Incarnation Camp facts for kids

Incarnation Camp is a special place in Essex, Connecticut. It's a non-profit camp, retreat, and education center that's open all year. Started way back in 1886, it's the oldest camp in the United States that has always welcomed both boys and girls! Every year, thousands of kids and adults from all over the world visit Incarnation Camp.

A Look Back: Camp's Early Days

In 1886, a church in New York City, the Church of the Incarnation, started something amazing. They rented a farmhouse by Mohegan Lake. This was part of a "fresh air" program.

Helping Kids Get Fresh Air

This program helped children from crowded parts of New York City. Many of these kids had just moved to America with their families. They lived in tough conditions. The program let them spend a week in the fresh country air.

On June 19, 1886, 25 boys and girls became the very first campers. Each summer, about 230 children got to enjoy this special experience.

Growing the Camp

Eight years later, in 1894, the church bought the farmhouse. They also bought a barn and five acres of land. This was to be a "summer home for the poor of the parish." That same year, a swimming pool was added! It had pumps that brought in fresh water from Lake Mohegan.

In 1925, Incarnation Camp moved to Kings Park, New York.

Camp's Journey: Later Years

In 1929, Incarnation Camp moved to its forever home. This new spot was in Connecticut, between Ivoryton and Deep River.

Becoming a Non-Profit

In 1949, Incarnation Camp became a non-profit organization. This means it focuses on its mission, not on making money. John A. Bell was the first leader of the camp's board.

The Story of Bushy Hill Lake

The beautiful mile-long lake at the camp was made in 1873. A family who owned the land allowed piano makers to build a dam. This dam held back a brook, creating the lake. The water from the lake helped power the piano company's main shop.

In June 1982, something big happened. Heavy rain caused the dam holding Bushy Hill Lake to break. The lake completely drained! But the camp still ran that summer. They used other places for swimming and boating. The next year, the camp rebuilt the dam. Many people helped, including famous actress Katharine Hepburn.

What Can You Do at Incarnation Camp?

Incarnation Center offers many different programs all year long.

• Incarnation Camp: This is a sleepaway camp for kids aged 6–13. It's for both boys and girls.
• Pequot Sherwood Day Camp: A day camp for kids aged 6–13.
• Pioneer Village: A sleepaway camp for older campers, aged 14–16. It offers a more rugged camping experience.
• Bushy Hill Nature Center: A place to learn about nature.
• Steward Outdoor School: A special school for middle school students.
• Nature's Playground After School: An after-school program.
• The center also hosts Nature's Classroom and a preschool.

Other Names for Incarnation Camp

Over the years, Incarnation Camp has been known by a few different names. These include "ECCC," "The Episcopal Camp & Conference Center," and "Camp Pequot for Boys and Sherwood for Girls."

Life at Incarnation Camp

Incarnation Camp is a great place to relax and connect with others.

Retreats and Day Camps

The camp's retreat center hosts many groups. These include youth and adult retreats, family reunions, and educational trips.

Incarnation also has two day camps: Pequot Sherwood Day Camp and Bushy Hill Day Camp. Kids from 4 to 15 years old can join. They learn leadership, teamwork, and independence through fun activities and nature exploration.

Overnight Camp Experience

Campers at Incarnation Camp (the overnight camp) are usually 6 to 16 years old. They sleep in large platform tents with their tent mates and counselors. Meals are served in the Gibney Dining Hall.

Pioneer Village is for teens aged 14–15. This program offers a more rustic camping adventure. Campers cook their own breakfasts and dinners over open fires. They also go on week-long wilderness trips. These trips can include hiking the Appalachian Trail or canoeing the Connecticut River.

If you finish Pioneer Village and are 16 or older, you can apply to be a Counselor's Assistant (CA). Many CAs later become Counselors when they are 18 or older.

Fun Activities at Camp

Incarnation Camp has tons of activities for campers to choose from! Besides typical camp sports and swimming, there are special facilities. You can get expert help in arts and crafts, ceramics, cooking, woodworking, and performing arts.

Here are some activities you might try:

• Boating and Swimming
• Ropes Course
• Archery
• Hiking
• Drama
• Land Sports
• Arts and Crafts
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Trips
• Farming

Camp Facilities

Incarnation Camp is located on 740 acres of wooded land in Ivoryton, Connecticut. It surrounds a private, mile-long lake.

The facilities include:

• A Conference/Retreat Center that can host 300 guests.
• Campgrounds for different programs.
• A working farm.
• Miles of hiking trails (open to the public from September to May).
• A Nature Center (Bushy Hill Nature Center).
• Two Chapels.

Famous People from Incarnation Camp

• David Brooks, a well-known writer for The New York Times.