Shrine Mont Camps, 2014 by Runningfire

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

shrine mont camps 2014

Mission of Shrine Mont Camps

Safe-Camp Commitment

The Diocese of Virginia’s summer camp program at Shrine Mont promotes the emotional and spiritual development of children, youth, and young adults through the fostering of a safe and positive environment for all. It is the goal of this program to encourage the growth of relationships with God, others, and self.

At Shrine Mont Camps, we strive to create a diverse and safe community that welcomes campers and staff from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental ability, or sexual orientation in the administration of any of our programs. All camp activities will promote and maintain the personal and emotional safety of all campers and staff.

Inside 3

Letter from the director

Camp descriptions, dates and rates

Find the camp for you

Typical schedule and packing list

How to register

Scholarship information

What campers can expect

“ T he camps are magical places. The warmth and love that emanates from everyone is incredible.”

About Shrine Mont Camps The Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration and a Retreat Center of the Diocese of Virginia Shrine Mont is located in Orkney Springs, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The summer program at Shrine Mont is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, which offers nine amazing camps each summer. From hiking to singing, arts and crafts to an evening spent playing Capture the Flag, all of our camps offer a mixture of recreation, group building, spiritual development, and just plain old fun. No matter how old or young you are – whether you have been an Episcopalian your whole life or are just checking out the Church – if you are interested in spending some time in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with others in a warm, safe, and welcoming environment, we’ve got a spot for you! Shrine Mont is located on 1,000 acres of forest – which means there is plenty of space for hiking, camping, and enjoying God’s created world. There are three camp sites, complete with cabins, modern bath facilities, camp fire rings, and recreation studios. Campers eat three well balanced and plentiful meals in one of the two dining halls, and they find themselves playing games on one of the fields (including a soccer field and basketball court), swimming in the pool and exploring or canoeing on one of the ponds in the area. Our staff is chosen for their maturity, dedication, and ability to serve as appropriate role models for their campers. Each counselor is interviewed and screened, and we have an extensive training program for all staff before the first camper sets foot onto the mountain. There are always one or two registered nurses onsite to care for the medical needs of the camp community. Chaplains work with each camp to help address the spiritual needs of the campers.

Dear Parents, Time feels different when you are at camp. For the staff and campers who call Shrine Mont “home” for part of the summer, the time is so full that each day creates a week’s worth of memories. At the same time, a week of camp flies by and sometimes feels like it only lasts the length of a day! With nine different camps cycling in and out on any particular day, I’m used to memories blending and blurring by the end of the season. Without fail, though, there are always a handful of moments from the summer that stand out in my mind long after the weather turns chilly. I’d like to share one of those memories with you. It was “North Mountain hike day” at one of the camps, and one camper couldn’t participate in the hike and had to stay in the infirmary with our nurses. At lunchtime, I walked to the dining hall and discovered a rare occurrence: for various reasons, there were actually NO CAMPERS in either of our dining halls! The lunchtime camp community was reduced to just a small group of leadership staff, nurses and one camper. We hesitated in the entrance to the dining hall, looking around at each other, and then someone made an audacious suggestion: Maybe we could go off campus for lunch! In one minute, we were all buckling up and heading down Rt. 263. This ragtag group – two nurses, one camper, my assistant and myself – giggled as we drove down the street. We certainly felt like we were doing something wild; leaving Shrine Mont when the rest of the camp was on top of North Mountain! We stopped at the diner in Bayse, and as we were getting out of the car, the walkie-talkie on my hip crackled to life. It was the camp! They were on top of the mountain! And they wanted to say “hi”! Our lunchtime group walked around until we found just the right location: We could see the rock where the camp was situated clearly from where we stood and could almost make out some figures from so far away. We stood quietly and listened. And listened. Finally, we caught a sound rolling off the mountain – the Shouting Prayer! We looked around at each other with even more excitement than before. Here we were… OFF the mountain… looking up at a rock… and listening to the camp shout things like GOD LOVES THE WORLD and GOD LOVES YOU at us! We shouted the responses back to camp and then entered the restaurant, where we had a fantastic meal and lively conversation. As we returned to Shrine Mont, I chuckled to myself about the events of that day. Spending those few hours with my leadership team and one very enthusiastic camper has remained in my mind long after the summer ended. To me, that afternoon held many of the components of what makes life at Shrine Mont Camp so wonderful. We work our hardest to show each camper how important he or she is - not only to us but to God. It’s our hope that at the end of each session, every child goes home with the knowledge that he or she is valuable, important and worthy of being loved. Our aim is to empower and inspire all campers to take that image of themselves and use it to go out and show that love to the world after camp ends. You may not be able to be at Shrine Mont – or even with camp – all the time, but you can still be connected. There is a community that will stand with you, even when you have an audacious idea like leaving on a whim for a burger. And sometimes, when you least expect it, you may look up to a mountain and hear your camp family reminding you how much you (and me, and we) are loved by God. Paris Ball Director of Christian Formation and Shrine Mont Camps

