Camp Jekyll is nestled on the serene and picturesque Jekyll Island in Georgia, a prime location that boasts an environment rich in natural beauty and history. This camp, situated within the coastal region of Georgia, is not just a place for outdoor activities but a venue rich in cultural and environmental significance, making it a unique destination for campers. Surrounded by the island’s notable landmarks, including the historic district and beautiful beaches, Camp Jekyll offers a blend of recreational and educational experiences.

The camp has a storied history, evolving over the years to become a beloved site for youth education and adventure. It stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to providing enriching experiences for the younger generation, set against the backdrop of Jekyll Island’s rich ecological and historical tapestry.

At the heart of Camp Jekyll is a mission to inspire young minds and hearts to grow in their appreciation for nature, develop a sense of community, and foster personal growth and leadership skills. The camp’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that experiential learning in the outdoors is essential to holistic development, encouraging campers to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world and each other.

Camp Jekyll serves as a facility, welcoming both boys and girls across various age groups. It offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the developmental needs and interests of its diverse camper population. From environmental education to adventure-based activities, Camp Jekyll is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and transformative camping experience for every young individual who steps onto the island.

Programs Offered by Camp Jekyll

Camp Jekyll offers an array of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental stages of its campers, emphasizing outdoor education, personal growth, and the joy of discovery. The camp’s programs are thoughtfully structured to ensure a balance between fun, learning, and adventure.

Description of Programs

Environmental Education: Camp Jekyll’s flagship program immerses campers in the rich biodiversity of Jekyll Island. Activities include guided nature walks, wildlife observation, and hands-on science experiments aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.
Adventure Camps: These sessions are filled with activities like kayaking, hiking, and ropes courses, designed to challenge campers physically and mentally, promoting teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.
Creative Arts: For campers inclined towards creativity, this program offers arts and crafts, theater, music, and dance, allowing them to explore and express their artistic talents in a nurturing environment.
Sports and Recreation: Tailored for the active and athletic, this program includes a variety of sports and team-building games, emphasizing healthy competition, sportsmanship, and fun.

Length of Sessions

Camp Jekyll’s programs typically run for one to two weeks, with some specialty camps extending up to three weeks for a more immersive experience. The camp also offers shorter sessions of a few days for schools or groups interested in specific educational outings.

Specialty Programs

Marine Biology Camp: A deep dive into marine science, where campers learn about marine ecosystems, participate in beach and marsh clean-ups, and engage in citizen science projects.
Leadership Development: Designed for older campers, this program focuses on developing leadership skills through workshops, mentoring younger campers, and leading group projects.
Outdoor Survival Skills: Campers learn about navigation, wilderness first aid, and survival techniques, emphasizing the importance of respecting and understanding nature.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Jekyll is structured to maximize learning, fun, and rest, ensuring campers are engaged and energized throughout their stay.

Morning: After breakfast, campers engage in educational sessions or activities related to their program theme.
Midday: Lunch followed by a brief rest period allows campers to recharge.
Afternoon: Activities continue, with campers rotating through different stations or workshops, ensuring a diverse experience each day.
Evening: After dinner, campers might participate in campfires, storytelling, or talent shows, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Night: The day concludes with a quiet reflection or group discussion, setting the stage for restful sleep.

Camp Jekyll’s programs are designed with the intention of offering a memorable, impactful, and enjoyable camping experience, where every camper leaves with new skills, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Accommodations in Camp Jekyll

Camp Jekyll is equipped to provide comfortable and functional accommodations to ensure a pleasant stay for all campers. The camp’s facilities are designed to cater to the needs of young adventurers, providing a safe and supportive environment that enhances their camping experience.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Campers typically stay in well-maintained cabins that house multiple occupants. These cabins are designed to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among campers, featuring bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning and heating to ensure comfort throughout the year.
Dormitory-Style Lodging: For larger groups or specific programs, Camp Jekyll also offers dormitory-style accommodations. These larger buildings can accommodate more campers and are often used for school trips or larger camp sessions.
Tents: For certain programs focused on outdoor survival skills or more immersive nature experiences, campers may have the opportunity to stay in tents. This option allows campers to connect more closely with the natural environment under the guidance and supervision of experienced staff.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Jekyll provides nutritious and tasty meal plans that cater to the energy needs of active campers. Meals are served in a communal dining hall, where campers gather to eat together, fostering a sense of community. The menu is varied throughout the camp session to accommodate different tastes and preferences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp Jekyll offers options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific food allergies or dietary restrictions. Parents and campers are encouraged to communicate any dietary needs prior to arrival to ensure appropriate accommodations are made.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathrooms and Showers: The camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities, which are centrally located for easy access from the cabins and dormitories. These facilities are separated by gender and are designed to ensure privacy and cleanliness. Camp Jekyll prioritizes the maintenance of these facilities to ensure health and hygiene standards are met.
Accessibility: Camp Jekyll strives to accommodate campers with disabilities, offering accessible bathroom and shower options to ensure every camper’s needs are met.

