Camp Nazareth Mercer PA

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Mercer, Pennsylvania, Camp Nazareth provides a serene backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience. Located in the heart of the Northeastern United States, the camp is surrounded by lush greenery and is a stone’s throw away from notable landmarks such as Lake Latonka and the Mercer County Historical Society, making it a perfect blend of nature and history.

Established with a vision to enrich the lives of young individuals, Camp Nazareth has been serving the community for decades. Their mission is to foster the physical, spiritual, and social growth of each camper through a variety of activities, communal living, and guidance under the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. This mission supports their philosophy of developing well-rounded individuals in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Camp Nazareth is a religiously affiliated camp that welcomes boys and girls across different age groups. From young children to teenagers, their programs are designed to cater to the needs of each age group, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s through spiritual activities, educational workshops, or recreational adventures, Camp Nazareth offers a comprehensive camp experience that promises to be both transformative and fun.

Programs Offered by Camp Nazareth

At Camp Nazareth, they offer a variety of programs designed to engage campers in a multitude of activities while fostering personal growth and community involvement. Here is an overview of the programs available:

General Camp Programs

• Session Lengths: Their sessions range from one-week stays to full summer options, allowing families to choose the best fit for their schedules and goals.
• Activities: Each day is filled with a balance of educational, spiritual, recreational, and creative activities. Campers participate in arts and crafts, sports, nature hikes, and spiritual sessions that align with the camp’s Eastern Orthodox Christian values.

Specialty Programs

• Arts: Their arts program includes workshops in painting, crafts, and performance arts, allowing campers to explore their creativity and express themselves in various mediums.
  
• Sports: Sports enthusiasts can engage in a variety of physical activities such as soccer, basketball, swimming, and archery, all designed to promote physical health and teamwork.
  
• Science and Nature: For those interested in science and the environment, their camp offers programs that include nature walks, environmental education, and basic science experiments that teach campers about the world around them.

Typical Daily Schedule

• Morning:
  • 7:30 AM: Wake Up
  • 8:00 AM: Morning Prayer
  • 8:30 AM: Breakfast
  • 9:15 AM: First Activity Session (Arts, Science, or Sports)
• Afternoon:
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch
  • 1:00 PM: Quiet Time/Rest
  • 2:00 PM: Second Activity Session
  • 3:30 PM: Free Time/Optional Activities
• Evening:
  • 5:30 PM: Dinner
  • 6:30 PM: Evening Program (e.g., Campfire, Talent Show)
  • 8:00 PM: Evening Prayer
  • 8:30 PM: Lights Out

Their structured schedule ensures that each camper experiences a balanced day filled with fun, learning, and personal growth, while also maintaining the spiritual ethos that Camp Nazareth values. Whether it’s a one-week session or an entire summer, their programs are designed to provide a memorable and impactful experience.

Accommodations in Camp Nazareth

Camp Nazareth is committed to ensuring that every camper has a comfortable and safe stay. Their facilities are designed to accommodate the needs of all campers, making their time with us both enjoyable and convenient.

Sleeping Arrangements

• Cabins: Campers stay in well-constructed cabins that blend rustic charm with modern necessities. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and provides ample living space for campers to store their belongings and relax. Cabins are typically segregated by age and gender to ensure comfort and appropriateness for all campers.

Dining Options

• Meal Plans: They offer full meal plans that include three balanced meals per day, served in their communal dining hall. The dining hall is a central spot where campers gather to share meals and experiences, fostering a strong sense of community.
  
• Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of dietary needs, Camp Nazareth provides options for various dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary needs with camp staff prior to arrival to ensure proper accommodations.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

• Facilities: Separate bathroom and shower facilities for males and females are located conveniently near the cabins. These facilities are maintained multiple times daily to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
  
• Privacy and Safety: The design of their bathroom and shower facilities prioritizes privacy and safety, with individual stalls and secure areas. Younger campers are always accompanied by staff members to ensure safety and to assist them as needed.

At Camp Nazareth, they strive to make the camp environment as welcoming and accommodating as possible, ensuring that all practical needs are met so that campers can focus on enjoying their summer experience to the fullest.

Activities in Camp Nazareth

Camp Nazareth offers a wide range of activities designed to engage campers in both fun and educational experiences, promoting physical, spiritual, and emotional growth. Here’s a detailed look at the activities and special events that make their camp a unique and enriching environment for all participants.