Our Camps Art Camp At Art Camp we work on projects in a variety of media, allowing campers to express their individuality and creativity. We explore how this creativity can bring us closer to God while also enjoying all the usual camp activities - campfires, swimming, games, singing, worship, and more. You don’t need to be a master artist, just interested in creating, having fun and making new friends. Art Camp is specifically designed for young people aged 8-15 to attend camp together. It’s an opportunity for siblings or church groups to attend camp together. Campers will be placed in cabins by ages. Siblings and church friends are placed in different cabin groups to allow everyone to make new friends. For some activities the camp will be split into two groups, 8-12 year olds and 13-15 year olds; for other activities we will have the entire camp together. WHO Ages 8-15 WHEN Opens Saturday, August 2, 2 p.m. Closes Sunday, August 10, 10 a.m. COST $630

Explorers’ Camp Play in the dirt, go hiking, camping, swimming, canoeing and explore the world around you! At Explorers’ Camp, you’ll learn how to take care of God’s creation at camp and at home. Spend time looking at everything a little closer, to see things others might miss. Campers learn conservation, outdoor and camping skills–and have fun doing it all! Spend time outside and discover the world around you and the spirit within you. Explorers’ I (Ages 9-11) when Opens Monday, July 14, 2 p.m. Closes Monday, July 21, 10 a.m. cost $545 Explorers’ II (Ages 12-14) When Opens Wednesday, July 23, 2 p.m. Closes Friday, August 1, 10 a.m. Cost $720

Let your voice be heard! Music and Drama (MAD) is a high-energy, highly inclusive camp focused on the preparation of a biblically based musical that features the unique talents of each performer, be it dance, voice, instrument, set design, or something new! Campers do it all: from learning songs and movements to creating sets and costumes. In addition, we swim, hike, play games, worship, and make lifelong friends. The oldest session of high schoolers takes their show “on the road.” Campers tour around the Shenandoah Valley performing their show, meeting and engaging enthusiastic audiences, and seeing a professional musical. Be a star! Join us at MAD Camp! MAD I (Ages 9-11) When O pens Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. Closes Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m. Cost $545

Explorers’ the Great This one-session event builds on the skills and themes found in Explorers’ Camp, but is for campers who are interested in additional time in the outdoors. We will take our camp and ourselves on extended trips into the wild, truly dwelling in God’s magnificent creation. This camp spends most of its time exploring the natural playground around us through several multi-night hiking, canoeing, and camping trips. Sign up, pack up, and head out with Explorers’ the Great! (No experience or equipment is required – just a desire for a challenging and fulfilling week in the “Great Outdoors.”) Who Ages 15-17 When Opens Sunday, June 22, 2 p.m. Closes Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m. Cost $875

Family Camp

Music and Drama Camp

Camp

MAD II (Ages 12-14) When O pens Tuesday, July 1, 2 p.m. Closes Wednesday, July 9, 11 a.m. Cost $695 MAD III (15 to Rising Seniors). When O pens Friday, July 11, 2 p.m. Closes Wednesday, July 23, 11 a.m. Cost $945

