Welcome to Camp Horizon, a beacon of adventure and personal growth nestled in the picturesque town of Leesburg, Florida. Located in the heart of the Sunshine State, Camp Horizon is surrounded by the natural beauty of lush landscapes and clear, sparkling lakes, making it an ideal setting for exploration and discovery. This camp, with its proximity to the scenic Lake Harris, provides an enchanting backdrop where campers can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

Camp Horizon was established with the vision of creating a transformative space for young minds to learn, grow, and create unforgettable memories. Their roots are deeply embedded in the tradition of fostering a love for the outdoors, community building, and personal development. Over the years, they have evolved into a sanctuary where campers from diverse backgrounds come together to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and forge lifelong friendships.

At the heart of Camp Horizon lies their mission: to provide a safe, enriching, and fun environment where every camper feels valued, connected, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. They believe in the power of outdoor experiences to shape character, build resilience, and inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.

Camp Horizon is a coeducational camp welcoming boys and girls across various age groups. Their programs are thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique interests and developmental stages of each camper, ensuring a personalized and impactful camp experience. From thrilling outdoor adventures to creative arts and crafts, each day at Camp Horizon is filled with opportunities for personal growth, learning, and, most importantly, fun.

Join us at Camp Horizon, where every sunrise marks the beginning of a new adventure and the promise of lifelong memories. Let’s embark on this journey together, under the vast Florida sky, and discover what lies beyond the horizon.

Programs Offered by Camp Horizon

Camp Horizon offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of campers of various age groups. Each program is crafted to provide a balanced mix of education, recreation, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of their stunning natural environment in Leesburg, Florida. Here’s an overview of the programs offered at Camp Horizon, including session lengths, specialty programs, and a glimpse into a typical daily schedule.

Programs Offered

Adventure Camp

Description: Their Adventure Camp is the heart of Camp Horizon, offering campers the chance to engage in a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and nature exploration.
Length of Sessions: Available in one-week and two-week sessions throughout the summer.
Specialty: Emphasizes team-building, leadership, and survival skills.

Arts Camp

Description: Tailored for creative minds, this program encourages campers to explore their artistic talents in painting, sculpture, music, and theater, culminating in a camp-wide showcase.
Length of Sessions: Two-week sessions available in July.
Specialty: Focuses on creativity and self-expression through various art forms.

Sports Camp

Description: A haven for young athletes, this program offers training in a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, swimming, and more, led by experienced coaches.
Length of Sessions: One-week and two-week sessions offered throughout the summer.
Specialty: Promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

STEM Camp

Description: Designed for curious minds, STEM Camp engages campers in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math projects and experiments.
Length of Sessions: Two-week sessions in late June to early July.
Specialty: Encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and a love for learning.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:00 AM – Wake Up & Prepare for the Day
7:30 AM – Breakfast in the Dining Hall
8:30 AM – Morning Assembly: Day’s Overview & Inspirational Talk
9:00 AM – Morning Activity Block (specific to each program)
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
1:00 PM – Rest Period/Free Time
2:00 PM – Afternoon Activity Block (rotates daily to offer variety)
5:00 PM – Free Time/Special Workshops
6:00 PM – Dinner in the Dining Hall
7:00 PM – Evening Activities (campfires, talent shows, night hikes)
9:00 PM – Cabin Time: Reflections of the Day
10:00 PM – Lights Out

Camp Horizon is dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures growth, friendship, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Their programs are structured to ensure that every camper not only has fun but also takes away valuable lessons and memories that last a lifetime.

