Camp Gray - A Catholic Summer Camp

Camp Gray in the News

Catholic Herald Article: February 2007

Faith, Friends, and Fun at Camp Gray

by: Joe Van Tassel, Assistant Director

At the end of summer, one camper parent wrote on her evaluation, “My daughter loves Camp Gray, and I think it is such a positive experience! It’s like your quote; camp is filled with ‘faith, friends, and fun.’” It is indeed this unique combination of faith, friends, and fun that makes Camp Gray so exceptional. As the above comment shows, this phrase is no mere tagline, but rather something that campers and staff live out every day at camp. So how exactly do campers experience the amazing faith, friends, and fun found at Camp Gray? Well, we’re glad you asked.

Faith at Camp Gray

As a ministry of the Diocese of Madison, faith formation is an integral part of Camp Gray’s mission. It is what sets us apart from the multitude of other summer camps. Our faith is incorporated both in overt ways, such as morning praise and prayer, graces before meals, and nightly devotions, and in more subtle ways such as in the sportsmanship shown while playing Capture the Flag, in the consoling of a homesick camper, or simply in the ways the campers and staff interact with one another.

Camp Gray is a partner with parents, 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.”

This sentiment is echoed again and again by camper parents, who see dramatic changes in their children after just one week of summer camp. Another parent writes, “I loved the spiritual emphasis at camp. You made it fun, and you sparked an interest in religion for my son. Before it was just something he did because he had to. Now he wants to!”

Friends at Camp Gray

Meeting new people and making new friends is another key benefit of camp. Being away from home and part of a cabin group of peers, campers have the chance to get to know one another on a deep level. “Camp is such an immersive experience, after the second day it feels like you’ve known everyone there for a month!” said one camper.

By creating an open, supportive environment, Camp Gray gives kids a place where they feel free to be themselves, so the friendships that they form have more substance than those based on more superficial qualities. In the words of one camper, “What’s so cool about Camp Gray is that you can just relax and be yourself; nobody is going to judge you.” Another states, “Well, I’ve been to other camps, but Camp Gray is the best. It feels like you’re family.”

While camp is a great place to meet new people, it is also a wonderful place to deepen existing friendships. For those campers who may be a bit nervous about going to camp without knowing anyone, it is often reassuring to have a buddy or two to share in the experience. Campers may request cabin mates on their application.

Fun at Camp Gray

The third crucial component of the Camp Gray experience is fun! Campers have fun canoeing, climbing, and horseback riding. They race to be first in table cheers, they swing off the rope swing, and they sing the Pizza Man song. Campers have fun as they tie-dye T-shirts, as they swim in the pool, and as they launch rockets in “Going Ballistic.” They cook s’mores, they complete Survivor: Camp Gray challenges, and they hunt the elusive snipe. Our campers have incredible amounts of fun at Camp Gray, doing things here that they can’t do anywhere else.

Having fun at camp is not an end in itself though, but rather it is a means for positive youth development. While having fun, campers build skills and discover new talents. As one camper writes, “Camp Gray is very fun, and at the same time you learn about your faith, your relationship with God, and your inner-self.” Campers participate in activities such as outdoor living skills, archery, and performance, all in the context of exploring themselves and their faith. A camper parent writes, “We [choose] Camp Gray because it’s amazingly fun, and the spiritual growth our kids experience is incomparable.”

Camp Programs

Camp offers a wide variety of programs for campers spanning grades 2-12. According to Camp Gray Director Phil DeLong, “Our programs are designed to grow and mature along with our campers. We try to provide new challenges and experiences each summer. New options like the climbing tower, mountain biking, the adventure course, rustic camping experiences, and wilderness trips become available as campers grow older. We offer many different programs in order to meet the needs of campers of all ages.”

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 & crafts, and they spend their evenings at such events as the Sunday campfire, Survivor: Camp Gray, or cookout and Capture-the-Flag extravaganza.

The Pathfinder program, available for eighth through tenth graders, focuses on the campers discovering themselves as individuals through activities such as the low-ropes adventure course, an afternoon beach party, and in-depth devotion time.

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. Explorers focus on developing community and leadership skills.

Those who love horses 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 wilderness camping and powerful community-building. Single-gender backpacking trips are offered for 8^th and 9^th graders. Campers looking for a bit more adventure can choose a 10-day trip to Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The Leaders-in-Training program is designed for 12^th graders looking to learn and practice the skills it takes to be a great Camp Gray staff member. It is an intense, fun three-week program.

Positive Role Models

All of our programs are led by specially-trained Camp Gray staff. The staff members are fun, responsible leaders, who serve as powerful role models for the campers. “Camp Gray staff members are dedicated young adults who are great models of faith, excitement, and responsibility. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and service is what creates the positive Camp Gray experience,” says DeLong.

Our camp parents would agree. One writes, “the staff is what makes Camp Gray so wonderful. They are fun, energetic, talented, and bold enough to share their faith.” Another parent writes, “The staff were all very positive, fun, and occasionally kooky. My son felt comfortable with them, and we felt good leaving our child in their capable hands.”

Sign Up for Summer 2007

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 608-356-8200 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 one of the most respected Catholic summer camps in the nation and is 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 you can think of any potential campers who would enjoy a week at Camp Gray, please let them know about us. We hope to see you this summer!

Camp Gray ● E10213 Shady Lane Road, Reedsburg, WI 53959 ● 608-356-8200 ● www.campgray.com ● Email Us