Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, Camp Eder is a place where nature meets nurture amidst the rolling hills and lush forests of this tranquil region. Located near historic Gettysburg, their camp offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and spiritual growth, providing a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable camping experience.

Founded on the principles of faith, fellowship, and fun, Camp Eder has been a home away from home for countless youths since its inception. Their mission is to foster personal growth and spiritual development through outdoor activities, communal living, and reflective learning, guided by a commitment to nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.

Camp Eder is a Christian-based camp that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. They specialize in summer sessions for children and teenagers who are eager to explore the great outdoors, make new friends, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enrichment. Whether it’s hiking through the nearby trails, engaging in creative arts, or participating in nightly campfires under the stars, Camp Eder offers a diverse range of activities to suit every interest and age group.

Join us at Camp Eder, where every camper finds a place to grow, learn, and shine within their supportive and loving community.

Programs Offered by Camp Eder

Camp Eder is dedicated to providing a diverse range of programs that cater to the interests and developmental needs of children and teenagers. Their camp sessions and specialty programs are thoughtfully designed to engage campers in both fun and educational activities, ensuring a summer packed with growth and excitement.

Session Lengths:

One-Week Sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers, these sessions offer a taste of all camp activities.
Two-Week Sessions: These allow for deeper engagement and skill development, perfect for returning campers or those looking to immerse more fully in the camp experience.
Full Summer Options: For the ultimate Camp Eder experience, campers can enjoy activities throughout the summer, building lasting friendships and memories.

Specialty Programs:

Arts: From pottery and painting to drama and dance, their arts programs encourage creative expression and innovation.
Sports: They offer a variety of sports programs, including archery, swimming, and team sports, focusing on physical health and teamwork.
Science and Nature: Campers can explore the natural world through guided hikes, wildlife studies, and hands-on environmental science projects.

Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning:
- 7:30 AM – Wake up and personal time
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – Morning devotion and group assembly
- 9:30 AM – Activity Block 1 (e.g., arts and crafts, sports)
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM – Lunch
- 1:00 PM – Quiet time/Rest
- 2:00 PM – Activity Block 2 (e.g., nature hikes, science projects)
- 4:00 PM – Free time or elective activities
Evening:
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
- 7:00 PM – Evening activities (campfires, talent shows, etc.)
- 8:30 PM – Evening devotion
- 9:00 PM – Lights out for younger campers
- 10:00 PM – Lights out for older campers

Each day at Camp Eder is structured to balance active engagement with ample opportunities for rest and reflection, ensuring that each camper experiences personal growth along with plenty of fun. Whether they are exploring new talents, strengthening their faith, or making lifelong friends, campers at Camp Eder find each day full of new adventures and learning opportunities.

Accommodations in Camp Eder

At Camp Eder, they prioritize comfort and safety in their accommodations, ensuring every camper feels at home during their stay. Their facilities are designed to foster community and camaraderie, while also respecting the need for personal space and privacy.

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Their primary accommodation consists of cozy, rustic cabins that house 8-10 campers along with 2 counselors. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. The cabins are grouped in clusters, each with a central area for group activities.
Tents: For specific programs or older camper groups, they provide the option to sleep in tents. This offers a more adventurous experience, allowing campers to connect more closely with nature.
Dorms: Available primarily during retreats or special events outside of the regular summer camp season, their dormitory-style accommodations offer individual beds in a shared space, complete with communal living areas.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Eder provides three nutritious meals per day, served in their communal dining hall where campers and staff gather to eat and share their day’s experiences. Meals are balanced to provide the energy needed for an active day at camp.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of inclusive dining options, they cater to various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals. They aim to ensure that all campers have delicious and safe dining experiences.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Central Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathhouse, which includes multiple toilets, sinks, and private shower stalls. These facilities are gender-segregated and regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort.
Accessibility: All facilities, including dining halls, cabins, and bathrooms, are designed to accommodate campers with disabilities, ensuring easy access for everyone.

At Camp Eder, they strive to provide a living environment that is not only comfortable but also enriching, allowing campers to relax and recharge after a day full of activities. Their goal is for every camper to have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable stay.

Activities in Camp Eder

Camp Eder offers a wide range of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. Their programs encourage exploration, learning, and fun, all within a safe and supportive environment.

