Kids in the Canoe Creation program learn about God’s creation in an innovative, active way. (Credit: Canoe Creation)

By Ken Drenten

When I was growing up, I went to summer church camp near the Hocking Hills for two years when I was 10 and 11 years old. We sang a lot of songs, slept in cabins that resembled Conestoga wagons, climbed rocks, learned what “hoppers” and “bug juice” were, and made some great memories. When I was a bit older, I went to Boy Scout summer camps and also had great experiences there.

This is the time of year to be thinking about summer camp. Spring is nearly upon us and registrations for summer camps tend to fill up fast once the weather starts warming up.

There are many summer camps and programs to choose from in Ohio. A great many of them are faith-based and connected to specific church denominations or religious groups. Others are connected with youth-oriented organizations such as Scouts, YMCA and 4-H. Membership in various groups may or may not be required.

Most camp programs offer overnight recreational and educational programs for school-age children.  Activities may include swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, horseback riding, high ropes courses, rappelling and much more. Some offer daytime-only programs instead of or in addition to overnight programs.

Summer camps not only offer programming for children with supervised staff but also allow families to reserve cabins and campsites. Most of them also offer opportunities for young adults to work as camp counselors and staff.

Make sure when choosing a summer camp for your child that the camp is accountable to an organization or board, and what accreditations they have. If possible, talk with people you know who have had experiences there. There is no reason to send your precious child to a place where you are not 100 percent sure they will be safe, healthy and well cared for.

Here are several places that I have had some experience with and/or know some of the people involved. They all offer top-quality programs for children and families.

Beulah Beach is located on beautiful Lake Erie. (Credit: Beulah Beach)

Beulah Beach, Vermilion, Ohio

Beulah Beach is a faith-based camp and retreat center on the shores of Lake Erie that provides high-energy experiences for groups of all sizes and ages. Facilities include a large meeting center, several smaller meeting spaces, lodge, cottages, dining hall, RV camping with 40 sites and much more. Activities include jet skis, boats, canoes and paddleboats, zip line, slip-and-slide, giant swing, rock wall, archery, low ropes, hayrides, swimming, athletic fields and playgrounds. Many types of summer camps and annual events are offered. Located at 6101 W. Lake Road, Vermilion (440) 967-4861.

Camp Presmont – Piedmont, Ohio

Located on the beautiful shores of Piedmont Lake in Belmont County, this faith-based camp offers both family camping and summer camping programs for children and youth. Facilities include cabins, dining hall, picnic shelters, campground, swimming beach, volleyball court, playground, low ropes course, hiking trails, pontoon boats, canoeing and much more. The camp is available for use by churches, individuals, families and groups from May through October and also has summer camp programs June through August. Located at 34211 4-H Club Road, Piedmont (740) 758-5571.

Canoe Creation – Blue Rock, Ohio

Canoe Creation offers youth the opportunity to canoe beautiful rivers, rappel 120-foot cliffs, primitive camping on islands and so much more. Come join us this summer for the adventure of a lifetime and see the character of our Creator through it all! Programs for various age groups — River Schools (ages 12-20), Rappelling (12-up), River Rangers (11-13), Pollywog Floats (8-10), Little Solomons (4-8). Contact Al and Amy Parker, 6400 Cutler Lake Road, Blue Rock (740) 674-4403.

Geneva Hills, Sugar Grove, Ohio

This non-denominational faith-based camp is located in the beautiful Hocking Hills region south of Lancaster. Geneva Hills offers summer day camp, overnight camp and family camping opportunities. Lodging and dining facilities include Geneva Lodge (up to 72 guests), Frontier Lodge (up to 36 guests) and Craft House (up to 6 guests). Activities include archery, bubble soccer, guided hikes, hatchet throwing, laser tag, tractor rides, kayaking and canoeing, swimming (outdoor pool) and fishing (9-acre private lake), snow tubing. Many caves and large rock formations are connected by hiking trails on the property. Located at 1380 Blue Valley Road NE, Lancaster (740) 746-8439.

Marmon Valley Farm – Zanesfield, Ohio

Bring family, groups and school groups to enjoy recreation at Marmon Valley Farm, Ohio’s largest horse camp. The farm specializes in trail rides through the wooded hills and ravines surrounding their many barns and animal pens. In addition, they offer arena horseback riding, a play barn, climbing wall, picnic grounds, petting zoo, fish pond and more. Other offerings are outings/parties/hay rides, overnight retreats in rustic farm buildings or bunkhouses, and special annual events. Special events include summer and weekend camps for children and families, mother/daughter and father/son weekends, horse camp week and more. Marmon Valley Farm is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association and their summer camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Located at 7754 SR 292 S., Zanesfield (937) 593-8000.

See more summer recreation and camp programs listed in Dusty Tires.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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