Activities — over 30 to choose from, low-pressure environment
At DeSoto, girls can try something new in a low-pressure environment, or enjoy practicing a skill they're already comfortable with. With over 30 activities to choose from, every girl will be able to find something she loves and something she'd love to try. From artistic, dramatic, creative activities to athletic, active, adventurous activities and everything in between, there is a lot of fun to be had at Camp DeSoto. Campers can choose eight activities to take during their month at Camp — four Monday/Wednesday/Friday activities and four Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday activities.
On approximately 185 acres of wooded property on the banks of Little River, on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama; about 90 miles northeast of Birmingham, AL and 45 miles southwest of Chattanooga, TN.
Night Activity — nightly surprise and Taps friendship circle
Every night after supper, we have a surprise Night Activity! Whether we are in the Gym or on the Playfield, Night Activity is a great way for the whole community to have fun, celebrate each others' talents, embrace silly playfulness, and enjoy being together. At the end of each Night Activity, everyone circles up, crosses their arms, and holds hands. In this friendship circle, we sing 'Taps' together to tell each other goodnight.
Tribes — Cardinals, Chickadees, and Blue Jays; belonging from day one
Camp DeSoto has three tribes: Cardinals, Chickadees, and Blue Jays. Each camper joins a tribe her first summer at DeSoto and remains a member of that tribe throughout her camping years. Tribe choosing is one of the first events to take place when Camp starts, helping girls to feel a sense of belonging from the very beginning. If a camper's sister, mother, or grandmother was in a tribe at Camp DeSoto, she may automatically be in that same tribe, if she chooses.
Camp DeSoto lies on approximately 185 acres of wooded property on the banks of Little River. Each camp term, we have about 225 campers and 75 Staff members. Camp DeSoto is located on Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama, about 90 miles northeast of Birmingham, AL and 45 miles southwest of Chattanooga, TN.
Philosophy — outdoor adventure and childhood simplicity
At Camp DeSoto we want girls to live closely with nature, discovering all that it has to teach us and the fun of a summer spent outside. We wake to the sound of bird song and early morning dew shining on the grass, and we end our days as night falls and the crickets begin to sing. Whether they are rafting whitewater or forgiving a friend, we want the Camp DeSoto experience to be one that teaches girls how much they are capable of and encourages them to bravely step into new challenges.
Camp history — founded 1945, over 100 years of tradition
What began as a camp for boys in 1922 became the Camp we know and love today when it was purchased in 1945 by Norma Bradshaw. Along with Bess Heron, Brad developed the camp program that is the foundation of what girls still experience each year at Camp DeSoto. Bess and Brad envisioned a traditional summer camp where girls could enjoy God's creation, learn new skills, and develop lasting friendships in a community led by Christian women.
Special events — Circus Day, Olympics, Christmas in July, 4th of July
Each Term, we have Special Event days outside of our daily routine. Each term has two big special event days. First Term celebrates Circus Day and the Fourth of July, and Second Term celebrates the Olympics and Summer Christmas. Other special events include Tribe Days, DeSotopalooza, Trip Day, and parties with Alpine. From camper-produced Tribe plays to the pomp of an Olympic competition, each event manages to thrill and excite while maintaining the spirit of simplicity that is characteristic of Camp DeSoto.
Phil and Marsha Hurt — decades of leadership and care
Phil and Marsha Hurt came to DeSoto full-time in the fall of 1987. Since Sue's retirement in 1995, Phil and Marsha have co-directed Camp DeSoto with deep joy and strong vision. Nurturing campers and helping girls embrace their true selves has been a privilege and joy. They are deeply grateful to know generations of girls who have grown up at Camp DeSoto and to continue seeing God's love transform lives.
Contrary to how it may feel, sending your daughter away for a month — to a place where she is safe, cared for, and appreciated for who she is — is one of the most loving things you can do for your child. She cannot grow unless you give her the chance to step into her own strength. She cannot believe in herself until you give her the chance to be brave. We have said for years that 'a month at Camp DeSoto is an investment for a lifetime,' and it truly is. Sending your daughter to DeSoto for a month is an investment in her — her confidence, her resilience, her friendships, and her relationship with God.
On Hut Row, front stoops filled with brightly-colored shower buckets and rain boots welcome cabin visitors, and screen doors slam as girls scurry to their next activities. Two girls in cowboy boots stop by the Camp Post Office to mail a letter home on their way to horseback riding. The Playfield is alive with a game of Ultimate Frisbee, and on the bridge to the Enchanted Forest, a counselor helps a trio of friends bait their fishing lines. This is Camp DeSoto — girls living outside, playing hard, making friends, and discovering God's love.
The Camp Photographer works hard to capture the fun that happens in each day at Camp! Photos are posted daily to give parents a glimpse of what girls are up to. These photos are password protected to ensure camper privacy.
