Episcopal Summer Camp Program

The Episcopal Summer Camp program is sponsored by the Episcopal dioceses of Southwest and Southeast Florida, serving a combined total of 162 congregations. The camps offer quality programming in which health and safety issues are a top priority. The two week-long sessions for two different age groups are designed to give campers an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

Campers participate in a Christian program designed to help them grow spiritually and emotionally, providing them opportunities to explore new interests, skills and friendships. Activities include swimming, hiking, canoeing, low-rope course exercise (Elementary Camp) and high-rope course exercise (Youth Camp), tennis, field sports, basketball and court games, and craft activities. Music and the arts are also an important part of the program. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments and share their talents. Campers are given “free time” daily providing an opportunity to process the day’s events, and spend time with their old and new friends in Christ.

All camps are held at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center in Ellenton, which offers an enjoyable and beautiful setting. Ideally situated between the Tampa/St.Petersburg and Sarasota/Bradenton metropolitan areas. This 92-acre tropical garden sanctuary is situated along the picturesque banks of the Manatee River. Campers are accommodated in air-conditioned cabins and served healthy, professionally prepared, buffet-style meals and snacks.

Youth friendly, the facilities offer a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities, which include two swimming pools, canoes for happy paddling on the Manatee River, volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, bike and jogging paths and a large playing field for flag football, soccer or just running around. The camps run from Sunday afternoon through to Friday morning.


2008 Summer Camp Events

Camp Staff Training - June 9 - 11 (For an application for new staff, click here. Returning camp staffers should click here)

Counselor-In-Training (C.I.T.) Program - June 11-12
Counselor in Training Program is open to 11th and 12th graders.
Admission to this program is by application and recommendation only.
The training extends over two days directly preceding the Summer Camp
season. C.I.T.'s may choose to serve during either the Elementary or
Youth Camp.

Elementary Summer Camp - June 15-20
Age restriction: Rising 3rd grade through to rising 6th grade.

Youth Camp – June 22-27
Age restriction: Rising 7th grade through to rising 12th grade.

Registration Process:
All campers are welcome regardless of race, sex or denomination. Applications will be dated upon receipt and considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

A $100 nonrefundable deposit must accompany each 2007 application. The deposit will be applied to the total fee. The fee balance for all sessions is due on or before the first day of camp. A limited amount of financial assistance is available; the appropriate forms must be completed.

• All campers are expected to attend each session in its entirety.
•  Campers may attend only one session per summer unless space permits otherwise.

•  Campers and Counselors in Training (C.I.T.'s) will abide by the Camp Covenant, which must be signed by each camper and countersigned by parent/guardian and rector.

Campers and Counselors in Training (C.I.T.’s) who violate non-negotiable rules will be sent home. Parent/guardian is responsible for transportation to and from camp.

Download Event Forms here:    Registration deadline June 1, 2008