overnight camp

A place where everyone belongs.

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● Overnight Camp Overview

Simple Moments. Lifelong memories.

Traditional overnight camp offers a full recreational program for children ages 8-16. Our program seeks to integrate campers and staff in activities intentionally designed to build community. Our community is comprised of up to 250 people at a time sharing spaces and experiences. Calvary Camp has 22 cabins, assigned by age and gender, each housing 8 campers and 2 counselors.  Campers share meals with their cabinmates and counselors in the Dining Hall, and participate in a variety of self-selected and whole-camp activities throughout the day and session with various combinations of other campers, in settings all around our campus.

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Electives

Campers choose four self-selected activities each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After arriving Sunday, they rank their choices for the week and receive their personalized schedules Monday morning. Guided by counselors as needed, campers practice independence while exploring interests like swimming, art, tennis, kayaking, archery, photography, and more.

Leadership Development

Our Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program provides 15-year-old campers with communication, introspection, critical thinking, and ethical skills to use within the camp setting while also incorporating these soft skills into their own lives outside of camp. Sixteen-year-olds can join the Junior Counselor (JC) program, mentoring younger campers and assisting counselors while gaining hands-on experience and confidence as emerging leaders.

Competition

Each session, campers join one of four teams—Tigers, Dragons, Falcons, or Panthers—for daily games and friendly competition. Morning events involve small groups, while evenings bring the whole camp together. Counselors model sportsmanship and teamwork, and the session ends with a lighthearted skit celebrating all teams.

Campfire, chapel, & devotions

Each day ends with either Campfire or Chapel, alternating evenings, followed by a time of reflection in the cabin. Counselors prepare an age-appropriate topic or activity each night as a way to engage campers in reflection on their experience that day.  Christian faith and spirituality are integrated into all aspects of our life together.

● Camp Life

Sample Itinerary


Penguin Club (Optional)

7:45 am

Breakfast

8:15 am

Morning Competition

9:00 am

First Elective

10:00 am

Second Elective

11:00 am

Lunch

12:10 pm

Rest Hour

1:00 pm

Third Elective

2:10 pm

Fourth Elective

3:10 pm

Free Time

4:00 pm

Junior Free Swim

4:10 pm

Senior Free Swim

4:40 pm

Dinner

5:30 pm

Evening Competition / Activity

6:30 pm

Canteen

8:00 pm

Campfire or Chapel (Alternate Nights)

9:00 pm

Lights Out & Devotions

9:30 pm

● Overnight Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To support a positive and immersive camp experience, campers do not have access to cell phones or other data-capable devices, and phone calls home are not typically permitted. Over many years, we have found that limiting phone calls helps campers stay present, build independence, and form strong connections within their cabin and the broader camp community.

    If you need to communicate with your camper, you are always welcome to reach out to a director by phone or email. We also encourage campers to write letters home – mail from camp is often a highlight for both campers and families!

    We do also recognize that homesick campers are a normal part of the camp experience. Homesickness is closely monitored by counselors and directors, but we have found that homesickness is usually resolved once campers adjust to camp life. If a camper’s homesickness does not improve, we will contact the family to discuss next steps. When appropriate, a call home can be arranged using the camp phone.

  • Camper Mail can be sent directly to Calvary Camp at:

    (Camper’s Name and Cabin)
    c/o Sheldon Calvary Camp
    4411 Lake Road
    Conneaut, OH 44030

    Packages are delivered daily to the camp at that address during the summer.

    A note about care packages:

    A care package can be an extension of love from home. In the interest of nutrition, allergy safety, and avoiding attracting pests into the cabins, please send non-food items only. Snacks are available each day through the camp canteen. We also ask that you do not send your camper gum, water balloons, or silly string. We suggest sending other items which will add to your camper’s comfort and enjoyment while at camp. Any food items brought or sent to the camp will be put aside and returned to the camper upon departure.

    Sending Mail to the Camp

    All correspondence and payments can be sent directly to Calvary Camp at the address above.

  • Yes. Calvary Camp offers scholarship opportunities for families that may need assistance. The camper application includes a section where you can indicate interest in financial aid. After completing a short, confidential request, a Director will connect with you to discuss available options. Our desire is for Calvary Camp to be a place that is accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of financial ability.

