Have an exciting and fun-filled week if you love basketball. Concentrate on individual fundamental basketball skills.  Practice ball handling, shooting, basic one-on-one and two-person game tactics.  Play competitive scrimmages while you improve your teamwork abilities.  Improve your game and grow in faith.  But that's not all. . .enjoy meeting new friends, pool time and being in the great outdoors.

Event # 2101

Grades:  6 - 7 (Boys and Girls)
Fees:  $375/390/405
Date:  June 15 - 21
Location:  Templed Hills
Maximum:  18 - 20
Minimum:  12 (5 boys and 6 girls)

Director

John Pribble is a first–year Co-Director with many years of successful youth team coaching experience.  He is a long term member of North Congregational UCC Church and serves on the Division for Outdoor Ministries.

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Are you looking for a chance to make new friends, have fun and grow in your faith?  Are you one of the above, all of the above, or none of the above?  Then, God is calling you to join us and shape this new camp into the best week of your summer!  Come be renewed in the Spirit as we share in a broad range of activities including crafts, canoeing, and more as God guides us through a week of fun and friendship!

Event # 1128

Grades:  7 - 12
Fees:  $370/385/400
Dates:  June 15 - 21
Location:  Pilgrim Hills
Maximum:  40

Director

Robin Stanley (20+ yrs experience) is a member of Huntsburg Congregational Church.  She has counseled at many different camps over the 13 years.  She is an attorney in Chardon, Ohio and is looking forward to sharing her love of camp and her “heart of a camper” with the campers this summer.  She can be reached by email at robin5555@hotmail.com.

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Exploring Our Faith Camp (Confirmation)

Explore your faith through learning about the Bible, church history, Christian living and worship. Make friends with young people from other churches across Ohio. The camp is designed to augment the local congregation’s Confirmation Program. Our staff of clergy and lay volunteers seeks to use the outdoor environment creatively to involve campers in experiential learning. Our camp is open to all confirmands in the Ohio Conference.

Event #1111
 
Grades: 7 - 9
Fees: $370/385/400
Dates: July 13-19
Location: Pilgrim Hills
Maximum: 72

Please check with your pastor before registering for confirmation camp.

For information about the Coral J. Schmidt Confirmation Campership Fund, see page iv.

Directors

Jeff Gerber (16^th yr. Dir.) is the pastor of First UCC in New Philadelphia, Ohio.  Jeff enjoys walking, keeping an eye on the weather, and all wonders of a week at church camp.

Sam Buehrer (16^th yr. Dir.) is pastor of First UCC, Galion, Ohio.  Sam enjoys camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and sharing the joys of God’s creation with others.

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Sailing Camp

All aboard for sailing at Lake Cowan State Park, near Wilmington, Ohio! After morning devotions, we hit the water, where we stay for most of the day. By week’s end you’ll be a sailor! We have qualified instructors, a fleet of sailboats, cabins to sleep in, and a variety of evening activities. Great food rounds out the experience. Come join us for an amazing week of sailing fun!

Event #3102
Grades: 7 - 10
Fees: $497/512/527
Dates: June 15 - 21
Location: Lake Cowan State Park
Maximum: 12 (6 girls & 6 boys)

Director
Ken Weidinger (20 yrs. exp.) is a father, husband, sailor, hiker, biker, and profession educator and counselor.  He and his wife Tammy (awesome Sailing Camp cook) attend Christ UCC in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky.

Horseback Riding Camp

WE'RE SORRY, BUT THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE CLOSING OF THE STABLE WHERE IT WAS TO BE HELD.

Discover the wonder of another of God’s special creatures. Western-style riding, grooming, horse care and handling will occupy some of each day. Campers will be driven to the stable to ride. The horse experience will be in addition to hiking, swimming, crafts and Bible study. This camp will be different than last year; campers who attended in 2007 can still enjoy this experience. Campers will need to provide their own helmets and boots.

