Mission & Beliefs

Camp Fern's mission is to enrich the physical, spiritual and social lives of campers by providing summers of fun, friendship, exploration, and growth.

NATURE CONNECTION

No Camp Fern camper can forget the lullaby of crickets and frogs he fell asleep to after Taps, nor the glimpse of a great blue heron in a quiet vigil above the waters of a misty lake. The bream, catfish, and trophy-sized largemouth Florida bass lurking in their underwater lairs are a thrill to any fisherman; the retreating mask of a foraging raccoon is a delight to any young naturalist.

Camp Fern's 100 acres of flora and fauna make the camp a magical place for children. Armadillos and deer, butterflies and walking sticks, wild blackberries and waterlilies, and even the poison ivy patch or occasional unwitting king snake instill respect and love for nature in awestruck campers.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Underlying the fun-filled camp life there are several structures which allow for personal advancement if a camper chooses.

Campers may attain four levels of personal achievement covering every phase of camp life: girls advance from Pioneer to Rancher, boys, from Pathfinder to Chief.

Camp Fern's cabins are divided into four groups which compete in cabin cleanup as well as in evening activities such as scavenger hunts and skit nights.

The winners in each division are treated to such privileges as weekly ice-cream sundaes and early breakfast lineup. Additionally, campers are divided into two competing tribes.

SPIRITUALITY

Founded on Christian principles, Camp Fern has a respect for all faiths. Camp Fern strives to reinforce the motto "God first, others second, I am third." A "Thought for the Day" is put on each table daily in the Dining Hall.

Aided by counselors, campers put on a Vesper service each evening which may include skits, poems, stories, or prayers. Vespers always ends with the prayer "If I Have Wounded Any Souls Today," sung by all.

Through the years, this was Miss Peggy's time to add her own inspirational words or lead "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy." That role is now being carried on by daughter Margaret.

Sunday services are created by counselors and the director and stress reverence for the Lord, love for each other and ourselves and respect for the natural world God has given us.

Uniquely Fern are parables told year after year, songs learned by heart, Sunday whites, and the wooded "Green Cathedral."

Catholic campers may attend 7:30 am mass on Sundays in Marshall, though the priest has given special dispensation to those who do not attend mass during the session.