Counting Down to the Return of Camp

It is cold outside. However, in a few short months, we will welcome the return of sunshine and campers to Camp Echoing Hills!

Camp provides individuals an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus while enjoying all that camp offers. It is a chance to make memories that last a lifetime.

What can we expect from camp this year? Jimmy McNutt,  Recreational Services and Outreach Director, shares more with us.
When Is Camp Being Held This Year?

We are offering camp over nine weeks. The first week is in May, and the rest are in June, July, and August. Each week campers will join us for five days of fun, friendship, and fellowship. This summer, we are excited to introduce a new two-week camp. The program will offer an 11-day camp experience, providing a longer respite for caregivers. It is also an opportunity to grow relationships and places a greater emphasis on discipleship.

Who Is Camp Designed For? 
This summer, we welcome individuals with disabilities having mild to moderate medical needs. We have specific weeks of camp set up to accommodate individuals who require hand-over-hand care. This year we are also excited to offer, for the first time, an opportunity for siblings to join us for camp during Kids Week. Siblings can attend at a reduced rate and enjoy the camp experience alongside their brother or sister.

What Makes a Great Staff or Missionary/Volunteer?
Camp is great for anyone that has a heart to serve those with disabilities. I have witnessed people who had never worked with individuals with disabilities come to camp and quickly overcome any apprehensions they had previously had. I have also been fortunate to see students change their college majors after serving for as little as one week.

Our summer staff consists of nurses, cabin leaders, program/activities leads, kitchen assistance, maintenance, and a missionary/volunteer coordinator. Our missionary/volunteers have the opportunity to serve on a service team (completing work projects such as grounds keeping), as support staff (helping with things like cleaning or serving meals), or within programs and activities (working on activities like crafts, music, games, and Bible studies).

What Activities Can We Expect at Camp?

You can expect to see those activities campers have loved from year to year. These include talent shows, church services, camp songs, campfires, hayrides, cookouts, s’mores, swimming, go-carts, fishing, and arts and crafts. This summer, we are introducing new experiences as well. We are excited to bring archery, hatchet throwing, a low ropes challenge course, a nature area petting zoo, and side-by-side country rides. We will also open up more outside seating areas and shelters, enabling us to do more within nature.

What Have You Been Doing to Prepare For The Camping Season?
Heath (Recreation Services Administrator)  and I have been very busy over the past several months. We have been visiting other ministries, speaking at churches, contacting past campers, and attending meetings with various Lions Clubs. We have been busy with maintenance and cleaning and have hosted two work days. These days allowed volunteers to come on-site for the day and assist with clearing RV areas, working at Frontier Camp, sorting, cleaning, and organizing. We will soon be touring college campuses and hosting missionary groups here on our grounds.

What Should Those Interested In Camp Do?
Stay tuned to our website. We will have an application for campers, staff, and volunteers go live soon. You can also reach out directly to Heath or me via phone or email.

If Someone Can’t Volunteer This Summer But Still Wants to Help, What Can They Do?
There are four opportunities to volunteer this spring before the camping season is open. We will devote these days to projects like laying decorative stone, painting, and staining. We will also prepare our new challenge course, petting zoo, and archery areas. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for updates!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am looking forward to seeing people have one of the best weeks of their lives while also providing the best possible care for every camper. I am so excited to be back at Camp Echoing Hills and can’t wait for the campers to return!