A Return to Summer Camp
Summer is just around the corner, and for children across America this means plenty of time exploring the great outdoors and learning from the world around them. These experiences are essential to a healthy childhood and help kids develop their natural curiosity, problem solving skills, and healthy habits for a lifetime of physical activity.
Unfortunately, for many children in Indiana this idyllic summer is something they won’t get to experience. Summer is a time of boredom, waiting at home for parents to return from work and spending the long, hot days just watching TV or playing video games.
Hidden Falls Camp is a ministry of The Salvation Army designed to bring kids from all backgrounds together to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually while enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Located near Bedford in southern Indiana, the 700-acre camp offers Hoosier families free and low-cost summer camp experiences filled with all the activities that make summer special: swimming at the pool, catching fish in a pond, riding bikes over hills and through woods, learning new skills like archery or woodcraft, and conquering fears on high ropes courses. The memories and friendships made at summer camp can last a lifetime.
“When they come out to camp they’re around so many new things and new kids,” shared Hidden Falls Camp director Dan Bell. “It just changes them. It changes how they think and view things and enhances their creativity. It gives them a new look on life.”
Dan and his staff are preparing to welcoming even more children this year to the seven different camps offered throughout the summer. Themed weeks include STEM, sports, and creative arts, ensuring that children of all different abilities and interests can have an incredible week at summer camp.
“This summer will be such a relief for our staff and the campers, especially after the stress of the past two years,” added Dan. “Here they get to play and have fun without having the pandemic overshadowing every activity in their lives. I think we’re all ready for that, especially the kids.”