List of Activities Offered

• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy the great outdoors with activities like hiking, swimming in the natural lake, archery, and canoeing. Each activity is supervised by experienced staff to ensure safety and fun.
• Creative Arts: Summer camps can express their creativity through various arts and crafts workshops, including painting, pottery, and woodworking.
• Sports: A variety of sports are available, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
• Spiritual and Educational Workshops: Aligning with the camp’s mission, they offer Bible studies and spiritual discussions as well as environmental education and science explorations to enrich the campers’ knowledge and spiritual life.

Special Events or Traditions

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Each session begins and ends with a ceremony that helps unite the camp community and celebrate the achievements of campers.
• Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
• Cultural Nights: These special evenings are dedicated to exploring different cultures through food, music, and dance, encouraging diversity and mutual respect among campers.
• Color Wars: An exciting, camp-wide competition that spans several days and involves various sports and challenges, promoting spirit and teamwork.

Skill Development Opportunities

• Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to take on leadership roles within the camp, assisting with the supervision of younger campers and helping to plan activities.
• Environmental Stewardship: Programs designed to teach campers about sustainability practices and the importance of protecting the environment.
• Artistic Expression: Advanced classes in various arts help develop more sophisticated skills in interested campers, providing them with tools to express their creativity.

At Camp Nazareth, activities and events are designed not only for enjoyment but also to foster personal growth, skill development, and a deep sense of community among campers.

The staff of Camp Nazareth

At Camp Nazareth, they understand that the quality of their staff is integral to providing a safe and enriching camp experience. They maintain a rigorous hiring process, thorough training, and a favorable staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and care.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

• Ratio: They adhere to a low staff-to-camper ratio, typically around 1:5, which allows their staff to monitor and engage closely with each camper, ensuring safety and providing a supportive environment. This ratio helps in administering personalized guidance and attention, making sure all campers feel included and cared for throughout their stay.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

• Recruitment: Their staff are selected through a competitive hiring process that includes thorough background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks.
  
• Qualifications: They seek individuals who are not only passionate about working with children but also bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to the camp. Many of their staff members are education professionals, college students in education fields, or have significant experience in child care, sports, arts, or outdoor activities.
  
• Diversity and Inclusion: Staff are chosen not only for their skills and experience but also for their ability to contribute to and foster an inclusive camp culture that respects and celebrates diversity.

Training and Certifications

• Pre-Camp Training: Prior to the camp season, all staff undergo extensive training that includes child safety, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity planning, and leadership skills.
  
• Certifications: All staff are required to have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additional training such as lifeguard certification, wilderness first responder, and specific activity certifications (e.g., archery, boating) are required for staff overseeing specialized activities.
  
• Ongoing Education: Throughout the camp season, staff participate in ongoing training sessions to refresh their skills and improve their techniques in camper engagement and safety practices.

Camp Nazareth’s commitment to a highly qualified and well-trained staff ensures a safe, enjoyable, and enriching camp experience for every camper. Their staff is dedicated to nurturing the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of all participants, making their summer experience at Camp Nazareth both memorable and transformative.

Safety and Health in Camp Nazareth

Ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and staff at Camp Nazareth is their top priority. They implement stringent safety protocols, maintain well-equipped health facilities, and adhere to comprehensive policies for handling emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

• Daily Check-Ins: Routine daily check-ins help monitor the well-being and attendance of each camper, ensuring no one is overlooked.
  
• Activity Safety: All activities are conducted under the supervision of staff trained in activity-specific safety protocols. Equipment and facilities are regularly inspected to meet safety standards.
  
• Security Measures: The camp is equipped with controlled access points to prevent unauthorized entry, and all visitors are required to check in at the main office. Staff are trained to ensure the security and privacy of all campers.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

• Health Center: Camp Nazareth boasts a well-equipped health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians, to handle medical needs.
  
• Staff Qualifications: Their health center staff are certified in advanced medical care, and capable of handling everything from minor injuries to more serious health issues. They are also trained in managing medications for campers with specific health needs.
  
• Availability: The health center is open 24/7 during camp sessions, ensuring that medical care is available at all times, day or night.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

• Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan tailored to a variety of scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations.
  
• Training: All staff members undergo regular training on emergency procedures to ensure a coordinated and effective response. Drills are conducted regularly to keep the staff prepared and to ensure that all campers know what to do in case of an emergency.
  
• Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear communication protocol to inform families. This includes immediate notifications and ongoing updates through the camp’s secure systems.

Through these measures, Camp Nazareth ensures a safe environment where campers can enjoy their activities without compromising to their health or safety, allowing parents to feel confident in the care and protection provided to their children.

Cost and Registration in Camp Nazareth

Understanding the logistics of cost and registration is crucial for families planning their children’s summer camp experience. Camp Nazareth strives to provide transparent information on fees, registration procedures, and financial support options.