Ages:  12 yrs. - 15 yrs.
Fees:  $545/560/575

Dates: June 29 - July 5
Location:  Templed Hills
Maximum:  18   
Minimum:  15
  

Director

Melinda Green (7 yrs. leadership exp., 3^rd yr. Dir.) is a member of St. John’s UCC, Columbus.  Melinda is a horseback riding instructor and trainer.
   

Hey ladies, are you looking for a way to spice up your summer?  Join us for a week packed with fun and excitement as we challenge our minds and bodies in West Virginia.  We will raft, swim, complete a ropes course (high and low) and play in the mud!  C'mon down, make new friends, try something new, take a leap of - and in - faith.

Event # 3115

Grades:  7 - 12
Fees:  $629/644/659
Dates:  July 13 - 19
Location:  Depart from Templed Hills headed to West Virginia
Maximum:  10 female campers
Minimum:  8 female campers

Director

Erin Lumpkins is an experienced director with a genuine love of the outdoors.  She has been a member of the Nature’s Classroom staff since 2004.  Her favorite food is fondue.

Junior High Sports Camp

Our camp will challenge your best efforts on and off the athletic field! Team and individual sports will fill the week with competition and action. Not just for "jocks," this camp is for all teens, guys and gals, who just enjoy sports. We’ll experience Christian attitudes about competition, make new friends, and learn a lot about ourselves. This camp is incredible - don’t miss it!

Grades: 7 - 8
Fees: $377/392/407
Dates: June 22 - 28
Location: Pilgrim Hills
Maximum: 54

Directors

Renee Pore (11^th yr. Dir.) is a member of St. John’s UCC, Mansfield, where she has been the Youth Director and participated in Association, Conference, and National UCC leadership.  She is an 8^th-9^th grade English teacher as well as the volleyball and basketball coach.

Tom Hart (11^th yr. Dir.) is a member of Clague Road UCC, where he has served on the Board of Trustees and the Search Committees.  He is a 7^th-8^th grade Integrated Technology teacher as well as the Middle School Athletic Director.

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Register by March 31 for lowest fees!

You will get plenty of all three as we pedal our bikes on the scenic bike paths and quiet roads around camp.  We will be spinning our wheels together every morning riding together as a full group.  Challenge yourself even more with our optional afternoon and evening rides.  On these you will find that what goes up must come down as we hammer some of the local hills.  We'll work on basic riding skills like safety, pace lines and cornering.  On the last day of camp, you will also learn the art of riding into Bellville for ice cream.  Accept the challenge and see how far you can go!  A cycling helmet and good quality multi-speed bike are necessary for this camp. 

Event #2103
 
Grades: 7 - 10
Fees: $393/408/423
Dates: June 15 - 21
Location: Templed Hills
Maximum: 15    Minimum: 13

Director

Ed Miner (13 yrs. Dir.), an ordained UCC minister, presently is a case manager for children who are homeless at Southeast Mental Health in Columbus.  Ed bicycles for fun as well as competition.  Ed has been involved with the Division for Outdoor Ministries for more than ten years.  He is married and has three great children.
  

Online registration form

Printable registration form (PDF)

Things that Go Bump in the Night          NEW!

Ever wonder what things go bump in the night?  Join us at camp to study God's wonderful creations that come out after dark—wildlife such as raccoons, bats, owls and skunks as well as the moon and stars.  We will stay up late each night learning about God's nocturnal creations, so we obviously will have to sleep in for a while in the morning.  During the day, we will participate in regular camp activities, but once the sun goes down, we will start to explore!

Event # 2121

Grades:  7 - 9
Fees:  $370/$385/$400
Dates:  June 29 - July 5
Location:  Templed Hills
Maximum:  20

Director

Brent Westover (2^nd yr. Dir.) is a member of Brownhelm UCC.  Brent has been involved as a counselor and director for Love the Pool Camp for 5 years and has served on the Division for Outdoor Ministries for the past 4 years and currently is the Chairperson.  He is married to Jennifer who has been a counselor and resource person for two years.
        

