What is Camp Mercy?
Camp Mercy, an extension of Our Lady of Mercy's COR Youth Ministry, is a Catholic summer camp that encourages both campers ages 4-14 and counselors to grow in their faith and love for Christ daily. Through the guidance of young Catholic counselors who serve as role models for the campers, we hope all people at camp have a deeper love for Christ at summer's end. Our high school and college counselors share and grow in their own love of Christ through daily Mass, theology classes, Eucharistic Adoration, and fellowship with one another. The camp runs for 4 weeks, but weeks are signed up for individually to provide flexibility to our campers and their families.
What are the ages for camp?
Camp Mercy is open to youth ages 4-14.
Do you have to be a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy or Catholic?
It is not necessary to be a parishioner or even to be Catholic. While we do discuss and encourage faith among campers, our goal is that all children feel welcome to have fun, learn, and meet positive role models.
What are the dates for the summer of 2024?
Unfortunately, Camp Mercy is taking a break due to construction that is due to begin at OLOM. When we return, it will be better than ever!
How much does Camp Mercy Cost?
Registration fees cover the hours of class programming time from 8:45am-12:00pm They are listed below:
1 child: $175/week
2 children: $325/week
3 or more: $475/week
What does a day at Summer Program look like?
Summer Program classes run from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm with after-care available for an additional cost. Check out our list of proposed classes.
8:30-8:45 - Campers arrive
8:45-9:00 - Morning program for all campers in the gym
9:00-12:00 - Classes and snack
12:00-12:15pm - Camper pick-up
Are payments transferable to another week?
Payments may be transferred to other classes/weeks within Camp Mercy as long as the newly selected class/week is not full. Contact Becca Hadley to check if a class is full or not to request a transfer.
Is lunch provided by Camp Mercy?
Lunch is not provided. Campers will receive a mid-morning snack during class. Any snacks may not contain any peanut products.
Will registration remain open throughout the summer?
Registration will remain open as long as spaces are still available, however, families must register no later than the Thursday before the week they wish to attend.
What is the pay rate for the counselors?
There are a lot of great summer jobs out there- if you are just looking for just another summer job, please apply for one of them. If you are looking for an easy summer earning lots of money, please apply elsewhere- with modest tuition for campers, we offer $10/hour (but you get paid for holy hour and lunch time!). If you are open to giving your summer to God and spending the summer as a missionary for Christ right here in your own community, during and outside of work hours, Camp Mercy might be the place for you. We ask our instructors to be open to spending it teaching children to know and love Christ; and to have a desire to grow in their own faith and love of Christ, all while discerning the vocation to which God is calling them. Please read all of the expectations of our instructors before applying for a position. We want to assemble a team of instructors who share our philosophy.
What responsibilities do counselor have during camp?
A counselor plans and executes a camp for campers to attend. They are responsible for planning every aspect of their camp to fit the time that they are with the kids. Counselors are responsible for building a culture of joy and responsiveness within each camp and to treat each camper and fellow counselor with dignity. The success of each individual camp is dependent on the preparedness of the counselors, who must plan activities, crafts, drills, etc. Counselors also have an active role in the morning program each day, monitoring the campers and engaging with them. They are seen as role models and their passion, joy, and enthusiasm is able to be seen.
What is the camper-to-staff ratio? How are staff screened?
Our camper ratio is approximately 5:1. Interested young adults submit applications for staff (see employment and volunteering). Qualified individuals are then interviewed and asked to present a lesson plan, which they will develop during our week of training before camp begins. Hired staff are then fingerprinted for Maryland and Federal background checks. All 18+ employees and volunteers are also required to take the Archdiocesan VIRTUS Safe Child class before they may be present at Summer Program in accordance with all archdiocesan employee requirements.