About Cathedral Domain Episcopal Camp & Retreat Center
ACA accreditation — what it means for health, safety, and program quality
By being accredited by the ACA, the Cathedral Domain communicates its commitment to a quality camp experience — one of professionalism, qualified staff, and superior programming. ACA accreditation assures you the Cathedral Domain practices have been measured against national standards and go beyond state regulations. At least once every three years, an outside team of trained professionals observes the camp to verify compliance with over 300 standards including food service, health care, staffing, safety and quality of our programs.
Mountain setting in eastern Kentucky, approximately 1.5 hours south of Lexington, adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Fishing
Land Sports
Archery
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Rock climbing
More activities
ballfield games
caving
rappelling
Clues to fit
Alumna story (Shelby Thompson) — Girls Camp and lifelong friendships
I started going to the Domain in the summer of 1985. At age 10, I had no idea what a profound impact it would have on my life. It was a magical week that went by way too fast. I was determined to come back every summer. I met many of my very best, now lifelong friends at Junior Conference. Being at the Domain has always made me feel very centered. I was the best version of myself there and over time, I learned to take that version of me back home and to school too.
Five generations of the Erschell/Vogel family — belonging and lifelong impact
For many, the Cathedral Domain is not just a camp or a place to go for a few days and hike the trails. It's more than just a mountain with spectacular views and fresh air. It's more than a church. For many, like the Vogel family, it's one of the enduring bonds of an entire family. For the Vogels, the Cathedral Domain has, and continues to be, intertwined with their family; five generations have experienced the love and joy of the Domain.
Setting — 800 acres adjoining Daniel Boone National Forest
Covering over 800 acres in the mountains of Lee County, 'The Domain' is 1½ hours south of Lexington, Kentucky and adjoins the Daniel Boone National Forest. Our facilities include a recreational pavilion, playground, activity field, pool, archery range, nature center, rock climbing and rappelling stations, hiking, fishing, and much more.
Donor story (Kim Erschell) — Domain as love, family, and faith across generations
"As a second generation Domain camper, the Domain means love and family to me. My parents introduced me to the Domain at a very early age and we continue that tradition every August. I have such vivid memories of Miss Beulah and Mr. Bill Smith as they taught us about God's love and the many stories (real or nonsense) of the Domain folklore. I loved the idea of going to the Domain and making new friends and sharing the same love for God as they had." — Kim Erschell
Former camper (Justin Vogel) — Boys Camp life skills and self-confidence
"As a little boy, a teen, and a young adult, I have had countless life experiences at the Domain that have changed the direction of my life. The weeks I spent growing up at Boys Camp taught me more than how to play foursquare and fight dragons in Bat Cave. Those weeks taught me about chivalry, how to follow rules, and gave me self-confidence as a young child in making new friends and finding new role models in counselors and staff at the Domain. These skills would help more than I realized through elementary and middle school." — Justin Vogel, Camp Director
Why camp — community, leadership, and lasting impact
A quality camp experience provides our children with the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living. Camp creates this great space that shows kids how to live together and care for one another. Camp is a place where kids can 'practice' growing up — stretching their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive muscles outside the context of their immediate family. One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a sense of success and achievement. Camp teaches kids how to be active participants, ask questions, ask for help, and try new things. — Peg L. Smith, former chief executive officer of the American Camp Association
Donor story (Kevin Matthews) — timeless daily life at the Domain
The sun is still rising over Patterson Hall when the morning bell rings, just as you remember it. The air is cool from the night before but, already, you can tell it's going to be a beautiful, sunny day, perfect for a hike to Wind Tunnel or a climb up to the top of Wolfpen. Soon, campers in groups of twos and threes, are walking up the road on their way to Morning Prayer followed by breakfast. Later, on the way back to their cabins for morning inspection, more than a few of them enviously are looking at the swimming pool.
Fourteen cabins and other buildings are scattered around a half-mile paved oval and the variety of overnight accommodations range from natural-air modern cabins to climate-controlled cabins to double-occupancy rooms with private baths. Most cabins have Tempur-Pedic mattresses and all have restrooms and showers. There are several handicap accessible accommodations. Our modern dining hall seats 200 and can offer three meals a day and a variety of menu options.