MMADD--Music, Mime, Arts, Dance, Drama

Experience a week full of singing, dancing, acting, laughing, playing instruments, and meeting new friends. We will grow together with God and one another as we celebrate our talents and gifts. The talent show at the end of the week will be a production you won’t want to miss! This is a fun-filled week for all types of people who want to express themselves creatively. Come join us!

Event #2125

Grades: 7 - 12
Fees: $385/400/415
Dates: July 6 - 12
Location: Templed Hills
Maximum: 49
Minimum: 18

Directors

Jeff Davis (15 yrs. Exp.) is the pastor at Bethel UCC, Beloit, Ohio.  “The week at MMADD Camp is what every other week of the year should be: a time for creative worship, community, and Godly play.” 

Brian Knoderer (5 yrs. directing exp.) is the pastor at Gomer UCC, Gomer, Ohio.  Brian brings a wonderfully unique perspective to church camp and youth ministry.

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Register by March 31 for lowest fees!

Minnesota Boundary Waters Camp          It's Back!!

Minnesota's Boundary Waters are an incredible natural site for canoeing, tenting and simply enjoying the wonders of nature.  Test yourself paddling, set up camp, cook great meals, and get better acquainted with God.  You will not need any special equipment of your own, and the director is VERY experienced.  So, trust yourself and try something new! (Sorry, we can accommodate only male campers on this trip.)

Event # 3104
Grades: 8 - 12
Fees: $599/614/629
Dates: August 3 - 9
Location: Toledo
Maximum: 7 male campers
Minimum: 6 male campers
 
Directors

Nate Taylor is the youth director at Avon Lake UCC.  He has attended summer camp through Outdoor Ministries since he was in third grade.  This summer will be Nate’s 8^th year as a counselor at Sports Camp.  It will be his 17^th summer at camp and his first year as a director. Nate has a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors and God’s creation.  His Dad showed him at an early age what beauty there is in nature and to have respect for it.  He is looking forward to an amazing week in the Boundary Waters this summer.

Tom Taylor (1^st yr. Dir.) is a member of Sylvania UCC.  He has been canoeing since 1988 with numerous wilderness trips completed.  Tom has worked in commercial printing for over 25 years.  He and his wife Debbie live in Toledo.

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Junior High Outpost Camps

OUTPOST!! A home in the woods. Come sleep in Conestoga wagons and Gypsy wagons. Share in the fun of cooking over an open fire. Join in the adventure of night hikes, worship, making crafts, exploring nature, swimming, and making new friends. Outpost is a week of enjoying nature and working with a community. You haven’t been campin’ until you have been with us!

Grades: 7 - 9
Fees: $370/385/400
Location: Templed Hills
Maximum: 16
Minimum: 13

Junior High Outpost I - Event #2131 (July 6 - 12)

Director - TBA

Junior High Outpost II - Event #2123 (June 29 - July 5)

Director

Erin Lumpkins is an experienced director with a genuine love of the outdoors.  She has been a member of the Nature’s Classroom staff since 2004.  Her favorite food is fondue.

Senior Choir Camp

"Make a joyful noise unto God." All those who share a love of singing will fit right in. Singing, liturgical dance, hand bells, art and drama will fill our days. Night hikes, campfires, special vespers, and long talks with friends will fill our nights. The concert at week’s end celebrates a week of laughter and music.

Event #1108 Grades: 7 - 12 Fees: $390/405/420 Dates: June 29 - July 5 Location: Pilgrim Hills Maximum: 40 Minimum: 24

Directors

Dennis Betz (4^th yr. Dir.) is a composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, and singer.   He is no stranger to Choir Camp, having attended first as a camper, then as accompanist, and finally as the co-director.  Dennis has sung with or played piano for the Cincinnati Boys choir, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and the Delta Kings Chorus and has music directed numerous musicals in the Cincinnati area.  He is the founder of Betz Music in Cincinnati and is the Minister of Music at Mt. Washington United Methodist Church.  Dennis shares his life with his wife Helen, and the numerous furry friends she brought with her.

