Safety, Dining, and Cabin Life

Sending your child or bringing a group to camp for the first time is a milestone in any child or teen’s life—and let’s be honest: in the life of a parent or leader as well. 

We understand that you might be wondering what exactly life is like at Camp Berea. Beyond being ridiculously fun, our goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment where every camper can belong and take their next steps of faith. We celebrate friendships made, personal goals achieved, and most significantly, spiritual growth. 
 

 

Safety

Safety is our #1 priority at Camp Berea! All staff go through a thorough interview process, including reference checks and background checks. We also have processes in place to make sure activities are safe and appropriate for your child.

We follow all standards put forth by the NH Department of Health and Human Services for student-to-counselor ratios, staff qualifications, safety, and more.

Some of our health measures include:

  • All campers will go through a brief health screening upon arrival at camp.
  • Daily cabin cleanings with a sanitizing solution will be performed while campers are onsite.
  • Cabins will be cleaned with a sanitizing solution between camp turnovers.
  • Public bathrooms and public buildings will be cleaned regularly using a sanitizing solution.
  • Cabin leaders will be trained to make sure that everyone is washing their hands and following healthy practices.
  • Handwashing stations are accessible around camp.
  • Camp Berea has a thorough response plan in place should a communicable disease affect camp.

Camps have nurses on-site during summer programs as well as strong relationships with local emergency responders in the rare case that your child needs medical attention. 
 

 

Dining

No one goes hungry at Camp Berea! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, and we serve plenty of food to keep campers fueled for the day’s adventures. A variety of options are available at every meal, so your child is sure to find something they love! Snacks and frappes are also available for purchase at the camp store during summer and winter camp.

If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, there is a place to share this during the registration process, and we work very hard to accommodate these. Our chefs are all ServSafe certified, and the camp kitchen is nut-free (peanut and tree nut) with the exception of coconut. However, please be aware that foods containing nuts may be found in vending machines, brought by other campers, etc. 

If your child has any special health needs, please contact us directly to learn more about whether or not Camp Berea is a good fit for your child. One of our directors will be happy to discuss our camp philosophy and practices and to work with you to ensure that your child’s week at camp is the best week ever.
 

 

Cabin Life

Living life alongside cabin mates is one of the most special parts of going to camp. In an immersive environment without distractions, relationships form quickly and campers go from strangers to BFFs overnight. 

Beyond the late-night laughter and spiritual conversations that happen inside cabins, cabin groups also participate in camp activities together and compete against other cabins for fun prizes (and ultimate bragging rights). As the foundation of the camp experience, we are intentional in how we make our housing arrangements:

  • Housing at Camp Berea is cabin-style, with the average number of campers per cabin between eight and 10. Campers sleep in bunk beds and bathrooms are located inside each cabin.
  • Each cabin is staffed by a counselor (summer camp) or group leader (winter camp).
  • In our housing placements, we strive to create an environment of safety and belonging. With that goal in mind, we deliberately assign cabins based on grade level, with everyone in a cabin within one grade level of each other. Campers can request to be housed with friends of their grade level when they register, and we do our best to accommodate this while creating space for new friendships to form.
  • Our cabin leaders customize and gear their cabin discussions specifically toward the grade levels assigned to their cabins. We strive to promote connection and ensure that every camper feels comfortable and confident to participate in their cabin.

If you have any further questions about life at Camp Berea, email us at or call us at 603-744-6344. We’d be happy to speak with you and share more about what you can expect during your time here.