Nestled in the scenic heart of Ohio’s countryside, Camp Bethany offers a tranquil escape near the vibrant landscapes of the Mohican region, with easy access to nearby landmarks like Lakeville Lake. Founded with a dedication to fostering personal growth and community, Camp Bethany has been a cornerstone of youth development in Ohio for over two decades.

At Camp Bethany, their philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive and enriching environment. Their mission is to cultivate leadership, encourage teamwork, and inspire a lifelong passion for nature and learning in all their campers.

Catering to boys and girls across various age groups, Camp Bethany offers a diverse range of activities tailored to nurture the unique talents and interests of each camper. Whether it’s through arts and crafts, sports, or outdoor adventures, they provide a safe and engaging setting where kids can thrive and build lasting memories.

Welcome to a place of adventure, learning, and fun—welcome to Camp Bethany!

Programs Offered by Camp Bethany

Camp Bethany provides a variety of programs designed to cater to diverse interests and age groups. Their programs range from one-week sessions to full summer options, allowing families to choose the length that best fits their summer plans.

Core Programs:

Explorer Program (Ages 6-12): A two-week session filled with activities that introduce younger campers to the basics of outdoor education, crafts, and team sports.
Adventure Program (Ages 13-17): This program spans three weeks and offers older campers more challenging activities, including advanced hiking, overnight camping, and leadership training.

Specialty Programs:

Arts Immersion: Available as a one-week session where campers engage deeply with music, drama, and visual arts, culminating in a camp-wide showcase at the end of the week.
Sports Clinic: Focuses on developing skills in various sports like soccer, basketball, and swimming over a two-week period, with professional coaching and inter-camp competitions.
Science Explorers: A one-week program that turns the campgrounds into a living laboratory, where campers can participate in experiments and learn about environmental science.

Typical Daily Schedule:

7:30 AM – Wake Up: Start the day with a morning jog or yoga session.
8:00 AM – Breakfast: Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel the day’s activities.
9:00 AM – Morning Activities: Campers split into groups based on their program for focused activities.
12:00 PM – Lunch: A hearty meal to recharge, followed by some free time.
1:00 PM – Afternoon Activities: Continue with scheduled specialty activities or multi-disciplinary sessions.
4:00 PM – Free Time: Campers have time to explore the camp, hang out with friends, or participate in optional activities.
6:00 PM – Dinner: A time to unwind and discuss the day’s adventures.
7:00 PM – Evening Programs: These might include campfires, night hikes, or guest speakers.
9:00 PM – Lights Out: Time for rest to recharge for another exciting day.

At Camp Bethany, every day is a blend of learning, adventure, and fun, structured to foster independence and a sense of community among campers.

Accommodations in Camp Bethany

At Camp Bethany, they ensure that all their campers have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, providing a range of accommodations and facilities tailored to enrich their camping experience.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Their primary accommodation option consists of cozy, rustic cabins designed to blend into the natural surroundings. Each cabin houses up to 10 campers and is equipped with bunk beds, storage spaces, and electricity. Cabins are grouped by age and program type to foster community among campers with similar interests.
Tents: For certain special programs, like the Adventure Program, campers have the option to sleep in tents during specific outdoor expeditions. These are modern, weather-resistant tents, providing an authentic wilderness experience while ensuring safety and comfort.
Dorms: Available primarily during special events and larger gatherings, their dormitory-style accommodations offer a more communal living experience, ideal for older campers or those attending leadership workshops.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Bethany offers full board meal plans, with three balanced meals served daily in their communal dining hall. Their menus are crafted by professional chefs and nutritionists to ensure that all meals are healthy, delicious, and energizing.
Dietary Accommodations: They cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary requirements with the utmost care to ensure that every camper enjoys safe and tasty meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathhouse, which includes multiple shower stalls, toilets, and sinks. These facilities are separated by gender and are regularly cleaned and maintained by their staff to ensure hygiene and comfort.
Privacy and Accessibility: Privacy is a priority in their design, with individual shower stalls and changing areas. Additionally, all facilities are equipped to accommodate campers with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has easy and comfortable access.

