Summer Camps Return for 2022

Story by Evan Knott

Chesapeake Conference summer camps returned to full strength in 2022. Overnight summer camp at the Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md., was held for the first time since 2019, and day camps were held at church locations throughout the conference.

More than 300 campers, ages 7–15, attended Mt. Aetna Summer Camp during its five weeks of operation. Unlike previous years, when weeks were designated for specific age brackets, families had the option this year to send their children to camp for any week or weeks. Campers enjoyed activities such as aquatics, crafts, nature classes and team sports.

“What I like about summer camp is all the friends that you can make,” says camper Alyssa. “Everybody is very nice.”

Chesapeake Conference’s ongoing day camp program, known as FLAG (Fun Learning About God) Camp, aims to bring the summer camp experience to the local church. This year, 13 churches hosted FLAG Camp weeks in their local communities.

“We encourage churches to integrate community kids into other church activities like VBS and Pathfinders so families get accustomed to going to the church,” says Carl Rodriguez, Chesapeake Conference youth director. “With FLAG Camp, we’re working deliberately to have an impact in the local community of each church.” 

Scan the QR code below to watch the summer camp video!