Here are 20 reasons why you should enroll your children in Camp River Ridge!
Camp River Ridge offers campers the tremendous opportunity to push their limits and find courage, strength, & faith.
Scroll down to find out why...
1. We love Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith.
Sports, STEM, and other secular summer activities won’t teach your children to become SAINTS. And yet how much time and resources do we invest in them? We are committed to helping campers encounter Christ and make a lifelong decision to love God and the Church.
The skills learned in sports may last kids into their twenties. Science and technology may help kids intellectually. But what is learned at Camp River Ridge will benefit your children in this life and last well into eternity.
And here's the best part: Most of our campers don't realize a retreat can be FUN! Not boring...Our campers enjoy the outdoors, the lake activities, the crafts, the games, and the theme reenactments. This gets them more than ready to spend some quality time with Jesus in prayer.
The skills learned in sports may last kids into their twenties. Science and technology may help kids intellectually. But what is learned at Camp River Ridge will benefit your children in this life and last well into eternity.
And here's the best part: Most of our campers don't realize a retreat can be FUN! Not boring...Our campers enjoy the outdoors, the lake activities, the crafts, the games, and the theme reenactments. This gets them more than ready to spend some quality time with Jesus in prayer.
2. Children need to get away from technology.
Video games, social media, television and movies, computers, etc, …all of these compete to draw in your child’s attention and even secretly manipulate him. Kids can easily become addicted in a variety of unhealthy ways. On the contrary, camp is a healthy and wholesome way to halt the addiction and connect with nature and real people. As parents, don't be afraid to send your children out of the home for a few days of technology-free wholesome activities at camp. Help your kids fight this addiction and benefit from the outdoors!
3. Experiencing nature and free play is being lost in cities and today's world.
Our beautiful lake, many outdoor games and campfires, and even our platform tents immerse our campers into the beauty of nature. They feel the sunshine, swim in the lake, hear the sounds as they fall asleep, learn to start a fire and launch an arrow, explore a creek, canoe or horseback ride, and more! This is hands-on experience that is unique to camps away from home. It's great for getting rid of that lazy attitude that keeps kids from living their youth to the full.
4. We jump start the imagination!
Most of our summer camps and some retreats are themed. This means that our campers get to relive the adventures of the frontiersmen, or of the saints, or of the early Christians. They learn about an important moment in history through the reenactments they all participate in. This is where some of their best memories are formed.
5. Kids today are more insecure. They need to encounter new social circles and make more friends.
Kids come from all over the tristate area and sometimes from far away. Camp offers the perfect environment to make new friends and expand one’s horizons. The fun activities, the teamwork, the good food...it is all perfect for making new friends. And over the years, coming back to camp means rekindling past friendships. Camp is a great place to make and keep lasting friendships!
And it's just great to get away from familiar territory. The Church has a longstanding tradition of going on pilgrimage. Coming to camp for a weekend or a week is really like a kind of pilgrimage up the holy mountain of God.
And it's just great to get away from familiar territory. The Church has a longstanding tradition of going on pilgrimage. Coming to camp for a weekend or a week is really like a kind of pilgrimage up the holy mountain of God.
6. They learn how “to stand on their own feet”.
Even Jesus left his parents for three days when he was 12 (cf. Lk 2:40-52). Campers learn how to be independent and how to “stand on their own feet” for a few days. What a great way to help them become more confident and mature. Let's face it...going to camp builds character!
We also help them overcome homesickness with a slew of ice breakers, teambuilding activities, good food, and the good ol' being tired out by nighttime.
We also help them overcome homesickness with a slew of ice breakers, teambuilding activities, good food, and the good ol' being tired out by nighttime.
7. Let boys be boys and girls be girls.
Our coed education systems can stifle the unique way that boys and girls learn, experience the world, and express themselves. Our single gender camps allow boys to flourish among boys, and girls to flourish among girls. They can be themselves. And trust us, they are very different! It also helps to keep their distractions and "public displays of affection" away. Ultimately, we know single gender camps mean more than one trip to camp for families each summer. But it's worth the extra effort for the campers!
8. Boys are "wild at heart". They need to channel their courage.
The biggest beneficiaries of single gender camps are the boys themselves. Boys need to test their limits; they need to learn from their mistakes; they need to compete; and play in the mud and fire water balloons at each others' faces; they need a million creative ways to spend their physical energy. In short, boys are “wild at heart” and too often their creative energy is stifled by video games and the like. Since moms usually organize their kids’ extracurricular activities, moms need to be intentional about helping their boys become men... (and sometimes simply kick them out of the house!)
What about girls? Well, the national average is that girls are much more likely to go to camp than are boys. They love the social setting of having fun around other girls. They cherish the affirmation they receive from peers at camp and they get a chance to bust out that feminine genius.
What about girls? Well, the national average is that girls are much more likely to go to camp than are boys. They love the social setting of having fun around other girls. They cherish the affirmation they receive from peers at camp and they get a chance to bust out that feminine genius.
