“Hi. I am in fifth grade, and last summer I had the opportunity to experience Camp DeWolfe for the very first time. Since then, I also attended Winter Camp this past January, which is a mid-point weekend of fun, fellowship and spirituality, that keeps everyone connected. Camp DeWolfe is a place where fun is just as important as the worship of God. When you go to Camp DeWolfe, you feel like you are at home, with caring counselors, awesome cabin mates, and Matt and Emma making sure that every day is special. Even the kitchen staff is kind and caring. The chef prepares the most delicious food, and most nights we have special activities and a campfire, which is really a lot of fun! Before I left for Camp the first time, I’ll admit I was a little nervous since I had never been away from home before. But I learned very quickly that every day is an adventure and it was all such a great experience! The week passed by so quickly, filled with fun and challenging activities every day, while still staying focused on personal growth and spirituality. Some of my favorite activities were rock climbing, kayaking, Christian Formation, cabin time, and Devos – a thoughtful time in the evening when we would all sit in a circle and reflect upon our high point of the day; our low point of the day; and how we saw God in our day. My favorite counselor, Anthony, comes all the way from England to share his gifts with kids and make our summer special, as do so many other counselors from various parts of the U.S and across the globe. The counselors at Camp DeWolfe really do care about each and every one of us, and they do a great job with team building and making our time together count. Anthony wrote me a letter recently. I can’t wait to see him this summer where I’m looking forward to staying for two weeks as a Discovery Camper. Another way that Matt and Emma and the camp staff do a really great job of keeping our Camp DeWolfe family connected throughout the year is with seasonal wishes and lots of Facebook postings about our camp when we aren’t able to be there. It was especially meaningful to me to be able to stay in touch through photos of all the amazing natural happenings that occurred as a result of Winter Storm Juno. Sometimes just a photo of a beautiful sunset is all it takes to feel like I am there. Camp DeWolfe is a beautiful place where real bonds are formed and lifelong memories are made. I hope that you will get to experience them too.”
by Ethan Rafferty (Age 10/5th Grade)
St. John’s Church – Cold Spring Harbor, NY
“It is my absolute privilege to share with you this morning about the wonderful gift that Camp DeWolfe has been for our family. My son was a first time camper there last summer, and he had the most wonderful experience! It was everything I had hoped for him, and more. Nestled along the North Shore of Long Island, on 26 sprawling acres beachfront to Long Island Sound, Camp DeWolfe is the perfect residential camp experience for kids, while still being close enough to home for the parents! Camp DeWolfe is a truly exquisite place that is safe and loving, nurturing, and even life changing … But the reason for this goes far beyond the glorious setting and the picturesque views. Everything that Camp DeWolfe is and everything that Camp DeWolfe has to offer our youth lies in the integrity of this God-centered place, and the outstanding quality of dedicated Counselors who do His work. To merely say that Camp DeWolfe is an exceptional place seems insufficient, even, because there really is no way for me to adequately describe the impact of watching your ten year old boy set out for what he hoped for and begged would be “an adventure,” come home a happy, excited, grounded, self-possessed, (and I do declare) taller and even more mature young man only one week later! While it was a tough week for me that first time, I tell you that I never once worried about my son’s safety or his wellbeing. He was smiling and happy in every photo that was posted! (It was just a mom’s first awkward time at home without her child) But the minute he ran up to me at Pick Up and the first words out of his mouth were, “Next year, I’m coming for TWO weeks!” and “Oh yeah, can I also come to Winter Camp?” I knew that I had made the right choice allowing him to go. One of the photos I had seen that week was the kids working together to build a giant community banner during Christian Formation. Each child traced their hand and wrote about their hopes for the week. My son boldly wrote, “To have an all new experience”. And as each cabin processed into the chapel, singing a spirited song about God’s Love during Closing Ceremony, I noticed the touching display that was their heartfelt mosaic, and I thought to myself, isn’t that what it’s all about? Children who are coming to God. With tender souls and open hearts. Seeking a new experience, a new understanding. Thirsting to know God’s love and glory. At Camp DeWolfe this happens every single minute. Children are immersed in nature, and in the love of God, among friends and nurturers and a Christ family. Their souls are fed beside their curiosity, in a sacred place, away from rush and electronics. With some sweat and some dirt and a whole lot of God’s love and discovery, every child blossoms. Camp DeWolfe is the most beautiful place in so many ways. He still references and draws from his camp experiences on a regular basis and cannot wait to return this summer. Camp DeWolfe touches hearts. It builds strength and character, and it literally molds, supports and shapes our youth. It is the crowning jewel of our Episcopal Diocese. The Counselors are highly skilled and deeply invested in every child’s journey through team building, fostering community, and teaching God’s love. I really applaud the work that Matt and Emma and the team are doing. With their amazing vision and extraordinary team of spiritual leaders, Camp DeWolfe continues to touch the hearts and lives of all who come through its gates. I encourage you to consider taking advantage of this blessing for your own children, as the Camp DeWolfe mission is alive and well. For the superlative program which the Tees have continued to build truly IS the work of God …. And God himself is there!”
– By Jennifer Rafferty (Parent of Camper Ethan Rafferty, Age 10/5th Grade)
St. John’s Church – Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Winter Camp