Welcome to Camp Wright, a cherished summer destination nestled in the serene town of Stevensville, Maryland. This idyllic camp is conveniently located on the picturesque eastern shore of Maryland, a stone’s throw from the historic Chesapeake Bay. Surrounded by natural beauty, Camp Wright offers a peaceful retreat where campers can enjoy the splendor of wooded landscapes and waterfront views.

Founded with a vision to create a space where youth can explore, learn, and grow, Camp Wright has been fostering lifelong memories and friendships since its inception. The camp’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment that encourages personal growth, teamwork, and the development of outdoor skills, all underpinned by a commitment to Christian values.

Camp Wright is a facility that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups, typically from 7 to 16 years. The camp offers a broad array of activities tailored to different age levels and interests, ensuring a diverse and inclusive experience for all campers. Whether it’s during day sessions or more immersive overnight stays, each camper is allowed to thrive in a supportive community setting.

Programs Offered by Camp Wright

Camp Wright offers a variety of programs designed to cater to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring that every camper finds something they love. The programs vary in length from one-week sessions to two-week sessions, with options for those who wish to experience camp for most of the summer through consecutive enrollment.

Programs Description:

Traditional Camp: This program encapsulates the classic camp experience with a mix of activities including swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and environmental education. Campers are grouped by age to ensure activities are age-appropriate and engaging.
Adventure Camp: Focused on outdoor skills and exploration, this program includes hiking, kayaking, and overnight camping trips. It’s perfect for older campers looking to challenge themselves and learn about survival skills and teamwork in the great outdoors.
Specialty Camps:
- Arts Camp: Campers can indulge their creative sides in sessions focused on painting, sculpture, music, and drama. This camp often culminates in a showcase for fellow campers.
- Sports Camp: Ideal for athletes, this program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition. Sports offered include soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
- Science Camp: Designed for curious minds, this camp offers hands-on experiments and projects in fields like biology, astronomy, and environmental science.

Typical Daily Schedule:

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning exercise
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities/session 1
10:30 AM: Snack break
11:00 AM: Morning activities/session 2
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Quiet time/rest period
2:30 PM: Afternoon activities/session 3
4:00 PM: Free time
5:00 PM: Dinner
6:30 PM: Evening activities (campfires, talent shows, group games)
8:30 PM: Wind down time
9:30 PM: Lights out

Each day at Camp Wright is structured to balance active engagement with plenty of opportunities for campers to relax and reflect on their experiences. The goal is to foster a well-rounded experience where kids not only have fun but also develop personal and social skills.

Accommodations in Camp Wright

Camp Wright provides comfortable and functional accommodations designed to enhance the camping experience while ensuring safety and community building among campers.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Camp Wright offers rustic yet cozy cabins for sleeping accommodations. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and mattresses and is grouped into cabin circles based on age and program type. This setup fosters a sense of community and allows campers to build close bonds with their peers. For the more adventurous campers, there are also opportunities to experience overnight camping in tents during specific program sessions, adding an authentic outdoor adventure to their camp experience.

Dining Options:

The camp prides itself on its comprehensive meal plan that serves three balanced meals per day, prepared by a dedicated kitchen staff. The dining hall is a communal space where campers gather to enjoy meals and share their daily experiences. Camp Wright is committed to accommodating various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Families are encouraged to communicate any specific dietary restrictions during the registration process to ensure their camper’s needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

The camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities that are conveniently located near the cabin circles. These facilities are separated by gender and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Each bathroom unit includes multiple stalls, sinks, and shower areas to accommodate multiple campers at once, minimizing wait times and ensuring privacy.

Overall, Camp Wright’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to ensure that every camper feels comfortable, safe, and able to fully engage in the joyous camp experience.

Activities in Camp Wright

Camp Wright provides an extensive range of activities designed to cater to all interests and promote skill development, teamwork, and personal growth. Here’s a breakdown of what campers can look forward to:

List of Activities Offered:

Swimming: Summer camps, supervised swimming sessions in the camp’s pool or in designated safe water areas in the bay.
Hiking: Guided trails around the camp’s extensive natural surroundings, exploring local flora and fauna.
Crafts: A variety of arts and crafts activities including pottery, tie-dye, and woodworking.
Archery: Instruction and practice in safely handling and shooting a bow and arrow.
Kayaking and Canoeing: Water-based adventures on the Chesapeake Bay or nearby water bodies.
Sports: Organized games and activities such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Environmental Education: Learning about local ecosystems, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.
Drama and Performance Arts: Opportunities to act, direct, and produce small plays and performances.
Music and Dance: Sessions include both instruction and free-form expression in various musical and dance styles.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening Ceremony: A welcoming event that introduces campers to the camp traditions and staff.
Campfire Nights: Regular evenings spent around a campfire with songs, storytelling, and marshmallow roasting.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days and includes various sporting, trivia, and creative contests.
Talent Shows: An evening for campers to showcase their talents in front of their peers and camp staff.
Closing Ceremony: An end-of-session event to celebrate the achievements of campers with awards and recognitions.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Camp Wright places a strong emphasis on developing a broad range of skills through its activities. Leadership and teamwork are fostered through group sports and team-based challenges. Creative expression is nurtured through arts and crafts, drama, and music activities. Practical skills such as swimming, archery, and kayaking ensure that campers not only have fun but also gain confidence and proficiency in various disciplines. Environmental education sessions encourage awareness and responsibility towards nature and our environment.

Overall, the activities at Camp Wright are designed to ensure that every camper not only has a memorable and enjoyable time but also leaves with new skills, stronger friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The staff of Camp Wright

Camp Wright is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and enriching camp environment, backed by a highly qualified and dedicated staff. Here’s an overview of the staffing structure, the staff-to-camper ratio, the hiring process, qualifications, and training provided to ensure the highest level of care and supervision.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Camp Wright maintains a staff-to-camper ratio of approximately 1:8, ensuring that each camper receives personalized attention and supervision. This ratio is designed to enhance the safety and quality of the camp experience, allowing staff to effectively manage and engage all campers in activities.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: Camp Wright recruits staff from a variety of sources, including local universities, teacher recommendations, and through networks of former campers who return as staff.
Selection Process: Candidates go through a rigorous selection process that includes comprehensive background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure they are a good fit for the camp’s values and standards.
Qualifications: All staff members are required to have previous experience working with children in educational or recreational settings. Additionally, many hold degrees or are pursuing education in relevant fields such as teaching, psychology, environmental science, or physical education.

Training and Certifications:

General Training: All staff undergo a thorough pre-camp training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, activity planning, and child psychology.
Certifications: Staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Those involved in specific activities like swimming or kayaking hold additional certifications relevant to their roles (e.g., lifeguarding, and water safety instructor certifications).
Specialized Training: Depending on their roles, staff may also receive training in areas such as wilderness first aid, archery instruction, and environmental education.

Camp Wright ensures that its staff are not only well-qualified and rigorously trained but also deeply committed to creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment that reflects the camp’s mission and values. This dedication is crucial to fostering an atmosphere where campers can thrive and explore their potential.

Safety and Health in Camp Wright

Camp Wright prioritizes the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining excellent facilities to address any health or safety concerns that may arise during camp sessions.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Daily Check-ins: Each day begins with a health and wellness check for all campers, ensuring that any overnight issues are immediately addressed.
Safety Drills: Regularly scheduled drills are conducted to familiarize campers and staff with protocols for fire, severe weather, and other potential emergencies.
Supervision: Constant supervision is maintained by trained staff members during all activities, especially those that involve higher levels of risk such as swimming, archery, and hiking.
Equipment Checks: All equipment used in activities is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it meets safety standards.
Secure Campus: The camp is secured and monitored to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure camper safety at all times.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Wright has a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses who are on-site 24/7 during camp sessions. The health center is prepared to handle routine health issues and minor injuries.
Healthcare Staff: The healthcare staff at Camp Wright are experienced in pediatric and emergency care, ensuring they are well-prepared to address the specific needs of children and young adults.
Relationships with Local Hospitals: For more serious medical issues, Camp Wright has established protocols and relationships with nearby hospitals and emergency services to ensure quick and comprehensive response times.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Action Plans: Comprehensive emergency action plans are in place, tailored to a variety of potential scenarios. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, there is a clear communication protocol to inform staff and, if necessary, parents and guardians. This ensures that everyone is kept informed and can respond appropriately.
Training: All staff participate in emergency response training, which includes first aid, CPR, and specific scenarios that might occur at camp. This training is integral to ensuring that staff can effectively manage and respond to emergencies.
Evacuation Procedures: Evacuation routes and procedures are clearly defined and communicated to all at the camp. Drills are performed to ensure everyone knows their role and response in the event of an evacuation.

