Adventure Camps offer Waldorf-inspired sleep-away camps for children and teenagers that foster community, social connection, and personal growth while discovering respect and reverence for the natural world.  

OUR VALUES

We value simplicity, authenticity, and creativity. Our camps are a place where everyone contributes, whether by preparing meals, telling stories, cleaning, or engaging in play. We believe that by working together, campers learn that they are an important part of something larger. Every camper brings something valuable to the table, and our goal is to create an environment where each person feels safe, heard, and joyful.

CAMP COMMUNITY

Our camps are guided by a strong sense of community. We form a unique group each year, where children and staff come together to create a space where both individual talents and collective spirit can shine. The community we build at camp is at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of our mission are not just activities and adventures, but the community we create together each summer. Our camp is a space where both individuality and collaboration can grow, and where children can explore who they are in a supportive and joyful environment.

OUR APPROACH

At Adventure Camps, our daily rhythm, combined with the beauty of the natural world, ignites a deep sense of wonder and gratitude in the campers. We blend beloved traditions—such as our camp songs, recipes, and daily assemblies, with opportunities for new, creative experiences each year. Through storytelling, teamwork, and adventure, we provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive, grow, and build meaningful connections. Every year brings fresh songs, new games, a new camp theme, and unique expereinces, ensuring that each camper feels seen, supported, and inspired. We are committed to creating a safe, joyful space where your child will build lifelong memories and friendships.

SOME OF WHAT MAKES OUR CAMPS UNIQUE

Strong Daily Rhythms
At Adventure Camps, our days follow a structured, balanced rhythm that has been developed and fine-tuned over many years. In a world that can often feel chaotic and unpredictable, our camp rhythms bring a sense of stability and grounding, creating a flow that helps campers feel secure and comfortable. Within this framework, we leave space for adventure, play, and spontaneous fun, allowing campers to explore new experiences in a way that feels both exciting and manageable.

Morning and Evening Assemblies & Songs
Each day begins and ends with our morning and evening assemblies, times when the entire camp community gathers for stories and songs, and to learn about the camp theme. In the morning, we gather together to greet the day with enthusiasm and hear a story or thought that sets the tone. We begin by singing a few songs then hear a story or a little bit about our theme and then end with more of our morning songs. In the evening, the mood shifts as we gather in a quieter setting, reflecting on the day’s adventures and preparing for a restful night. Singing camp songs together helps everyone feel connected and builds a shared camp spirit that makes these assemblies a cherished part of each day.

Beloved Camp Traditions
Adventure Camps wouldn’t be complete without the traditions that campers look forward to year after year. These include our fair day, skits, games, the adventure course, counselor swaps, group names, and our final bonfire. Campers find joy and meaning in these long-standing traditions, which deepen their sense of belonging and connection. Many of these traditions are unique to the camps, helping our campers feel like they’re part of something special that only happens here.

Engaging with Food and Cooking
Food is an integral part of the Adventure Camps experience, and we believe that the way we eat matters. Campers often participate in cooking and preparing meals, developing a sense of appreciation for food and hopefully a connection to the land that it comes from. We source organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible, teaching campers the importance of sustainability and mindful eating. This hands-on experience with, preparing, and enjoying it together—instills an appreciation that goes far beyond the dining table and we can be so thankful to share meals together throughout the day.

Dedicated, Homegrown Staff
Our staff are more than just counselors—they’re mentors, role models, and, in almost all cases, former campers themselves. Nearly all of our staff members have a deep, personal connection to Adventure Camps, and many of them have been with us since their first summer as campers. This familiarity and shared experience create a uniquely cohesive team that works seamlessly together and is deeply invested in each camper’s experience. Throughout the year, our team comes together to train and plan, ensuring that we provide the most enriching, safe, and memorable experience for all campers.

