Summer 2021
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20
Reminders for Camper Parents:
*Check your email! Summer Camp details and updates are sent to the email we have on file for you, beginning about two weeks in advance. Not seeing our email updates? Check your spam filter, just in case.
Packing List: Get the NEW! updated Summer Camp Packing List here.
Health Pre-Screening: All campers are expected to complete a self-monitored health pre-screening before arrival, including those who have been vaccinated. During this period, we expect you to restrict close contacts to those within your household. Choose either 14 days of pre-screening OR 7 days plus proof of a negative PCR test.
Get the Health Pre-Screening form here.
Online Payment and Forms: Be sure to complete ALL forms and payment online before arrival. We are doing drive-up check-in this summer and you can help us keep this as quick and easy as possible.
Sign in to your CampBrain account here.
Camper Check-in and Pick-up: Check-in is scheduled by cohort from 3 to 5pm on Sunday. Pick-up is scheduled by cohort from 10 to 12am on Thursday.
View details and guidelines here.
Driving Directions: You will not have cell service for the last few miles of your trip. We recommend that you print and/or download driving directions before coming.
Summer Camp Photos: At the end of each week, summer camp photos are shared in an online gallery. You may download web-resolution files for free, or purchase prints and high-resolution files for personal use. If you share any summer camp photos on social media, be sure to tag @CarolineFurnace on Facebook and Instagram.
Camper Mail: Wishing to send your camper a letter while they're away? We hand out letters daily during lunch. Make sure you indicate which day you would like your campers to receive your letter.
COVID-19 Note: Caroline Furnace follows the guidelines and requirements of CDC, VDH, and American Camp Association (ACA), in consultation with our healthcare advisory team. Risk mitigation for Summer 2021 includes the use of small group cohorts, staff and guest health screening, hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE), a designated quarantine space, limited off-site activities, a no visitor policy, and more.
Summer Camp registration closes 16 days prior to the start of each camp week.
We have a place for everyone around the campfire! All are welcome here. You are welcome here.
We celebrate, affirm, and value the diversity present in our communities: diversity of ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, faith, belief, ability, age, identity, and any other classification. Sincerely we say, “All are welcome.” YOU are welcome here.
Summer Camp is a place that supports new experiences, close friendships, limitless fun, and faith made tangible. Campers engage in daily worship and Bible study, plus a wide range of activities. They’ll get to swim, canoe, fish, creekwalk, play group games, hike, cook over a campfire, create crafts, and so much more! Each week, volunteer chaplains from nearby Lutheran congregations join us in supporting faith development.
In 2021, campers will experience Summer Camp as small group cohorts, which means that each camp group will travel, eat, and play together for the week. All small groups will follow a basic schedule that emphasizes outdoor activities and faith development. Adventure Camps have some additional activities scheduled (such as rock climbing or horseback riding). Depending upon current restrictions and best practices this summer, we hope to gather all campers for a few safely distanced activities throughout the week.
We are so excited to see you again and look forward to welcoming you back to Caroline Furnace soon!
Here are a Few Highlights for 2021:
Two Main Options - Overnight Summer Camp and NEW! Family Retreats
Overnight Summer Camp
-
Each camp week is Sunday to Thursday. Any off-site activities will continue as local day trips.
-
NEW! Youth Group Service + Adventure Week: Bring your small group to camp for a week of service projects and adventure! This is a great opportunity for your ELCA Youth Gathering group to build community in 2021 before the 2022 Gathering. The weekly schedule is custom-built to fit your group; both on-site and off-site service projects and adventures are available.
-
Grades 1-3: Since the camp week is shortened, all Explorer camps are full-week.
-
Grades 4-6: Campers entering grades 4-6 may choose between Classic or Adventure Camps. Adventure Campers will go horseback riding one day, and other days may include canoeing, hiking, fishing, and/or archery.
-
Grades 7-12: Middle and high school campers also have an Adventure Camp option. This is very similar to our “combo camps” - BikeHikeZip, HikePaddleClimb, HorseFishHike, ArcheryClimbFish - Adventure Campers will go rock climbing or horseback riding one day, and other days may include canoeing, hiking, fishing, and/or archery. This year will include local day trips only, plus camping and cowboy campout opportunities on-site. Rock climbing or horseback riding is assigned to each Adventure Camp.
Horse: Week Two / June 27-July 1, Week Five / July 18-22, Week Seven / August 1-5
Rock Climbing: Week One / June 20-24, Week Four / July 11-15, and Week Six / July 25-29
-
Family Camp: This year, Family Camp is offered during the weeks immediately before and after overnight camp: June 13-17 and August 8-12. Family Camp is designed for 'future campers' and will include more staff-led activities than our weekend family retreat option. Families can choose a day trip on the Shenandoah River as an add-on for Family Camp (June 13-17, August 8-12) or family retreats (any weekend).
Family Retreats
-
This is a great opportunity for families to stay over the weekend before or after your camp week! Extend your stay, share camp with family, or stay on-site between two camp weeks. Have a nervous camper? Spend a weekend at camp together before their week of overnight camp.
-
Family Retreats are available every summer weekend from Thursday to Sunday.
-
Family Retreat spaces may include the Farmhouse, Sukkah Village, Loft, and tent camping.
-
Reservations are open! Contact tom@carolinefurnace.org or (540) 449-0012 to plan your family retreat.