Summer Camp Programs

Summer CAMP PROGRAM!

Nestled in the heart of Darnestown, Maryland, Valley Mill Camp offers an unforgettable experience for children ages 4 to 14 looking to embrace the great outdoors this summer. With a rich history of fostering friendships, building confidence, and encouraging personal growth, since 1956 this camp has been designed to inspire young adventurers through a variety of engaging activities. Valley Mill Camp has something for everyone.

BOY’S CAMP PROGRAM!

Our traditional camp program for BOYS aged 6-13. On your child’s first
day of camp, he will be placed into an age group under the direction of a
group counselor. With this group, your child will attend activities, assemblies and special
events. These events include rock climbing, kayaking, archery and field sports,
and group trips off property for the older groups. Activities of younger age groups are paced to their capacities, while older age groups have ample opportunity to excel.

Valley Mill emphasizes the development of group cohesiveness and of resilience through outdoor challenges. Many children attend Valley Mill year after year, finding increased and deepened experiences each time.

GIRL’S CAMP PROGRAM!

Our traditional camp program for GIRLS aged 6-13. On your child’s first

Photo By Dawn Morgan Neary

day of camp, she will be placed into an age group under the direction of a group counselor. With this group, your child will attend activities, assemblies and special events. These activities include rock climbing, kayaking, archery, pioneering, drama and arts & crafts. Activities of younger age groups are paced to thier capacities, while older age groups have ample opportunity to excel.
Valley Mill emphasizes the development of group cohesiveness and of resilience through outdoor challenges. Many children attend Valley Mill year after year, finding increased and deepened experiences each time.

JUNIOR CAMP!

Photo By Alejandro Goez

JUNIOR CAMP is a coed program for four and five year old, preschool children. The “Bees,” as this group is called, have their own headquarters in the woods and a schedule that allows for creative outdoor play and exploration of the world around them! Our “Bees” also participate in some of the traditional camp activities such as gymnastics, arts & crafts, drama, canoeing, and both instructional and free swim time in the pool at a level appropriate to their age and ability.

CIT Program!

Outstanding 14 year-olds who demonstrate leadership skills can apply for our CIT Program (Counselor in Training). CITs begin raising their own skill levels in each activity, while attending weekly seminars to discuss teaching methods. They plan their own schedules, and practice teaching under the guidance of a senior instructor.

ADVENTURE CAMP!

ADVENTURE CAMP is a co-ed program geared toward our more experienced campers aged 10-13 that have attained a level of proficiency in Core Camp Skills.

Photo By Paul Diallo

Adventure Camp is a program for our older and more experienced campers ages 10-13. Adventure Campers will participate in outdoor adventures that promote camping skills, environmental awareness, and wilderness preparedness. The program includes three day trips and one overnight trip each week, focusing on activities like geocaching, hiking, kayaking, biking, and pioneering skills such as cooking over a fire and pitching tents.

Every day is a new adventure but goals such as working together, learning from the environment and most importantly FUN remain a constant! The memories, friendships and leadership skills formed through these shared experiences will last well beyond your kids’ short summer with us.