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About Us – CAMP OCCOHANNOCK ON THE BAY
HomeAbout Us – CAMP OCCOHANNOCK ON THE BAY

Outdoor Ministry

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The mission of Camp Occohannock on the Bay is to provide opportunities where everyone is welcome, faith is strengthen, and lives are changed. 

We do this by offering summer camp ministry, providing space for retreats and guest groups, and partnering with churches and organizations.  OOTB provides programs and facilities which make use of the natural setting of waterfront, woodland, and open spaces to help people of all ages grow in their knowledge of and love for God.

As a member of the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry our mission is to create environments of Christian hospitality and learning designed to help people:

    1. Affirm and expand their faith in God,
    2. Learn spiritual practices of Christian Discipleship
    3. Grow in wisdom and in healthy self awareness,
    4. Establish lifestyles of loving interdependence with one another and all God’s creation
    5. And to develop as spiritual leaders who serve to enhance the common good.

 

 

Occohannock on the Bay’s  Camp Philosophy 

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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, backgrounds, and our camper population reflects diversity.  While we are affiliated with the United Methodist church we serve families from a variety of denominations, including families that have no religious connection.

Small group camping reflects the philosophy of Camp Occohannock as it seeks to make a difference in the lives of children and youth.  This lives itself out in the program design of the camp, which includes units made up of 12-16 campers with 2-4 counselors.  Campers within each unit have the opportunity to participate in the decisions regarding activities experienced throughout their week of camp.

Our philosophy at OOTB is to provide experiential Christian Education that is engaged and adapted to minister to a particular group of campers. Establishing supportive and accepting places of belonging that allow children and youth to develop their independence, leadership and communication skills.  Counselors are taught how to help units and campers progress in their learning and skills.  This unique program design allows the camp to offer creative and meaningful experiences that help challenge units to grow from where they are.

One way to describe OOTB is family. In a residential setting, campers have the time to share life with one another – whether it’s on the field, in the water, in worship, or at the table.  It’s why we believe in serving meals family style.  Its also why we don’t allow electronic devices or phones at camp.  We believe in the significance of being truly present with one another.  It is way to easy for technology to distract us from seeing the person sitting right in front of us.  Joining the family of OOTB has a profound effect through our summer camp programs and retreats.  OOTB has a long legacy of young people making life long relationships, returning as counselors, and equipping people to discover their call or purpose in life.  In addition, it has a long legacy of people deepening their faith through retreat ministry like our Emmaus experiences.  We would love to have you join our family!