Summer Camp is a classic part of the New Jersey landscape, and this summer will be no different. With tons of summer camps out there–day camps, STEM and STEAM camps, sports camps, coding camps, and overnight camps and christian camps like us, there are more options than ever for families and kids to choose from. But, of course we feel confident that summer camp at Johnsonburg is one of the best options for families and kids and here’s why.
- Summer Camp at Johnsonburg is designed to help kids make new friends. Our small group camping model has been a core part of our program for all 63 years of summer camp. “Small group camping” is a technical term – it means the cabin groups that our campers are organized in are not only for sleeping, but community building, too. All of our cabins are named in pairs after trees – Apple & Ash, Birch & Boxelder, etc. These two cabins sleep separately but near each other, and during the day the function as one united group. Sharing the same counselors and experiences throughout the day allows for campers to have their summer camp journey together, learning about the other kids in their group and enjoying activities together. Unlike bigger camps (like boy scouts or the YMCA) where the cabin group is only for sleeping, you’ve got the same counselors looking after your camper for the whole week.
- Camp Johnsonburg is a great summer camp for shy, introverted, or new campers. As mentioned above, the secret sauce is our small group model. At bigger camps, it’s hard for shy, introverted, or new campers to transition between cabin time, meals, and activities. Without one counselor or one small group to roll with for the week, transitions can be overwhelming, and finding your way from activity to activity can be a bit scary. Plus, with different kids at each activity, campers are constantly running into kids they don’t know very well, with no mechanism to get to know them. The small group model we have at Johnsonburg fully eliminates this problem, as your child’s counselors are with them almost constantly. This makes our program not only safer, but more accessible for kids that might get lost or fade into the background at a big camp. We also train our staff in the best group management techniques, so they are intentionally looking for kids that didn’t have a chance to participate, or seem a little shy when it comes to discussions and activities.
- Always something new! We’re always adding something each season at Johnsonburg. This year, we’ve got a few new things, including a 9-foot tall inflatable slide for our lake! Last year we added a 9-hole disc golf course, which was a big hit among campers and staff. All of this is in addition to our TONS of summer camp activities – so many that you can’t do them all in one week! We’re never the same season to season, which is why our campers love coming back year after year – they know they can see their friends next summer and do something new, together.
- Local, Small Non-profit Business near Blairstown, NJ. Many camps are owned by a corporate entity or privately held and operated for-profit. Johnsonburg is a 63-year-old small business that has local community ties and partnerships. Our board is comprised of former campers and staff, as well as camper parents and friends of the camp that use their career gifts and specialties to help move us forward. We truly see our mission as one of welcome, sharing, hospitality, joy, and creation care – and we prioritize the health, growth, and renewal of our campers, families, guests, and clients. All budgetary surpluses get put immediately back into the organization to ensure YOU are getting the best possible experience.
- Johnsonburg is a Christian Summer Camp that is Graceful and Loving. “Christian Camp,” unfortunately, is a loaded term. Many of these camps define who they are by who they can’t – or won’t – include. Johnsonburg’s summer camp simply aims to create a space where campers and staff can reflect on their gifts and experiences, learn more about spiritual practices and traditions, and listen for who God is calling them to be. There are no altar calls, no statements of faith, nothing pushy and no lines in the sand. It is no secret that generational models of religion are changing, and we believe kids (and adults) need to find their way in. You can trust us to handle these conversations appropriately and gently. Our expansive and scenic land, tranquil woods, empathetic counselors, and thoughtful program is the perfect place to combine fun with spiritual reflection.
There’s a lot more that defines us, and I hope you and your camper can experience that at a week of camp this summer. Come visit us on our Open House/Spring Fun Day on May 13th (11-4) to see us in action and grab lunch, or give us a call if you want to hear more. Summer is coming soon – and we are excited!!
Tommy
Associate Director of Programs