Programs and Activities
Our summer camp program offers two week sessions of co-ed over night camp. Campers live in rustic cabins on our waterfront property and enjoy a wide variety of activities. We have created a schedule that allows each camper to have some structured time during their day to ensure that all campers have equal opportunity to try new activities and some free choice time to spend more time doing their favorites!
Coming in 2009, FAMILY CAMP! Parents, don't you wish that you could come to camp? Starting in 2009, we will offer a family camping session at the end of August so that entire families can enjoy time at Camp St. Charles. Contact the Camp Director if you are interested.
Swimming
All campers are evaluated for swimming ability during our orientations and assigned a swimming level based upon the American Red Cross swimming program. Campers who successfully complete these levels will be awarded cards. All campers will be scheduled with their team for games and activities at the pool. The pool is open daily (weather permitting) during the afternoon free time.
Riflery
Firearm safety and responsibility are the core values demanded and taught in this target sport. The Middies use spring-mechanism BB guns while Minors and Majors fire .22 caliber single-shot target rifles. Our range and our range commands follow the guidelines of the National Rifle Association of America. The campers enjoy themselves and develop a skill which entitles them to NRA awards.
Archery
Campers learn the safe as well as the proficient use of the bow and arrow. As a member of the National Archery Association of the United States, Camp St. Charles issues awards to those campers who meet NAAUS requirements.
Corral and Petting Zoo
For over 30 years, Brother Roger Nelson, SDS, has provided the campers with a unique opportunity in caring for his critters. From grooming and feeding the horses to walking the goats and petting the rabbits, the campers learn the joys and responsibilities involved in working with animals. All the campers are given the opportunity to go horseback riding. A partial list of the animals at "Brother Roger's Farm" from last year: horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, ferrets, chickens, turtles, iguanas, snakes, mice, puppies and numerous varieties of birds.
Arts and Crafts
Since 1966, Brother Marvin Kluesner, SDS, has been developing the Arts and Crafts program. Choosing from hundreds of available molds, each camper will select and finish his/her own ceramic artwork. The variety of selection includes: mugs, wildlife, religious statues, and much, much more. The campers' efforts produce individualized pieces that become personal and family treasures. Additionally, the campers are taught a range of stitches to make lanyards and other objects using many shades of gimp.
Sports
In the team sports of softball, soccer, football, basketball, and volleyball, teamwork and sportsmanship are added to the competition to determine the winning team. Other games and activities (including some from other countries, like cricket) give each camper the chance to have fun and develop his or her skills at the same time.
Environmental Awareness and Studies
From exploring in the Wicomico River with a seine net to discovering the plant and animal life often unnoticed around them, the campers deepen their understanding of God's Creation. Activities are designed to broaden their appreciation and respect for our natural environment. The waterways of Charleston Creek and the Wicomico River abound with osprey. Each summer the campers witness the growth of new baby birds in a nest that is approximately 20 feet from the end of our dock.
Boating
All campers have the opportunity to use the small craft boats and rowboats. We have canoes and single-person kayaks available to campers who have demonstrated their ability in swimming as well as handling the small craft. Hydrosliding behind one of our powerboats is a favorite activity enjoyed by each camper. Fishing and crabbing are always popular off our 150 ft. dock. All waterfront activities are supervised by qualified personnel
Challenge Course
The nine elements of the challenge course involve climbing, swinging, trust falls, balancing, lifting ... physical challenges that require the entire team to plan strategies, explore solutions, work cooperatively, listen to and trust each other. Teams work at their own pace under the careful guidance of specially trained staff.
Cabins
Cabins are assigned on a first come, first served basis. All cabins and our platform tent have campers from all age groups living in them. Each camper is expected to participate in the daily clean-up procedures which will be explained during the first evening of each session. Campers and staff are required to always use language and manners consistent with a Christ-centered view of personal relationships. To assure that each child is equipped for our activities and to assist the camp in providing a safe environment, parents/guardians are responsible for the possessions the child brings to camp. When packing, parents/guardians must follow the "Packing List" that will be included in your Confirmation Package.
Teams
After parents leave on check-in Sunday, each camper is assigned to his/her team. Your child will either be a Middie (aged 7-9*); or, a Minor (aged 10-11); or, a Major (aged 12-13**). Our daily schedule is built around three assigned activities with the camper's team and two periods of "Free Time" during which friends, cousins, etc. who are not on the same team can get together for activities at the dock, sports, and a wide range of other options. We try to make sure all the teams are balanced in the number and size of children. If you want your child to be on the same team as another camper, this request must be entered on the application. We will try to honor - but cannot guarantee - all requests. No requests for team assignments will be taken at camp - no exceptions.
* Middies: The Camp Director and/or his or her designee may move a child from the Middies to the Minors in order to balance the teams in either age group as needed.
** Majors: A Major must be 12 at the time he/she arrives at Camp or be turning 12 while attending Camp. No exceptions.
Food
Campers eat with their team and team counselor for breakfast and lunch. During our outdoor (picnic-style) dinner, campers may eat with whomever they choose. Our family-style meals are very substantial as well as appetizing. A large salad bar is available every day during the main meal at lunch. Twice a day campers may choose from a variety of snacks at the canteen. No extra money is needed since the tuition fee is all inclusive.
Other Activities and Awards
All campers earn awards by participating in and/or improving in their target sports, swimming and some sporting events. The Seahawk Award for good Camp "citizenship" is presented each session to selected Middies, Minors, and Majors who have distinguished themselves through exemplary behavior and attitude marked by helpfulness and concern for their team, their cabin, and Camp in general. Certificates are awarded and the campers' names are added to the Seahawk Award plaque in the Mess Hall.
Minors have an overnight adventure on either Skull Island or the campground. This includes cooking over a campfire, telling stories, and sleeping in the outdoors with their team and counselors.
The Majors spend a day at King's Dominion. Their tuition cost includes the entrance fee as well as $20 in spending money for souvenirs and food. Lunch is provided. Campers are not allowed money at camp. We distribute the spending money upon arrival at King's Dominion. Major campers are also given a tee shirt.
Schedule
All campers are scheduled for their daily activities so that all campers will have equal opportunity to participate in all activities. The exceptions are as follows:- Middies (age 7-9) do not do riflery.
- Majors (age 12-13) and Minors (age 10-11) do not do BB activities.
- Only Majors spend a day at King's Dominion
- When weather disrupts our schedule, we reschedule missed activities as much as possible.
Typical Day Schedule:
| 7:30am | Wake Up |
| 8:00am | Line Up for announcements, flag raising and morning prayer. Breakfast |
| 8:30am | Cabin Clean Up |
| 9:10am | Cabin Inspection |
| 9:30am | First Activity |
| 10:35am | Second Activity |
| 11:45am | Clean Up for Lunch |
| 12:00pm | Line Up, prayer and Lunch |
| 12:30pm | Siesta (quiet time in the cabins, mail is delivered during Siesta) |
| 1:30pm | Polywog (camper select an activity to participate in) |
| 2:35pm | Fourth Activity |
| 3:45 pm | Canteen Time (Snack) |
| 4:15pm | Afternoon Free Time |
| 5:30pm | Clean Up for Dinner |
| 5:45pm | Line Up, Prayer, Dinner |
| 6:30pm | Evening Free Time |
| 7:15pm | Night Activity |
| 8:30pm | Snack and Showers |
| 9:30pm | Lights Out, prayer, story, sleep! |