Parents

Help us make Camp Gray even better!

If your child has been to camp this summer, please take the time to fill out the parent evaluation form. You can fill it out online and submit it electronically. We value your feedback and have made changes here at camp based on suggestions from you, our parents. Summer Parent Evaluation Form>>

While your children are Off at Camp. . .

Each week during the summer we post pictures in the camp photo gallery and write a daily newsletter chronicling the day's events. Please visit this page while your children are off at camp to get a taste of what they are experiencing throughout their week. (The page is password protected.)  Off at Camp Page>>

Camp Gray - Outcomes

Camp is a safe place -- a specially sculpted community where every person feels welcomed, included, and feels a sense of belonging.  Camp is a place to learn the excitement of taking healthy risks -- to dare to fail and to learn from mistakes.

When your children come to camp, we're looking to shed the negative labels they've come with and truly re-invent themselves.  Each camper has a say in what will take place.  They are challenged, at their own pace, and without excessive competition.  They are reminded of their connections with the natural world, and learn how to better care for it.  We want the result of their experience to be growth.

Self-confidence, independence, initiative, self-esteem, the ability to function in a group other than our family, lifetime skills, lifelong friends. . .and a deeper awareness of God's loving presence in our lives -- these are the outcomes we desire of camp.

How can camp fill such a tall order?  How can all of those fun activities really lead to such change?  Just ask a Settler what it feels like to get up on a reeeeally tall horse for the first time and take a ride.  Ask a Trailblazer what it means to him to be able to talk with a caring adult about his fears to face adolescence.  Ask a Pathfinder how it feels to put heart and soul into a project that will serve camp for many years to come.  Ask an Explorer what it means to be a part of a community.  Ask a Voyageur if she has a new perspective after going without a shower all week.  Ask a family what it means to them to get away for a weekend in an environment that is healthy for everyone involved.

This is what it means to "Come Discover the Spirit" of Camp Gray! Camp Gray is a Catholic youth camp dedicated to combining faith, friends, and fun for our campers.

What Parents Say about Camp Gray

Camp Gray is an amazing place. It is a place where faith, friends, and fun come together like no other. But don't just take our word for it. Here's a small sampling of what other parents have to say about Camp Gray and what it means to their children.

- "I have never met a more energetic group of people in my life! They are what make the kids want to come back year after year!"

- "As soon as I met my children’s counselors, I felt confident that they would be well cared for and have lots of fun!"

- "When you can spiritually inspire a 12 year-old boy – you’re doing great! He wanted to go to Camp Gray instead of going to a basketball camp. That says a lot!"

- "Very impressed with the staff – our youngest was a little nervous and gets homesick – I spoke with her counselor before we left that day and everything went splendidly – staff is very well educated and versed to handle such issues."

- "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."

- "Our Explorer liked connecting with other teens and young adults who find their faith journey is also important in their lives."

- "My son likes it each year more and more. He is a MAJOR sports nut. To give you an idea of how much he liked it this year. . he said, 'I’d give up the Olympics for another week at Camp Gray!' That says everything to me.

- "I have never met a more dedicated and compassionate group of young adults anywhere! Every year I am more and more surprised."

- "I love the way that you make the kids think about God on a daily basis (not just on Sundays!) You make the kids stop and appreciate everything that God has given them (something that they don’t often do!)"

- "My son said (twice) 'What’s so cool about Camp Gray is that you can just relax and be yourself; nobody is going to judge you.'”

- "I love how Camp Gray staff members make God and religion seem so fun and “cool” for the kids. To see young adults share their faith in such a way is truly an inspiration for the campers."

- "Our son thoroughly enjoyed his time, and before we could get off the grounds, he asked if he could come again next year. He must have also told good things to his younger sister, who also wants to attend next year."

- "My daughter says that the camaraderie was the best part."

- "Like I said before, I love the way that you get the kids to think about God without them really realizing it. The atmosphere is one of fun, enjoyment, and yet also prayerful."

- "The spiritual emphasis is awesome – Camp Gray has a wonderful way of reaching young people and meshing nature and spirituality so the kids can get back in touch with their spiritual selves. Interestingly enough, at Mass yesterday, our youngest whispered, 'I would like church more if it was like Camp Gray!' Camp Gray keeps young people interested in coming to Mass and appreciating their faith."

- "The entire staff is so upbeat all the time, from drop off time until we come back to pick them up. This is such a great environment for our kids to experience."

- "I have suggested Camp Gray to many people, and I know quite a few people that send their kids, and they enjoy it just as much. Keep up the GREAT experience."

- "We heard of camp because it’s amazingly fun, and the spiritual growth our kids experience is incomparable."

If you had a child attend Camp Gray this past summer, we would love to hear from you too. We would like to hear what we're doing right and what we can do better for next summer. Help us continue to improve by filling out the Online Parent Evaluation>>

Family Camp

Who says camp is just for kids? Come experience for yourself what your kids have been raving about! The Family Camp program provides the same Camp Gray  fun for the whole family. It is held over Labor Day Weekend each year. Click the link to find out more about Family Camp>>

Parent Resources

Follow the links to visit resources on parenting, youth development, the benefits of camps, and Catholic issues. (These links will take you out of the Camp Gray website. Camp Gray is not responsible for the content of these or any external web sites.)

Parenting and Youth Development:

• Parents Section of American Camps Association

• Parenting Resources for the 21st Century

• Parenting Advice, youth development, and family reference

• Youth Development Resources

• Madison Youth Activities

Camping Resources:

• American Camps Association

• Summer Camp Outcomes

Catholic Links:

• Diocese of Madison website

• The Vatican website

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

• Wisconsin Catholic Conference

Others:

• Madison.com - Madison area news

• Wisconsin.gov - link to the Wisconsin State Government