To be a vibrant outdoor Christian community where everyone experiences God’s abundant love through faith, friendship, and creation.

All are Welcome

Camp Occohannock values openness of the Spirit and the inclusion of all people.  We believe that God boldly receives us regardless of life circumstances.  As followers of Jesus, we recognize the beauty imprinted on each person that God has created.  We feel called to receive campers and guests with genuine acts of hospitality, acceptance and love. This  represents Jesus’ ministry, who modeled in both word and deed radical love to the marginalized and excluded.

There is no expectation for campers in terms of church affiliation or belief prior to attending camp.  We feel strongly that a person’s knowledge or belief of God should not impact the welcome they receive at camp.  In fact, camp is often the very place where a faith journey begins!

Faith is Strengthened

Camp Occohannock is a place where faith is strengthened! The Christian Faith is a central part of Occohannock on the Bay. We chose to be intentional in designing outdoor experiences that help people grow in their faith and deepen their understanding of God. We hope that campers and guests will be able to identify how they have grown in their faith through the ministry of the camp.

We consistently survey our campers and guest groups for the purpose of having them reflect on how God has been at work through their experience and ways they have grown. We also do this to capture valuable feedback for improving the program.  Camp is saturated with opportunities for growth not only in worship and sacred conversations but through facilitated experiences, outdoor recreation, and community living.

Campers are engaged and enthusiastic about the various activities offered at camp.  While we do share faith filled messages through music, prayer and word, faith is strengthened in other ways as well. Program activities naturally connect campers to social, emotional, physical and spiritual lessons that help them develop and flourish.

Lives are Changed

Camp Occohannock values opportunities for spiritual transformation and growth. God receives us as we are, then God transforms us into something new.  The evidence of God’s redemptive work is discovered through the testimony and stories of our growing camp family.  We choose to work in connection with local churches to help continue to build upon the camp experience in everyday life.

Ongoing discipleship of campers and guests that lead to a transformed world is our hope at Camp Occohannock.  For this reason, we have built into our ministry sacred opportunities in God’s creation for campers to pray, hear scripture, make commitments, and discover God’s call on their own life.   We create spaces that help campers to encounter the Spirit; we do not believe in high pressured situations of guilt and fear in order to scare campers into following Jesus.  What we want is for campers  to experience God at camp, and be given the opportunity to genuinely respond in their own way.

In addition, we give campers and guests resources that help them to grow as they are sent back into the world.  We also provide outreach opportunities to our youth through a youth partnership with our local churches.

Our summer camp program is the primary ministry of Camp Occohannock.  It is a ministry that impacts youth, children, families, and the larger community.  We serve families from a variety of financial circumstances and backgrounds with affordable options and scholarship opportunities.  While we are affiliated with the United Methodist church we serve families from a variety of denominations, including families that have no religious connection.  Summer camp includes both day camp (4-9 years of age) and overnight (3rd-12th grade) programs.

Retreat Season happens during the fall, winter and spring.  Camp Occohannock welcomes groups comprised of all ages from various organizations and churches.  Retreats are adapted to help provide the best experience for each group. Some group’s might require specific programming from our staff, while others may decide to handle all the aspects of their event..

Field Trip groups are another way Camp Occohannock serves its community.  During the fall and spring local schools often choose us for outdoor experiences with their students. Programs are adapted to help meet academic standards in an outdoor setting. Field Trips are as special way we welcome people that have never been to camp before.  Often because of a field trip students will decide to attend the summer camp program.

Receiving Mission Teams helps camp transform lives.  Teams who come to camp are provided with food and and a place to stay.  The camp has made planning trips for local church easy by assisting groups with tools and on the ground support and training. The mission’s program at camp continues to grow, welcoming teams beyond the state of Virginia.

Camp Occohannock provides space for Guest Groups (Day & Overnight) that include events like weddings, funerals, proms, homeschool groups, family reunions, college groups and so much more.  The beautiful waterfront setting, large worship center space and program options make it an attractive choice for groups.  In addition, we adapt the camp to meet the needs of our guests for the purpose offering the best experience possible.