Accommodations in Camp Horizon

Camp Horizon prides itself on providing comfortable, safe, and welcoming accommodations for all campers, ensuring a home away from home in the heart of Leesburg, Florida. Understanding the importance of a restful night’s sleep, nutritious meals, and clean facilities, they’ve designed their accommodations to meet the needs of their diverse camp community.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation, cabins are nestled amidst the camp’s natural surroundings, offering a rustic yet cozy setting. Designed to house 8-10 campers and at least 2 counselors, each cabin is equipped with bunk beds, storage space for personal items, and windows for natural ventilation. Cabins are grouped by age and program to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Tents: For specific programs like the Adventure Camp, they offer supervised tent camping experiences. These are short-term and part of specific outdoor expeditions, providing campers with a hands-on experience of living closer to nature.
Dorms: Available primarily for older campers or specific specialty camps, dorm-style accommodations offer a bit more privacy and are equipped with single or bunk beds, shared living spaces, and communal bathrooms.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Horizon offers a full board meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served in the communal dining hall. Meals are prepared daily by their experienced kitchen staff, focusing on healthy, balanced, and kid-friendly options.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meal options. Parents are encouraged to communicate any specific dietary requirements during registration to ensure they can accommodate their child’s needs.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Cabins: Each cabin cluster has its dedicated modern bathroom and shower facility located a short walk from the cabins. These facilities are separated by gender and are designed to ensure privacy and cleanliness. They are equipped with individual shower stalls, toilets, and sinks.
Cleaning Schedule: The cleanliness of their facilities is a top priority. Bathrooms and shower facilities are cleaned and sanitized multiple times daily by their maintenance staff, ensuring a high standard of hygiene.
Privacy and Safety: Privacy for their campers is paramount. Shower facilities are designed with individual stalls and changing areas. Supervision by camp staff ensures safety and respect for privacy at all times.

At Camp Horizon, they strive to create an environment where campers can focus on their growth, learning, and fun without worrying about the basics. Their accommodations and facilities are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, security, and a sense of community, making every camper’s experience memorable and enjoyable.

Activities in Camp Horizon

Camp Horizon offers a vibrant tapestry of activities, special events, and opportunities for skill development, all designed to enrich the camp experience for every attendee. Their programs are meticulously crafted to ensure that campers not only enjoy their time but also learn, grow, and discover new passions. Here’s an overview of what they offer:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: From leisurely dips to instructional swim lessons, their aquatic activities are designed for all skill levels.
Hiking: Explore the natural beauty of Leesburg, Florida, through guided hikes along scenic trails.
Crafts: A wide range of creative arts and crafts workshops encourage imagination and creativity.
Sports: Team sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball promote physical fitness and teamwork.
Archery: Learn the basics of archery, focusing on safety, technique, and precision.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle on the serene waters surrounding their camp, learning water safety and paddling techniques.
Rock Climbing: Their climbing wall offers challenges for beginners and experienced climbers alike, emphasizing safety and technique.
Theater and Drama: Campers can express themselves through acting, playwriting, and stagecraft.
Nature Studies: Discover the local flora and fauna through educational nature walks and conservation activities.
Music and Dance: Explore your musical talents or learn new dance moves in their music and dance sessions.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: Summer camps enduring tradition where campers gather around the campfire for storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days, filled with various challenges and spirited contests.
Talent Show: Campers showcase their talents, whether it be in music, dance, magic, or comedy, in a supportive environment.
International Day: Celebrate cultural diversity with presentations, foods, and activities from around the world.
End-of-Camp Banquet: A formal dinner to celebrate the achievements of campers, followed by an awards ceremony.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership: Through activities like team sports and group projects, campers enhance their leadership and teamwork abilities.
Environmental Stewardship: Engaging with nature through hikes and conservation projects fosters a respect for the environment.
Creative Expression: Arts and crafts, theater, and music activities offer campers a channel for self-expression and creativity.
Physical Fitness: A variety of sports and outdoor activities promote healthy living and physical well-being.
Problem-Solving: Activities designed to challenge campers, like puzzle games and obstacle courses, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

At Camp Horizon, their goal is to provide a dynamic environment where every camper can explore their interests, develop new skills, and create lasting memories. Through their comprehensive range of activities, special events, and opportunities for personal growth, they aim to ensure that every camper leaves with a sense of accomplishment, friendship, and a newfound passion for adventure.

The staff of Camp Horizon

At Camp Horizon, they are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for all campers. Their staff plays a pivotal role in creating this experience, and they take great care in selecting, training, and supporting their team members to ensure they meet the high standards of their camp community.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and care. For their younger campers, the ratio is typically 1 staff member to every 5 campers. For older campers, the ratio adjusts to 1 staff member to every 8 campers. This ratio helps us ensure safety, provide individualized instruction, and build strong, supportive relationships between campers and staff.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: Their comprehensive hiring process includes detailed application forms, interviews, and background checks to assess each candidate’s experience, skills, and suitability for working with children.
Qualifications: They seek staff members who are passionate about working with children, have previous experience in camping or youth programs, and possess skills relevant to the activities and programs they offer. Many of their staff are pursuing or have completed degrees in education, recreation, or related fields.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff members undergo an intensive pre-camp training program. This training covers their camp philosophy, child development, emergency procedures, program-specific skills, and teamwork.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Certifications must be current, and if not, staff are provided with opportunities to become certified before camp begins.
Specialized Training: Staff leading specific activities, such as swimming, rock climbing, or boating, possess additional certifications relevant to their area of expertise (e.g., lifeguarding, belay certification).

