Why We Call Them “Discovery Camps”
We call them Discovery Camps because they’re designed to help campers discover something new—about camp, about themselves, and about what they’re ready for next. These camps are the perfect in-between step for kids who love Day Camp but are curious about Overnight Camp.
What Makes Discovery Camps Unique
- A taste of Overnight Camp: Discovery Campers stay one night at camp (usually Thursday), giving them a gentle and exciting first experience with cabin life.
- Special evening activities: Campers get to join in evening games, worship, and nighttime fun they wouldn’t experience during regular Day Camp.
- Builds confidence: The overnight portion helps campers practice independence and prepares them for future Overnight Camp sessions.
- Same great staff support: Counselors guide campers through the overnight experience, keeping things fun, safe, and encouraging.
What Stays the Same
- Daily outdoor activities
- Swimming, crafts, games, and nature exploration
- Family-style small group structure
- Drop-off and pick-up for most of the week
- Christ-centered programming and caring role models
Questions about about what to expect? What to pack? Check out our parent guide with lots of handy info on things like:
- Drop off/Pick-up
- What to pack
- What to expect for meals/snacks
- Medical and safety
- Friends and room requests
- Where campers play and stay
- Accommodations
- and more!
Check out our parent guide
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Day Camp Discovery
Grades: Entering 1st–3rd
Dates: June 21–26, July 5–10
Full Day Camp Week + 1 Overnight
This hybrid camp experience gives younger campers a fun mix of day camp and a first taste of overnight camp. For most of the week, campers enjoy classic Day Camp—daily drop-off and pick-up, outdoor activities, and time with their family group. At the end of the week, they stay at camp for one night on Thursday, where they get to try out evening activities, worship, and sleep in a cabin! It’s a gentle yet exciting way for campers to build confidence and discover what overnight camp is all about.Rates: $419 | $379 | $339
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Day Camp - Pathfinders
Dates: July 13-17 Grades: 3rd–5th
Full Day Camp Week + 1 Overnight
This camp is perfect for campers who are ready to try out overnight—but not for the whole week. Monday through Wednesday, follow the familiar Day Camp routine, full of outdoor fun and group activities. On Thursday, Pathfinders will stay overnight in the Belden Pond Cabins. They join Overnight Campers for dinner in the Dining Hall, evening activity, energizers, and Vespers before settling in for the night. It’s a great step up for campers who love Day Camp and want to experience just a taste of Overnight Camp!Rates: $419 | $379 | $339
Get More Info RegisterWhy three prices?
Recognizing that families have different abilities to pay, Ferncliff has a voluntary fee program. You choose the price that is most suitable for your family. No matter what price you choose, the amenities, activities, and camp experience are the same. It’s a way to make camp more affordable for more families. Tier 1 represents the true cost of camp, Tier 2 is the partially subsidized cost, and Tier 3 is the subsidized cost of camp.
