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SUMMER
CAMPThe summer camp program uses a decentralized, small-group, Christian adventure concept. Camper units are composed of 12-14 campers of elementary, junior or senior high children and youth. Two counselors, one male and one female, work with each camper unit. About 150 campers may attend each of the six week-long sessions. 35-40 trained staff work with each session of summer resident camp. Volunteers from local churches are on the staff for one week at a time and serve as aides, nurses, kitchen and maintenance staff as well as chaplains.
The summer resident camp staff Includes 22-24 counselors, a summer program coordinator, pool coordinator and lifeguards, a senior high trip coordinator, a music coordinator, ropes/initiative course coordinators, a nature/crafts coordinator, horseback staff and cookout staff. The summer camping program is led by the director, who is a minister and ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has many years of experience working with camping and retreat facilities, and the programs and services director, who has been working with youth ministry for over eight years and combined camp and college ministry for six years.
Each
camper unit plans its own activities according to their abilities and interests
within the framework of the program options offered by Alta Mons. Counselors
guide and facilitate the activities with the assistance of program staff (program
director and the coordinators of program specialty areas such as ropes/initiative,
pool, nature/crafts, trips, wranglers and cookouts). The elementary-age (rising
3rd-6th grade) and mini (rising 1st-3rd grade) camper units do most of their
activities on the Camp property. Their lodging is in cabins and meal service
is in the dining hall. Junior-high (rising 6th-9th Grade) camper units stay
in hogans and have meals in their campsites. Junior High Adventure units go
out of camp on one-day trips such as biking, whitewater canoeing/kayaking, rock
climbing and lake watersports. Sr. High resident camps are now also available.
Now offering week-long Junior and Senior
High Resident Horseback programs.
Counselors
use teachable moments to share their faith journey and ideas related to the
theme. Join us in 2008 as we explore Walking with Giants. This
is our first of series of curriculum on Christian foundations. This year we
explore the giants of the Old Testament, such as Goliath, Babylon, and the Giants
of Faith David, Elijah, Ruth and more. Through daily devotions around the campfire
and in all-camp activities led by the chaplains and staff, Camp Alta Mons helps
build Christian community during the week. Counselors set an example of living
the Christian lifestyle in the outdoors. Program options offered by Alta Mons
include swimming, crafts, nature study, cookouts, camp-outs, hikes to the waterfalls,
archery, fishing, wildlife conservation, canoeing, hayrides, ropes/initiative
course (low and high elements), rock climbing, riding horses and, for Jr and
Sr High campers, adventures out of camp on the New River and Claytor Lake. (Click
here for availability and/or on-line registration)
Alta Mons
also helps to provide meals to children through the USDA Summer Food Service
Program. We have been a part of this program for a number years and are commited
to providing a nutritious and well balanced meal for all children.
Camp Alta Mons has recently begun to hold camps for mission groups/teams who are interested in working on the camp or doing home repair type work in the community. The camps are typically for groups that include both youth and adults. (Arrangements can be made for younger children to accompany their parents.) Mission "weeks" normally start on Sunday evening and end on Saturday. The week would include such things as low ropes team building, high ropes activities, swimming (during the summer season), worship, meals, lodging, tools, materials, work projects on the camp and/or in the community, and (from May-September) a canoe trip on the New River. Lodging is normally provided in our modern and comfortable retreat center. The cost for a complete mission week in 2006 is $305.00/person. Call (540-268-2409) or e-mail the camp to arrange an opportunity to let God's love shine through your service.
Last year the wagon of All God's Children Camp came to Alta Mons. We are excited to part of this ministy. The campers will enjoy much of the same activies as other weeks plus much more. The camp is run by volunteer Mentors and camp program staff. For more information about All God's Children Camps please visit the Virginia United Methodist Church website by clicking on the wagon at the left.