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Camp Main Building
By Jason Anderson
2020 was the year without camp. 2021 is the year the Camp Northward makes its return. Due to Covid restrictions, Camp Northward was not able to hold camp. This year will be different and the camp is preparing for a great return.
While Camp Northward is going to be able to return, they are currently having to make some adjustments to meet the proper procedures. The first procedure calls for a 60% capacity for campers. In order to accommodate the rule, the camp is moving to half weeks for the sessions that are typically full weeks. Those sessions will now be Sunday through Tuesday and Wednesday through Friday. Camp Director Nathan Derico explained that this means that 100% of campers will be able to attend, just with a shorter amount of time.
There will also be adjustments for the wilderness camp. This year, wilderness campers will be sleeping in their individual tents. The tents were donated by Trinity Southern Baptist Church.
Camp Northward will also see additional equipment this year. Previously, the camp had to borrow archery equipment for its sessions. Due to a grant and additional support, Camp Northward will now have its own permanent archery range for the summer.
Mr. Derico also discussed new camp sessions this summer. One of the weeks is called Be Creative. “Be Creative is designed for kids who would not normally want to come to camp,” Mr. Derico explained. “If camp is not your thing, normal camp activities are not your thing, then this might be for you. It is much more technology driven such as photographs, creativity that goes along with that.”
Also, there will be a session of camp spent at the Red River Gorge. This session will include hiking, rock climbing, and underground kayaking.
One of the major aspects of running camp for the summer is supplies. According to Mr. Derico, the camp has a few immediate needs. Camp Northward is asking all campers to bring masks for their sessions. However, Mr. Derico says they will accept donations of packages of masks. Also, the camp has scholarships to help campers who
cannot afford the full cost for their session. Any donations made to the scholarship program will help students to attend camp. Other needs are toilet paper, hand sanitizers, soap, tissues, and garbage bags.
Camp Northward will be participating in the Pendleton County Outdoor Palooza on June 19. The zip line will be open for those attending the event.
Those interesting in attending camp sessions this year can find the schedule and registration at the Camp Northward’s website campnorthward.org. Mr. Derico suggested that perspective campers check with their home church to see if the church provides any assistance with camp costs before signing up. The first session begins on June 6.