List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy the great outdoors with activities like swimming, hiking, canoeing, and archery. Each activity is supervised by trained staff to ensure safety while maximizing fun.
Creative Arts: Summer camps can express their creativity through various crafts, painting, pottery, and woodworking workshops. These activities not only foster creativity but also help develop fine motor skills and patience.
Sports: Engage in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball. These activities are great for teaching teamwork and leadership skills.
Nature Exploration: Learn about local flora and fauna through guided nature walks, environmental education sessions, and hands-on gardening projects.
Spiritual Development: Daily devotions and reflective gatherings provide campers with opportunities to explore and deepen their faith in a supportive community setting.

Special Events or Traditions:

Campfires: Evening campfires are a staple at Camp Eder, featuring storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting. These gatherings foster a sense of community and are often the highlight of a camper’s experience.
End-of-Session Carnival: Each session concludes with a carnival where campers can enjoy games, face painting, and a variety of fun booths, celebrating the end of a successful camp session.
Talent Shows: Campers get to showcase their talents to peers and staff in a supportive and encouraging environment, whether it’s through music, dance, drama, or magic tricks.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to participate in leadership training sessions, where they learn about responsibility, conflict resolution, and leadership skills that are useful both at camp and in their everyday lives.
Environmental Stewardship: Through participating in ecological projects and sustainability workshops, campers learn about environmental conservation and the importance of protecting our planet.
Personal Growth Workshops: These workshops focus on building self-esteem, managing emotions, and effective communication skills.

At Camp Eder, each activity is designed to not only be fun but also to contribute to the personal growth and development of their campers. Whether they’re building a birdhouse, paddling down a river, or leading a team, campers leave with new skills, confidence, and lasting memories.

The staff of Camp Eder

At Camp Eder, they pride themselves on having a dedicated, enthusiastic, and professional staff team that is central to creating a safe, educational, and fun-filled camping experience for every camper. Their commitment to maintaining high standards for their staff ensures that each camper receives individual attention and care.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that every camper gets the attention and supervision they need. Typically, their ratio is 1 staff member for every 5 campers, which allows us to provide a high level of care and personalized interaction.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: They recruit staff from a variety of sources, including colleges, universities, and community organizations, with a focus on finding individuals who are passionate about youth development and outdoor education.
Qualifications: All prospective staff members must undergo a rigorous selection process that includes background checks, interviews, and reference checks. They prioritize candidates who have experience in education, psychology, recreation, or related fields.
Diversity and Inclusion: They strive for a diverse staff to reflect the varied backgrounds of their campers. Inclusion training is a key part of their orientation to ensure all campers feel welcomed and understood.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo comprehensive training that covers camp operations, emergency procedures, child psychology, and conflict resolution. This training ensures that their staff are well-prepared to handle a variety of situations that may arise at camp.
Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional certifications, such as lifeguarding, wilderness first responder, and specific activity certifications (e.g., archery, boating), are required for staff overseeing particular activities.
Ongoing Education: Throughout the camping season, they provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to keep their staff’s skills sharp and up-to-date.

The dedication and expertise of their staff at Camp Eder are what make their camp experience so impactful. Each staff member is committed to creating a supportive environment where campers can learn, grow, and have fun safely. With a team that’s as passionate about education and adventure as they are about fostering meaningful camper relationships, Camp Eder remains a trusted choice for parents and a memorable place for campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Eder

At Camp Eder, the safety and health of their campers and staff are their top priorities. They have established comprehensive protocols and equipped their camp with the necessary facilities and trained personnel to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to act in different scenarios.
Activity Safety: Each activity is supervised by staff members who are trained and certified in that specific area. Safety gear and instructions are provided for activities such as swimming, archery, and hiking.
Safety Guidelines: They adhere strictly to safety guidelines and best practices in the camping industry, including those recommended by local health and safety authorities and national camping associations.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Their on-site health center is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses or a part-time visiting doctor. The center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary medical supplies and medications.
Availability: The health center is open throughout the day with 24-hour availability for emergencies. Their health staff are also trained to manage chronic conditions and administer medications as needed.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, all campers undergo a health check to identify any existing conditions or needs that their staff should be aware of during their stay at camp.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: Camp Eder has a detailed emergency response plan that includes procedures for various potential scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and missing campers.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, they have protocols for quickly notifying all camp staff and, if necessary, local emergency services. They also have a clear plan for communicating with parents and guardians about the situation and the status of their children.
Training: All staff members receive training in emergency preparedness and response. This training is integral to their orientation program and is updated regularly to reflect any changes in best practices or local guidelines.

