Waycross Camp is a summer program of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, continuing a camping tradition that has been a valued offering for the youth of the diocese since 1957. Many of our campers come back year after year sharing their experience, skills, and fellowship in a leadership role. There are a lot of things that make a week (or more) of summer camp at Waycross important and meaningful. You will build life-long friendships as you share stories around a campfire at Niednagel Friendship Circle. Counselors welcome everyone with skits, open participation games and songs. At Waycross you will build confidence as you are encouraged to conquer the climbing wall, fly through the air on the zip line, and land safely on the ground knowing that the experience was a challenge met and accomplishment gained. You will have a chance to become one with nature as you explore the woods, canoe on the lake, hike through the creek, and play in the mud pit until there is not a clean shirt in sight! During camp there are many chances to engage in the Christian tradition of helping others, whether you can see them or not! In the Enchanted Forest counselors share Gollywop lore as campers gather supplies to construct the Gollywops' winter-weatherd homes. All the while the Gollywop King and his subjects hide and watch as their kingdom is restored. At Waycross you will spend time discovering God's creations. Scattered through the creek bed, geodes sparkle in the sun. Young hands hold one of nature's most beautiful creations...millions of years old. Geodes have been a Waycross creek hike treasure for generations. Following the winding stream campers marvel at God's countless creations At Waycross we have a quality, professional, and caring staff. Staff members are chosen based on maturity, responsibility, and their experience working with children and teens. Prior to camp, staff members undergo a 10 day training session to develop teamwork skills as well as safety and supervision skills. All staff members are certified in first aid, CPR, AED responses and water safety by the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. Certified lifeguards and boating instructors are used for aquatic activities. Staff leaders are professionally trained to facilitate the use of the climbing wall and zip line by Experiential Systems Inc., a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology. Health and Safety are important at Waycross. The American Camp Association (ACA) is a professional association that advocates for children and the camp profession. As an ACA accerdited camp, all Waycross health and safety procedures follow the national standards set by the ACA. A full-time nurse or physician is present 24 hours a day each week to serve in the Health Center. In case of emergency, the local fire department provides excellent services. Waycross is located just 35 minutes away from two major hospitals. Waycross can provide financial assistance to those in need. No child will be prevented from attending Waycross for financial reasons. The Waycross Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Waycross Annual Appeal provide scholarships for families in need.