Welcome to Camp Elohim, a serene retreat nestled in the heart of the majestic wilderness near Troy, Montana. This enchanting camp is ideally situated in the Pacific Northwest region, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes that define Montana, including dense forests and clear, sparkling lakes. Established with a vision to enrich the lives of young people, Camp Elohim has been a beacon of adventure, learning, and personal growth for decades.

At Camp Elohim, their mission is rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences are fundamental to developing strong character and values. They strive to provide a supportive environment where campers can explore their potential, build lasting friendships, and connect with nature, all under the guidance of their dedicated staff.

Catering specifically to boys and girls across various age groups, Camp Elohim offers a variety of programs that encourage both personal and spiritual development. Each activity is designed to challenge their campers in a safe and fun environment, helping them to cultivate skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Join us at Camp Elohim for an unforgettable summer experience where adventure meets purpose!

Programs Offered by Camp Elohim

Camp Elohim offers a rich variety of programs tailored to engage and inspire campers of all interests and ages. Their programs are carefully designed to maximize the camp experience, whether it’s through exploring the arts, engaging in sports, or diving into the fascinating world of science. Here’s a closer look at what they offer:

Programs Offered

Adventure and Outdoor Skills: This program focuses on wilderness survival skills, hiking, and orienteering. Sessions typically run for two weeks, allowing campers to immerse themselves fully in nature and develop robust outdoor skills.
Arts and Creativity: From painting and sculpture to performance arts, this one-week session encourages campers to express themselves creatively. It’s a perfect blend of inspiration and instruction, set against the stunning backdrop of their camp’s natural surroundings.
Sports and Team Building: Offering one and two-week sessions, this program includes a variety of sports like soccer, basketball, and archery. Emphasis is on teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development through physical activity.
Science and Discovery: Curious minds can indulge in their one-week science program, where they can engage in experiments, and explore environmental science and astronomy, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Leadership Development: Specifically designed for older campers, this two-week session focuses on developing leadership skills through workshops, team activities, and mentorship roles within other camp programs.

Specialty Programs

Equestrian Program: For horse lovers, their equestrian program teaches riding skills, horse care, and equestrian safety, all within a supportive and fun environment.
Water Sports: Situated near a lake, their camp offers canoeing, kayaking, and swimming, perfect for those hot summer days and for learning valuable water safety skills.

Typical Daily Schedule

Morning: After breakfast, campers participate in their chosen program, engaging in hands-on activities and learning new skills.
Afternoon: Post-lunch brings another session of program activities, often mixed with free time for recreational sports or relaxation.
Evening: Dinner is followed by camp-wide games, and evening activities like campfires, storytelling, or stargazing, culminating in a reflective close to the day.

Camp Elohim’s diverse offerings ensure that every camper finds something that excites them, and their structured daily schedule provides a balanced mix of learning, play, and relaxation, all within the context of their supportive and nurturing camp community. Whether for one week, two weeks, or the whole summer, a stay at Camp Elohim is an adventure that shapes lives and crafts unforgettable summers.

Accommodations in Camp Elohim

Camp Elohim is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of their campers’ stay is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Their accommodations are thoughtfully designed to enhance the camping experience while providing all the necessary comforts of home.

Sleeping Arrangements

Campers are housed in rustic yet modern cabins that blend into the scenic surroundings. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds, where campers share space with peers in their age group and program. The cabins are grouped by age and program type to foster a community feeling and ensure that all campers feel secure and included.

For those seeking a more traditional camping experience, they offer supervised tent camping sessions. These are typically part of their adventure programs, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness under the stars.

Dining Options

At Camp Elohim, they believe that good food is part of the great camp experience. Their dining hall serves three nutritious meals a day, prepared by skilled chefs who prioritize both health and taste. They offer a variety of meal plans to suit every appetite and can accommodate most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Meals are designed to be balanced and energy-boosting to keep campers fueled for their day of activities.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Their camp is equipped with centrally located bathroom and shower facilities that are easily accessible from all cabins and main activity areas. These facilities are separated by gender and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Private stalls and showers offer campers privacy and comfort, with hot water available throughout the day.

At Camp Elohim, they strive to create a ‘home away from home’ environment where campers can feel comfortable and focus on enjoying their camp experience to the fullest.