  • Campers are grouped into cabins based on age and gender to ensure a comfortable and positive camp experience for everyone.

  • Yes. If your child becomes ill or injured, they will be cared for by our camp healthcare provider, who lives onsite and is, at minimum, a licensed registered nurse.

  • Each cabin is assigned two counselors. Depending on space availability, both counselors may live in the cabin with the campers for the week. As camp professionals, we understand that your child’s safety is your top priority. Having two counselors assigned to each cabin allows us to provide attentive supervision and care, creating a safe and supportive environment for every camper.

  • Making new friends and getting to know people with different life experiences is one of the great benefits of camp. At Calvary Camp, we have come to realize that our attempts to honor cabin requests have sometimes interfered with this opportunity. Large groups of campers from the same school or neighborhood do not have a chance to expand their circle of friends. The few campers in a cabin who are not part of such large group requests may find it overwhelming and challenging to form relationships. At the same time, we recognize that coming to camp with a friend is fun and adds a familiar, comfortable dimension. With the goal of providing the best camping experience for everyone, we have a policy for cabin mate requests:

    A camper may request to be with one other camper, and the request must be made by both campers. Camper ages and grades should be the same or within one year of each other. Siblings (other than twins) are generally placed in different cabins. Any special considerations may be communicated during the registration process.

    As always, we value open communication and invite you to share any thoughts or concerns with us at registration@calvarycamp.org. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to shape a community where learning and growth happen in the most positive way.

  • Yes. We do our very best to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies by offering a variety of options at every meal so that all campers leave happy and well-fed. Because we serve meals to more than 250 people three times a day, we appreciate families partnering with us to help keep campers safe. Providing supplemental snacks or specialty items for your camper is very helpful. These items can be safely stored in our kitchen and prepared as needed. We ask that you communicate any dietary restrictions or concerns with our Directors and Food Service Director ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

Packing list

  • Pajamas

  • Raincoat or poncho

  • Sweatshirt

  • Swimsuits (2)

  • Bath & beach towels

  • Water shoes (for beach activities)

  • Water bottle

  • Flashlight with batteries

  • Sunglasses and/or hat

  • Camera*

    • Photographs only; campers do not have permission to record video at Calvary Camp.

  • Toiletry items (toothpaste, etc.)

  • Sunscreen & bug spray

  • Sleeping bag/bedding and pillow (twin sized)

  • Shirts (long & short sleeve)

  • Shorts

  • Jeans/pants/leggings

  • Socks

  • Underwear

  • Athletic shoes

  • Sandals/flip-flops

Please Note:

Space in the cabins is limited! If you have any questions, please reach out: registration@calvarycamp.org

  • Spending money is deposited into Campers’ Bank during check-in. Anything not spent is returned at the end of the session.

  • Calvary Camp sweatshirts, t-shirts, water bottles, and other items are available for sale on check-in and check-out days in the Camp Store.

  • There are no laundry facilities available to campers except in the event of an emergency. Make sure to pack everything needed for the full length of the session!

  • Campers may bring their personal equipment for music, art, or sports. Depending on the item, it may be kept in the cabin or at the activity location. Shared equipment is also available at camp for most of these activities.

what not to bring

Camp is a special place. One of the ways we keep it that way is by preserving freedom from certain things when we gather together. Please help us protect the magic of camp by leaving these things at home.

  • Any mobile data-capable device, including cameras (cell phones are securely stored until the end of the session)

  • Computers, tablets, gaming devices, and other electronics

  • Fireworks, lighters, or anything that ignites

  • Non-prescription drugs or chemical substances (all prescription medication is stored in the Wellness Center)

  • Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives

  • Skateboards & bikes

  • Pets (except Certified Service Animals – please call to discuss this with a Director)

  • Alcohol or tobacco/nicotine in any form, including vaping devices

  • Valuables & expensive jewelry

  • Additional food (except when needed for dietary reasons – please call to discuss this with a Director)

  • Money, except what is deposited into Campers’ Bank at check-in

Required Forms

Forms