Cost of Attendance

• What It Includes: The cost of attendance at Camp Nazareth covers all lodging, meals, activities, and access to camp facilities. This fee also includes any special events or programs that occur during the camper’s stay. Additional costs might apply for specific optional activities or for camp merchandise.
  
• Fee Structure: Fees vary depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, one-week sessions may cost less than extended or specialty programs designed for older campers or those focusing on particular skills.

Registration Process and Deadlines

• How to Register: Registration for Camp Nazareth is conducted online through their dedicated camp management platform. Prospective campers must create an account where they can fill out necessary forms, select their session, and submit any required medical information.
  
• Deadlines: It is advisable to register early as spaces fill up quickly. Early registration often benefits from a discounted rate, encouraging families to plan ahead.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

• Payment Plans: Understanding that families have different financial capabilities, Camp Nazareth offers flexible payment plans. Families can choose to pay in installments over several months leading up to the start of the session.
  
• Refunds and Cancellation: Their refund policy allows families to recoup most of their costs if they need to cancel before a specified date, which is typically a few weeks before the session begins. After this deadline, refunds may be partial or non-existent, depending on the proximity to the camp start date.
  
• Insurance Option: They recommend considering camp insurance, which covers cancellation fees under qualifying circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Availability of Scholarships: Camp Nazareth believes that all children should have the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of financial background. They offer a number of scholarships each year based on financial need and merit.
  
• Application for Financial Aid: Families seeking financial assistance are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

At Camp Nazareth, they aim to make their camp experience accessible and affordable to all families, ensuring that every child has the chance to enjoy and benefit from their time at camp.

The summer camp fees at Camp Nazareth depend on whether the child’s family belongs to the sponsoring Diocese:

• Diocesan Parishioner: $370 per child (per week)
• Non-Diocesan Child: $420 per child (per week)

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Nazareth

Preparing for summer camp, especially for first-time campers and their parents, can be an exciting yet daunting task. Camp Nazareth aims to make this preparation process smooth and stress-free with clear guidelines and helpful tips.

Packing List

• Essential Clothing: Pack enough comfortable clothing for the session, including t-shirts, shorts, and jeans, plus a few warmer items for cooler evenings such as sweatshirts and long pants. Include swimwear, a sun hat, and sturdy footwear for hiking and sports.
  
• Bedding and Toiletries: Bring bedding such as sleeping bags or sheets and blankets, a pillow, and personal toiletry items. Don’t forget towels for both swimming and showering.
  
• Miscellaneous Items: Flashlights, insect repellent, sunscreen, a water bottle, and any necessary medications (with clear instructions).
  
• Optional Items: Books, journals, or simple board games for quieter moments. Cameras (non-digital for younger campers) to capture memories.

Rules and Policies

• Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp Nazareth encourages a technology-free environment. Mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are typically not allowed, or their use is restricted to certain times and places.
  
• Visitation: For the safety and security of campers and staff, visitation during camp sessions is generally limited or needs to be pre-arranged with camp administration. Specific days might be designated for family visits, depending on the session length and type.
  
• Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, inclusivity, and cooperation. Bullying, aggressive behavior, and non-compliance with camp rules are not tolerated and may result in dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

• For Campers:
  • Be open to making new friends and trying new activities. Camp is a great place to learn new skills and grow.
  • Remember that everyone is in the same situation and likely feeling just as nervous as you. You’re not alone!
• For Parents:
  • Discuss what camp will be like well before your child leaves, addressing any concerns or fears they might have.
  • Reinforce the exciting aspects of camp, such as making new friends, learning new things, and having unique adventures.
  • Ensure all forms, medical or otherwise, are completed and submitted on time to avoid any last-minute stress.

Preparing well can help ensure that the camp experience is enjoyable and memorable for both campers and their parents. Camp Nazareth is dedicated to supporting families through this process, ensuring that everyone arrives ready for an exciting summer adventure.

Camp Nazareth not only promises an unforgettable summer experience but also delivers a nurturing environment where campers can thrive both personally and spiritually. Through a diverse array of activities, comprehensive safety protocols, and a supportive community, the camp cultivates skills, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s through engaging in exciting outdoor adventures, exploring creativity through the arts, or developing leadership and teamwork skills in a supportive environment, campers leave with a renewed sense of confidence and accomplishment.

Moreover, Camp Nazareth’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility ensures that all families can consider this enriching experience. With flexible payment plans, scholarships, and a thorough preparation guide for parents and first-time campers, the camp strives to remove barriers and foster a community that welcomes all.