CWF Blog

Unforgettable Adventures Await: Camp Burton's Sleep Away Summer Camp in Burton, Ohio

Written by Jason Mellet | May 9, 2024 7:41:24 PM

Camp Burton is a faith-based sleepaway summer camp located on over 200 beautiful acres in Burton, Ohio. Founded in 1965, Camp Burton's mission is to provide campers with unforgettable summer experiences focused on adventure, faith, and friendship.

For over 50 years, Camp Burton has been a place where campers can grow in their relationship with God and each other through outdoor activities, sports, arts, and spiritual development. Whether it's the first time at summer camp or a cherished annual tradition, Camp Burton offers fun and enriching programs for campers of all ages.

Nestled on the shores of beautiful Punderson Lake amidst the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, Camp Burton provides an ideal setting to disconnect from technology and connect with new friends. With dedicated facilities for specific activities like archery, arts and crafts, and swimming, campers will never run out of exciting things to try.

At Camp Burton, highly trained college-aged counselors ensure campers feel welcomed into a caring Christian community. Counselors guide small cabin groups through each action-packed day focused on faith, learning, and adventure. Evening campfires, worship services, and group discussions aim to strengthen campers' relationship with God and each other.

With generations of campers calling Camp Burton their home away from home, Camp Burton continues its founding mission to provide life-changing experiences focused on spiritual growth. From high ropes courses to canoe trips, Camp Burton offers the ultimate summer camp where campers can explore their faith while making lifelong friendships.

Summer Sleepaway Camp

Camp Burton's summer sleepaway camp offers unforgettable adventures and memories for kids and teens. Campers can choose between 1-week or 2-week sessions.

Age Groups and Grades

  • Explorers - entering grades 2-4
  • Adventurers - entering grades 5-6
  • Voyagers - entering grades 7-9
  • SWAT - entering grades 9-12

Camp Burton accommodates campers in 2nd grade through 12th grade. Each age group has dedicated cabins, activities, and counselors.

Activities and Programs

The summer sleepaway camp provides a wide variety of activities to match any interest or skill level.

  • Outdoor adventures - hiking, archery, challenge courses, swimming, canoeing
  • Sports - soccer, basketball, volleyball, gaga ball
  • Arts and crafts - tie dye, jewelry making, painting
  • Performing arts - campfire skits, talent show
  • Faith and spirituality - small groups, devotions, worship

A typical day includes cabin activities, all-camp games, free time, and evening programs. Every moment is filled with opportunities for fun and friendship!

Day Camps

Camp Burton offers exciting day camp programs for younger kids who want a taste of the classic camp experience without spending the night away from home. Day camps run Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm and are available for kids entering grades K-5.

Day campers will join in many of the same activities as overnight campers, including archery, boating, swimming, arts and crafts, and games. Each week has a different fun theme to tie all the activities together. Popular weekly themes include Superheroes, Space Voyagers, Mad Science, and Color Wars.

In addition to the classic camp activities, day campers also enjoy daily worship and devotions catered for their age group. The day ends with a campfire and s'mores before pickup. Through the day camp program, younger kids can develop independence and try new things within the safety of the trusted Camp Burton environment and staff.

Day campers should come prepared for full days of activity by wearing comfortable clothes, sneakers or sport sandals, and bringing along sunscreen, swimsuits, towels, and refillable water bottles. The camp will provide a pizza lunch, afternoon snack, and all necessary supplies and equipment for activities.

Registration is open for kids K-5 for any or all of the weekly day camp sessions. Discounts are available for siblings and early registration.

Teen Programs

Camp Burton offers specialized programs tailored for teens entering grades 9-12. These allow older campers to experience spiritual growth and leadership development opportunities.

SWAT Camp

SWAT (Spiritual Warriors at Training) Camp is a high-energy program designed for 9th-12th graders. SWAT campers participate in team building exercises, small group discussions, and hands-on service projects. The focus is on identity formation, leadership skills, and deepening faith. Activities include:

  • High ropes course and climbing wall
  • White water rafting or kayaking
  • Daily worship and small group Bible study
  • Creative arts such as drama and videography
  • Community service projects

SWAT campers are supervised by college-aged counselors who mentor them through this transformative time in their lives. The counselor to camper ratio is approximately 1:6.

Leadership Programs

Teens at Camp Burton can further develop their leadership abilities through specialized training programs. Options include:

  • Counselor-in-Training (CIT) - shadow counselors, assist with younger campers
  • Media Team - create videos, photos, blogs to document the camp experience
  • Worship Band - lead music and participate in worship services
  • Drama Team - perform skits, create productions for all campers

These leadership roles allow teens to step outside their comfort zone, practice new skills, and make an impact on other campers.

Facilities

Camp Burton offers top-notch facilities and amenities to provide campers with a comfortable, engaging, and memorable summer camp experience.

Cabins

Overnight campers stay in our rustic yet modern cabins. Each cabin has electricity, bathrooms, and air conditioning or heating. Cabins are separated by age and gender to ensure campers room with peers their own age. Cabins have between 6-10 campers and are supervised by counselors.