Camp Jekyll’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to ensure that every camper’s stay is comfortable, safe, and conducive to an enjoyable camping experience. The camp staff is dedicated to maintaining these facilities to the highest standards, ensuring that all campers have a positive and memorable stay.

Activities in Camp Jekyll

Camp Jekyll offers a wide range of activities designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of its campers. These activities not only ensure that campers have a fun and engaging experience but also provide opportunities for learning and skill development in various areas.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: With access to beautiful beaches, swimming is a popular activity at Camp Jekyll, offering both fun and instruction in water safety.
Hiking: The camp’s location allows for scenic hikes through diverse ecosystems, where campers can learn about local flora and fauna.
Crafts: Creative sessions in arts and crafts allow campers to express themselves through different mediums, from painting to pottery.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddling sports introduce campers to basic watercraft safety and navigation, fostering teamwork and coordination.
Archery: Under supervised instruction, campers can learn or improve their archery skills, focusing on safety, technique, and precision.
Environmental Education: Activities like bird watching, seashell collecting, and nature walks emphasize environmental stewardship and science.
Team Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other team sports encourage healthy competition, sportsmanship, and physical fitness.
Outdoor Skills: Summer camps can learn survival skills, including building shelters, fire-making, and orienteering, enhancing their outdoor literacy and self-reliance.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: Traditional campfire gatherings include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents and celebrate the diverse abilities of their peers.
Environmental Stewardship Days: Dedicated days for beach clean-ups or conservation projects on the island, teaching campers the value of caring for the environment.
End-of-Camp Celebration: A festive event to mark the end of the camp session, often featuring a cookout, awards, and reflections on the camp experience.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership: Through activities that require teamwork and problem-solving, campers can develop leadership skills and confidence in guiding others.
Environmental Awareness: Interactive sessions and hands-on conservation projects increase campers’ awareness of environmental issues and their role in ecosystem health.
Artistic Expression: Through various arts and crafts activities, campers explore their creativity and develop artistic skills.
Physical Fitness: Engagement in sports and outdoor activities promotes physical health and introduces campers to new hobbies for a healthy lifestyle.
Social Skills: Living and participating in activities with peers from diverse backgrounds enhances campers’ social skills, including communication, cooperation, and empathy.

Camp Jekyll’s comprehensive range of activities, special events, and skill development opportunities ensure a memorable and enriching experience for every camper. The camp’s programs are designed to foster growth, learning, and fun in a supportive and natural environment.

The staff of Camp Jekyll

Camp Jekyll is committed to maintaining a high-quality, experienced, and dedicated staff to ensure a safe, educational, and fun experience for all campers. Understanding the importance of supervision, skill development, and emergency preparedness, the camp adheres to strict standards in staff hiring, training, and camper supervision.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Jekyll maintains a favorable staff-to-camper ratio to ensure adequate supervision, personalized attention, and quality programming. The ratio is designed to meet or exceed industry standards and best practices, typically around 1 staff member for every 8 to 10 campers. This ratio allows for a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that each camper receives the guidance and attention they need.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Camp Jekyll recruits staff from a variety of sources, including colleges, universities, and professional networks, focusing on individuals with experience and a passion for youth development and outdoor education.
Background Checks: All potential staff undergo comprehensive background checks, including criminal history and reference checks, to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
Qualifications: Preferred qualifications for staff include experience in education, recreation, or a related field, as well as personal attributes such as leadership, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Staff often have previous experience working with children in camp, educational, or recreational settings.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the commencement of camp sessions, all staff participate in intensive pre-camp training. This training covers camp policies and procedures, emergency response protocols, program planning, and effective communication with children.
CPR and First Aid: All camp staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid to ensure they are prepared to respond to health and safety emergencies. Additional training in lifeguarding, wilderness first aid, or specific activity safety may be required for certain positions.
Continuous Education: Camp Jekyll supports ongoing staff development through workshops, in-service training, and professional development opportunities throughout the camp season. This ensures that staff remain current on best practices in youth development, safety standards, and program delivery.