9. Young adult Catholics are either ceasing to practice or simply leaving the Catholic faith.
Statistics are pretty scary. Don’t be fooled by your children’s innocence and devotion when they are young and impressionable. And careful with giving too much credit to Catholic education. This is not proving to be enough! So many parents regret keeping their kids from retreats and camps. They wish they could turn back the clock and do more while they were young. Camp River Ridge is an invaluable support to help your kids stay Catholic for the long run. We don't want your kids to become another disappointing statistic.
Send them as often as you can! We repeat... send them as often as you can! More experiences of Christ and his personal love for them adds layers of formation and preps them to become young adults of faith and conviction ready to face the secular culture.
Send them as often as you can! We repeat... send them as often as you can! More experiences of Christ and his personal love for them adds layers of formation and preps them to become young adults of faith and conviction ready to face the secular culture.
10. Our retreats and camps are primarily about formation.
We really want to help your children relate well with God and build virtue. Our events are not just about fun. Attendance should not be a “reward” for kids if they behave well at home. Our events are about transformation in grace. The fun is an “excuse” and a means to help our campers spend energy, create a positive environment, and prepare them for prayer and catechesis. All the fun activities help them relax, spend physical energy, and build trust amongst each other and with the leaders. Then the magic of formation and grace comes next!
11. Our retreats and camps are small enough to know everyone by name.
Our campers are not just another size for the t-shirts we order. Our retreats and camps are much smaller than the average camp. Our retreats can max out at as low as 18 kids, and our summer camps can max out at 70. This gives us and campers a chance to create a tight knit “family” community. We get to know each other by name. And we remember each other when we come back!
12. Regardless of what school your child goes to, everyone benefits!
Homeschool kids get to socialize outside of their immediate circles and have fun in ways they are not normally able to. Kids from Catholic schools can experience prayer and their faith in a way that is fun outside of the (let’s face it) boring and tedious classroom setting. And kids from public schools can finally immerse themselves in an event that is spiritually enriching and fully Catholic. Everyone benefits!
13. Leadership, leadership, and... leadership!
If our campers are faithful to coming back to camp over the years, they get to come back in high school as leaders. Unlike the vast majority of camps, we offer leadership opportunities for high schoolers as early as 9th grade. An experience of mission is such a powerful way to help high schoolers put their faith into practice. It really helps them deepen their convictions and they hunger for more formation. They are hungry for leadership and service, and we are happy to serve them!
14. Affordable.
How much would you invest to keep your kids Catholic? To help them grow up to be wholesome and mature men and women? Isn't that the real question?
Whether you spend thousands of dollars on Catholic education, participate in religious education, or work hard to provide a Catholic home education, we know you care enough to invest in the faith formation of your children.
Our retreats set the stage for a deep encounter with Jesus that will remain in their memory for as low as $75/retreat sometimes. And our summer camps are very reasonably priced in comparison to other camps. And we often give sibling discounts. And...if that isn't enough...we can maybe cut your family a deal if you just let us know! We have to pay the bills too; but we also don't want kids to miss out because of cost.
Plus, the fees help support a vibrant Catholic youth ministry at Camp River Ridge. Thank you!
Whether you spend thousands of dollars on Catholic education, participate in religious education, or work hard to provide a Catholic home education, we know you care enough to invest in the faith formation of your children.
Our retreats set the stage for a deep encounter with Jesus that will remain in their memory for as low as $75/retreat sometimes. And our summer camps are very reasonably priced in comparison to other camps. And we often give sibling discounts. And...if that isn't enough...we can maybe cut your family a deal if you just let us know! We have to pay the bills too; but we also don't want kids to miss out because of cost.
Plus, the fees help support a vibrant Catholic youth ministry at Camp River Ridge. Thank you!
15. We have parent-child campouts that start as early as 6 years old.
Our father and son campouts are the oldest activity at camp! We also have our annual mother and daughter campout, and our annual father and daughter campout. While they are only an overnight event, some kids look forward to this event for months in advance! These are a great way for parents to introduce their kids to Camp River Ridge, and most importantly, to spend quality time with them.
16. We help your child take this experience back home.
We don’t forget about your family when you come to camp. First, we encourage our campers to make a “pledge of friendship with Jesus”. Then, we invite them to our regular small group meetings in various locations in the tristate area. And if these are not possible, then we will always keep sending you emails inviting him or her to come back again!
For boys' groups outside of camp: ECYD Teams.
For girls' groups outside of camp: Challenge Clubs.
For boys' groups outside of camp: ECYD Teams.
For girls' groups outside of camp: Challenge Clubs.
17. We have full facilities and are getting better every year!
Yes, we have full restrooms and showers. Our four platform tents have doors, lighting, fans, inflatable mattresses, and changing rooms. Our 2.2 acre lake is watched over by lifeguards. We have a full indoor chapel and an indoor dining room able to fit everyone comfortably. We have a gym. We have a campfire area. We have woods, an obstacle course, archery range, soccer field, and paths for exploring and creeking.
Not to mention: archery and archery tag, laser tag, dodgeball, and more...
And it gets better every year!
