The Camp Christopher Color Run!

An air-conditioned cabin.

Now that I am back in Ohio, I am set to explore camps in the area. I wanted to experience the shift in topography from the Carolinas' extremely mountainous terrain to a more suburban and rolling type of environment. Camp Christopher is my first stop!

Warmly greeted by Amanda, the camp director, our first stop was the day camp area. Equipped with typical playground equipment, some swings and a large open field area, younger campers enjoy not only this space, but several shared areas around the rest of Camp. Next, Amanda took me to one of the cabins near the entrance of the site. This particular cabin was air-conditioned to accommodate some of Camp Christopher's special needs campers. Having not yet visited a Camp on my tour that accommodated such, it was very remarkable to see a Camp that accommodates children with special needs who also makes them feel no different than other Campers and encourages them to participate in many of the same activities.  

A small creek along the trails.

We continued to the horse stables were I got to see the youngest group of campers saddle up and head for a short trail ride. Next, Amanda led me to a hiking trail that included a low ropes course and several great spots to pitch a tent. A small creek along the trail, trickled with water; how relaxing!

Another favorite part of my visit was stumbling upon a plethora of bamboo fishing poles at a lake on site. They weren't your average rod and reel, rather they had only two eyes for the fishing line and a small hook on the end.  Stale bread biscuits were being used as bait.  This allowed younger campers to learn how to fish, without trying to comprehend casting the line and reeling in the fish.  This is just one activity that, as Campers progress at Camp Christopher, they are taught new techniques, eventually working their way up to your typical rod and reel. 

Bamboo fishing poles for the younger campers.

Lastly, and undoubtedly the most exciting moment of my visit, was the color run. Camp Christopher holds their very own color run race every Friday at Camp. They even craft their own paint and powder, used to color the campers as they run! At the starting line, all of the Campers are wearing white t-shirts and as they race through the campsite they are sprayed with colored liquid and powder tie-dyeing their t-shirts with all different colors. When campers reach the edge of camp, they turn around and head towards the finish line. Don't worry moms: everything is machine-washable!! 

The color run!

This camp visit was more than just a walk in the woods… it was a lesson that everybody deserves to have fun and let loose. No boundaries or restrictions should prevent him or her from enjoying life to its fullest potential. Camp Christopher is a shining example of a successful program. Thank you, Camp Christopher!

-The Girl with the Red Umbrella