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Horizon is rich in traditions and special events that build community and create lasting memories. These include:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Marking the start and end of each camp session with celebration and reflection.
Campfire Nights: Featuring storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of unity and camp spirit.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that encourages sportsmanship, teamwork, and camp pride.
Talent Shows: Providing campers and staff the opportunity to showcase their talents in a supportive environment.

Skill Development Opportunities

Their programs are designed to offer campers the chance to develop a wide range of skills, including:

Leadership and Teamwork: Through group activities and challenges that encourage cooperation and problem-solving.
Outdoor Skills: Such as navigation, camping, and environmental stewardship, taught during adventure and exploration activities.
Creative Skills: In arts and crafts workshops where campers can express themselves through various mediums.

The staff at Camp Horizon is dedicated to creating a supportive, engaging, and safe environment where campers can explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lifelong friends. Their team’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence are the foundation of the transformative experiences they provide at Camp Horizon.

Safety and Health in Camp Horizon

At Camp Horizon, the safety and health of their campers and staff are paramount. They have established comprehensive safety protocols and procedures, supported by well-equipped on-site health facilities and a clear policy for handling emergencies. These measures ensure a secure environment where parents can feel confident about their child’s well-being, and campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Routine Safety Drills: Regularly scheduled safety drills ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, severe weather sheltering, and lockdown protocols.
Activity-Specific Training: Before participating in any camp activity, campers receive safety briefings relevant to the activity. This includes instruction on using equipment safely, understanding the rules of the activity, and recognizing the importance of following directions from staff.
Continuous Supervision: Campers are supervised by trained staff at all times, whether in cabins, during activities, or at meal times. Their low staff-to-camper ratio helps maintain a secure environment.
Secure Campground: The camp is designed with safety in mind, featuring secure perimeter fencing, controlled access points, and well-lit pathways to ensure camper safety during nighttime.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Their on-site health center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and/or a camp doctor, available 24/7. The center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses, with arrangements for more serious cases to be transferred to the nearest hospital.
Medication Management: The health center manages the storage and distribution of medications for campers, ensuring they are administered according to the prescribed schedule and dosage.
Health Checks: Upon arrival and periodically throughout their stay, campers undergo health checks to monitor for any signs of illness or injury.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Communication Plan: In the event of an emergency, Camp Horizon has a clear communication plan in place. This includes notifying local authorities, contacting parents or guardians, and coordinating with staff to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers.
Evacuation Procedures: Should evacuation be necessary due to natural disaster or other emergencies, protocols are in place for the safe and orderly transfer of campers to a designated safe location. Parents are informed of the evacuation plan upon registration and will receive updates in the event of an activation.
Partnership with Local Emergency Services: Camp Horizon works closely with local fire, police, and medical services to ensure a rapid response in case of emergency. Their staff participates in joint training sessions with these services to foster a cohesive emergency response strategy.

Camp Horizon is dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy camp environment. Through rigorous safety protocols, a well-staffed and equipped health center, and detailed emergency policies, they strive to address any potential risks, ensuring that campers can focus on enjoying their camp experience to the fullest.

Cost and Registration in Camp Horizon

Camp Horizon is committed to providing an enriching and memorable camp experience for all children, understanding the importance of clear and accessible information regarding costs, registration, and financial assistance. Below, you’ll find details on the cost of attendance, the registration process, and the financial support options available to ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy Camp Horizon.

