Several well-known groups use the facility for conferences, retreats, band camps and more.
Youth to Youth, a nonprofit drug prevention and leadership program for young people, holds its Winner’s Choice camps each fall at Greenwood Lake Camp.
“Over the years, we’ve seen thousands of students be impacted by Youth to Youth and also the camp surroundings,” says Gretchen Conturo, Outreach Coordinator for Youth to Youth. “They just have had a really good time.”
“Personally I’ve experienced every different avenue of my life at that camp. As a college student, studying in my room in Hill Lodge; as a newly married person; when I was pregnant; with little kids. Camp for me personally is part of my life. Going to Winner’s Choice Camp is part of who we are,” she says.
Gretchen says looking out over the lake from the lunchroom windows in the fall and seeing the leaves changing colors makes for a picturesque setting for events and camps.
She says having a natural setting is important for her event.
“It allows for a more flexible schedule, and it allows for very open sharing. The idea of getting away from it all and getting out of the city and out of Columbus is very different for a lot of kids,” she says.
Gov. Ted Strickland spent time as a camp counselor at Greenwood Lake Camp as a young man. He tells a story of a moment of personal reflection that happened there, on his 21st birthday: “I remember walking around the lake that night after the children had gone to bed, looking into the water, watching the reflection of the moon, and thinking to myself, ‘What is ever going to become of me? I’m 21 years of age and have done very little.’” Clearly, the Governor has done a great deal with his life since then!
Teen Institute and Junior Teen Institute, a drug prevention and leadership program for youth in Marion and Crawford counties, holds two camps and some training events each year at Greenwood Lake Camp.
Jodi Galloway, Director of Prevention Services for Marion/Crawford Prevention Programs, says she has been holding her events at Greenwood Lake Camp and Retreat Center for at least 10 years.
“Having those smaller groups in the cabins – it’s nice to be able to have smaller breakouts. The kids have a chance to get to know each other in a smaller atmosphere.”
“Truthfully, it’s Jon and Jen that bring us back because they work with us so well. They are flexible with us and really work hard to make our camp experience with the kids positive. When we walk in the door with 250 kids, they are really good people. They understand that they are kids and that they’re goofy.”
Galloway says the camp's staff has even consulted with her about camp improvement projects, to ensure they would really make the amenities better for the people who use the camp.
“It’s a beautiful facility and it just seems like they are trying really hard to make noticeable improvements.”
|
The Salvation Army serves people in need without discrimination. By putting money to maximum use, The Army provides services, programs and ministries that produce measurable, life-enhancing results.
|
Download our Greenwood Lake Camp brochure here!
|
