Welcome to Camp Maranatha, nestled in the serene landscapes of Scottsboro, Alabama, where adventure meets tranquility in the heart of the South. Situated in the picturesque region of Jackson County, their camp boasts stunning views of the Appalachian foothills and the majestic waters of Lake Guntersville. As you explore their grounds, you’ll encounter the beauty of nature at every turn, from lush forests to winding trails, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences.

Established in 1956, Camp Maranatha has a rich history of fostering personal growth, building lifelong friendships, and creating cherished memories. From its humble beginnings as a small retreat center, its camp has evolved into a premier destination for youth seeking adventure, exploration, and spiritual enrichment. Camp’s founded in 1956 by “members of the North Alabama Presbytery.” This established information provides a more credible starting point for understanding the camp’s origin.

At Camp Maranatha, the mission is simple yet profound: to provide a safe, inclusive, and transformative environment where campers can discover their potential, cultivate their passions, and embrace the values of community, compassion, and stewardship. Guided by principles of faith, integrity, and respect for the natural world, they strive to empower campers to become confident, resilient, and compassionate leaders in their communities.

Their campers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and fostering an environment of mutual respect, collaboration, and camaraderie. With programs tailored to various age groups, ranging from Elementary (1st-6th grade), Junior High (7th-8th grade), Senior High (9th-12th grade) & Adults, there’s something for everyone at Camp Maranatha. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, engaging in exhilarating outdoor activities, or participating in meaningful discussions and team-building exercises, campers are sure to find joy, adventure, and personal growth around every corner.

Programs Offered by Camp Maranatha

At Camp Maranatha, they offer a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests and passions of their campers. Whether they’re seeking outdoor adventure, creative expression, or intellectual stimulation, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a glimpse into the programs they offer:

Outdoor Adventure: Embark on exciting outdoor expeditions, including hiking, camping, and wilderness survival skills. Campers will learn essential outdoor skills while exploring the natural beauty of their surroundings.
- Length of session: One week
- Typical daily schedule: Morning hike, outdoor skills workshops, afternoon adventure activities, evening campfire, and storytelling.
Arts and Crafts: Unleash your creativity and imagination in their arts and crafts program. From painting and pottery to jewelry making and creative writing, campers will have the opportunity to express themselves and develop their artistic talents.
- Length of session: Two weeks
- Typical daily schedule: Morning art classes, afternoon recreational activities, evening open studio time for independent projects.
Sports Camp: Get active and hone your athletic skills in their sports camp. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, or ultimate frisbee, campers will engage in friendly competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Length of session: Full summer (multiple sessions available)
- Typical daily schedule: Morning sports clinics and skill-building sessions, afternoon scrimmage games, and evening team-building activities.
STEM Exploration: Dive into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in their STEM exploration program. Campers will participate in hands-on experiments, engineering challenges, and interactive workshops designed to spark curiosity and innovation.
- Length of session: One week
- Typical daily schedule: Morning STEM workshops and experiments, afternoon outdoor activities, evening guest speakers and demonstrations.
Leadership Development: Develop essential leadership skills and character traits in their leadership development program. Through team-building exercises, workshops, and outdoor challenges, campers will learn effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Length of session: Two weeks
- Typical daily schedule: Morning leadership workshops, afternoon team-building challenges, evening reflection, and goal-setting sessions.

No matter which program campers choose, they’ll have the opportunity to create lifelong memories, forge lasting friendships, and grow personally and socially in a supportive and enriching environment.

Accommodations in Camp Maranatha

At Camp Maranatha, they prioritize comfort, safety, and convenience to ensure that campers have a memorable and enjoyable experience during their stay. Here’s a breakdown of their accommodations:

Sleeping Arrangements: Campers will reside in cozy cabins nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of their campgrounds. Their cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings, providing a comfortable and welcoming retreat after a day of adventure and exploration.
Dining Options: They offer delicious and nutritious meals prepared by their experienced culinary team. Campers can enjoy a variety of dining options, including buffet-style meals served in their spacious dining hall. They accommodate special dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that every camper receives meals that meet their requirements and preferences.
- Meal Plans: Campers will be provided with meal plans that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day.
- Dietary Accommodations: They are committed to accommodating campers with food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions. Their culinary team works closely with campers and their families to ensure that their dietary needs are met with delicious and nutritious alternatives.
Bathroom and Shower Facilities: Their camp features modern and well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities conveniently located throughout the campground. Campers will have access to clean and spacious restroom facilities equipped with toilets, sinks, and showers, allowing them to freshen up and relax after a day of outdoor activities.
- Gender-Separated Facilities: They provide separate bathroom and shower facilities for male and female campers, ensuring privacy and comfort for all.