Looking to plan a family vacation this summer? Spend some time playing, laughing and Open growing in faith as a family at Family Camp! Nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah House Scholarships are Mountains, your family will be accommodated in private lodgings and will have widely available. See communal dining, offering the chance to share in God’s grace with other families. If you and your family would like page 9 for more Family Camp offers structured and age-appropriate activities in the morning, a chance to spend an afternoon with information. relaxing down time with optional activities in the afternoon, and a fun-filled current and former camp leadership to ask evening program after dinner, all of which allows for family bonding as questions and hear more about all the camps at well as making new friends. Family Camp is suited for families of all Shrine Mont, we encourage you to sign up for one of sorts – children not required! Sign up today and get ready for fun, our camp open house dates. You will get a tour of all of the new friendships, and a spectacular week at CAMP for everyone! facilities and a chance to meet other camper families and spend Who All Ages time getting excited about CAMP! This can help campers and their When O pens Sunday, July 6, 2 p.m. families feel more comfortable before their first experience at Shrine Mont, Closes Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. and it’s a great way to spend a spring afternoon. Cost $595: Adult $370: 13-17 year olds Sunday, May 4, 2014, 1:30-3 p.m. $300: 8-12 year olds Saturday, May 17 2014, 1:30-3 p.m. $170: 4-7 year olds FREE: 0-3 year olds You can sign up for either of these dates by calling Meg Schwarz at 800-DIOCESE x1043. Please give at least a week’s notice, so that we can plan accordingly. If you are interested in joining us for lunch before the tour begins, ask about availability when you sign up.

See you at camp!!

Shrine Mont Camps…

Senior High Youth Conference (SHYC) SHYC is a camp for high school youth who are interested in exploring their faith more deeply while giving back to the community. We spend the week questioning how to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22) while creating a close and welcoming community and reaching out to those around us. Expect to challenge and stretch yourself physically and spiritually while having a ton of fun and hanging out with awesome people! This camp goes “off campus” several times during the week to participate in service projects in the Shenandoah Valley, but returns each night for discussions, games, dance parties, and so much more! Who Rising 9th Graders – Rising Seniors When Opens Sunday, July 20, 2 p.m. Closes Sunday, July 27, 10 a.m. Cost $600

St. Andrew’s Camp Avoid the crowds at St. Andrew’s! This is a small “family-style” camp offered specifically for children who need high levels of structure and personal attention. The entire camp lives in a Shrine Mont cottage (rather than in the cabins), and the daily schedule is structured to provide routine and predictability to help campers feel safe while participating in the same “camp” activities the other programs offer. St. Andrew’s campers participate in a program that involves swimming, art, worship, games, camping (overnight!), hiking, singing, and much more! This camp particularly welcomes all campers who, for a variety of reasons, have specific social, environmental, or behavioral needs. Some of our past campers are on the autism spectrum, are living with emotional or sensory issues or severe ADHD, or for a variety of reasons need individualized attention or support. Many campers attend St. Andrew’s for their first year or more until they grow comfortable with the camp environment and begin to attend another camp. It is our goal to provide all campers with a successful camping experience, and the camper:staff ratio at this camp is 2:1. Who Ages 8-12 When Opens Sunday, June 22, 10 a.m. Closes Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m. Cost $590

St. Elizabeth’s Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp gives individuals with mild to moderate disabilities the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities in a supportive environment. Our campers have their own volunteer counselor buddy who will be a constant friend and assist in daily activities. Together they will stay in cabins and share exciting activities including swimming, canoeing, worship, art, and fishing. A typical St. Elizabeth’s camper is between 14-25 years old, attends to personal needs independently, and effectively communicates with others. St. Elizabeth’s Camp is made possible because of the generosity of volunteers. We challenge volunteer counselors to focus solely on the needs and well-being of our campers. This role requires energy, maturity, compassion, a sense of humor, and good judgment. If you are at least 15 years old and want to positively impact the lives of individuals with special needs, then St. Elizabeth’s is the place for you! Go to www.shrinemontcamps.net to download a counselor application. Who Ages 14-25 When Opens Saturday, July 26, 2 p.m. Closes Wednesday, July 30, 10 a.m. Cost $450 Volunteer counselors – ages 15+ – dates are from July 24-July 30, which includes training. Fill out an application today!