Camp Jekyll’s commitment to a rigorous hiring process, comprehensive training, and maintaining an optimal staff-to-camper ratio reflects its dedication to providing a high-quality camp experience. The camp’s investment in its staff ensures that campers not only enjoy their time at Camp Jekyll but also learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Safety and Health in Camp Jekyll

Camp Jekyll prioritizes the safety and health of all its campers and staff, implementing comprehensive safety protocols and maintaining on-site health facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment. Through meticulous planning and adherence to strict safety standards, the camp aims to prevent accidents and efficiently manage any emergencies that may arise.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Activity Safety: All activities at Camp Jekyll are designed and conducted with safety as the foremost priority. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and activities are supervised by staff trained in the specific safety requirements of each activity, including swimming, archery, and high ropes courses.
Emergency Drills: Regular emergency drills are conducted to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures for fires, severe weather, and other potential emergencies. This preparation helps to ensure a calm and organized response in the event of an actual emergency.
Safety Guidelines: Campers are briefed on safety guidelines and expectations upon arrival and are reminded of these rules throughout their stay. Staff enforce a culture of safety that includes wearing appropriate gear for activities, staying hydrated, and applying sunscreen.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Jekyll is equipped with an on-site health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, such as nurses or EMTs, who are available 24/7 to address health concerns or injuries. The health center is stocked with first aid supplies and equipment necessary for treating minor injuries and illnesses.
Medical Protocols: The camp has established protocols for the management of common health issues, including allergies, asthma, and minor injuries. Health staff are trained to recognize when a camper requires more specialized care and have procedures in place for transferring campers to local hospitals if necessary.
Medication Management: The health center staff oversees the storage and administration of medications for campers, ensuring that medications are dispensed safely and according to prescribed schedules.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Jekyll has a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines procedures for various scenarios, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, and missing persons. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices in emergency management.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, Camp Jekyll has a clear communication plan for notifying parents or guardians. The camp ensures timely and accurate information is provided to families, along with updates on the situation and the well-being of their child.
Partnerships with Local Authorities: The camp maintains strong relationships with local emergency services, including fire, police, and medical facilities, ensuring a quick and coordinated response when external assistance is needed.

Camp Jekyll’s dedication to safety and health is evident in its comprehensive safety protocols, well-equipped health facilities, and detailed emergency response policies. By creating a safe environment, the camp allows campers to focus on enjoying their experiences, learning new skills, and making lasting memories.

Cost and Registration in Camp Jekyll

Camp Jekyll strives to offer an accessible and valuable camping experience, understanding the importance of clear and transparent information regarding costs, registration, and financial support options. Below is an overview of the key aspects related to cost, registration, and financial considerations for attending Camp Jekyll.

Cost of Attendance

Most groups select our 3-day, 2-night GA 4-H Environmental Education Field Study which includes 2 nights lodging in our cabins, 7 meals served in our dining hall, 9 Jekyll instructor-led classes and 3 teacher-led programs. The per person charge for this ’standard’ field study for the 2023-2024 school year is $170.00/pp (per student, teacher/administrator, and parent chaperone). Number of nights, meals, and programs can be adjusted which will affect the cost so please contact us as we will work to create the ideal field study for your school and students needs! Our standard 3-day, 2-night field study

What It Includes: The cost of attendance typically covers all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging in cabins or dormitories, all meals and snacks, program materials for various activities, and any specialized equipment needed. It also includes the supervision and guidance provided by trained camp staff and any transportation provided by the camp for off-site excursions.
Additional Costs: Parents should be aware of any additional costs that may not be covered in the base price, such as camp merchandise, photos, or special field trips that may require an extra fee.