Dining Hall

Our spacious dining hall serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Meals are prepared by our talented food service staff and cater to various dietary needs. The dining hall has indoor and outdoor seating options. Campers sit together with their cabin groups and counselors.

Recreation Areas

Camp Burton has many recreation areas for campers to enjoy their free time. There are sports fields and courts, a swimming pool, lake access for swimming and boating, an archery range, hiking trails, and more. Our rec hall has game rooms, performing arts space, and areas for rainy day activities.

Activities at Camp Burton

Camp Burton offers a wide variety of fun and engaging activities for campers of all ages. Campers can look forward to participating in activities like:

Sports & Games

Arts & Crafts

Outdoor Adventures

  • Canoeing & Kayaking
  • Swimming & Water Sports
  • Archery & Riflery
  • Hiking & Backpacking
  • Rock Climbing
  • High Ropes Course
  • Team Building Challenges
  • Camping & Campfires

No matter what they're passionate about, campers will have the chance to try new activities, develop skills, make friends, and create lifelong memories at Camp Burton. With a mix of classic camp favorites and exciting new adventures, there's something for every interest and age level.

Faith & Spiritual Growth

Camp Burton provides many opportunities for campers to grow in their faith and relationship with God. Daily worship services offer a time of music, prayer, and hearing from God's Word. Campers also participate in small group bible studies led by counselors, where they can ask questions and discuss how scripture applies to their lives.

In addition to organized faith activities, there are many moments at camp that lend themselves to spiritual reflection. Campers are encouraged to find quiet places to pray or journal throughout their time at Camp Burton. Counselors make themselves available to listen and talk through spiritual matters.

The peaceful natural setting surrounding the camp also inspires campers in their walk with God. Time spent hiking, sitting by the lake, or stargazing often leads to meaningful conversations about faith.

Overall, Camp Burton aims to provide campers with a holistic experience that nourishes their body, mind and spirit. From high-energy games to quiet conversations under the stars, campers can grow closer to God through it all.

Camp Staff and Counselors

Camp Burton prides itself on having an experienced, caring, and safety-focused camp staff. All staff members undergo background checks and extensive training before the summer begins.

The camp directors and leadership team have many years of experience running summer camps. They are dedicated to leading a well-organized and enriching camp for your child. Counselors are typically college students or graduates who have a passion for working with children. They go through orientation and training on safety protocols, activity instruction, homesickness and behavior management, and more.

The counselor-to-camper ratio is approximately 1 to 6 in the cabin groups. This allows for close supervision and individual attention. Counselors live in cabins with their assigned campers to provide 24/7 guidance. During activities, there are additional instructors and staff members to maintain safe supervision levels. Campers are never left unattended.

The healthcare team includes a camp doctor, nurses, and EMTs to handle any medical needs. Staff are trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures. Parents can feel secure knowing their child is surrounded by positive role models and caring adults devoted to their safety and development. The Camp Burton staff is truly what sets this camp apart.

Health & Safety

Camp Burton prioritizes health, safety, and medical care for all campers. The camp employs a team of experienced medical staff, including nurses, EMTs, and camp health officers who are on-call 24/7.

Camp Burton has strict safety policies and procedures in place. All camp staff undergo background checks prior to employment. The camp maintains a low counselor-to-camper ratio to ensure proper supervision at all times. Campers are not permitted to leave the camp grounds or lodging areas without authorization and accompaniment by staff. The camp's health center is stocked with first-aid supplies and common over-the-counter medications. Staff are trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures. For more advanced care, Cleveland Clinic Geauga Medical Center is located just 15 minutes from camp.

Upon registration, parents must provide health history forms indicating any medical conditions, allergies, medications, and special needs. The health history forms allow our medical staff to provide appropriate care as needed. Parents must provide all medications and prescriptions required by campers, which are stored under lock and key and administered by staff.

Camp Burton recommends parents pack the following items for camper health and safety:

  • Prescription medications in original containers with instructions
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Bug spray
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Bandages
  • Hand sanitizer

By taking proactive health and safety measures, Camp Burton maintains a clean, secure, and medically-prepared environment where campers can focus on faith, fun, and adventure.

Registration & Contact

Registering for Camp Burton's sleepaway summer camp is easy! You can register online by visiting their website and clicking the "Register Now" button. Camp Burton offers week-long overnight camp sessions starting in early June and running through mid-August. The cost per session ranges from $299 - $399 depending on the date.

When registering, you'll need to provide your camper's name, gender, age, grade level, and t-shirt size. You'll also select their session dates and any specialty camps or activities they want to participate in. Payment plans and financial assistance are available. Camp Burton offers an early bird discount of $25 for registrations received before March 1st. Siblings attending camp together also receive a $25 discount each.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with forms to complete for your camper including a health history, release of liability, and more. If you have any questions about registration, dates, fees, or need help choosing the right camp program, don't hesitate to contact Camp Burton! You can reach their office at (330) 835-2267 or info@campburton.com.

The friendly and knowledgeable camp staff is happy to answer any questions you have and make sure your camper has an amazing summer camp experience!

Sleepaway Christian Summer Camp