Camp Carmel offers Christian, nature-filled summer camp
Editor鈥檚 note: This article is a part of Helping the Helpers, our annual series to raise awareness for nonprofits throughout the area.
At Camp Carmel, young people are invited to take in the beauty of nature while growing in their Christian faith.
鈥淥ur slogan is 鈥楽ee the Creation, Meet the Creator鈥�,鈥� said Josh Iams, the camp鈥檚 executive director.
Each summer, hundreds of students in grades 4-12 come to stay at the camp, which is owned by Christians for Camp Carmel, Inc. The camp is operated by the nonprofit鈥檚 board of volunteers, assisted by multiple area churches and individuals in the community.
Six, one-week sessions at the Dunbar campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to unplug from cellphones and other electronics, and enjoy the campground in the great outdoors, situated on the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail and the Youghiogheny River, said Iams.
Campers are reminded that the natural beauty surrounding them was created by a higher power.
鈥淭here are devotions each day (and) every night we have a campfire together with fun Christian songs, and the pastor does a recap of the daily lessons,鈥� Iams said.
Campers take part in traditional camp activities like arts and crafts and sports, said Iams, and there are annual events like the day-long bike ride seniors take along the Great Allegheny Passage from Dunbar to Ohiopyle State Park.
鈥淲e also do rock climbing and repelling on natural rock face, and weather permitting, we鈥檙e in the water every day,鈥� he said.
The experiences allow students to challenge themselves and step outside of their comfort zones.
鈥淲e鈥檙e in a beautiful spot and you do get to do a lot of fun things, but our number one goal is to share the gospel with them. We want to hopefully introduce them to their Lord and Savior,鈥� Iams said. 鈥淟ife can be tough but when you can unplug and spend a week with people who are friendly, welcoming and encouraging, it can make an impact.鈥�
Iams said there are several ways the community can support Camp Carmel. First and foremost, he asks for prayers for the ministry, staff and future campers. Financial support and volunteers are critical, too, he said.
鈥淚t costs a little over $500 per camper to provide the entire experience, and we鈥檙e not charging that in registration. We want to make it affordable for campers, and financial support helps us offset those costs,鈥� Iams said.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer during a week of camp must complete a background check. Volunteers who wish to come out to cut trees, clean up and prepare for the start or end of the season, are welcome anytime.
Visit https://www.campcarmel.com/ for more information.