Click here to see PICTURES of our camp.
Click here to see past VIDEOS of our camps or testimonies.
Not to mention: archery and archery tag, laser tag, dodgeball, and more...
And it gets better every year!
Click here to see PICTURES of our camp.
Click here to see past VIDEOS of our camps or testimonies.
18. A Safe Environment from the Beginning in 1997!
That's right, we have NEVER had any issues with Safe Environment! All campers are treated with dignity and protected by the staff and chaperones at camp. We are under the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and we background check our volunteers and staff at least 18 years of age. You can see our safe environment page for more info.
And besides the occasional sunburn and cut, every year we work to improve safety measures in a way that still allows kids to have fun, explore, and test their courage.
All campers under 18 are required to wear life jackets in the water and swim in the presence of a lifeguard. We have our own infirmary and volunteer nurses. Most importantly, we are working with the State of Indiana Health Department on annual benchmarks to improve the safety and wellbeing of all our campers.
And besides that, we have wonderful volunteer cooks that make the most amazing and delicious meals at camp! Food always tastes better at camp.
And besides the occasional sunburn and cut, every year we work to improve safety measures in a way that still allows kids to have fun, explore, and test their courage.
All campers under 18 are required to wear life jackets in the water and swim in the presence of a lifeguard. We have our own infirmary and volunteer nurses. Most importantly, we are working with the State of Indiana Health Department on annual benchmarks to improve the safety and wellbeing of all our campers.
And besides that, we have wonderful volunteer cooks that make the most amazing and delicious meals at camp! Food always tastes better at camp.
19. Youthful priests, consecrated women, and young adult missionaries.
Camp River Ridge has a full-time priest as a director and chaplain! This means that very retreat and summer camp practically has daily Mass and adoration. Confessions are always available. And the campers get to know their camp priest very well and on a first-name basis.
The Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi direct the girls' camps. They bring a lot of passion, energy, faith, and example to the girls. They have a unique way of tailoring the message and experience of Jesus to girls of all ages. The campers also get to know them on a first-name basis.
And the camps are also led by a team of young adults called "missionaries", usually coming from all over the country. They dedicate a year of their life to serve the Church in youth ministry. They are joyful, creative, grew up going to retreats and camps, and great examples of what it means to be a disciple and apostle of Jesus.
Find out more about our leadership team by clicking here: Leadership Team
The Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi direct the girls' camps. They bring a lot of passion, energy, faith, and example to the girls. They have a unique way of tailoring the message and experience of Jesus to girls of all ages. The campers also get to know them on a first-name basis.
And the camps are also led by a team of young adults called "missionaries", usually coming from all over the country. They dedicate a year of their life to serve the Church in youth ministry. They are joyful, creative, grew up going to retreats and camps, and great examples of what it means to be a disciple and apostle of Jesus.
Find out more about our leadership team by clicking here: Leadership Team
20. We need you!
Yes, we need you to help us develop an AWESOME Catholic ministry for the evangelization of youth. Sending your children to retreats and summer camps is more valuable to us than sending in your donations. And we are honored that you would trust us with what is most precious in your life!
Help us make Camp River Ridge a vibrant Catholic youth evangelization ministry that will reach thousands of kids each year. In 2019 alone 1,500+ youth and adults passed through this camp. We are the closest Catholic youth camp to Cincinnati and we are the only youth camp in Franklin County, IN. Yet there are hundreds of thousands of Catholics in a two hour radius around camp. Sending your kids to camp is another way of saying you also believe the Church's youth is vital for the future!
Every full retreat and full summer camp is another round of happy campers, new friends, memories that last forever, and encounters with Jesus Christ. These fill us up with registration fees that help propel our efforts. Help us avoid the sad situation of empty spots at retreats and summer camps. The Gospels warn us: “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14). Enroll your children in our retreats and camps, and encourage their friends too!
Help us make Camp River Ridge a vibrant Catholic youth evangelization ministry that will reach thousands of kids each year. In 2019 alone 1,500+ youth and adults passed through this camp. We are the closest Catholic youth camp to Cincinnati and we are the only youth camp in Franklin County, IN. Yet there are hundreds of thousands of Catholics in a two hour radius around camp. Sending your kids to camp is another way of saying you also believe the Church's youth is vital for the future!
Every full retreat and full summer camp is another round of happy campers, new friends, memories that last forever, and encounters with Jesus Christ. These fill us up with registration fees that help propel our efforts. Help us avoid the sad situation of empty spots at retreats and summer camps. The Gospels warn us: “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14). Enroll your children in our retreats and camps, and encourage their friends too!
So what are you waiting for? Sign them up!
Enrolling your child at camp is a matter of creating a family camp account and then logging in. This will let you access the retreats and summer camps available for your children.
Click here to create your free family camp account: Create Family Camp Account.
Click here to log in to your account: Log In.
Questions? Email campriverridge@gmail.com.
Click here to create your free family camp account: Create Family Camp Account.
Click here to log in to your account: Log In.
Questions? Email campriverridge@gmail.com.
