Koinonia

Our Mission:

Empowered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Koinonia prepares people to create faith-filled community in their daily lives.

You’re Invited!!
Adventure, challenge, and faith-filled spirit are key components to our summer community!

The Koinonia Wilderness Youth Camp programs are designed to help youth grow in their relationships with… each other, God, and the natural environment. Our gift of 1200 acres of beautiful Catskill wilderness offers a unique opportunity for small-group wilderness camping.

Safety is our priority!

Our young adult staff, led by two experienced directors, are trained to work with elementary through senior high youth. By teaching outdoor skills and living directly with the youth, the staff affirm the unique gifts that each youth brings to the group. Koinonia is accredited by the American Camp Association. As an outdoor ministry of the Lutheran Church, Koinonia provides retreat, conference, and camping programs for all, regardless of church affiliation.

JUST FOR LIFE! …is our Summer 2008 daily curriculum.
Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amos 5:24
God is with us and always has been! Our curriculum will help us explore how God speaks to us in our daily lives. Our faith experience is woven throughout our camp day: Worship, music, discussions, games and group building activities help us grow in and share our faith with each other.

Transportation - New Jersey Transit Train Option!
Koinonia staff will meet youth campers at the Secaucus train station and accompany them to the Port Jervis stop. From there, they will take a short drive to Koinonia. Check the registration form for this option! This option includes a $25 fee, plus the cost of the train ticket.

Become a Spark!
Share your camp experience with a friend! Returning youth campers can be a Spark by encouraging a friend to attend Koinonia’s summer camp for their first experience! List the name of your friend (even if they register for a different session than you) and receive a $25 discount on your registration. This does not apply to Campfirmation or siblings.

Quotes…
From one youth: “…Another experience I will never forget for the rest of my life is when I talked to my counselors – they told me I was a born leader.”

A Parent of two boys: “...They had nice counselors, renewed friendships, and learned some great skills. One son really liked kayaking and the other learned to swim! The memories of Koinonia are ones that will always be cherished.”

A Parent about her daughter: “…I don’t know everything you did while she was at camp, but my daughter can’t wait to return…and wants to become part of the staff!”

From former Staff-In-Training and campers:
"SIT work was amazing…the people and the kids rocked."
"I tried things I didn’t know I could do."
"I became more of a leader."
"I grew in faith and friendships."
" I can’t wait to see everyone again next summer!"

Elementary Youth: Entering 2nd – 6th grades

Join us for Lightning Bugs and be BUGGED OUT with fun! A half-week of crazy crafts, lake-front swimming, nature activities, fun songs, and even hayrides and a campfire with S’More’s! Lightning bugs will live in a year-round retreat cabin (indoor plumbing and electricity included) with their counselors. Bring your sleeping bag and join us! $209

Are you curious like a bear? Then join us!! Bear Cubs is a one-week elementary-aged adventure of fun. Enjoy Wild Wacky Water Day, learn to cook over a fire, try a night of sleeping in a tent under the stars, and get a chance to canoe to Blueberry Island for a “floating lunch”! Bear cubs and their counselors get to live in our Trailbuilding (indoor plumbing and electricity included) in the heart of our youth camp facilities. This is a great opportunity for a first-time camper, or an experienced camper looking for a one-week session. $336

Two weeks of activities in our 1200 acres of woodlands! Be silly and have fun as you live in our simple wilderness youth cabins with your counselors and best friends…you choose top or bottom bunk! (Each cabin comes complete with its very own fire ring!) Each day cook a meal over the fire, and enjoy crafts, nature, learn to canoe and kayak in the lake, and even try archery! Pathfinders will also have the opportunity for a night or two to sleep-out in tents while they are here. Look forward to a Homestead Pioneer Adventure, Farm Festival, and taking a trip to our Leni Lenape program site. $660

Intermediate Youth - Entering 7th – 9th grades

Campfirmation! 1 Week Session
Sunday – Friday June 29-July 4, 2008
Designed for confirmation groups, with their pastors.

Camp with your confirmation class and pastor! One-week experience focused on building a faith-filled community! The week includes Koinonia experiences…camping out, cooking over a fire, campfires, games, swimming and canoeing (even rafting the Delaware River!), plus time to cover specific confirmation material with congregational leadership. $336

Challenge yourself! Journey through our two-week trek in style…backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and more in the Koinonia wilderness! We’ll focus on adventure and building friendships with each other…new and old! Do the low-ropes course as a team, then venture to Chapel Rock to experience our high-ropes elements: the climbing wall and the tyrollian traverse! Crosstrek includes traditional activities of games, crafts, nature learning as well as special trips like our overnight Delaware River canoe trip! Bring a sense of humor and experience adventure at its best. $660

Mini-Crosstrek 1 Week Sessions
Sunday – Friday July 6-11 and July 13-18, 2008

Join us for a one-week version of our original two-week adventure! Explore the wilderness, lake and Delaware River all in a few days! Come for an intense experience in friendships and learning and grow through fun challenges that you experience with your small group and the larger camp community. Don’t miss out! (Available for intermediate and senior high youth.) $336

Staff-In-Training (SIT’s) 2 Week Session
Sunday – Thursday July 6-18, 2008
SIT’s are preferred to be 15 years old, or entering 10th-12th grades

It’s a two-week leadership adventure! If you’ve ever wanted to be a staff person, this is the way to develop your skills. SIT’s will be exposed to all types of staff roles…learning how important everyone’s gifts are. Begin with a one-week camp experience with all of the SIT’s, then move into a variety of roles from teaming with a cabin counselor for younger campers, to working alongside support staff, and possibly spending time in NYC working with our staff teams doing outreach, servant events, and neighborhood day camps. Added bonus: SIT’s will receive training and certification in 1st Aid and CPR while at camp. $336

Mini-Crosstrek 1 Week Sessions
Sunday – Friday July 6-11 and July 13-18, 2008

Youth Registration is Easy! Call, or email the printed form to the Koinonia office.
Enclose non-refundable deposit: $100 per person. Thebalance is due two weeks prior to arrival.

After registrations are received, an information packet will be sent to confirm your registration and provide you with materials to prepare to come to camp!

The registration form will open in a new window. Just print it out and follow the directions above to register. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to read the file. If you cannot open the file, you can download Adobe Reader here:

CAMPERSHIPS AVAILABLE!
Contact the Koinonia office if financial assistance is needed.

Did You Know?
Koinonia’s ministry is supported by camper fees as well as generous donations. The average summer wilderness youth camper fee is subsidized by over $100. If able, please consider a donation to further support our ministry together!

Koinonia • 165 Lakeview Drive• Highland Lake, NY 12743