Camp Caraway keeps boys in mind

By Dianna L. Cagle

BR Assistant Managing Editor

Each of the cabin leaders at Camp Caraway is trained to lead each activity: ropes courses, archery, canoeing, etc.

Photo by Dianna Cagle

Biblical Recorder

Everything at Camp Caraway centers on Christ.

"Caraway gives the boys an opportunity to get away from the busyness, hectic life - TV, cell phones, ipods," said Lance Rogerson, interim director for the camp.

Rogerson said leaders are trained to handle each activity at the camp. After they have finished canoeing or archery, the leaders ask the campers how that activity relates to the Christian life.

" All of our guys know how to teach each activity," Rogerson said. "So I'm with my boys the entire day so that allows me to build relationships."

The cross training also allows schedules to change if one leader is sick.

"It's very easy to move things around," he said. "It helps our staff to be more fluid and function better."

Rogerson has served at the camp since his freshman year at Campbell University. He was as a cabin leader for five years before becoming assistant director.

"One of the great things about the Internet is I still keep in touch with my campers," he said. "I got to see my campers grow up."

Now, as director, Rogerson sees that training coming full circle this summer. Some of the boys Rogerson served as cabin leader are going to be working as cabin leaders too.

"About five or six of my former campers are on my staff this year," he said.

There will be 25 staff members including Rogerson and two assistant directors.

Camp Caraway began as the Baptist State Convention Royal Ambassador camp in 1963. The land was purchased by the Brotherhood Department (now known as Baptist Men). Caraway Conference Center controls the property during the off-season, but Baptist Men run the Royal Ambassador or boy's camps during the summer.

At Camp Caraway, boys are divided by ages among units. Westwoods is made up of four cabins and is connected by a central lodge. It is for ages 9-10. Mountain View is made up of six cabins and houses 10-11 year olds. For Rocks, four cabins share a central bathhouse for the 12-13-year-old boys. Those cabins are a bit more exposed to the outdoors with the top half screened for more of a nature experience. The older 14-17-year-olds live at Northwoods where there are two cabins with their fronts completely exposed to the elements.

Rogerson said his parents thought he wasn't getting paid enough to stay there when he was a cabin leader. But Rogerson said he would have paid to stay there. Staying at Northwoods makes up some of Rogerson's fondest memories.

The younger campers (in Westwoods) do not go camping overnight but do experience the campfire and "hobo burgers" like the other campers.

Rogerson said the purpose of the camp is "growing godly character through an experience of Christian camping for boys that is centered on Christ."

Camp Caraway runs from June through August with weeklong and father/son retreat options available. Christian High Adventure operates on a slightly different schedule than the other weeklong camps. Costs range from $95 per person for the retreats to $195 per person for Christian High Adventure (CHA).

Guests have activity options including canoeing, swimming, and programs on high and low challenge courses. Activity options must be pre-arranged and scheduled 14 days prior to arrival. Additional fees may apply for activities.

Rogerson said CHA is for ages 14 and up and can be co-ed with the stipulation that if a girl is a camper that a woman chaperone must come along. CHA is open for up to 12 people. Campers are trained in map and compass reading and in how to pack. Staff members are trained to adjust to campers level of experience and ability.

The Westwoods and Mountain View facilities are available year-round, Rogerson said.