St. George’s Camp St. George’s Camp is a classic summer camp featuring hiking, swimming, sports, music, crafts, canoeing, and overnight campouts all flavored with dearly-held traditions of zaniness! The heart of St. George’s Camp is its focus on the unique and infinite value of every member of the camp community. With 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (we are all essential members of the one Body) as a point of reference, we build our faith and encourage questions as we strive to celebrate the unique gifts of every camper. St. George’s I (Ages 8-9) St. George’s II (Ages 10-11) When O pens Thursday, July 10, 2 p.m. When O pens Friday, July 18, 2 p.m. Closes Wednesday, July 16, 10 a.m. Closes Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. Cost $545 Cost $730 St. George’s III (Ages 12-13) When O pens Tuesday, July 29, 2 p.m. Closes Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. Cost $945

St. George’s IV (Ages 14-15) When O pens Monday, June 23, 2 p.m. Closes Monday, July 7, 10 a.m. Cost $990

St. Sebastian’s Sports Camp St. Sebastian’s Sports Camp is a great place for active campers who are interested in playing a variety of sports and games while making lifelong friendships. During the day, campers learn the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and more. Evenings are filled to the brim with activities like camp fires, games, hikes, worship, swimming, songs and everything else that makes a week at camp great. The entire camp is built around the message found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (two are better than one) and explores the themes of sportsmanship, friendship, and community both on and off the field. Come to St. Sebastian’s to make new friends while enjoying your favorite sports! St. Sebastian’s I (Ages 9-11) St. Sebastian’s II (Ages 12-14) When O pens Saturday, June 21, 2 p.m. When O pens Tuesday, July 1, 2 p.m. Closes Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. Closes Thursday, July 10, 10 a.m. Cost $545 Cost $655

have a Wonderful Staff Each camp has a staff that is fun, friendly, and loving. All employees go through an extensive application process that includes a reference and background check. All staff members attend a week-long training, which addresses common camper issues (from homesickness to behavior management), emergency situations, and what to expect from campers of different ages. All staff must receive sexual misconduct prevention training and CPR and First Aid certifications.

Are Committed to Safety At Shrine Mont Camps, safety means more than simply providing a physically safe environment. We believe that camp should be a welcoming and accepting place for all where emotional, spiritual, and physical safety is of the utmost importance. Attending to safety is a priority at camp and is the responsibility of every staff member.

Are Living in the Now It’s a place where young people live in the now: At camp, we turn off our cell phones, disconnect from the internet, and opt to write letters rather than e-mails. This decision becomes more counter-cultural each summer, but it results in campers being able to make meaningful relationships with each other and learn about the world around them in an important way.

Nurture Faith Camp is also a place for youth to explore their own faith. Shrine Mont is a safe place for campers to ask questions, share their doubts and fears, and listen for God’s call in their lives. At our camps, faith is not pushed or forced; rather, opportunities for faith formation are invited.

Are about Self-discovery Campers at Shrine Mont are openly encouraged to explore their passions and dreams. Away from the pressures and expectations of their school/ family/neighbors, campers are able to make new friendships, experience unstructured (as well as structured) social time, and try out different activities on their own.

“ Shrine Mont Camps provide a natural space in which to enjoy life and explore faith. They provide an environment of openness and inclusion and make worship fun. Camp brings people together for life.”

