summer camp
In the Midst
This summer campers will be in the midst of all camp has to offer: nature, self-growth, activities, connection, learning, and adventure. They will also hear and experience through the daily themes that God is in the midst of our lives always – over all, through all, and in all.
One God and Creator of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
About Summer Camp
Bear Creek Camp’s overnight program is centered on spiritual growth, outdoor living, and small group development for all children who have completed grades 1-12. Each age group experiences a mix of small-group and all-camp activities throughout the week to meet their group’s spiritual, social, and developmental needs.
2023 Summer Camp Dates
June 18 - 23
Session 1
June 25 - 30
Session 2
July 2 - 7
Session 3
July 9 - 14
Session 4
July 16 - 21
Session 5
July 23 - 28
Session 6
July 30 - August 4
Session 7
August 6 - 11
Session 8
What to Expect for a Week at Camp
Full-week overnight camp sessions begin on Sunday afternoon and end Friday afternoon. Campers spend their time living and playing together. Campers live in a cabin according to their gender and grade. Each cabin is paired with another to make a Quest Group. Quest Groups form the campers’ main family group for their time at camp.
Quest Group Activities
- High Ropes
- Low Ropes
- Archery
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
- Arts & Crafts
- Sports & Games
Every Day
- Meals
- Worship
- Bible Study
Every Week
- Overnight
- The Dance
- All-Camp Games
- Opening and Closing Bonfire
Who are Bear Creek Camp campers?
We believe that camp is an invaluable experience for all people and we strive to be an inclusive and affirming community to welcome as many campers as possible. Summer youth campers have completed grades 1 through 12 and programs are divided into grade ranges.
While affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and grounded in teachings of the Protestant Christian faith, we welcome campers of all denomination and faith backgrounds to join with us as we learn together and from one another. Nearly half of our campers come from other denominations or with no church background.
Session Length: Sunday – Wednesday (11:00am)
Cabins: Retreat Center (close to dining hall), bunk-style, bathrooms and showers in cabin
Counselor to Camper Ratio: 1:6
Try Camp is available Sessions 1, 2, 4 & 5
Session Length: Sunday – Friday
Cabins: Retreat Center (close to dining hall), bunk-style, bathrooms and showers in cabin
Camper to Counselor Ratio: 1:8
Session Length: Sunday – Friday
Cabins: East Site Cabins, bunk-style, centered around the program building that provides group meeting space and modern bath facilities.
Counselor to Camper Ratio: 1:8
Session Length: Sunday – Friday
Cabins: South Site Cabins, bunk-style, centered around the program building that provides group meeting space and modern bath facilities.
Counselor to Camper Ratio: 1:8
Session Length: Sunday – Friday
Cabins: North Site Cabins, bunk-style, centered around the program building that provides group meeting space and modern bath facilities.
Counselor to Camper Ratio: 1:10
What Does Camp Cost?
Tiered Pricing
Recognizing that families have differing abilities to pay, we utilize a voluntary tiered pricing structure. Rather than raise prices on all families, tiered pricing essentially asks families with greater financial means to consider selecting a rate the more closely reflects the actual costs of providing camp. Tier selection does not influence the quality of the camp experience and helps us continue to provide excellent programs, staffing, and facilities that everyone that attends BCC.
Are there discounts?
First camper is full price, each additional camper from the same household will receive a $50 credit on your summer camp registration.
For each new friend that signs up, you will get a $50 credit on your summer camp registration.
Credits will be applied when you and your referred friends have completed registration. Credit is void if referred friend cancels registration. Credit is good towards registration fee only. You may not earn more credit than your cost of camp. Credit is not valid for siblings of the referring camper.
We will continue to provide an additional incentive to Bear Creek Ambassadors to distribute to their connections within their congregations and communities.
Those who finalize their registration by March 31, 2023 will receive a free limited-edition camp t-shirt that will be distributed upon arrival at Summer Camp.
Additional Financial Assistance
All are welcome at camp, regardless of ability to pay. There are often funds available from your local congregation and we encourage you to start with a conversation with a pastor or church leadership. In addition to the subsidies of the tiered pricing model, campership funds are available through Bear Creek Camp thanks to the generosity of donors. Camperships can be requested through the form below. Please direct any additional questions to [email protected].
Off-line Registration Forms
Online registration is the preferred method for all summer camp registrations. We use an online platform, CampBrain, that is easy-to-use, secure, and saves you time by carrying over information from previous registrations including health form information.
We fully understand if you would prefer off-line registration. Please use the following links to download materials to be completed and mailed.