Parent's Page

"When I picked my daughter up, it was such a relief to hear about the amazing time she had and the friends she made. Since then, she has talked about camp several times and how much she wants to return." ~2025 Camper Parent

Campers of all ages may participate in the following activities during their week at camp:

Behind the Boat: Tubing behind the motor boat in Big Crystal Lake is an all-time favorite camp activity. Campers ride in the motorboat in the lake and take turns in pairs being pulled on the tube. Specific hand signals are used between boat and tubers to communicate the desire to go faster and slower. The boat is equipped with required safety equipment, and is staffed by an experienced boat driver, lifeguard, and spotter. Another lifeguard and counselors stay in the shallow water by the beach while awaiting their turn.

Canoeing: Canoeing activities take place in Little Crystal Lake with a certified lifeguard and/or canoe instructor. Canoeing is a time to experience the water in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to observe wildlife around the lake. Canoeing activity blocks may include canoe races across the lake. Lifejackets are required for all participants.

Swimming: Campers have water time every day, whether in boating activities or free swims at our own private Lake Emerald. Swim tests take place at the first swim block of each camp session, and those who do not pass the swim test must wear lifejackets in the swim area. All swimming takes place under the supervision of lifeguards, and other summer staff serve as spotters during all swim times.

Archery: Campers learn the fundamentals of archery through games and target practice under the supervision of trained instructors. Safety procedures are reviewed before each session, and all equipment is provided by camp.

Rock Wall: Campers challenge themselves by climbing our outdoor rock wall while wearing properly fitted climbing harnesses and helmets. Trained facilitators manage belay systems and provide encouragement as campers build confidence and perseverance.

Challenge Course: Our challenge course includes only low elements at this time, designed to encourage teamwork, communication, trust, and personal growth. Activities are facilitated by trained staff following established safety procedures and industry standards.

Hiking: Campers explore Montgomery's wooded trails while learning about the natural environment, local wildlife, and God's creation. Hikes are adapted by length, time of day, and instruction (scavenger hunts, etc) to the age and ability of each group.

Arts and Crafts: Campers express their creativity through a variety of age-appropriate craft projects that they can take home as reminders of their camp experience. Activities may include painting, nature crafts, friendship bracelets, and seasonal projects.

Team Building Activities: Through interactive challenges and cooperative games, campers learn communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills while strengthening relationships within their cabin group.

Field Games: Large-group outdoor games encourage physical activity, teamwork, and plenty of fun. Activities may include relay races, capture the flag, kickball, dodgeball variations, and other camp favorites.

Energizers: Every morning, campers participate in high-energy dances that build enthusiasm, encourage participation, and help start the day with energy and enthusiasm.

Campfires: Evening campfires provide opportunities for singing, storytelling, skits, games, and reflection. Campfires often conclude with a devotional thought that reinforces the camp's Christian mission.

S'mores: No camp experience is complete without roasting marshmallows over the campfire and making traditional s'mores. This favorite activity provides time for fellowship and creating lasting memories.

Recreation Time: Campers enjoy supervised free-choice recreation where they may play gaga ball, nine square, basketball, volleyball, carpetball, tetherball, or simply spend time with friends in designated recreation areas like Eppert Pavilion or the Emerald Recreation Area.

Labyrinth: Often used during evening worship, campers may walk the outdoor labyrinth as a peaceful opportunity for quiet reflection, prayer, and personal spiritual growth. Staff encourage participants to use this space respectfully and at their own pace.

Funyaking: Campers learn basic kayaking skills in fun-sized kayaks while paddling on calm waters at Lake Emerald under the supervision of trained staff. All participants wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets and receive safety instruction before entering the water.

Bouldering: Campers develop balance, coordination, and problem-solving skills while climbing designated low-height bouldering features. Spotters and safety guidelines are used throughout the activity.

Stargazing: On clear evenings, campers have the opportunity to observe the night sky while learning about constellations, planets, and God's amazing creation. Stargazing often serves as a peaceful conclusion to an exciting day at camp.

Should you have any concerns about your camper participating in any of these activities, please speak with camp staff directly by contacting 352-473-4516 or program@montgomerycenter.org. Please note in the Health Form in the registration process if your camper has permission to participate in these activities, or if restrictions apply.

FAQs

Where will my camper sleep?

Campers sleep in air-conditioned cabins or lodges. Two staff members will lodge with an average of six to eight campers per cabin.

What will my camper eat while at camp?

Campers eat three meals a day, plus snacks. Our focus is on nutritious food for active, growing bodies. Typical breakfasts include a fruit and yogurt bar, oatmeal, grits, pancakes, eggs, or breakfast meat. Lunch and dinner options include chicken & rice, pasta bar, nachos, chicken sandwich, pizza, and a daily salad bar. Food restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice, and storage is available for special items as needed.

How long is camp?

A week of overnight camp begins with check in on Sunday afternoon, and ends with the closing ceremony on Friday afternoons. Some exceptions to this standard are Explorer Camp for our youngest campers at 3 days and 2 nights, and the leadership camps at 2 and 3 weeks.

What training do counselors receive?

All staff must be First Aid and CPR certified for safety. Many staff will also be Red Cross lifeguard certified, become archery instructors, and belay certified. Our focus during the 2 week training period will be on child development, team-building skills, conflict resolution, faith development, communication, discernment, emergency response, and more.

Why did Montgomery's rates change?

After a full cost-analysis, we discovered that we were losing $100 per day per camper. We would like to also host camp in 2026 and beyond, and so we had no choice but to raise our rates in 2025 to be sustainable. These costs are more in line with camps locally and nationally. We want every child to have the opportunity to attend camp, and so we prayerfully ask for church partners to contribute to our scholarship fund, to sponsor campers directly, or to consider underwriting a week of camp either as an individual, a church, or a business to lower the cost of registration for all campers!