Weikert, PA
Each week of camp is unique, but all have similar features. All camps provide a wide variety of activities such as swimming, athletics, Bible Study, worship, hikes, boating, nature study, and more. Meals are served at 8:00 a.m. breakfast, 12 noon lunch, 5:00 p.m. dinner, and an evening snack. Camp begins Sunday at 3 p.m. and concludes no later than 5 p.m. on Friday.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗For many, camp is the place they truly feel at home. 'I never thought I'd have a found family. Camp has given me so much joy and people I love just as much as my real family.'
According to a groundbreaking study by psychologist and camping proponent Chris Thurber, 83% of the campers studied (ages 8–16) reported homesickness for at least one day of camp. The important thing for parents, campers, and staff to remember is that homesickness is a natural feeling and can be overcome in almost all instances. When a camper overcomes their homesickness and stays for the remainder of the camp session, they feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that will positively influence their ability to overcome other obstacles in life.
Located on 450 acres of pristine wilderness, Wesley Forest leans into adventure in the wild. From swimming and boating in our lake, to our 8 miles of hiking trails, to star studies and creek stomps, nature is our playground.
To closer connect with God, His creation, and those around you, we discourage the use of cell phones during summer camp events. Should a cell phone make its way to camp, it will spend the week in the Site Director's office and be returned at the close of the event. Campers can (and have) used cell phones during times of frustration or homesickness to call home rather than communicate with their counselors — often cutting short moments of real growth. With support and encouragement, campers frequently work through the challenge to have a great week.
As a United Methodist ministry, we celebrate God's grace as a gift for all people. We honor the sacred worth of every individual, striving to create a Christ-centered community where everyone — regardless of background or identity — is welcomed, loved, and invited to grow. We extend radical hospitality and acceptance by welcoming every person into caring community.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Wesley Forest was originally built as a private retreat by Chester K. Robertson, a wealthy coal baron from Shamokin, PA. Construction of the Main Lodge began in the 1930s. Today, the Main Lodge is called Penn's Creek Lodge and the guest cabins are Lick Run Cabin, Weikert Run Cabin, and the Minister's Cabin. The garage and chauffeur's quarters are now used as the Craft Shed and Nurse's Station. By the late 1980s the lake, summer cabins, and bath house were built and a full summer camping program was in place.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Love calls us to eliminate all harassment, devaluing, bullying, lack of acceptance, and other actions that harm or isolate any individual or group. We welcome all persons regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, where all will be valued and included. Counselors are trained to intervene early and to keep an emotionally safe environment — never embarrassing or demeaning a camper.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗In most cases, a camper can request one or two bunkmates for their week. Bunkmates must be in the same age-level group and of the same gender. Bunkmate requests are not guaranteed. Assignments are generally made the week before the campers arrive. Campers involved must request each other on the camper registration form.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗We believe camp is for everyone! Our 'no-added-cost' model ensures equality across all programs, and our robust Campership (scholarship) funds ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of the camp experience. We do offer a limited number of partial camperships ranging from 10 to 50% of the fee. Families are asked to contribute a minimum of $50 towards the cost of each camp. Check with your local church and district office for available camper funds.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Crafts and snacks are included in the price for all of our camps. Wesley Forest has a daily snack shack where campers can purchase additional snacks at a fee during the week. Each site has a camp store where items may be purchased on the opening or closing day.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