Find the Camp for You By age

9th - rising 12th grade

18-25

Art Camp St. Andrew’s Camp St. George’s Camp

Art Camp Explorers’ Camp Music and Drama Camp St. Andrew’s Camp St. George’s Camp St. Sebastian’s Camp

Art Camp Explorers’ Camp Music and Drama Camp St. George’s Camp St. Sebastian’s Camp

Explorers’ the Great Music and Drama Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp & Staff Senior High Youth Conference

Art Camp Explorers’ Camp Music and Drama Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp St. George’s Camp St. Sebastian’s Camp

Explorers’ the Great Music and Drama Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp & Staff

Music and Drama Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp Staff

All ages Family Camp

By month Explorers’ the Great Music and Drama Camp St. Andrew’s Camp St. George’s Camp St. Sebastian’s Sports Camp

Late June Art Camp St. George’s Camp

Early August

Early July

Late July Explorers’ Camp Senior High Youth Conference St. Elizabeth’s Camp St. George’s Camp

Music and Drama Camp St. George’s Camp St. Sebastian’s Sports Camp Family Camp

Art Camp Explorers’ Camp Music and Drama Camp St. Andrew’s Camp St. George’s Camp St. Sebastian’s Camp

Art Camp Explorers’ the Great Music and Drama Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp & Staff St. George’s Camp Senior High Youth Conference

Family Camp St. Elizabeth’s Camp & Staff

Typical Daily Schedule 7:15 Wake-up bell 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Clean cabins 9:30 Scheduled activities (For example: sports or art block, elective time, swimming period) 10:30 Chaplain’s time 11:30 Camper free time 12:30 Lunch 1:15 Rest period 2:30 Scheduled activities 3:30 Electives 4:30 Camp free time 5:30 Dinner 6:15 Worship 7:00 Evening games 8:00 Evening program (For example: dance, hayride, campfire, movie night) 9:30 Good night song and head to cabins This is a typical schedule for a day at camp. The schedule will vary for each camp.

General Packing List for Camps • A sleeping bag and/or sheets and a blanket. • Sneakers for everyday use, boots for hiking. Note: For safety reasons, we do not allow campers to wear shoes that don’t have a back (such as flip-flops). • Enough tough, casual clothes to make it through the session without doing laundry. • Rain gear. • At least one pair of long pants and a sweatshirt or jacket for cool evenings. • A bathing suit: one-pieces or tankinis are the only appropriate swimwear for female campers. • A flashlight. • Two durable water bottles or canteens. • Paper, envelopes, and stamps. • Books to read during rest period. • Supplies for a creative activity you enjoy (e.g., a musical instrument, sketchbook, journal). • A Bible and a Book of Common Prayer, if you have them. • Shampoo, toothpaste, bath towel, etc. This is a basic supply list. Different camps will require some extra items. Expect a list from the camp director.

– sports camper

Sign Me Up Registration opens on January 14, 2014. register via…

Mail

Online

Download the registration PDF from www.shrinemontcamps.net or call the office to have a form mailed to you. Include a $75 non-refundable deposit per camper per session. The deposit will be applied to your total fee. Registrations without deposits will not be processed. Make checks payable to Shrine Mont Camps.

www.shrinemontcamps.net Click on the “online registration” link on the homepage. A PayPal account is required to complete an online registration. Create an account at PayPal.com. A $75 non-refundable deposit per camper per session is required. The deposit will be applied to your total fee.

Mail the form(s) to: Shrine Mont Camps, 110 West Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23220

Registration and Camp details Due to the high volume of registrations, we are unable to “hold” spots. Discounts • A ny family sending more than one youth to camp will receive a sibling discount of $20 from each camper’s tuition. (not applicable for Family Camp). • Sign up by March 18, 2014, and receive the earlybird discount of $20. Tuition must be paid in full two weeks before the child’s first day of camp. If not paid by that time, your spot may be given to someone on the waiting list. Campers must be within the specified ages on the first day of their camp. Campers are expected to be present for the entire session. They may not come late or leave early.