At Camp Maranatha, they strive to provide a home away from home for their campers, where they can feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout their stay. Their accommodations are designed to enhance the overall camp experience, allowing campers to focus on making memories, building friendships, and enjoying all that camp has to offer.

Activities in Camp Maranatha

Camp Maranatha offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and abilities. Here’s a sampling of the activities and experiences available:

Swimming: Dive into their crystal-clear swimming pool or take a refreshing dip in the nearby lake under the supervision of certified lifeguards.
Hiking: Explore the scenic trails surrounding their campgrounds, discovering hidden waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and diverse wildlife along the way.
Arts and Crafts: Summer camps can unleash your creativity in their arts and crafts center, where campers can enjoy a variety of artistic activities such as painting, pottery, tie-dye, and more.
Sports and Recreation: Engage in friendly competition and active play with sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and ultimate frisbee on their well-maintained courts and fields.
Adventure Challenge: Test your courage and teamwork on their high ropes course, zip line, and climbing wall, conquering obstacles and pushing your limits in a safe and supportive environment.
Nature Exploration: Delve into the wonders of the natural world through guided nature walks, wildlife observation, and hands-on environmental education activities.
Campfire and Sing-Alongs: Gather around the campfire for evenings filled with laughter, storytelling, and sing-alongs, creating cherished memories and fostering a sense of community.
Special Events and Traditions: Experience the excitement of special events and traditions unique to Camp Maranatha, such as themed costume parties, talent shows, and camp-wide games.
Skill Development Workshops: Participate in skill-building workshops and clinics led by experienced instructors, offering opportunities to learn new skills and techniques in areas such as photography, cooking, outdoor survival, and more.
Team-Building Activities: Develop communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through engaging in team-building activities and challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among campers.

At Camp Maranatha, they believe in providing a diverse and enriching experience that allows campers to explore their interests, discover new talents, and create lasting memories in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether they’re seeking adventure, creativity, or personal growth, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Camp Maranatha.

The staff of Camp Maranatha

Camp Maranatha is committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for all campers, and their dedicated staff plays a crucial role in ensuring a memorable and positive experience. Here’s an overview of their staffing policies and qualifications:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio: They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention, support, and supervision throughout their time at camp. Their ratio typically adheres to industry standards, with ratios adjusted according to the specific needs and activities of each program.
Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications: Their staff undergo a rigorous hiring process to ensure that they select individuals who are passionate, responsible, and dedicated to the well-being and development of their campers. Their hiring process typically includes an application review, interviews, reference checks, and background screenings.
- Qualifications: They seek staff members who have relevant experience working with children and adolescents, as well as a demonstrated commitment to safety, teamwork, and youth development. Many of their staff members have backgrounds in education, outdoor recreation, counseling, or related fields.
Training and Certifications: Before the start of the camp season, all staff members participate in comprehensive training programs designed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively supervise and support campers. Training topics may include child safety and protection, behavior management, emergency procedures, and program-specific skills.
- CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to obtain current certifications in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid to ensure they can respond effectively to medical emergencies and provide timely assistance to campers in need.
- Additional Certifications: Depending on their roles and responsibilities, staff members may also receive specialized training and certifications in areas such as lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, challenge course facilitation, and more.

At Camp Maranatha, they believe that their staff are their greatest asset, and they are committed to providing them with the support, resources, and training they need to create a safe, inclusive, and transformative experience for all campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Maranatha

Safety and health are paramount priorities at Camp Maranatha, and they maintain rigorous protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of their campers and staff. Here’s an overview of their safety and health measures:

Safety Protocols and Procedures: They have established comprehensive safety protocols and procedures that govern all aspects of camp operations, including program activities, facilities maintenance, transportation, and more. These protocols are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect industry best practices and comply with relevant regulations and standards.
- Activity Safety: All program activities are carefully planned and supervised by trained staff members to minimize risks and ensure the safety of participants. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards, and appropriate safety gear is provided as needed.
- Facility Safety: Their facilities undergo regular inspections and maintenance to identify and address potential hazards. They also conduct routine safety drills and inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety, electrical safety, and other relevant regulations.
On-Site Health Facilities and Staff: Camp Maranatha is equipped with on-site health facilities and staff to provide medical care and support to campers and staff as needed. Their health center is staffed by qualified medical professionals, including registered nurses and/or certified medical assistants, who are available 24/7 to address health concerns and provide treatment as necessary.
- Health Services: Their health center is equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, including minor injuries, illnesses, and medication administration. They also have protocols in place for managing chronic health conditions and emergencies.
Policies on Handling Emergencies: In the event of an emergency, Camp Maranatha has established protocols and procedures to ensure a prompt and effective response. Their staff are trained to respond to emergencies calmly and decisively, following established protocols and seeking assistance from emergency services as needed.
- Emergency Communication: They have communication systems in place to quickly notify staff, campers, and parents/guardians in the event of an emergency. This may include phone calls, text messages, and/or public announcements.
- Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place Procedures: They have evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures in place for various types of emergencies, including severe weather, medical emergencies, and other crises. Staff are trained to lead campers to designated evacuation areas or shelters and to follow established protocols for managing the situation.

