Deciding to send your child to sleepaway camp is a big decision-- but an exciting one as well! But, how do you decide which one to pick? There are so many good camps that offer so many different things! Here are 5 reasons why we think Camp Alta Mons is a great option and a place that your family can return to year after year.
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1. Small Groups
Alta Mons operates on the principle of small group Christian camping because we believe that smaller groups work better for everyone. To do this, we divide all of our campers into “units.” A unit is your camp family. Each unit has 2 counselors and 7-14 campers. Units participate in activities (low ropes, hike to the falls, craft hut) together during the day as a community and then sleep in gender-separate cabins/hogans at night. Elementary campers frequently have 1-2 high school-aged “counselors in training” (CITs) assisting with their unit and providing extra help. Units have a designated table in the Dining Hall and sit together for all meals. They eat family style because we believe in the value of conversation and learning how to say “please pass the mashed potatoes.”
2. Wide Variety of Different Camp Options
Camp Alta Mons offers a variety of different camp options depending on your and your child’s goals for their summer camp experience. There are 7 different week-long camps to pick from as well as Mini and Day Camp options. Many kids start out in Elementary Resident Camp and then continue coming back every summer. For middle schoolers, we offer camps with exciting activities like zip-lining at night, caving, backpacking, and more! Mini Camp is a 3 day / 2-night camp which is perfect for introducing kids to the overnight experience without committing to the full week. We also offer 3 different Day Camp sessions-- a great way to start kids at camp if the overnight piece seems daunting. No matter which camp you chose, our counselors are committed to building relationships with your child and making sure they have the best week possible!
3. Our Faith Community
Camp Alta Mons is part of the United Methodist Church and our goal is to have each and every camper grow in their faith in an age-appropriate way. Our community is supportive and inclusive; we accept all kids no matter their background and we never pressure kids to “accept Christ” or to make a profession of faith at camp. We believe that it’s all about relationships-- with each other, with the Earth, and with God, and we strive to show kids that they are loved. Our 2019 spiritual theme is “Hope In The Valley” and we will be talking about finding hope when life seems hopeless.
4. Our 850 Acres of Land
Alta Mons translates to “high mountains” from Latin and the topography of the 850 acres of the camp does not disappoint. From hiking to our 40-foot waterfall (Stiles Falls) to hanging out in our beautiful valley, being at camp is an awe-inspiring and fulfilling experience. Our property is the perfect set up for a summer camp and has a wide variety of natural features that make for great teachable moments and introductory outdoor experiences.
5. The Staff
Your child will be cared for and supervised by our hand-picked and highly qualified camp counselors. Campers are never left alone and are always under supervision. Our counselors and staff participate in a two week, intensive staff training covering topics such as camper behavior, emergency preparedness, and risk management and are all CPR and First Aid certified. We perform thorough background checks and drug tests on ALL employees and volunteers. It is our number one goal to make sure that your child has a safe and fun week with us at Alta Mons!
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If you are still feeling hesitant to commit to Camp Alta Mons, our staff are happy to give you an in-person tour and can always be reached by phone at 540-268-2409 or email at office@altamons.org to answer any lingering questions that you may have. Registration information can be found online at www.altamons.org/summer-camp