Activities in Camp Elohim

Camp Elohim offers a diverse range of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels, ensuring that every day is filled with fun, learning, and adventure. Here’s a detailed look at what campers can expect:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Summer camps can enjoy daily swims in the lake, under the supervision of certified lifeguards.
Hiking: Exploring the trails around the camp, campers can learn about local flora and fauna and enjoy breathtaking views.
Crafts: A variety of arts and crafts activities allow campers to unleash their creativity using materials from the surrounding environment.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Water sports on the lake are a fun and challenging way to build skills and confidence on the water.
Archery: Taught by experienced instructors, archery is a popular activity that improves focus and coordination.
Rock Climbing: With both natural and artificial climbs, campers can safely learn climbing techniques under expert guidance.
Sports: A range of sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball are available for team play and skill development.
Nature Workshops: These workshops teach campers about environmental conservation and the ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest.
Fishing: Campers can learn the basics of fishing, practicing catch and release in the camp’s fully stocked pond.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: Weekly campfire gatherings include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and tradition.
End-of-Summer Carnival: A festive event where campers can enjoy games, face painting, and food stalls, celebrating the end of each summer session.
Talent Shows: Campers get to showcase their talents, whether in music, dance, magic, or comedy, in a supportive and fun environment.
Color Wars: This camp-wide competition splits campers into teams to compete in various sports and creative challenges, promoting spirit and camaraderie.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to develop skills in team management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
First Aid and Safety Workshops: These critical sessions equip campers with basic first aid skills and safety practices, especially useful during outdoor activities.
Environmental Stewardship: Through hands-on activities, campers learn about sustainability practices and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Personal Development: Activities and workshops are tailored to help campers build self-confidence, resilience, and independence.

At Camp Elohim, their activities and events are carefully curated to ensure that every camper not only has an incredible amount of fun but also walks away with new skills, friends, and wonderful memories.

The staff of Camp Elohim

At Camp Elohim, they pride themselves on providing a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment for their campers. This is largely possible due to their dedicated and highly qualified staff, who are carefully selected and trained to meet the needs of all participants.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

To ensure personalized attention and supervision, Camp Elohim maintains an optimal staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5. This ratio allows their staff to effectively monitor and engage with each camper, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all activities.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Their hiring process is thorough, with a strong emphasis on both professional qualifications and personal integrity. Prospective staff members must undergo:

Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks to ensure the safety and security of their campers.
Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews to assess compatibility with camp values and culture.
References: Verification of professional and personal references to confirm past experience and character.

They prioritize hiring staff with:

Experience: Previous experience in child care, education, or specific activity expertise.
Education: Degrees or relevant coursework in education, psychology, recreation, or related fields are highly valued.
Skills: Particular skills or expertise in camp activities (e.g., sports, arts, outdoor adventures).

Training and Certifications

All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid before the camp season begins. Additional training includes:

Safety Protocols: Comprehensive training in emergency procedures, safety protocols, and risk management.
Activity-Specific Certifications: For activities such as swimming, rock climbing, and archery, staff must hold appropriate certifications from recognized authorities.
Child Development: Understanding of developmental stages and best practices in educational and recreational settings.
Inclusion Training: To foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, staff undergo training on diversity and inclusion practices.

Ongoing Professional Development

They believe in the continuous growth of their staff, which is why Camp Elohim offers ongoing professional development opportunities throughout the camp season. These include workshops on leadership, conflict resolution, and innovative teaching techniques, ensuring that their staff remains at the forefront of best practices in camp education and management.

By upholding high standards for their staff’s qualifications and training, Camp Elohim ensures a nurturing, educational, and fun-filled environment for every camper who joins us.

Safety and Health in Camp Elohim

At Camp Elohim, the safety and health of their campers and staff are their top priorities. They have comprehensive protocols and facilities in place to ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy camp experience.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with safety procedures.
Activity Safety: Each activity is led by instructors with specialized training and certifications appropriate to the activity, such as lifeguarding for swimming or belaying for rock climbing. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.
Secure Campus: The camp is monitored with controlled access points to ensure that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises. Staff are trained to monitor for any unusual activity and to ensure that campers remain within safe areas.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Elohim has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a part-time visiting doctor. The health center is prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with necessary medications and first-aid supplies.
24/7 Availability: Medical staff are available 24 hours a day to address any health issues that might arise, ensuring prompt and effective medical attention.
Mental Health Support: They also provide support for campers who may experience homesickness or emotional stress, with staff trained to recognize and address these issues sensitively and effectively.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Elohim has a detailed emergency response plan, which is communicated to all staff. This plan covers a variety of scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents.
Communication: In case of an emergency, there are clear protocols for communication with local authorities and with parents. Camp Elohim ensures that parents are promptly informed of any serious incidents involving their children.
Training: All staff participate in pre-camp training sessions on emergency procedures, including how to use communication devices and emergency equipment.
Partnerships with Local Services: They maintain strong relationships with local emergency services, such as fire departments, hospitals, and police, to ensure a quick response when external assistance is needed.