At Camp Bethany, they strive to create a home away from home where campers can feel secure, comfortable and focused on enjoying their camp experience.

Activities in Camp Bethany

Camp Bethany offers a robust selection of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels, promoting both personal growth and community involvement.

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming in their natural lake, hiking through scenic trails, canoeing, and archery.
Creative Arts: Dive into crafts, painting, pottery, or join their drama group to prepare performances for the end-of-camp showcase.
Sports: Participate in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and tennis, with opportunities for both casual play and competitive instruction.
Nature Exploration: Engage with the environment through guided nature walks, bird watching, and educational sessions about local flora and fauna.
Skill Workshops: Develop new skills with workshops in areas like woodworking, digital photography, or even survival skills for the adventurous at heart.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening Ceremony: Kick off the session with a traditional campfire, where campers set their intentions for the camp and engage in ice-breaking activities.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days, involving various sports and challenges, fostering spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Show: Campers showcase their talents or new skills learned at camp, ranging from musical performances to magic tricks.
Closing Banquet: A formal dinner to celebrate the achievements of all campers, complete with awards and recognitions for outstanding contributions and accomplishments.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Summer camps can participate in leadership programs designed to develop essential skills such as team management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Environmental Stewardship: Through hands-on projects like tree planting or stream restoration, campers learn about conservation and the importance of sustainable living.
Personal Growth Workshops: These sessions focus on building self-esteem, managing stress, and fostering independence, which are crucial for personal development.

At Camp Bethany, activities are more than just pastimes; they are gateways to building skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.

The staff of Camp Bethany

At Camp Bethany, they pride themselves on having a dedicated and skilled staff team that ensures a safe, enjoyable, and enriching camp experience for all participants.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and care. Generally, the ratio is 1 staff member to every 6 campers, which allows their team to closely monitor and actively engage with each child’s camp experience.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Selection Process: Candidates undergo a rigorous hiring process that includes thorough background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure they are well-suited for their roles and share their camp’s values and mission.
Qualifications: Their staff consists of professionals from various fields, including education, sports, arts, and environmental science. Many are former campers who return because of their love for Camp Bethany. They also recruit specialists for specific activities like swimming, archery, and arts.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Certifications: All staff members are required to have up-to-date certifications in CPR and First Aid. Staff involved in specific activities like swimming or archery must have additional certifications relevant to their areas of expertise.
Pre-Camp Training: Before camp begins, all staff participate in an intensive training program that covers their camp philosophy, child psychology, emergency response procedures, conflict resolution, and activity-specific safety protocols.
Ongoing Development: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and feedback sessions to refine their skills and adapt to the dynamic camp environment.

Their staff are not only qualified but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of their campers, ensuring that Camp Bethany is a place where children can safely challenge themselves and grow.

Safety and Health in Camp Bethany

Camp Bethany is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of all their campers and staff. They have comprehensive protocols and facilities in place to manage health and safety proactively and responsively.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuations, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to act in various scenarios.
Activity Safety: All activities are overseen by staff with specific training and certifications relevant to each activity. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it meets safety standards.
Supervision: Campers are under constant supervision by trained staff members during all activities, including free time and overnight sleeping periods. Their low staff-to-camper ratio ensures that supervision is attentive and individualized.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Bethany has a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a visiting doctor. The health center is operational 24/7 to handle any medical needs that may arise.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, all campers undergo health screenings to assess their fitness for camp activities and to identify any special care needs they may have. Campers’ health is monitored throughout their stay.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: They have a detailed emergency response plan in place, which is regularly reviewed and updated. This plan includes procedures for handling individual health emergencies, natural disasters, and other urgent situations.
Communication Protocol: In case of an emergency, there is a clear communication protocol to contact local emergency services and inform parents and guardians immediately. They ensure that all lines of communication are open and accessible.
Training for Staff: All staff members receive training in emergency preparedness, first aid, CPR, and the specific actions required for different types of emergencies. This training is crucial to ensuring a calm and effective response to any situation.

