The cold of the winter season leaves some feeling down, but at Camp Stevens it represents renewal and rebirth. The chilly weather reminds us of the sweetness of those blissful summer days. The rain and snow brings water to the lands, allowing the fruits and vegetables to grow heartily. Our hearth is warm with the glow of a cozy fire as we enjoy organic loose leaf teas and local coffee with our retreat center guests. The
wonder of winter - how the plants and ground seems frozen yet life continues under the surface, how dreary days of storms bring brighter greens for days, how the animals of the forest grow thicker fur and are steadfast as they weather the conditions - brings a new perspective on life, the world, and our place within it. Heavy sweaters and comfy boots. Fresh soups. Snow play and water adventures. New staff and new conversations. Preparations for the summer to come. Winter at Camp Stevens is rejuvenating.
We hope your winter is as wonderful!
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We know you're excited for this year's programming, and that your eagerly awaiting the opportunity to book your spot!
The registration site will be live on
February 15, 2017. including summer camp, wilderness trips, and family weekends.
Please know most programs were at capacity rather early last year. You only need a deposit of $100 to reserve your spot, so set your calendars and register early!
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Reminders will be provided on our social media sites once registration is available.
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Cow Pond is now Cow Lake from the abundant snow & rain
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Today we said farewell to the three
Yurts as we began demolition with the assistance of our contractor,
Larry Noble Construction Inc.
Piece by piece the yurts will be broken down over the next few days, with salvageable parts donated to local charities as appropriate.
The Yurts are being removed to make way for the new Bergstrom Lodge.
The ceremonial groundbreaking will occur at a later date.
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New Team for Farm & Garden
Lia Hardy joined the Camp Stevens Community last January as a kitchen intern. She has since been upgraded to Assistant Chef, and now splits her time between the kitchen and the garden. This is an excellent opportunity to faithfully steward the abundance of our land through the meals we serve. Ian Schimmelfennig has been our Farm and Garden program manager for the past few seasons, working with retreat center and outdoor education groups as well as the summer camp programs. His experience in translating the farm-to-table process into a fun engaging program for our guests will expand our current offerings. This dynamic duo is poised for another great planting season this spring with harvests throughout the year.
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A Fallen Tree in the Orchard as a result of the Winter Winds
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Expanding Maintenance & Facilities
Anna Huemmer was welcomed at the beginning of this year as our new Maintenance Specialist. She has an eye for beauty in design, keeping camp artful as well as operational. Matt Young started in August as a resident staff member, but quickly learned he enjoyed working with maintenance tasks specifically. After a short break, Matt will rejoin the team in March as our Maintenance Assistance.
Both Matt and Anna will be working under the guidance of
Laban Wenger. Laban recently took on the role of Maintenance & Facilities Director, and has been working hard since to keep all of Camp's 256 acres the best it can be. With projects spanning dead tree and snow removal, grounds and building upkeep, and prepping for the upcoming Bergstrom Lodge, Laban is our resident jack-of-all-trades!
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We'd like to take a moment to recognize
Ben Blue,
who has spent the better part of seven years with Camp Stevens. Formerly the Maintenance and Facilities Director, Ben has relocated to pursue new dreams and we are excited for his next endeavor. Please join us in wishing him well for the future.
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Summer Camp
Counselor Training: June 18 - 27
Adventure Session One: July 2 - 8
Mini Camp: June 5 - 8
Adventure Session Two: July 9 - 15
Adventure Session Three: July 16 - 22
Adventure Session Four: July 23 - 29
Adventure Session Five: July 30 - Aug 5
International Odyssey: Aug 6 - 12
Family Camps
Memorial Day Camp: May 27 - 29
Harvest Weekend: October 13 - 15
Thanksgiving Family Camp: Nov 23 - 26
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Wilderness Adventures
Sea Kayaking One: July 2 - 7
Sea Kayaking Two: July 9 - 14
EPIC Hybrid Adventure: July 19 - 29
Ten Day Trek:
Aug 2 - 12
2017 Programs
There are a few new and updated summer programs, and the reservation structure for Family Camps has changed. Be sure to check out the website for more information.
Registration begins February 15.
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Join the Summer Staff!
There are two opportunities for summer employment
Resident Summer Staff positions are available to ages 18+. This position rotates between being a Triad Leader (joining two Adventure Groups and the two counselors for camp fun during a session) and Program Support (helping the Maintenance Team around camp, running free time activities, lifeguarding, and working on the dish crew).
Cabin Counselor positions are available to ages 16+ who have completed or are registered for Counselor Training (CT) session June 18 - 27. The counselors are assigned to a cabin of approximately 8 campers, providing guidance, friendship, and leadership throughout the session.
CT session registration
begins Feb 15
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After registering, you will receive the application information by email from Trevor or Joe.
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Bergstrom Lodge
with private accommodations
set to break ground soon!
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in the Bergstrom Lodge presented
by the Alumni Association
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Annual Campaign
supports camperships, programs, and agriculture throughout the year
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