Once the Diocese has processed your registration You will receive confirmation via e-mail within seven business days. Y our registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation packet in the mail. A ll camper forms – including health forms – will be included with the confirmation packet. We will send packing lists and reminders to you later in the spring. A physical examination (within the past two years) by a doctor is required for all participants. Please note that the terrain at Shrine Mont is hilly and uneven, requiring some agility and stamina. I f you do not receive confirmation within two weeks of mailing your registration, please call the Christian Formation Office to verify that it has been received (800-DIOCESE or 804-643-8451 ext. 1043). Questions? Contact Paris Ball or Meg Schwarz in the diocesan Christian Formation Office, 800-DIOCESE or 804-643-8451 x1043. E-mail: mschwarz@thediocese.net.

While camp is in session, communication between campers and those at home is limited to letters and postcards, unless there is an emergency or other extenuating circumstance. In an emergency, parents will be able to reach their child through several Shrine Mont phone numbers.

Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration

Woodward Camp Infirmary Bear Wallow Camp

St. George’s Camp Maryland House

Tucker Dining Hall Vienna House (Camp Office)

Infirmary Upper Field & Pavilion

Happy Pavilion Tennis Courts

Virginia House “The Hotel” Pool

Lower Field

Lower Pavilion

Scholarship Information It is our firm belief that the cost of camp should not restrict any child from attending. We are committed to providing financial aid to all campers who request it, and are always available to answer questions. To receive a scholarship application form, check the appropriate box on the registration form. Families are strongly encouraged to inquire of their clergy or senior warden about the availability of scholarship aid at the parish or regional level. Scholarship aid requests will begin to be reviewed on May 9, 2014. Please return the registration form before May 9, 2014.

Be advised By completing the registration form, the parent/guardian of the camper(s) named agrees that the Diocese of Virginia reserves the right to deny admission to or send home from camp any camper at any time because of health and safety issues that the Diocese of Virginia, in its sole judgment, believes will present an unacceptable risk to any camper or staff of Shrine Mont Camps or Shrine Mont.

“ E very child I have spoken with who has attended a Shrine Mont camp (including 2 of my sons) has It is the explicit policy of Shrine Mont and the Diocese of Virginia that possession or use of controlled returned with a renewed sense substances, nonprescription drugs, alcohol, of joy and friendship. Their tobacco, firearms, fireworks, and Cancellations should time at camp allows them weapons is prohibited at all youth be made in writing. We camps and conferences. cannot refund your deposit after to be themselves and be you are accepted, unless Shrine Mont with kids who are also Camps cancel the event. For cancellations made less than two weeks before the first day of very different from camp, a 50% penalty will be assessed. themselves.”

Things Your Camper Can Expect at Shrine Mont Camps An opportunity to explore faith in an environment that is open and welcoming. Plenty of “unplugged” time away from phones, television, and the internet. Delicious food: apple crisp, taco Tuesdays, cookouts and more! A safe environment – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Fun, loving, and dedicated staff who will laugh, talk, and pay attention to every camper. Gentle encouragement to break outside of one’s comfort zone. A chance to learn more about oneself and the world at large. Plenty of running, hiking, swimming and singing. A sore stomach from laughing so hard. Unconditional love.

Reasons You Can Trust Your Child With Our Staff Our nurses are always available, whether it’s a bee-sting, a middle of the night tummy ache or anything else. Our counselors are fully screened, trained and prepared to be there for your camper 24/7. They are enthusiastic, caring, fun-loving and can’t wait to meet you and your child. Our chaplains are excited to speak with your campers about their questions, doubts, and convictions – and especially about God’s allencompassing love. Our directors begin their work months before anyone arrives at camp, preparing for a summer that is structured and planned – while still leaving room for flexibility. Our support staff is on-site every day of the camp season, geared up to help you through all administrative details, to answer any questions you may have, to be a calming presence in the midst of a hectic summer and to support the individual camp staffs as much as possible.

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia 110 West Franklin St. Richmond, Virginia 23220-5095

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Richmond, VA Permit 1218

(800) DIOCESE (804) 643-8451 www.shrinemontcamps.net

2014 Shrine Mont Camps

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