Advancement Associates News

6/10/2009
Decentralized camping takes center stage at Camp Deerpark

Organizations periodically need to assess how effectively their current programs support their mission. Which drives which? In some cases this reflection takes place in an intentional and structured setting like a weekend visioning retreat. Other times it’s a stirring in the hearts of a few people over a period of time, as in the case of one AAI client preparing to make a radical programmatic change.

Founded in 1969, Camp Deerpark (Westbrookville, NY) is the only Mennonite camp owned by and dedicated to serving inner-city Mennonites. Each summer, Camp holds seven week-long sessions for inner-city children ages 8-17.

In many camp settings campers do most activities (recreation, meals, worship and educational sessions) together; this is commonly referred to as “centralized camping.” In contrast, Camp Deerpark’s program staff has concluded that urban youth are better served by a decentralized program, in which campers spend more time in small groups and their counselor provides most of the supervision and programming.

Director Ken Bontrager has continued to hear about the alternative camping model at several programming seminars. When asked why he’s so enthusiastic about its potential at Camp Deerpark, he doesn’t hesitate. “Relationships are key in urban camping and the decentralized model allows you to build relationships so much faster and stronger.” Though current facilities at the camp make decentralized camping almost impossible, Bontrager cites sharing a raft on the Delaware River and having cookouts as cabin groups as experiences that have demonstrated its community-building potential. “When campers and counselors share experiences like that, the intensity is amped up a bit. They don’t always love it, but it generates a lot of camaraderie. That’s the kind of thing I’m looking for.”

To support its program, Camp Deerpark has undertaken a $3.5 million capital campaign, “A Time to Build.” At the center of this effort is construction of a new Children’s Camp Village. Specifically, the camp plans to build six cabins capable of hosting everything from meals to drama class. The cabins will be close enough to each other to feel like a safe community while providing enough distance for individual group dynamics. Other features of the new campus include two staff cabins, a meeting room, gymnasium and swimming pool.

To learn more about the camp’s mission and campaign progress, visit its newly renovated website.