Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, Catholic, Buddhist, here’s your camp

And there’s something for free thinkers, too

By Janet Simons

I’m old enough to remember what school was like before the Supreme Court abolished prayer in public schools, so I have some idea of what it’s like for a child to be forced to participate in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable tradition. That’s why finding a good spiritual fit is so important when you’re looking for the right summer camp for your child.

So, to help you with your search for the precisely right summer camp for your child, here are links to camps that serve a panoply of religious (and non-religious) traditions:

Buddhist
From the site: ” Candles, incense holders and a 3-foot shrine holding a gold Buddha sit on a wooden table next to six monks who are chanting and clasping their hands in prayer. Next to them sit three young boys clad in bright orange robes, trying to emulate the monks by mouthing some of the chants. But not for long. Two boys start kicking each other, while the other leans back and starts sipping fruit juice. It’s summer camp — Buddhist style.”

Catholic
From the site: “Faith, Friends & Fun! Camp Gray is the Catholic summer camp and year-round retreat center of the Diocese of Madison, WI. In everything we do, we incorporate the Catholic faith, encourage love of neighbor and have tons of fun!”

Free-thinking secular
From the site: “Camp Quest Oklahoma is once again being held at Camp Fire Green Country’s Camp Waluhili - a proud partner of the National Inclusion Project’s Let’s ALL Play initiative. As a partner agency, Camp Fire is becoming more intentional about providing camp opportunities for children with Down Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral health challenges or other developmental or functional struggles.”

Jewish
From the site: “Jewish camp weaves Jewish values, culture and traditions into the fabric of camp, helping campers to connect to their own identity and the larger Jewish community. Spirited and dynamic staff members use experiential learning to reveal what makes Jewish religion and culture unique in today’s world. At camp, Jewish and Israeli culture is celebrated through song, food, art and dance.”

Muslim
From the site:“The purpose of Camp Al-Mu-Mee-Neen is to provide a summer camp for Muslims  that combines all the enjoyment, games and learning experiences of camp within an Islamic atmosphere. The camp’s daily schedule includes periods in religion, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing and other outdoor activities. The camp also follows a travelers’ schedule for performing the five daily prayers. Children also have the opportunity to sing songs and put on skits at nightly social hours and campfires.”

Protestant
From the site: “For over a century, (the YMCA’s) Camp Chief Ouray, located on 5,100 acres of mountains, valleys, streams and meadows, has been the adventurous playground and traditional overnight camp for kids age 7-17. Campers live in cabins with two counselors and six to nine other children of their own gender and age. Each cabin is under the direct leadership of a college-aged counselor. Counselors receive extensive training at camp prior to the campers’ arrival. We maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5 or lower. Boredom is simply not an option.”

Unitarian
From the site: “Camp UniStar is a camp for Unitarian Universalist individuals and families and other like-minded people. Reachable only by water, the camp is surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest on Star Island in Cass Lake, one of the largest lakes in northern Minnesota. The camp’s waterfront offers a wide range of activities; the island’s forest trails attract hikers; sunrises and sunsets encourage meditation. Each year UniStar campers return for the serenity and community of an island retreat with no roads or commercial enterprise and enjoy a week filled with new and old friends, thought-provoking programs, wonderful meals and memorable experiences.”

About Janet

I'm an old-fashioned journalist and refugee of the Denver newspaper wars. I love shopping more than anything, and I'd go nuts without regular doses of "retail therapy."