Camp Goals and Objectives

Our mission is to develop our participants inner strengths through outdoor adventure. Our overall camp goals are to:

Educate our campers on the importance of the outdoor experience
Build balanced programs of work and play, developing our participants' sense of responsibility, initiative, sportsmanship, and self-confidence
Understand and appreciate our role in the environment
Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self, others, and their environment

By participating in activities at our camps, our campers:

Become self-sufficient in camp routines
Strive to leadership roles
Have a sense of accomplishment as they master various camp activities and move to different levels of accomplishment
Learn to have positive interactions with each other
Respect the beliefs and cultural differences of their fellow campers
Learn "leave no trace behind" camping techniques, and being sensitive to environment issues
Become responsible and self-sufficient in the activities and in group interaction

Statement of Activities

At Red Oak, Red Barn and Chincapin a variety of activities are offered. Listed below are the major programs going on during the summer camp season. The campers are supervised during all activities. Some activities, such as riflery, climbing, and canoeing, require that campers must achieve certain skills before they can participate.

If you have any questions please feel free to call David Roskos, Executive Director. All of our programs follow the American Camping Association standards.

CHALLENGE COURSE. A collection of unique and dynamic activities based on an obstacle course. This involves rope activities, climbing and rappelling.

ROCK CLIMBING AND BOULDERING WALL. These are located in the recreation building. Only used with strict supervision. We require the use of helmets, harness and belay lines on the climbing wall..

POOL. Red Cross swim instruction. “Free” swim times other than lessons. Life guards on duty.

LAKE ACTIVITIES. Canoe and kayak (funyak) instruction. Fishing. Biology studies.

CANOEING IN LOCAL RIVERS. Canoeing in rivers out of state for the Red Oak campers only. Life jackets are required for everyone (including adults). Chincapin and Red Barn campers learn canoe skills and water safety on the camp lake. The boys and girls with more advanced skill sometimes canoe the local rivers.

ARCHERY, TENNIS, SOFTBALL, FIELD GAMES AND INFORMAL GAMES. We follow the NAA guidelines for archery instruction

HIKES. In the Holden Arboretum and local parks. Backpack hikes and overnights at the camp and in the Arboretum. Red Oak hikes in other states (usually PA or NY). Parents will be fully informed of these trips.

FIELD TRIPS. Of local interest.

RED OAK resident camp for boys and girls and go on a 4 to 5 day wilderness trip.

WOOD WORK AND CRAFTS PROJECTS. No power tools.

OUTDOOR CRAFTS AND ORIENTEERING. (Use of compass and maps). Fire building is a craft project.

TRANSPORTATION. Children will be transported in camp buses and 15 passenger vans. No private vehicles owned by counselors will transport children.

ARBORETUM PROJECTS. Involving planting, trail clearing and projects geared to the age groups involved.

Management and care of personal equipment used at the camp. For example: backpacks, fishing equipment.

HORSEBACK RIDING AT CHINCAPIN ONLY. Barn management includes instruction on cleaning bridle, saddle and other equipment. Lessons in the ring. Trail rides.

KITCHEN DUTIES. Red Oak boys and girls and Chincapin girls (during residence week) will be doing some kitchen duties. Washing dishes and serving food. They will also be instructed in the preparation of meals while out on the trails. They will be using personal cook stoves.

RED OAK CABINS. Boysand girls will be involved in keeping their cabins clean.

GUN SAFETY PROGRAM. Campers may receive instruction in using air rifles and .22. Campers must go through safety orientation and testing. Red Oak follows standards of the Civilian Marksmanship Association.