Camp Gray - A Catholic Summer Camp

Camp Gray in the News

Taking Measure of Camp Gray

by: Joe Van Tassel, Operations and Development Manager

We can measure milk by the gallon, paper by the ream, and electricity by the kilowatt. But how do we measure the effect Camp Gray has on campers, parents, and staff? We can count calories, decibels, and horsepower, but how do we account for all the positive outcomes that occur at Camp Gray?

Theologian Robert South wrote, “If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.” Applying this same idea to camps, let’s examine what Camp Gray does and, more importantly, what Camp Gray gives to youth.

What Camp Gray Does

Camp Gray combines faith, friends, and fun in a safe environment. It is dedicated to teaching children the emotional and spiritual skills they need in order to mature, make good decisions, and grow closer to God. The best part about camp is that all this skill building and spiritual growth is achieved while the campers are having a blast. It is truly a fun, vibrant place to spend a week during the summer.

As one camper parent writes, “I was impressed with the great mix of fun and spirituality – it shows kids that you can be faith filled and still have a good time.” Campers participate in activities such as mountain biking, archery, climbing, and swimming, all in the context of exploring themselves and their faith. Another parent writes, “Thanks for incorporating spirituality throughout the day and for making it fun for them.”

Camp Programs

Camp offers a wide variety of programs for campers spanning grades 1-12. According to Camp Gray Director Phil DeLong, “We’ve designed our programs with the developmental needs of children in mind. As campers grow and mature, the programs grow with them. Programs for older campers have new challenges, more responsibility, and more flexibility.”

The high-energy, fun-filled traditional Settler and Trailblazer programs are offered for campers from second through eighth grades. Campers take part in morning program areas such as canoeing, fishing, performance, or arts and crafts, and they spend their evenings at such events as the Sunday campfire, talent show, or cookout and Capture the Flag extravaganza.

The Pathfinder program, available for eighth through tenth graders, focuses on having the campers discover themselves as individuals through activities such as the low-ropes adventure course, service projects, and powerful devotions.

Offered to 10^th and 11^th graders, the Explorer program gives campers the opportunity to cook, sleep, play, and pray with their counselors on their own in the woods of Explorer village. They focus on developing community and leadership.

For those who love horses, they can earn their spurs at Ranch camp, which is offered for campers in grades 7-11. Ranchers spend their week learning to ride and care for horses all while living a more rustic cowboy and cowgirl life.

In the Voyageur program, available for 8-12 graders, campers bring the spirit of Camp Gray with them as they travel off camp for a week of backpacking or canoeing coupled with outdoor survival and powerful community building. Single gender backpacking trips for 7^th and 8^th graders are offered, and campers looking for a bit more adventure can chose a 10-day trip to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

There is also a Pioneer program, which is a half-week taste of camp, for the youngest campers in first and second grades. The Counselor-in-Training program is designed for 12^th graders looking to learn and practice the skills it takes to be a great camp counselor.

A Groundbreaking Study

An exciting new means of assessing the positive effects of Camp Gray’s programs is nearing implementation. For a long time, the only way Camp Gray could get a sense of its impact on the lives of campers was through anecdotal evidence, parent surveys, and personal testimonials. In 2005, Camp Gray will complete the final phase of a groundbreaking study which will provide concrete evidence of camp’s beneficial effects. Camp Gray is one of just twenty camps in the nation selected to participate in this research effort, which is sponsored by the American Camp Association.

The study focuses on measuring and improving specific supports and opportunities necessary for positive youth development. These supports and opportunities include: supportive relationships, meaningful involvement, a feeling of safety, and challenging and engaging activities. Camp Gray’s contribution began last year when a session of adolescent campers took a survey that measured these positive youth development outcomes.

Camp staff received the results of the initial survey this past fall and found the results gratifying. The results showed that camps in general (and Camp Gray in particular) are among the best facilitators of positive youth development. However, the purpose of the study is also to improve camp programs and create an even better youth development environment. After collecting feedback from development professionals, campers, and returning staff members, Camp Gray staff has begun the process of evaluating and improving their programs for this summer.

“We were very pleased with our initial results from the outcomes survey. The results confirmed all the glowing feedback we’ve been getting from parents and campers.” said DeLong. “And it points out the areas where we have the most room to grow. That’s the exciting part. Camp will be even better this summer!”

What Camp Gray Gives

So what can campers expect at Camp Gray this summer? By creating a safe and supportive environment, Camp Gray gives kids a place where they feel free to be themselves. In the words of one camper, “I love Camp Gray! It is the only place I know that doesn’t judge me.”

Camp also gives campers the chance to live in community, meet new people and make new friends. “My favorite part of Camp Gray is meeting friends every year. There are always such awesome people at camp!” said a Pathfinder about her experience.

Camp Gray gives campers the opportunity to try different activities, challenge themselves, and to discover new talents. From climbing on the tower, to horseback riding at the stables, from building campfires on a Voyageur trip, to stepping out of your shell at the talent show, there are many opportunities to do things at camp that you can’t do anywhere else.

Through its unique ministry as a Catholic summer camp, Camp Gray also gives parents a valuable resource, aiding in instilling faith and values in their children. One parent writes, “At least for our daughter, the way you present ideas [on faith and values] reaches her in ways we can’t at home or at church.”

Another parent states, “From a parental standpoint, our son gets more out of one week at Camp Gray than he does during a whole year of religious ed. at our church.”

Role Models

Perhaps most importantly, Camp Gray gives campers positive role models and fun, responsible leaders through the camp staff. “Camp Gray staff is composed of dedicated young adults who are great models of faith, excitement, and responsibility who have a passion for working with kids. Their service to camp is immeasurable” says Delong.

This sentiment is echoed by parents as well. One writes, “The staff are genuine and good role models. They are the reason kids are at this camp. They are cool adults and show kids how to have God in their lives.”

Another parent describes the staff as, “Wonderful and trustworthy. I have no hesitation entrusting my child to the camp counselors,” while yet another asserts, “I have never met a more dedicated and compassionate group of young adults anywhere! Every year I am more and more surprised.”

How to Sign Up

There are still spaces available this summer, but don’t wait too long, as sessions are filling up fast. Visit www.campgray.com to read more detailed information on the summer programs, to view a regularly-updated session chart, or to print out an application. Call 1-800-711-4729 or email bigfun@campgray.com with any questions, or to receive a brochure and application by mail.

Camp Gray, located between Baraboo and Wisconsin Dells, is owned and operated by the Diocese of Madison. It is also fully accredited by the American Camp Association. In addition to summer camp, Camp Gray also facilitates Environmental Stewardship retreats for middle schools, family backpacking trips, teambuilding initiatives, and confirmation retreats throughout the school year.

“If there be any truer measure of a camp than by what it does, it must be by what camp gives.” This summer Camp Gray will continue to give and summer camp 2005 promises to be the best yet.

Camp Gray ● E10213 Shady Lane Road, Reedsburg, WI 53959 ● 1-800-711-4729 ● www.campgray.com ● Email Us