Summer Camp at Buckhorn
For campers entering 3rd through 10th grade
Buckhorn is the perfect place for kids and youth to unplug, have fun, and grow—in faith, friendship, and confidence. Campers enjoy classic and adventurous activities like rock climbing, paddleboarding, and archery, all in a safe and supportive mountain setting.
Our program balances small-group connection time with exciting all-camp activities, so everyone feels included and known. Through games, challenges, discussions, and campfire worship, campers have the freedom to explore, build community, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
Dates for 2026
Session 1: June 28-July 3
Session 2: July 19-July 24
Camp Activities Include:
- Rock Climbing
- Field Games
- Human Foosball
- Paddle Boarding
- Crafts
- Gaga Ball & 9 Square
- Archery
Campers will stay in Dorms or Cabins.
Here's what a day at camp looks like!
Mini-Camp for First-Time Campers
July 12-July 14
Give your child a gentle introduction to the joys of sleepaway camp! Designed especially for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders who are new to overnight stays, this 2-night mini-camp is perfect for easing those first-time jitters.
With age-appropriate activities, small groups, and extra attention from our caring staff, kids will experience the excitement of camp in a safe and supportive environment. Campers will make friends, try new activities, and create lasting memories—all while building confidence for longer camp adventures in the future.
Junior Counselor Program
Our Junior Counselor Program is designed for high school students entering 11th or 12th grade who are ready to take the next step in leadership and service. Junior Counselors (JCs) play an important role in supporting our camp community — assisting senior counselors, helping lead activities, and ensuring a safe, positive, and fun experience for younger campers.
This program offers hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, and responsibility, all within the joyful rhythm of camp life. Junior Counselors will receive mentorship from experienced staff and have opportunities to reflect on their own growth as emerging leaders.
Program Details
- Eligibility: Students entering 11th or 12th grade
- Commitment: One or more camp sessions (dates based on camp availability and applicant preference)
- Training: Junior Counselors will participate in a required orientation session prior to the start of their assignment
- Compensation: This is a volunteer leadership position that includes meals, lodging, and mentorship throughout the program
- Skills Gained: Leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and youth supervision
Why Apply?
If you love working with kids, enjoy being outdoors, and want to build your leadership skills while being part of an amazing camp community — this program is for you!
Application open through March 31st.
Buckhorn Camp is pleased to announce our participation in the Effective Camp Project in summer 2026. We are part of a group of camps across the country who are part of this project. This ground-breaking study will reveal the strengths and growing areas of Buckhorn Camp.
With parental permission, we are surveying a selection of summer campers at the beginning and end of camp, and 8 weeks after their camp session ends, measuring lasting change in critical areas like self-confidence, personal faith, social skills, and faith practices. We appreciate those households that have agreed to participate!
By participating in this exciting project, we hope to take an honest look at how we are doing in serving our summer camp families and achieving desired outcomes. Data from our camp will also help tell the larger story of the benefits of camping ministries to families and the church! We are partnering with the experienced and respected research team at Sacred Playgrounds in order to tell the camp story in a new way and improve our camp programs for all participants.
Previous Effective Camp research has identified five fundamentals of Christian summer camping: faith centered, safe space, relational, unplugged from home, and participatory. Dr. Jake Sorenson, Effective Camp project director, says, “This project has demonstrated that, when the five fundamental characteristics are in place, the Christian camp experience has significant, lasting impacts on the lives of participants and their families.” Our participation in this study will show us where our camp shines
and where focused attention will generate significant improvement in outcomes for our campers.
As of 2025, we have data from over 30,000 campers and 12,000 camper parents at 100 Christian camps across the United States and Canada. These camps represent multiple Christian denominations. The research to date is available online at effectivecamp.com.
