HC Spirit Camp is an effort by outdoor ministry-minded volunteers to provide a meaningful camp experience for children and adults for a week each summer. HC Spirit Camp is hosted at Hartman Center Campground, Milroy, PA. The former camp home of the historic Penn Central Conference, the folks who operate the now-campground offer a warm welcome as they celebrate the new mission and growth of the property. Treasured memories are shared while new ones are created with young and new campers.
There are camps for every age, half-week and full-week experiences. There is flexibility in arrival and departure; campers are welcome for the times they are available. School-aged camps are formed by what grade has been recently completed. Each camp will spend time as a small community as well as join in all-camp activities. Interest group activities will be offered twice during the week for campers to do something they enjoy or explore something new (sports, music, art, drama). A talent show is held twice in the week, so campers are encouraged to bring instruments and any other things that they want to share.
The theme for HC Spirit 2026 is “In the Wilderness.” The camp community will be challenged to see wilderness in action not only in nature, but in our relationships, decision-making, discoveries and visions for God’s future. HC Spirit leaders want to welcome you to relax, laugh, sing, pray, swim, hike, fish, create, and have sacred time in the beauty of mountains, creeks, trees, and campfires.
RV sites and rentals* – available through –
https://www.hartmancentercampground.com/
*$75 camper participation fee for the week if camping or
staying in a Tiny Home; $50 meal charge for two meals/day.
Volunteers – camping costs are covered, please indicate on the registration form what camp you are registering to volunteer for. Please confirm your role with the committee before registering. All volunteers will be required to provide current background checks.
Camps that run Sunday afternoon July 26(4pm) thru Wednesday morning July 29 (9am) include:
Intergenerational: Explore camp with family! Children and adults have precious time together as they enjoy camp activities. Ideal for adults and the children in their lives; and, if you want to stay for the whole week, the children can join the school-aged groups while the adults can enjoy Heart and Soul camp during the second half of the week! Director: Aleshia Hawkins $200
Getting Started: The youngest school-aged children join together to explore camping experiences with their peers. Many “firsts” are experienced! The group spends time with the Elementary Camp and enjoys all-camp activities when joined by the “big” kids. For children who have completed Kindergarten thru 2nd Grade. Director: Katie Price $200
Camps that run Wednesday afternoon July 29 (4pm) thru Saturday morning August 1 (9am) include:
Camp of the Heart: A camp experience for children and adults with different abilities. They have an experienced staff and their own nurse. They do crafts, swimming, singing, fishing, canoeing, play games, vespers, camp walks, cookouts, and eat a lot of yummy food. They adapt activities to meet the needs of our different individuals with the staff assisting as needed. Director: Kara Druckenmiller (special education teacher for 21 years) $200
Heart and Soul: camp for adults designed to nourish faith, deepen connection, and renew the spirit. Through Bible study, reflection, conversation, and rest, participants are invited to slow down, listen for our still speaking God, and reconnect with what truly matters; heart, soul, and life together in God’s beautiful creation. Director: Jan Garinger $200
Camps that run Sunday afternoon July 26 (4pm) thru Saturday morning August 1 (9am):
Elementary: A weeklong experience for children who have completed grades 3, 4 and 5. Plenty of traditional camp experiences while growing in understanding of their relationship with nature, God and others, and in independence (ex. learning the need for rest and quiet as well as activity). Directors: Allyson Butz and Alex Sattazahn $320
Middle School: Middle School Camp is for students who have completed grades 6, 7, and 8. Campers will enjoy games, outdoor adventures, and time with friends while discovering how God is present in new and sometimes challenging moments. Through worship, stories, and hands-on activities, campers will grow in faith, build friendships, and enjoy plenty of laughter and fresh air. Director: Tayler Leonard $320
High School: for those who have completed grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It is filled with lots of fun outdoor and group activities that provide opportunities for campers to deepen their personal faith in God, build meaningful relationships with others, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. For some, a chance to serve as a helper or mentor for younger campers during the week is possible. Directors: Nathan Limbert and Joy Gobrecht $320
Discounts available!
30% off for Keystone Conference Members use discount code: KEYSTONEUCC26 at checkout
Many congregations are willing to pay/reimburse at least ½ of the cost. There are camperships also available through the Keystone Conference of the UCC (keystoneucc.org). In addition, we are also encouraging congregations who may not have many or any campers to donate funds to HC Spirit to help families provide a week for their children. Please consider speaking to churches in your area about this mission opportunity. Donations may be made payable to Central Association and sent c/o Rev. Amelia Price, 816 Peffer Valley Road, Port Trevorton, PA 17864.
Download a pdf copy of the camp brochure to post at your church or give to a friend: