Camp Gilmont concludes fun-filled summer
Nestled in the pineywoods of Upshur County, Camp Gilmont is a place for children, youth, and adults to step back from their day-to-day lives and experience something new. Each year, Gilmont programs several weeks of summer camp filled with fun, challenges, and community building.
Over 300 campers ages 6-17 attended Gilmont overnight camp this past summer. They swam, hiked, crafted, canoed, ziplined, threw axes, played games, and sang many silly songs. Most importantly, they gained confidence in themselves, formed lasting friendships, and developed a deeper relationship with God. 
Camp Gilmont offered a new Day Camp program for local children who wanted to experience camp but return home before dinner. 34 campers ages 5-12 attended this new program. “We were really excited to offer a camp just for local children,” says Crosby Palmer, Camp Gilmont’s Program Director. “It was cool to see how much a day program positively impacted them. We are already looking forward to next year.”
The success of Camp Gilmont is not just an outcome from year-round programming, but also from the attentive and caring summer staff. Each year, Gilmont hires around 20 young adults to work as counselors,lifeguards, media staff, and other support staff positions.
As the summer staff lead, guide, and mentor the campers, they also grow in character, community, and faith. Anita, a counselor this past summer, reflects, “Working at Gilmont is an experience that I haven’t had anywhere else. It’s helped me grow into who I am today and given me the skills I need in the real world.”
Registration for 2023 Summer Camp at Gilmont will begin November 1st. Scholarships are available. Go to Gilmont.org/camp for details.
There’s good news if you can’t wait until next summer to go to Camp Gilmont – Gilmont offers year-round programming. This December, Gilmont is hosting a Winter Retreat for children and youth ages 6-17 to experience all the fun of camp in a different season. A few upcoming retreats for adults include a Spiritual Practices retreat focused on patience, a Faith and Grief retreat, a Men’s Retreat, a Women’s Retreat, and a Silent Retreat. Go to Gilmont.org/retreats for more information.
Camp Gilmont will also host a Battle of the Bags Cornhole Tournament and Fundraiser on October 8th, 11 AM-4 PM. The cornhole competition will feature both beginner and champion brackets. Gilmont will also serve delicious BBQ, host a signature raffle, and have live music and an assortment of other activities available for the whole family to enjoy.
Camp Gilmont’s mission is to be a safe, sacred space where all are invited to grow closer to God, creation, others, and themselves. Gilmont is a Camp and Conference Center located just Northeast of Gilmer, across from Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area on State Hwy 155. Go to Gilmont.org or call 903-797-6400 for more information.
