Welcome to Camp Swamp 2026!!!

Summer camp is almost here, and we are so excited to welcome your campers to Camp Swamp! Whether this is your camper’s first summer or they already call camp their second home, we are praying for an incredible week filled with play, connection, community, and wonder.

This summer’s theme is: CommUNITY❤️

This summer we will explore the Gospel of John and focus on Jesus’ prayer for believers: to have complete unity with the Father and with each other.

We all desire healthy relationships and meaningful connection, but learning how to live in community can sometimes be challenging. Camp is a beautiful place to practice those things together.

Older campers will explore how Jesus demonstrates the essentials of healthy community:

Younger campers will learn about the power of words and how our speech can build up or tear down the community around us.

Our prayer is that campers will see God more clearly and learn what it means to live in deeper connection with Him and with one another.

Our Staff & Camp Community

We have selected an incredible counseling staff this summer and spend a great deal of time training them to foster healthy, encouraging cabin communities.

We work hard to make sure every camper:

Negative behaviors such as sarcasm, exclusion, and put-downs are not tolerated at camp.

Counselors also help campers stay healthy throughout the week by encouraging:

You Are Our Best Resource

You know your camper better than anyone.

The information you provide helps us care for your camper well and allows us to support them proactively throughout the week.

Please continue sharing any important:

If any significant concerns arise during the week, a Director or member of our medical team will contact you directly.

And please know — we always welcome communication from families before, during, or after camp.

Please Pray With Us

Please join us in praying for this summer.

Pray:

And most of all, pray that campers would see God more clearly and discover the hope and joy found in Him.

Typical Daily Schedule

TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE

8:45–9:45 AM Morning Meeting + Breakfast

9:45–10:15 Cabin Cleanup + Work Details

10:15–11:45 AM Morning Free Time (lake open; laser tag and sports activities; board games and crafts in the dining hall; cabin challenges. Canteen open.)

12:00–1:00 PM Bible Classes

1:00–1:45 PM Lunch

1:45–3:00 PM Cabin Time / Rest Time

3:00–5:00 PM Afternoon Free Time (Lake closed, pool open; Board games and crafts available in the dining hall. Canteen open.)

5:30 PM Mail Call + All Camp Activity

6:00–7:00 PM Dinner

7:00–9:00 PM Evening Activities

9:15 PM Evening Devotional

10:00 PM Return to Cabins

6 Ways To Help Your Camper Succeed

  1. Review camp policies together.
    Make sure your camper understands what the policies are and that they have to honor them. This includes our cellphone-free-policy, our expectation that campers will move around in camp in groups of three or more, our safety policies around the lake and the pool, and our expectations about behavior that builds and does not tear down others.
  1. Pack WITH your camper.
    Pack things with your campers that they will be comfortable wearing. Pack toiletries and closed toed shoes. Pack a flashlight with lots of extra batteries. Use the packing list included in this packet.
  1. Encourage communication with staff.
    Make sure your camper understands that if they have a problem, they should let their counselor know.
  2. Share important information with us.
    By providing our staff with as much information as possible, you help us help your camper. Having information ahead of time saves us from having to “troubleshoot” a puzzling situation in search of a solution. Instead, we can be proactive. As their caregivers for the week, please share what we should know.
  3. Send necessary medications.
    Camp is a less structured environment than your camper may be used to at school. Campers are more active and stay up later at camp. If your camper requires medication while at home under normal circumstances, it is beneficial for them to remain on those medications, especially if those medications help them manage their energy and attention.
  4. Prepare for homesickness in a healthy way.
    Missing home is completely normal. Most campers feel it. Most staff feel it too. What makes the difference isn’t whether your camper misses home. It’s how you talk about camp before they go. Here are some conversation starters:

Helpful Ways to Talk about Camp:

INSTEAD OF:

“I’ll come get you if you don’t like it.”

“I’m going to miss you so much.”


“I’m just a phone call away.”

“You need to be brave.”

“You’ll be away from home for a long time.”

TRY:

“Camp is going to be an adventure and I think you’ll have an amazing time.”

“I’m so excited to hear all about your adventures when you come home!”


“I can’t wait to hear all about your week when you get home.”

“It’s normal to feel a little scared, but remember, everyone at camp is there to help you have a great time.”

“You’ll have so many fun activities and new friends that time will fly by!”

Arrival Day Information

Check-in begins Sunday at 3:00 PM.

Before Leaving Home:
✔ Pack clothing, bedding, toiletries, and water bottle
✔Complete the medical information in the registration system, including a list of medications and dosages
✔ Pack ALL medications in original labeled containers and have them readily accessible to turn in once you arrive (this includes all vitamins, supplements, homeopathic remedies, over the counter medications, and melatonin)

STOP #1 — DINING HALL

STOP #2 — MEDICAL CABIN

STOP #3 — CABINS

Pick Up Day Information

Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Pavilion.

Plan to arrive at the pavilion at Camp Swamp for closing devotional at 10 am on Saturday. We have a special treat for our parents and campers and invite you to participate.

Stop #1 – Pavilion

Camp Swamp Packing LIST

Camp Swamp Packing List: Camper Edition (Printable version)

Bathhouse Essentials

OPTIONAL FUN ITEMS

Fun/Extra things you may want to bring:

We are so thankful you are part of the Camp Swamp family and can’t wait to experience another unforgettable summer together.

See you soon!

Steve & Rachele Gibson

Camp Swamp Directors

Got Questions? We’re Here for You!
If you have any questions before camp begins, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

You can:

Post in our Camp Swamp Facebook Page (Public Camp Swamp Page): https://www.facebook.com/CampSwamp

Post in our Camp Swamp Parents Facebook Group: ​(This is a private FB group page which you’ll have to request to join) facebook.com/share/g/1EUkzrYXai            

Staff and other parents are ready to support you! 

Follow along with camp fun and updates on these platforms as well: 

 Flickr Photo Albums – We upload photos during the week to help you stay connected while your camper is away.

Instagram (@campswamp) & Facebook – For summer highlights, reminders, and moments of joy!