These measures are all part of their commitment to providing a secure environment where parents can feel confident about their children’s safety and well-being while they are at Camp Elohim.

Cost and Registration in Camp Elohim

At Camp Elohim, they strive to make their enriching camp experience accessible and affordable, with clear information about costs, registration, and financial support options.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending Camp Elohim varies depending on the program length and type. Generally, costs include:

Accommodation: Comfortable sleeping quarters in cabins or tents.
Meals: Three nutritious meals per day, plus snacks.
Activities: Access to all camp activities, equipment, and materials.
Supervision: Continuous supervision and guidance from trained staff.
Health Care: On-site medical services and support.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children through their secure online portal. The registration process involves filling out camper information, selecting sessions and activities, and providing medical and dietary information.
Deadlines: It’s advisable to register early as spaces fill up quickly. Registration typically opens in January, and early bird discounts are available until the end of March. Final deadlines for registration depend on session dates but are usually a month before the start of each session.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Recognizing the financial planning required for camp, they offer structured payment plans allowing parents to pay in installments leading up to the camp session.
Refunds: Full refunds are available up to two months before the camp start date. After this, refunds are prorated based on the proximity to the camp start date, except in cases of medical emergencies, which are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellation Policy: If a cancellation is necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency or health issue, they work with families to either refund appropriately or apply fees to a future camp session.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Elohim offers scholarships to help families in need. These scholarships are awarded based on financial need, merit, or a combination of both.
Financial Aid: They encourage families needing financial assistance to apply early for financial aid. Applications for financial aid are reviewed confidentially and are meant to make the camp experience accessible to as many children as possible.

They at Camp Elohim believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and growth that camp provides.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Elohim

Preparing for camp at Camp Elohim is an exciting time for both campers and their families. To ensure that everyone is ready for a summer of fun, learning, and adventure, here’s a guide on what to pack, understand the camp rules, and some tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To make the most out of the camp experience, it’s important to pack appropriately:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire including t-shirts, shorts, pants, a jacket, and a raincoat. Include swimwear and a sturdy pair of hiking boots or shoes.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets a blanket, and a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Gear: Flashlight or headlamp, water bottle, hats, and sunglasses.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-smartphone if possible).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and enjoyment of the camp environment, they encourage minimal use of electronic devices. Cell phones, tablets, and other gadgets are collected upon arrival and returned at the end of the stay.
Visitation: Parents are welcome to visit on designated days which are communicated ahead of the camp session. These visitation days help maintain the structured environment and ensure the safety and security of all campers.
Behavior: They promote a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. Bullying, disrespect, or any form of discrimination is not tolerated and may lead to dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Engage Fully: Try to participate in as many activities as possible to make the most of your camp experience.
- Be Open to Making New Friends: Camp is a great place to meet new people and make lifelong friendships.
- Communicate: If you’re feeling homesick or facing any issues, talk to your counselors. They’re there to help!
For Parents:
- Stay Positive: Your enthusiasm about the camp experience will be infectious. Highlight the fun aspects of camp to help ease any nervousness your child might feel.
- Pack Together: Packing with your child can help them know what they have brought with them, giving them a sense of preparation and confidence.
- Write Letters: Prepare some letters in advance to give to your child once they arrive at camp. Receiving mail can be a huge boost for campers, especially first-timers.

By following these guidelines and preparing accordingly, both parents and campers can feel confident and excited about the upcoming adventure at Camp Elohim. Whether it’s a camper’s first time or they’re a seasoned attendee, each summer at Camp Elohim is a chance to create unforgettable memories.

At Camp Elohim, they are proud to offer a camp experience that is as enriching as it is fun, set in the stunning natural backdrop of Troy, Montana. Their comprehensive programs, from adventure and arts to science and sports, are designed to foster growth, friendship, and a deep connection with nature. With their dedicated staff, robust safety protocols, and a supportive environment, they ensure that each camper has the opportunity to explore, learn, and thrive.

Whether it’s scaling the heights of a climbing wall, paddling serenely across a sunlit lake, or sitting around a campfire under a starry sky, the experiences at Camp Elohim are about creating memories that last a lifetime. They believe in the transformative power of camp—building character, developing skills and forming friendships that endure long after the summer ends.