At Camp Maranatha, the safety and well-being of their campers and staff are their top priorities, and they are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment where everyone can thrive and enjoy their camp experience to the fullest.

Cost and Registration in Camp Maranatha

At Camp Maranatha, they strive to make their programs accessible to all families while ensuring a high-quality experience for their campers. Here’s an overview of their cost, registration, and financial policies:

Cost of Attendance and What It Includes: The cost of attendance at Camp Maranatha varies depending on the specific program and session selected. Their fees typically include accommodations, meals, program activities, supervision by trained staff, and access to on-site facilities and amenities. Additional costs may apply for optional activities, merchandise, and other extras.
Registration Process and Deadlines: Families can register for Camp Maranatha through their online registration portal or by contacting their camp office directly. Registration typically opens several months in advance of the camp season, and they recommend registering early to secure a spot as space is limited. Deadlines for registration may vary depending on the program and session selected.
Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies: They offer flexible payment plans to accommodate the financial needs of families. Upon registration, families may be required to pay a deposit to secure their spot, with the remaining balance due by a specified deadline. They understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and they have established refund and cancellation policies to address such situations. Refund amounts and deadlines may vary depending on the timing of cancellation and the program selected.
Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid: Camp Maranatha is committed to ensuring that its programs are accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances. They offer scholarships and financial aid to eligible campers based on demonstrated financial need. Families interested in applying for scholarships or financial aid should contact their camp office for more information on eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Cost:

The base price for a summer camp session is $290.
There is a $9 registration fee added to this base price.
They offer early bird discounts:
- 20% off registration and a free camp t-shirt if you register before February 29th.
- 15% off registration and a free photo if you register between March 1st and March 31st.
- 10% off registration between April 1st and April 30th.

Registration:

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to register.

Additional Notes:

Camp Maranatha also offers scholarships to those who can’t afford to send their kid to camp.
They also have a sponsorship program where churches or individuals can sponsor a portion of the registration fees for campers.

At Camp Maranatha, they believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of camp, and they are dedicated to working with families to make that possible. Their registration and financial policies are designed to be transparent, flexible, and supportive, allowing families to plan and prepare for a memorable and rewarding camp experience.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Maranatha

Preparing for Camp Maranatha is an exciting process for both campers and parents. Here’s a guide to help you get ready for an unforgettable experience:

Packing List:

Clothing for various weather conditions (including rain gear)
Comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor activities
Bedding (sheets, blankets, sleeping bag)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap)
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Water bottle
Flashlight or headlamp
Any necessary medications (clearly labeled with instructions)
Writing materials and stationery for sending letters home

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Maranatha encourages campers to disconnect from electronic devices and immerse themselves in the camp experience. Therefore, they have policies restricting the use of personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops during camp sessions.
Visitation: To ensure the safety and security of all campers, they have specific visitation policies in place. Parents/guardians should familiarize themselves with these policies, including designated visitation days/times and check-in procedures.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

Communicate with Your Camper: Before camp begins, have open and honest conversations with your camper about what to expect and any concerns they may have. Reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous or excited about trying something new.
Pack Thoughtfully: Encourage your camper to pack items that will help them feel comfortable and prepared for camp activities. Remind them to label their belongings to avoid mix-ups.
Embrace the Adventure: Encourage your camper to embrace new experiences, make new friends, and step out of their comfort zone. Camp Maranatha offers a supportive environment where campers can grow, learn, and have fun.

By following these guidelines and preparing in advance, both campers and parents can feel confident and excited about the upcoming adventure at Camp Maranatha.

Camp Maranatha is more than just a destination—it’s a home away from home where lifelong memories are made, friendships are forged, and personal growth is nurtured. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Scottsboro, Alabama, their camp offers a diverse range of programs and activities designed to engage, inspire, and empower campers of all ages and interests.

From outdoor adventures and creative arts to sports, STEM exploration, and leadership development, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy at Camp Maranatha. Their dedicated staff is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and transformative experience for every camper, fostering a sense of belonging, community, and self-discovery.