By maintaining strict safety standards and ensuring that their staff are well-prepared to handle any situation, Camp Eder provides a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind. Their commitment to health and safety is integral to their mission, ensuring that every camper has a safe, enjoyable, and healthy summer experience.

Cost and Registration in Camp Eder

Camp Eder strives to provide an enriching and accessible camp experience for all children and teenagers. Understanding the importance of clear and straightforward registration and financial information, they offer detailed guidance on the cost, registration process, and available financial support options.

Cost of Attendance:

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Eder varies depending on the length of the session and the specific programs selected. Fees typically cover all aspects of the camp experience including lodging, meals, activities, and any equipment needed for special programs.
What’s Included: Registration fees include full participation in camp programs, accommodation in their cabins or dorms, three daily meals, and access to all camp facilities and recreational equipment.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

How to Register: Registration can be completed online where you can fill out all necessary forms, select your session and activities, and submit any required medical information.
Deadlines: They recommend registering early as spaces fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for each session are listed, usually a few months before the camp season begins. Early registration not only secures a spot but often comes with an early bird discount.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Understanding that paying for camp can be a significant expense, they offer structured payment plans that allow families to pay for camp in installments over time rather than all at once.
Refunds and Cancellations: If you need to cancel your registration, a full refund is available up to a certain date, which is typically one month before the session starts. After this date, partial refunds may be available, except in cases of illness or family emergency.
Cancellation Policy: Detailed information about cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, such as severe weather or health concerns, is provided during the registration process.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: They offer a number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover part or all of the cost of attending camp.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available based on a family’s financial situation. They encourage families to apply early for financial aid as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

At Camp Eder, they believe that cost should not be a barrier to a meaningful camp experience. Their registration process is designed to be as accessible as possible, and they are committed to providing support to ensure that all interested campers have the opportunity to join us for a summer of fun and learning.

Cost:

Senior High (Grades 9-12) $365
Junior High (Grades 7-8) $365
Rock Climbing Camp (Grades 7-12) $390
Shining Stars (Ages 15+) $365
Wet and Wild (Grades 7-12) $440

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Eder

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both campers and their families. To ensure that everyone is ready for the adventure, they provide a comprehensive guide covering packing essentials, camp rules and policies, and tips for first-time campers and parents.

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing including t-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. Include a hat and swimsuit, plus sturdy shoes for hiking and sandals for showers.
Bedding: Bring a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket, plus a pillow for comfort in the cabins.
Personal Items: Toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essentials. Towels for both swimming and showering are also needed.
Special Gear: Depending on the activities chosen, specific gear like a flashlight, day pack, or sports equipment might be required.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted at Camp Eder. Devices may be used during designated times under the supervision of camp staff.
Visitation: Parents and guardians are welcome to visit on designated days to prevent disruptions to the camp schedule and activities. All visitors must check in at the camp office upon arrival.
Behavioral Expectations: Camp Eder promotes a respectful and inclusive environment. They expect all campers to follow guidelines around behavior, including respect for others, participation in activities, and adherence to safety rules.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Be open to new experiences: Camp is a great place to try new things and meet new friends. Engage fully and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
- Stay organized: Keep your belongings tidy and know where your essentials are. It will make your camp experience smoother and more enjoyable.
For Parents:
- Discuss expectations: Talk about what camp will be like, covering everything from activities to living with other campers. This can help alleviate any anxiety your child may have.
- Stay positive: Your enthusiasm about the camp experience can help build excitement and confidence in your child.
- Pack together: Packing with your child ensures they know what they have brought and helps them manage their own belongings while at camp.

Preparing for camp, especially for the first time, can be a blend of excitement and nervousness. By following these guidelines and tips, campers and parents can feel more confident and ready for the upcoming camp adventure at Camp Eder.

Camp Eder is more than just a summer camp—it’s a community where children and teenagers come together to grow, explore, and create lasting memories in a supportive and nurturing environment. Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, their camp offers a diverse array of activities, from outdoor adventures and creative arts to sports and nature explorations. Each program is designed to build skills, foster personal growth, and encourage new friendships.

Their dedicated staff ensures that every camper feels safe, valued, and engaged, maintaining a low staff-to-camper ratio and providing professional care and supervision. The health and safety protocols at Camp Eder are comprehensive, ensuring that parents can trust us with the wellbeing of their children.