Camp Bethany’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment allows parents and campers alike to feel secure, knowing that they are in a place where their welfare is the top priority.

Cost and Registration in Camp Bethany

At Camp Bethany, they strive to make their camp experiences accessible and affordable, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from their programs.

Cost of Attendance:

Fees: The cost of attendance varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, fees range from $500 for one-week sessions to $1,500 for three-week specialty programs. These fees cover all aspects of the camp experience including accommodation, meals, activities, equipment, and program materials.
What It Includes: The cost includes lodging in cabins or tents, three daily meals, all scheduled activities, 24/7 supervision and healthcare, and any transportation for off-site excursions.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

How to Register: Registration can be completed online. The process involves filling out the camper’s application form, submitting medical records, and providing details on any special dietary or physical needs.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and remains open until programs are filled. They encourage early registration as spots in popular programs fill up quickly. The final deadline for registration is usually one month before the start of each session.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: To ease the financial burden, Camp Bethany offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost over several months leading up to the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellations: Full refunds are available up to one month before the start of the session. Cancellations after this date may receive a partial refund, depending on the timing and reason for cancellation. They also offer the option to apply the fees to a future camp session in case of unexpected circumstances.
Insurance: Families are encouraged to consider camp insurance to cover potential last-minute cancellations or interruptions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Availability: They offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options to assist families in need. These are awarded based on financial need, merit, or a combination of both.
Application for Aid: Interested families must complete a financial aid application, and submit it along with the necessary documentation to support their financial status.

At Camp Bethany, they believe that financial constraints should not prevent a child from experiencing the joys and benefits of camp. They are committed to providing support to ensure that as many children as possible can attend their programs.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Bethany

Preparing for camp is an exciting time, and at Camp Bethany, they want to ensure that both parents and campers feel ready and confident as they approach their camp experience. Here’s a guide to help with packing, understanding camp rules, and easing into the camp routine, especially for first-timers.

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough clothes for the duration of the stay, including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Include swimwear, a raincoat, and sturdy footwear for hiking.
Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets a blanket, and a pillow for comfort in the cabins.
Toiletries: Include all personal hygiene items like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and a towel. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
Miscellaneous: A flashlight, water bottle, hat, and sunglasses. Campers may also bring writing materials to keep a journal or to write letters home.
Medications: Clearly labeled and accompanied by dosage instructions. These should be handed over to camp health staff upon arrival.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and connection with others and nature, personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or gaming devices are discouraged. If necessary for travel, they will be collected upon arrival and stored safely.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to help campers adjust to camp life and foster independence.
Behavior: They expect all campers to adhere to their code of conduct, which promotes respect, responsibility, and safety. Bullying, disrespect, or violation of camp rules can lead to disciplinary action or dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers: Engage in conversations about what to expect at camp and encourage them to express any fears or concerns. Assure them that it’s okay to feel homesick and that the staff is there to help.
For Parents: Trust the process. It’s natural to worry, but remember that camp is a valuable opportunity for growth and independence. Stay positive about the experience when discussing it before departure.
Stay Connected: Use the pre-approved methods provided by the camp to communicate with your child. Sending letters or emails can be a great way to stay connected without intruding on their camp experience.

By following these guidelines and preparations, both parents and campers can feel more at ease, knowing they’re well-prepared for the exciting adventure that Camp Bethany offers.

At Camp Bethany, they believe in the transformative power of camp. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Lakeville, Ohio, their camp provides a perfect backdrop for children to explore, learn, and grow. With a wide array of activities, from swimming and hiking to arts and sciences, campers are encouraged to discover new interests and build on existing passions. The combination of a nurturing environment and engaging programs fosters independence, builds self-esteem, and creates lifelong memories.

Their commitment to safety, personalized care, and a diverse range of programs ensures that every camper’s experience is fulfilling and joyful. With flexible payment plans, scholarships, and a family-oriented approach, they strive to make Camp Bethany accessible to as many children as possible.