Dogwood Acres accepting summer camp registrations

The Presbytery of Florida’s Dogwood Acres camp, in Vernon, Florida, is now accepting registrations for its 2010 summer camps. From June 6 until Aug. 6, except the week of July 4, Dogwood Acres will provide week-long or half-week programs specifically for children entering grades 2 – 3, grades 3 – 5 or grades 6 – 8 or youth entering grades 6 – 12. The “Breakthrough” theme for this summer’s programs will discuss, “What would it have been like to meet Jesus?” as campers explore Biblical stories of transforming encounters with Jesus.

A typical at Dogwood Acres’ summer camp starts with breakfast at 8 a.m., with activities throughout the day. In addition to worship and Bible study, activities include swimming, sleep-outs, talent shows, hoedowns, sand volleyball, basketball, cookouts and campfires, canoeing and hiking, a land swing, archery and fishing, a challenge course, music and sing-alongs, nature exploration and arts and crafts.

Supper is at 5 p.m., followed by a camp community gathering for worship and an all-camp activity. Bedtime is 9 p.m. for elementary school-age campers, 9:30 p.m. for middle schoolers and 10:30 p.m. for high school-age campers.

For children entering grades 2 – 3, Dogwood Acres’ Intro Camp is ideal for introducing first-timers to overnight summer camp. The half-week program will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday and conclude at 2 p.m. on Wednesday the weeks of June 6 and 13 and July 18. The fee is $192.50.

At Dogwood Acres’ Adventure and Discovery Camps, children entering grades 3 – 8 will have fun, make new friends, discover new adventures and explore God’s creation in a camp tradition. The Discovery Camp, for grades 3 – 5, is scheduled the weeks of June 6 and 20 and July 11 and 25. The Adventure Camp, for grades 6 – 8, is scheduled the weeks of June 13 and 27, July 18 and Aug. 1. The fee for the Adventure and Discovery Camps is $319.

For youth entering grades 6 – 12, Dogwood Acres offers Gone Fishin’ and High School Hangout. With daily fishing excursions on the lake and moonlight fishing, Gone Fishin’ campers will learn where the big ones hide and how to catch ‘em, clean ‘em and  cook ‘em. Gone Fishin’ is scheduled  June 27 – July 2 for grades 6 – 8 and July 11 – 16 for grades 9 – 12. The fee is $319.

High School Hangout campers will grow in faith, explore their own identities, build new friendships and strengthen old ones and kick back and relax. Campers will plan each day as it comes with their fellow campers and counselors – whether to swim, hike or sleep late. High School Hangout is scheduled the weeks of July 11 and 25 and Aug. 1. The fee is $330.

Established in 1966, Dogwood Acres encompasses over 500 acres of untouched forests, freshwater streams, serene ponds, abundant wildlife, miles of trails and comfortable overnight accommodations. Before and after the summer camp season, Dogwood Acres provides an ideal location for group retreats, picnics, reunions, outdoor recreation and other special events.

For group events, Dogwood Acres can accommodate up to 112 overnight guests, with RV and tent camping sites, in addition to 10 heated cabins. Other amenities include a dining hall with rustic fireplace and seating for 80, air-conditioned meeting space for 50, a chapel, two outdoor worship sites, a prayer trail, an outdoor pavilion, barbeque grills, picnic tables and a playground. Catering also is available.

Additional information about Dogwood Acres’ summer camp programs or group reservations is available at www.dogwoodacres.org, by phoning the Presbytery of Florida at 850-638-2322 or by emailing dogwoodacres@presbyteryofflorida.com.