Through these meticulous safety and health protocols, Camp Wright ensures a secure environment where campers can focus on enjoying their activities and experiences without undue concern for their physical well-being.

Cost and Registration in Camp Wright

Camp Wright strives to provide a memorable and enriching camp experience while ensuring the process of registration, payment, and financial assistance is straightforward and accessible to families.

Cost of Attendance:

The cost of attending Camp Wright varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, fees cover:

All lodging and meals
Supervision and instruction for all activities
Use of all camp facilities and equipment
Camp T-shirt and other camp memorabilia

Prices typically range from $300 to $800 per week, depending on whether the camper is enrolled in standard or specialty programs.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Camp Wright offers an online registration portal where parents can fill out forms, choose sessions, and submit necessary health and consent documents.
Deadlines: Registration for summer sessions usually opens in January and continues until spaces are filled. Early registration is encouraged as some programs fill up quickly.
Confirmation: Upon completing registration and payment, families receive a confirmation email with a packet of camp information, including a packing list, schedule, and arrival details.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Camp Wright offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months leading up to the summer.
Refunds: A full refund is typically available until a set deadline in the spring (usually around April 1st), after which a partial refund may be available until a month before the session starts. No refunds are generally offered once the camp session has begun.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or family emergency, Camp Wright tries to work with families to either reschedule or provide a credit for future sessions.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Wright offers scholarships based on financial need. These scholarships can cover a portion or all of the camp fees.
Application for Financial Aid: Parents can apply for financial aid by submitting an application, which usually includes information about household income and a personal statement. The application process for scholarships typically aligns with the early registration period.
External Grants: Additionally, families are encouraged to seek out third-party grants and funding opportunities that may be available through community organizations, schools, or religious groups.

Camp Wright’s commitment to affordability and accessibility ensures that no child is turned away for financial reasons, helping to build a diverse and inclusive camper community.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Wright

Camp Wright aims to prepare both campers and their parents for a successful and enjoyable summer experience. To ensure everyone is ready, here is an essential guide on what to pack, understand the rules and policies, and some tips for first-time campers and parents.

Packing List:

Campers should come prepared with the following items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, swimwear, a jacket, and sturdy footwear (sneakers and hiking boots). Don’t forget a hat and rain gear.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first aid kit.
Other Essentials: Water bottle, flashlight with extra batteries, sunglasses.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a disposable camera (if parents and campers prefer to avoid electronics).

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: Camp Wright encourages a technology-free environment to help campers engage with nature and each other. Cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are generally discouraged and may be collected or limited to specific usage times by the camp staff.
Visitation: Parents are usually welcome to visit on designated days, typically mid-session, to minimize disruption and allow campers to settle into camp life. Specific details and timings are provided before the camp session begins.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and camp property is expected at all times. Bullying, violence, or possession of prohibited items (e.g., drugs, or alcohol) will result in disciplinary action, which could include dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and new friends. This can help alleviate any anxiety.
Communication: Explain how communication will work, including how often and in what form they can expect to hear from their camper. Camps often encourage letter writing for communication.
Homesickness: It’s normal for new campers to experience homesickness. Parents can help by expressing confidence in their child’s ability to handle being away from home.
Independence: Encourage independence in your child by practicing basic self-care skills, such as making the bed, folding clothes, and managing basic hygiene.
Positive Attitude: Both campers and parents should maintain a positive attitude about the upcoming camp experience. The excitement from parents can be contagious and help foster a positive outlook in their child.

By providing clear guidance and support, Camp Wright ensures that both parents and campers are well-prepared and excited for their summer adventure, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for first-time participants.

Camp Wright stands as a beacon of adventure, learning, and community, nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Stevensville, Maryland. With a strong commitment to safety, personal growth, and environmental stewardship, Camp Wright provides an idyllic setting where campers can explore diverse activities, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. Each program is thoughtfully designed to cater to various interests and age groups, ensuring that every camper has a rich and fulfilling experience. From the rustic charm of sleeping in cabins to the joy of campfires under the stars, Camp Wright offers a unique opportunity for children to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.

Parents can trust in the camp’s comprehensive safety protocols and the caring, qualified staff who make every camper’s well-being their priority. Meanwhile, the array of scholarships and financial aid options ensures that no child is left behind due to financial constraints. As families prepare for the journey ahead, they can rest assured that their children will be embarking on a summer adventure that is not just fun and engaging, but also transformative.