Every aspect of the summer program at OOTB follows a common function. Our working philosophy centers on what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).

Our function is to help each camper gain a better understanding of his/her part in Christ’s Body and his/her role in God’s creation. Form follows function. Aspects of our form are as follows: 

1. Small Group Emphasis: 12-14 campers and 2-4 counselors combine to make a unit (small group); low camper to counselor ratio; strong emphasis on safety; there is NO unsupervised time.
2. Sanctity of the Small Group: Each unit (group) plans their own week on with the Program Board; every camper’s location is known at all times by the counselors/program director.
3. Experiential Christian Education: More time is spent living and doing things together as Christians; relationships and activities are foundations of the campers’ learning; nightly worship in both large and small groups; counselors constantly seek the “teachable moment”.
4. Emphasis on Stewardship of God’s Creation: Nature study and Bible study are both forms of God’s revelation of love. OOTB provides low-impact site camping. Activities involve active participation and interaction with God’s creation on 50 acres, a creek and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.
5. The Small Group’s Dynamics: Each group experiences: Forming: Individuals become a group following registration. Norming: Group interactions take on patterns and “norms”. Storming: Any group difficulties eventually surface. Performing: Group realizes potential as the Body of Christ. Reforming: Debriefing and preparing for re-entry into the world.
6. Progression of Programs: Each age level offers new and more challenging programming. Adventure and skillbuilding camps support this progression.
7. Family Style Meals and Cookouts: Meals are a major part of the experiential Christian education each camper receives—family style expectations and table fellowship.
8. Camping (to camp) implies ACTION: OOTB believes there should be effort required at camp to provide for our daily needs (food, shelter, clean bathrooms, set tables, etc.). When entering into this type of setting, a deeper sense of our own creativity emerges. Campers experience the closeness of living and caring for self and others,
   analogous to the community of early Christians as described in 1 Corinthians 12.