Cost of Attendance

CIT $300
Summer Staff $40
Summer Camp: $325
Day Camp: $225

The cost of attending Camp Horizon varies depending on the program and session length. Generally, fees cover:

All meals and snacks
Lodging in their cabins, tents, or dorms
Participation in all scheduled activities and special events
Camp T-shirt and memorabilia
Access to all camp facilities and equipment

For specific rates for each session and program, please visit their website or contact the camp office directly. They aim to provide transparent pricing to help families plan their camp experience effectively.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Their straightforward online registration portal is available on the Camp Horizon website, allowing families to securely submit their application and necessary medical forms.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as spaces in each program fill up quickly. Deadlines for each session are typically set a few months in advance, with exact dates available on their website.
Confirmation: Upon successful registration, families will receive a confirmation email with further details about preparing for camp and what to expect.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding the financial commitment, Camp Horizon offers flexible payment plans to spread the cost of attendance over several months. Families can select the payment plan option during registration.
Refunds and Cancellation: They provide a full refund (minus a non-refundable deposit) for cancellations made before a specified date, usually one month before the session start date. After this date, refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances.
Insurance: They recommend considering camp insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations or interruptions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Horizon offers a limited number of scholarships each year to families in need, covering partial or full cost of camp. These are awarded based on financial need and availability.
Financial Aid: Additional financial assistance may be available through various programs and grants. They encourage families to inquire about these options early in the registration process.
Community Support: Local organizations and businesses sometimes sponsor campers, providing another avenue for financial assistance.

At Camp Horizon, they believe that financial constraints should not prevent a child from experiencing the joys and benefits of summer camp. They are dedicated to working with families to explore all available options for financial support, ensuring that as many children as possible can join us for an unforgettable summer adventure. For more detailed information on costs, registration, and financial assistance, please visit their website or contact their camp office directly.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Horizon

Preparing for a stay at Camp Horizon is an exciting process for both campers and their parents. To ensure that everyone is ready for the upcoming adventure, they provide detailed guidance on what to bring, their camp rules and policies, and some tips to make the transition to camp life as smooth as possible.

Packing List

For a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough for the session duration, including T-shirts, shorts, long pants, underwear, socks, a jacket, and a raincoat.
Footwear: Sturdy walking or hiking shoes, sandals with straps (no flip-flops), and water shoes.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo, comb or brush, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
Swimwear: At least two swimsuits and a beach towel.
Reusable Water Bottle: Clearly labeled with the camper’s name.
Hat and Sunglasses: For protection against the sun.
Flashlight or Headlamp: With extra batteries.
Daypack: For carrying personal items during daily activities.

Please label all personal items with the camper’s name. Camp Horizon is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize the camp experience and encourage social interaction and connection with nature, the use of personal electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) is restricted. They provide specific times and locations where campers can use technology, under supervision.
Visitation: For the safety and security of their campers, visitation during sessions is limited to designated days and times, and visitors must check in at the camp office upon arrival.
Behavior: They expect all campers to follow their code of conduct, which promotes respect, kindness, and cooperation. Bullying or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:

Be open to making new friends. Camp is a great place to meet people from different backgrounds.
Try new activities. Camp is the perfect opportunity to explore interests you might not have at home.
Remember that it’s okay to feel homesick. It’s a normal feeling, and talking to a counselor can help.

For Parents:

Discuss what to expect with your camper before they leave. Talk about the daily schedule and types of activities they will participate in.
Write letters or send care packages to your camper. It’s a great way to stay connected and encourage them during their stay.
Trust the camp staff. They are trained to handle homesickness and other common issues that arise at camp.

Preparing for camp is part of the adventure. By following these guidelines and embracing the spirit of Camp Horizon, campers and parents can look forward to a memorable and transformative summer experience.

Camp Horizon stands as a vibrant testament to the joy, growth, and adventure that the quintessential summer camp experience offers. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Leesburg, Florida, it is a place where children come to explore, learn, and challenge themselves, all while making friendships that last a lifetime. With a diverse array of programs ranging from arts to sports, and STEM to outdoor adventure, Camp Horizon caters to every interest, fostering an environment where every camper can find their niche and thrive.

Their commitment to safety, combined with a dedicated staff, ensures that every camper enjoys a nurturing and supportive environment. Through carefully crafted activities and a community-oriented atmosphere, they strive to instill in their campers a sense of independence, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the natural world around them. The experiences gained and memories made at Camp Horizon are designed to last well beyond the summer, contributing to the personal growth and development of each child.