Our Camp History: Honoring Tradition, Embracing a New Era
Adventure Camps were formalized in the summer of 2020, evolving from the long-standing tradition of Camp Greenwood Lake, which had been organized and sponsored by The Christian Community in Chicago for over twenty years. Motivated by a desire to offer more camps, 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.
Post-War Beginnings in Germany (1950s)
The origins of is now Adventure Camps Cana be traced back to post-war Germany in the early 1950s, when the first summer camps were established by the Christian Community. In a time of great hardship, two pioneering priests, Alfred Schreiber and Hilmar von Hinüber, sought to create a space where children could find relief from the struggles of post-war life.
Alfred Schreiber, a priest in Braunschweig, led the first children's holiday camp in Sonneberg in the Harz Mountains in 1951. A year later, Hilmar von Hinüber founded another camp at the Vogelhof school camp in the Swabian Alb. These camps provided not only an escape from the challenges of post-war Germany—housing shortages, hunger, and economic hardship—but also an opportunity for children to experience community, tradition, and a renewed connection to spirituality. Over time, the camps developed their own rhythms, traditions, and leadership training programs, shaping a rich culture of mentorship and personal growth that would endure for generations.
Bringing the Camps to the United States (Over 50 Years Ago)
The impact of these German camps extended beyond Europe when two priests, who had attended the camps as children, brought the model to the United States more than 50 years ago. One of them established summer camps on the East Coast, while the other began organizing camps in California. These early U.S. camps preserved the spirit and structure of the original German camps, blending outdoor adventure, personal development, and community-building in a way that resonated with American youth.
The Midwest Chapter (Over 25 Years Ago)
The Midwest camp, which would eventually evolve into Adventure Camps, was founded over 25 years ago. It quickly grew into a thriving community, carrying forward the traditions, mentorship, and immersive outdoor experiences that defined the original camps. Many of us who grew up in these Midwest camps found deep friendships, learned leadership skills, and experienced the profound impact of these formative summers.
The Birth of Adventure Camps: A New Chapter
Today, we—former campers and leaders—have taken the reins, carrying forward the heart of these camps under a new name and independent organization: Adventure Camps. While we have separated from the church, we remain deeply connected to the traditions, rhythms, and spirit of the past 75 years. Our mission continues to be fostering growth, adventure, and deep connections in a supportive and enriching environment.
Adventure Camps is both old and new: we stand on the foundation of decades of tradition while charting a fresh path forward. Our camps are built on time-tested values of mentorship, adventure, and personal growth—now with a renewed vision for the future. We honor our history while embracing the evolving needs of today’s campers, ensuring that the spirit of these camps thrives for generations to come.
Not pries led
freedom to change/evolve
freedome in not being of an orgnization and by being of the product of the camps, ie the campers and staff
future plans
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.