in the World - The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Matthew 13:31-35
Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center, is one of more than 2,500 camps thathave achieved ACA Accreditation nationwide. For over fifty years the American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation process has grown to keep pace with changes in the camp industry, expectations of the public, and the challenges of operating a business in today’s highly regulated society.
The ACA-Accreditation Program:
• Educates camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, program quality, and the health and safety of campers and staff.
• Establishes guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices for which the camp is responsible for ongoing implementation.
• Assists the public in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and governmentrecognized standards. ACA’s Find a Camp database provides the public with many ways to find the ideal ACA-accredited camp.
What Areas Are Covered?
ACA standards help with every aspect of camp management and operation:
• Site: Fire protection, food service, sleeping quarters, utility and maintenance systems.
• Transportation: Procedures concerning drivers, vehicles, and traffic on site.
• Health and Wellness: Staff qualifications, facilities requirements, record keeping,
storage and distribution of medicines, contact information, health forms.
• Operational Management: Safety regulations, emergency communication systems,
procedures for intruders, personal property regulations.
• Human Resources: Staff qualifications, screening and training, supervision ratios,
and procedures.
• Program Activities: Aquatics, adventure/challenge, trips, horseback riding, staff
qualifications for special programs.
Mandatory standards include requirements for staff screening, emergency exits, first aid,
aquatic-certified personnel, storage and use of flammables and firearms, emergency
transportation, obtaining appropriate health information, among others.More information about Accreditiaton may be found at www.acacamps.org or www.campparents.org.
In addition to American Camp Association Accreditation, Holmes Presbyterian Camp and Conference Association operates under supervision of the New York State Health Department regulations governing summer camps. The Putnam County Health Department conducts extensive review of our planning materials, staff selection and training and camp operation. We receive 2-4 routine visits from the Putnam County Health Department each summer to confirm our compliance with regulationa and safe summer camp program.
