Their Very First Overnight Camp Adventure
For a 6-year-old, sleeping away from home for the first time is a big deal. My Early Camping Adventure is designed to make that big deal feel exciting instead of scary. This shortened session (Sunday through Wednesday morning) gives younger campers just enough time to experience everything camp has to offer while keeping the stay manageable for first-timers and their families.
Campers rotate through all the classic Gretna Glen activities: boating, crafts, waterslide, swimming, and nature exploration. Evenings are filled with special events, game time, and campfires. And because they're staying in the Raab Retreat Lodge instead of cabins, the accommodations feel a little more like home, which makes all the difference for this age group.
Three Nights of Camp Magic for Younger Campers
All the fun of camp in a shorter, more approachable session built for ages 6-9.
All the Camp Activities
Boating, crafts, waterslide, swimming, nature exploration, archery, sports, and games. Campers rotate through everything Gretna Glen has to offer so nobody misses out on the fun.
Evenings Worth Remembering
Special events, group games, campfire songs, and s'mores fill the evenings. These are the moments campers talk about when they get home, and the memories that make them want to come back.
Small Groups, Big Care
Campers are placed in small groups with volunteer counselors who are often parents or grandparents themselves. Paired with trained summer staff, every camper gets the attention and encouragement they need.
Faith and Community
Singing, Bible Discovery, worship, and daily moments of reflection are woven into the week. Campers experience faith in a Christ-centered community that welcomes them exactly where they are.
Why This Program Works for Younger Campers
Three nights is the sweet spot for this age group. It's long enough for campers to settle in, make friends, and experience real independence. It's short enough that homesickness stays manageable and families don't feel like they're making too big a leap. Most campers arrive nervous on Sunday and leave on Wednesday morning already asking when they can come back.
The Raab Retreat Lodge plays a big role in that success. Unlike traditional cabins, the Lodge is a two-story building with bunk-style housing and restrooms right in the building. It feels more familiar to younger campers, and the proximity to bathrooms means less worry at night for kids and parents alike. Volunteer counselors, many of whom are parents themselves, understand the needs of this age group in a way that builds trust quickly.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Campers stay in the Raab Retreat Lodge, a two-story lodge on Gretna Glen's main campus. The Lodge has bunk-style housing with restrooms in the building. It feels more like home than a traditional cabin, which makes it ideal for younger and first-time campers.
This is a mainsite program. Campers eat meals in the Dining Hall and have access to all of Gretna Glen's main campus facilities.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
This program runs two sessions: GL30 (June 28 - July 1) and GL60 (July 19-22). Both are Sunday through Wednesday with an 11 AM pick-up on the final day.
Volunteer counselors are often parents or grandparents who understand the needs of younger campers. Combined with trained summer staff, your camper is in experienced, caring hands.
Gretna Glen is ACA-accredited, meeting over 300 health, safety, and quality standards. This program is designed for first-time campers, and homesickness support is built into the staff training.
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
- Young campers (ages 6-9) ready for their very first overnight experience
- Families looking for a shorter, less intimidating introduction to overnight camp
- Returning campers who loved their first year and want to do it again
- Kids who want all the camp fun in a setting that feels safe and familiar