our beliefs
Camp Fern's mission is to enrich the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social lives of campers by providing summers of fun, friendship, exploration, and growth.
fun
Camp Fern offers a program where children can have fun in an atmosphere of learning and growth. We are committed to researching and adding new activities to keep things fresh and fun. Along with the daily activities, chosen by the camper, are our unique evening activities which could include a carnival, a stunt night, a sports night, or a tribal activity, to name a few. Whatever the activity, it is guaranteed to be fun and exciting.
friendship
At Camp Fern, campers will forge friendships that last a lifetime. They can learn that the time and effort needed to make a true friend is an investment worth making. Without all of the technology available today, campers get the chance to really know one another. They learn to walk beside each other, learning together through real life situations and resolving conflict with the help of counselors and peers.
exploration
Camp Fern encourages each camper to attempt new challenges each day. We offer over 70 different skills and activities that campers may experience. Each of these activities are offered in the following areas: Waterfront, Sports, Nature, Riding, and Arts and Crafts. Our knowledgeable counselors take pride in teaching our campers to excel in the activities they choose.
growth
Each new day at Camp Fern offers the opportunity for personal advancement and growth. In the area of physical activities, campers experience the excitement of learning or improving a skill and they participate in tournaments at the end of the session to earn points for their tribe. They can work on the "advancement trail", each advancement requiring completion of specific skills in a wide variety of camp activities. They also work as a cabin unit during cabin clean up each morning to earn the weekly cleanest cabin award.
More importantly, in the area of personal growth, the group living situation facilitates learning, flexibility, patience, and respect for people who are different from oneself. One also learns that there are a host of people who care about them, who want the best for them and who help them solve the problems that arise in daily life. This leads to gains in self-confidence and independence