SOME OF WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT

  • At Adventure Camps, our days follow a structured, balanced rhythm that has been developed and fine-tuned over many years. In a world that can often feel chaotic and unpredictable, our camp rhythms bring a sense of stability and grounding, creating a flow that helps campers feel secure and comfortable. Within this framework, we leave space for adventure, play, and spontaneous fun, allowing campers to explore new experiences in a way that feels both exciting and manageable.

  • Each day begins and ends with our morning and evening assemblies, times when the entire camp community gathers for stories and songs, and to learn about the camp theme. In the morning, we gather together to greet the day with enthusiasm and hear a story or thought that sets the tone. We begin by singing a few songs then hear a story or a little bit about our theme and then end with more of our morning songs. In the evening, the mood shifts as we gather in a quieter setting, reflecting on the day’s adventures and preparing for a restful night. Singing camp songs together helps everyone feel connected and builds a shared camp spirit that makes these assemblies a cherished part of each day.

  • Adventure Camps wouldn’t be complete without the traditions that campers look forward to year after year. These include our fair day, skits, games, the adventure course, counselor swaps, group names, and our final bonfire. Campers find joy and meaning in these long-standing traditions, which deepen their sense of belonging and connection. Many of these traditions are unique to the camps, helping our campers feel like they’re part of something special that only happens here.

  • Food is an integral part of the Adventure Camps experience, and we believe that the way we eat matters. Campers often participate in cooking and preparing meals, developing a sense of appreciation for food and hopefully a connection to the land that it comes from. We source organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible, teaching campers the importance of sustainability and mindful eating. This hands-on experience with, preparing, and enjoying it together—instills an appreciation that goes far beyond the dining table and we can be so thankful to share meals together throughout the day.

  • Our staff are more than just counselors—they’re mentors, role models, and, in almost all cases, former campers themselves. Nearly all of our staff members have a deep, personal connection to Adventure Camps, and many of them have been with us since their first summer as campers. This familiarity and shared experience create a uniquely cohesive team that works seamlessly together and is deeply invested in each camper’s experience. Throughout the year, our team comes together to train and plan, ensuring that we provide the most enriching, safe, and memorable experience for all campers.

Camp History

Adventure Camps were formalized in the summer of 2020, evolving from the long-standing tradition of Camp Greenwood Lake, which was originally organized and sponsored by The Christian Community in Chicago for over twenty years. Motivated by a desire to offer more camps, more tailored camp experiences, and above all, the need for a dedicated organization to provide support, structure, and longevity, a team of young adults took on Adventure Camps as an independent entity with the goal of expanding these beloved traditions under a fresh name and vision. This shift marks an exciting new chapter, honoring the camp’s rich history while forging a unique path forward.

For over fifty-two years, The Christian Community has fostered a rich tradition of outdoor summer camps across the United States and even longer in Europe, with programs on the West Coast in California, the East Coast from Pennsylvania to Maine, the Midwest in Wisconsin, and even in Ontario, Canada. This transformation was inspired by passionate outdoor enthusiasts and young adults and came partly in response to challenges posed by the pandemic. Faced with the possibility of suspending camps, which hold immense value for countless children, a creative solution was sought. The camps were reimagined to better serve our communities, making them more accessible and varied in their offerings while providing the framework and support to continue them well into the future.

With these changes, a new identity naturally emerged, leading to the birth of Adventure Camps. While our name and organizational structure have changed, the spirit of our camps remains deeply rooted in over fifty years of cherished traditions, lively songs, engaging games, and a profound connection to nature and youth. Adventure Camps proudly carry forward this legacy into a new era, building on a foundation of treasured experiences and community bonds. The Camps are now independently organized under their own non-profit status and board of directors. 

OUR ORGANIZATION

We are a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Beyond camp planning, much of our behind-the-scenes work has focused on the very early stages of looking into establishing a permanent home and center for our camps and other activities in the Midwest. We are currently gathering the necessary paperwork and talent to dive into grant research, applications, and visioning.