Brian Burke (2^nd yr. Dir.) is the pastor at First Congregational UCC in Wellington.  His undergraduate degree is in Music Education with a major in clarinet.  Prior to ordination, he spent five years as a high school band director, eight years directing church choirs, and twelve years directing church handbells from adult to junior high.  He has taught handbell classes and directed handbell festivals at regional and national events. 
      

CIT (Counselor in Training)

This camp is for potential camp counselors, age 16 or older. You get hands-on training as you work with campers in grades 3-6. Come and develop your leadership potential, and discover how your gifts can help campers have a meaningful week at church camp. Each day will include information you need to take on the responsibilities of a camp counselor, leadership of an activity, sharing time with counselors, evaluation of day’s activities and discussion of concerns.

Event #2149

Ages: 16 and older

Fees: $205/220/235

(CIT campers receive 50% off camp fees.  Fees listed above are already reduced by 50% and are the amounts to be paid for this camp.)

Dates: June 21 - 28 (1 day earlier than other camps)

Location: Templed Hills

Maximum: 12

Director

Elli Kalas has directed the CIT Camp for 4 years.  She has been involved with Templed and Pilgrim Hills for over 20 years and loves the sights, sounds, and experiences camp brings.  Elli is the Vision/Braille Specialist for the Newark City Schools.  She lives in Newark with husband Andy, daughter Rebekah, and son James (3).  The kids join her at camp each year.

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Senior High Sports Camp

Take your athletic ability a few notches higher through individual and team sports with other senior high school men and women! We’ll spend some time discussing ideas and growing in faith, as well as having free time in the outdoors. Help others grow as well by sharing your athletic experience and skills with the junior high campers. This week is demanding, fast paced, and amazingly good fun!

Event #1118

Grades: 9 - 12
Fees: $377/392/407
Dates: June 22 - 28
Location: Pilgrim Hills
Maximum: 40

Directors

Renee Pore (11^th yr. Dir.) is a member of St. John’s UCC, Mansfield, where she has been the Youth Director and participated in Association, Conference, and National UCC leadership.  She is an 8^th-9^th grade English teacher as well as the volleyball and basketball coach.

Tom Hart (11^th yr. Dir.) is a member of Clague Road UCC, where he has served on the Board of Trustees and the Search Committees.  He is a 7^th-8^th grade Integrated Technology teacher as well as the Middle School Athletic Director.
  

Printable registration form (PDF)

Online registration form

Join our Hand in Hand family as we learn to appreciate each other and our unique abilities, along with experiencing the best of church camp activities. Hiking, campfire cookouts, crafts, paddle boating, pool Olympics, nature activities and vespers are highlights. Our puppet friends "Bucky and Pablo" will be back to share the theme for each day as well. Sixteen senior high youth are encouraged to join 16 developmentally disabled youth/young adults who want to learn to live "hand in hand" with each other as children of God. It promises to be a week you will always remember!

Event #1109

Ages: Senior high able-bodied youth, grades 7 -12, and

Age 14 - 30ish senior high/young adults with DH/MH/EMR

Fees: $273/288/303

Dates: June 29 - July 3

Location: Pilgrim Hills

Maximum: 16 persons with DH/MH/EMR; 16 other youth

Directors

Lisa Studenmund (29+ yrs. Dir.) is a high school counselor with training in Special Education.  She is a member of First congregational UCC in Marysville and is the voice of “Bucky” the puppet.  Lisa is the mother of three and married to Steve.

Randy Gehres (28^th yrs. Dir.) is the pastor of Christ UCC in Orrville.  He enjoys playing his guitar.  He is a father and husband, married to Grace.

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