Day One: "Mom, they have a zip line. I'm not sure I can do that. It looks scary."
Day Five: "Mom, guess what? I went down the Wet Willie AND did the zip line! I wasn't scared at all!"
In five short days at Day Camp at Deer Run Summer Camps, my 6-year-old went from scared of a new activity to being brave enough to try it and discovering how much she loved it. This was her first experience of Day Camp at Deer Run and I'm in awe at the ease with which she adjusted to a new setting and how quickly she gained confidence to try out new things.
The 5-day nondenominational Christian camp, located in Thompson's Station on 100 acres of gorgeous scenic wooded property, began on Monday morning. I signed her in at the camper sign in table (you only do this on the first day) and then walked her over to the Fortress, where the day's activities both begin and end. We walked up to find some older friends there, who ran up to my daughter to welcome her. Even though they weren't in her group since they are older, it made her feel more comfortable.
When you sign in, you receive a wristband that signifies which group you are in for the week. My daughter was in the silver turtle group and it was super easy to find her camp leader because she was holding a silver turtle flag! She bonded with her leader right away and told me she wants to be a camp leader when she gets older!
Each camp day lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (before and after care available) and the campers sure stay busy. From archery to lake activities to worship and Bible study, there's no shortage of things to do at Deer Run Day Camp. My daughter loved the lake the most. She was nervous about two popular attractions at the lake, but after seeing new friends do the activities and getting encouragement, she faced her fears and went down the Wet Willie and did the zip line. Her face just radiates joy when she shares her accomplishments with others.
Another favorite activity? Mud make-up in the creek! Other options include a climbing wall, carpetball, BB guns, nine-square-in-the-air, tetherball, a playground, pedal karts and an obstacle course.
My daughter loved her week at Deer Run and has already asked if she can return next year! I definitely recommend trying out the Deer Run experience! I saw my sweet girl grow so quickly in confidence and ability. I can't wait to see what next year will hold!
Deer Run still has space available for upcoming week-long camps, but spots are filling up quickly. Day Camps are for ages 5 through completed 5th grade, Adventure Day Camps are for students who have completed grades 6-8 and Overnight Camps are for students who have completed grades 3-12.
I received a discounted rate for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