Registration Process and Deadlines

How to Register: Registration for Camp Jekyll is usually conducted online through the camp’s official website. The process involves filling out necessary forms, including medical information and emergency contact details, and selecting preferred session dates and program tracks.
Deadlines: Camp Jekyll typically sets registration deadlines well in advance of the camp start dates. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in preferred sessions, as space can be limited and some programs may fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding the financial burden that camp fees can represent for some families, Camp Jekyll often offers flexible payment plans. These plans allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months leading up to the session start date.
Refunds and Cancellation: The camp’s policies on refunds and cancellations will detail how fees are handled in the event a camper cannot attend as planned. Typically, a portion of the camp fee may be non-refundable, and refunds for cancellations made close to the session start date may be limited. Parents are encouraged to review these policies carefully at the time of registration.
Insurance: Some families choose to purchase camp insurance, which can provide reimbursement for camp fees in the case of cancellation due to illness or other covered reasons.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Availability: Camp Jekyll is committed to making the camp experience accessible to all children, regardless of financial situation. To this end, the camp may offer scholarships or financial aid to families in need.
How to Apply: Information on how to apply for financial assistance is usually available on the camp’s website. Applications for financial aid typically require documentation of financial need and a written statement or application form.
Selection Process: The selection process for scholarships and financial aid is often competitive, with awards made based on demonstrated need and, in some cases, the camper’s personal statement or application responses.

Camp Jekyll’s approach to cost, registration, and financial assistance reflects its commitment to inclusivity and the belief that every child deserves the enriching experience of camp. Families are encouraged to reach out to the camp administration with any questions or concerns regarding financial matters to ensure their children can participate in this transformative experience.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Jekyll

Preparing for a stay at Camp Jekyll involves careful planning to ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable, enjoyable, and safe experience. Here’s a guide to help both parents and campers get ready for their adventure, including what to pack, understanding camp rules and policies, and tips for those new to the camp experience.

Packing List

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the duration of the stay, including:
- T-shirts, shorts, and long pants
- Sweatshirts or jackets for cooler evenings
- Swimsuits and beach towels for water activities
- Sturdy footwear (sneakers and/or hiking boots) and plenty of socks
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Bedding and Toiletries: Although some accommodations provide bedding, check if you need to bring:
- Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets
- Pillow
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Towels for bathing and swimming
Miscellaneous:
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Any necessary medications (with clear instructions for camp health staff)

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Camp Jekyll typically encourages a break from technology to help campers connect with nature and each other. Expect restrictions on the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, with specific times and places for use if allowed at all.
Visitation: To ensure the safety and security of campers, visitation policies are strictly enforced. Parents and guardians should understand the camp’s specific guidelines regarding visiting days or contact during the session.
Behavior Expectations: Camp Jekyll will have clear rules regarding camper behavior, including respect for others, participation in scheduled activities, and adherence to safety guidelines. Understanding and agreeing to these rules is essential for all campers.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Familiarize with the Camp: Review the camp’s website or materials together, discussing what the daily schedule looks like and highlighting exciting activities. This can help set expectations and build excitement.
Practice Independence: For many campers, this may be their first time away from home. Practice routines like making the bed, organizing belongings, and personal hygiene independently.
Stay Positive: It’s normal for both parents and campers to feel anxious about being apart. Focus on the positive aspects of camp, such as making new friends, learning new skills, and gaining independence.
Communication: Understand the camp’s policies on communication. Write letters or emails if permitted, and encourage your camper to do the same. Avoid making promises about early pickups if homesickness sets in; instead, reassure them of their ability to overcome challenges.
Trust the Staff: Remember that camp staff are experienced and trained to ensure campers have a safe, enjoyable experience. They’re equipped to handle homesickness, disputes among campers, and other common issues.

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately for the camp experience, both parents and campers can ensure a smooth transition to camp life, making the most of the opportunities for growth, fun, and adventure that Camp Jekyll offers.

Camp Jekyll stands as a beacon of adventure, learning, and growth for young campers from diverse backgrounds. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Jekyll Island, Georgia, this camp offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a wide array of activities and programs designed to challenge, educate, and inspire. From environmental education and outdoor survival skills to creative arts and team sports, Camp Jekyll ensures a holistic development experience in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.

The camp’s commitment to fostering a sense of community, environmental stewardship, and personal growth is evident in every aspect of its operations. With a staff dedicated to creating an inclusive and enriching experience, Camp Jekyll prioritizes the safety, well-being, and happiness of each camper. The carefully crafted programs, alongside the camp’s beautiful natural setting, provide an unparalleled opportunity for campers to explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships.