Summer by the Numbers
What began as a vision came to life this summer as Camino Farms welcomed its first full season of campers.
- 8 weeks of summer camp
- Nearly 400 campers & participants
- 3 Camino Signature Programs
- 5 Partner Camp Weeks
- 200 acres brought to life
Our five Partner Camp weeks welcomed Independence Mission Schools, St. Martin of Tours Parish in North Philadelphia, Calvary Baptist Church, the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, and Rock Ministries.
We also launched three Camino Signature Programs: Wildflower Rising, Camino Belong, and Camino Works!—each designed to create opportunities for connection, growth, belonging, and joy.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Behind every campfire, meal, activity, late-night conversation, early morning, and moment of belonging was a team of people who poured themselves into making Camino’s first summer possible.
And as we look back on these eight weeks, we want you to meet a few of them.
The People Behind the Summer
Our summer staff came to Camino from all over.
We had some counselors from right here in Berks County, as well as across the Philadelphia region. Others joined us from around the country. And we even had some international counselors join us from around the world.
Some packed their bags and lived at Camino for the summer, while others commuted to campus each day. Some spent their days alongside campers as counselors, while others worked in the kitchen, prepared spaces, supported activities, and handled the countless behind-the-scenes details that kept camp moving.
They worked side-by-side with Camino’s full-time team—Geoff, Rayvonne, Corinne, Mark, Delena, Baylor, Shelby, and Andrew—who helped lead programs, care for our campus and animals, welcome our partners, manage operations, solve the inevitable daily curveballs, and make sure Camino was ready to welcome each new group.
And woven throughout every week was our incredible nursing team.
From medication management and everyday bumps and bruises to supporting campers with more complex needs, our nurses provided the care, attentiveness, and reassurance that allowed our campers to participate fully and our families and partners to know their loved ones were in good hands. Their work was often behind the scenes, but their presence was essential to a safe and successful first summer.
Together, our year-round staff, seasonal team, and nurses became one Camino team—the people who turned a brand-new campus into a place that truly felt like a home away from home.
Our Summer 2026 Team
- Alain — Mexico City, Mexico
- Kayla — Bally, PA
- Antonio — Philadelphia, PA
- Melanie — Puebla, Mexico
- Jazmin — Kimba, South Australia
- Maria — Spain
- Elaina — Boyertown, PA
- Ronnie — Boyertown, PA
- Sam — Morristown, NJ
- Scott — Boyertown, PA
- Jarod — Philadelphia, PA
- Shane — Philadelphia, PA
- Izzie — Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Terry — Guilin City, China
- Moriah — Philadelphia, PA
- Abby — Denver, Lancaster County, PA
- Luke — Bryn Mawr, PA
- Aidan — Haverford, PA
Different hometowns. Different countries. Different cultures. Different roles.
One team. And one incredible first summer.
Hear From Some of Our Counselors
Antonio
“This summer at camp was truly an unforgettable experience filled with fun, friendship, growth, and memories that I will cherish forever. Every night brought something different, and that was truly special to me.
From bonding with the campers to bonding with the other counselors and directors—who are now family to me—it has been such an amazing experience in my life. There were challenges along the way, but the people around me helped make the experience even more meaningful.
I am so grateful for the people I met and the memories we created together. This summer will always hold a special place in my heart.
This was by far my favorite summer. CAMINO STRONG. WE BELONG. ❤️”
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Alain
“My greatest and most meaningful experience at Camino Farms has been the family I found here. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who became friends and shared with me not only months of work, but also unforgettable moments during our free time. These connections are something I will carry with me long after this experience ends.
The weeks I spent working with people with disabilities also taught me something truly beautiful: we are all capable of amazing things, but sometimes we express our abilities in different ways. With God in our hearts, a positive spirit, and the desire to live and enjoy every moment, there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
Thank you, Camino Farms, for giving me this opportunity and for being part of an experience that has truly changed my life. I came here expecting to work and learn, but I am leaving with a family, unforgettable memories, and a heart full of gratitude.”
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Kayla
“One of my favorite things about camp was seeing how connected everyone became. We all started at Camino coming from different places, with different experiences, and not really knowing what the summer was going to look like. Somehow, by the end, we came out as a family.
As staff, we never really thought of Camino as just a summer job. Each week gave us the opportunity to meet new people, have fun, make memories, and find our way closer to God. That’s a pretty amazing way to spend a summer!
Of course, there were long and difficult days, but those moments were also some of the most meaningful. We leaned on one another for guidance, encouragement, and support, and there was always someone ready to give a warm hug or make you laugh when you needed it most.
Looking back, I think that’s what made this summer so special. It wasn’t just about the activities, the campers, or the long days—it was about the people we met, the community we built, and the way God brought us together.
No matter where we go or how long we are away, Camino will welcome us back, because we all belong."
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Celebrating the Summer — and Building the Next One
As our first camp season came to a close, we wanted to do more than simply pack up and say goodbye.
On Wednesday, our team came together for a Team Reflection & Innovation Day—an opportunity to look back honestly at our first summer: what worked, what challenged us, what surprised us, and what we can make even better. The people who lived camp every day were invited to help shape what comes next, sharing ideas and lessons that will directly inform how we prepare for Summer 2027.
And on Friday, the reflection gave way to celebration.
Our End-of-Summer Staff Barbecue brought the team together one more time—not to run an activity, prepare for the next group, or solve a problem, but simply to celebrate what they had accomplished together.
Eight weeks ago, many of these people had never met. Some had traveled thousands of miles to get here. They arrived from different hometowns, countries, cultures, and backgrounds to help bring a brand-new camp to life.
They leave having helped build something much bigger than a summer program.
They helped build Camino.
And while our first summer may be ending, the lessons, friendships, traditions, and memories created are already helping us imagine an even better Summer 2027.
As we transition from summer camps into retreats, it was only right to highlight the people that made this summer possible.
With gratitude,
Katrina
Executive Director, Camino Farms
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