Oregon, IL
We happily accommodate campers who are vegetarian, lactose intolerant, allergic to certain foods, and the like. Our menu is nutritious, well balanced, and tasty, and provides plenty of choices at each meal. Please make sure to note special dietary needs on the health/registration form so arrangements can be made to accommodate your camper's needs.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗At Stronghold, we know that archery, swimming, the castle, the challenge course, cookouts, and games are all fun… but our true goal is for your child to make friends. During a week at camp, campers spend their time with their small "family" groups whom they share a living space with, while also interacting with other groups at various times throughout the week. The counselors intentionally provide time for both guided and free conversation to allow time and space for campers to develop friendships on their own. Furthermore, the counselors are able to facilitate conversations which break down barriers and draw people together.
Stronghold is a four-season Camp & Retreat Center overlooking the Rock River, the Center offers a unique Tudor style Castle, modern retreat building, cabins, and a central dining facility all situated on 360 acres of woodland, meadows, and prairie.
Certainly. Campers from many different faith orientations attend including some who do not have a faith tradition. We only ask that campers participate in Bible study, worship, and group discussions that are part of our camps.
We are an intentional Christian community. We pray. We read and discuss the word. And we find ways to live it. While at camp, your child will participate in a small group Bible study each day. Within this small group setting, campers are able to ask questions and find answers in the Bible and through personal prayer. Our goal is that your child will leave on Friday knowing that he or she has had an interaction with God—whether that be through reading the Word, prayer, reflection, discussion, friendship, or the loving guidance of a counselor.
Since 1963 Stronghold's Summer Camps program has impacted thousands of people from all walks of life and produced many life-changing experiences. An atmosphere of community and God's love is central to our program. Opportunities abound for making new friends, strengthening old friendships, meeting people from around the corner and around the world, developing individual talents and leadership abilities, challenging yourself, learning new skills, deepening your faith, and having tons of fun! Campers are challenged to build a Christ-centered community of acceptance, trust, sharing, and forgiveness as they play, laugh, and grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially.
2027-07-04 – 2027-07-09
1 weeks
Overnight camp
LGBTQIA+ youth only. Tiered pricing (3 tiers) — amounts not found. Scholarships available. Camp is not faith-based in content; affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, religious backgrounds.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗Realizing that many families have different abilities to pay, Stronghold has instituted a voluntary three-tier fee program. You may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. All campers receive the same Stronghold experience no matter what they pay. For those families that cannot afford Tier 1 additional financial assistance is available to ensure that all children have this wonderful opportunity to attend camp.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗The centerpiece of Stronghold is the unique Tudor-style manor house nestled high on the bluffs overlooking the Rock River. It features the Great Hall, which is perfect for gatherings in front of the massive wood fireplace. Castle has 4 floors plus a nice climb up to the tower overlooking the Rock River for miles! Dormitory-style lodging with twin beds and bunk beds accommodates 56.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗We do not allow campers to have cell phones. Besides disrupting the group building process, we prefer campers to work out their differences or problems rather than just calling home. If a problem arises, a camp representative will be in touch with you, and if deemed necessary, or requested by the parents, we will put you in touch with your child. We will never prevent a parent from speaking with their child.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Yes. A limited number of Stronghold scholarships are available. Please call for more information. (Many churches also provide their own scholarships.)
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Medical professionals are on duty at camp 24 hours a day and all of our camp staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