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Community Corner

Camp with Blessings in Upper Moreland

The new camp program includes arts and crafts, cooperative adventure, nature, a creative corner, swimming, games and sport, and because it is a Christian ministry, Bible time each day.

Carson-Simpson Farm Christian Center operates a children’s camp through August 17, and is designed to break down barriers and unite children. “The camp welcomes children from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. so we try to make it a ‘home away from home,’” said Meg Neitz, program manager/administrative assistant with Carson-Simpson Farm Christian Center. “We consider it an honor and blessing to be able to serve all of our kids and we thank our camper parents for entrusting us with them.” There are also overnight camps held on site.

Neitz said it’s a traditional camp program where campers can participate in arts and crafts, cooperative adventure, nature, a creative corner, swimming, games and sport, and because it is a Christian ministry, Bible time each day. “Each week has a new theme and program,” she added. “We offer special activities, dress up days and special guests. Every week is unique, so if a child comes for one week or all nine they will experience something different each week.”

The camp is set on a historic parcel of land on Davisville Road between Terwood Road and Byberry Road in Upper Moreland. Said Neitz: “On April 14, 1919, Judge Alexander and Ella Simpson donated 65 acres of land to the Philadelphia Missionary Society. The stipulations were that the property was to be used as a recreation center for poor children from Philadelphia and parts of Chester and a rest home for working girls and the wives and daughters of ministers. The ministry eventually expanded to include orphans and children from our inner city churches.”

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Further, she explained that the Willow Grove and Hatboro areas have seen much growth and change since the origination of Carson-Simpson Farm. The camp is owned by Metro Ministries, Inc., a ministry of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. “Currently Carson-Simpson Farm Christian Camp utilizes every inch of space for many diversified ministries, and is dedicated to giving children the opportunity to experience God’s redeeming love and power through our Christian camping program,” she added. “The history of Carson-Simpson Farm Christian Camp will always be an important part of its definition even as time brings changes.”

Neitz, along with her colleague JoAnne Carroll, plan the programs, purchase supplies for the programs, writes curriculum, and hires staff for the Carson-Simpson Farm.

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Parents can enroll or gain more information by calling the camp office at 215-659-0232 to receive a brochure, or visit the Web site, www.CSFarm.org.  Neitz suggests those interested go to the Web site print out the registration packet and mail it in. There is also on-line registration available. The camp office is open 7 am – 6 pm Monday through Friday so interested families can stop in to visit or register for camp.

The camp is open to all children, regardless of religious affiliation. Carson-Simpson Farm specializes in camping experiences for pre-school through sixth grade. With both day and overnight camps, there are family-style meals served in a dining room, and there are five covered pavilions, a lodge, pool complex, Chapel,  children's prayer garden, outpost area, two basketball and volleyball courts, softball field, two GaGa courts, and two playgrounds to keep children safely entertained. The fun also includes wooded trails to explore and open fields that make up this 60+ acre site.

Beyond summer, the camp can house retreats before Memorial Day and after Labor Day although the dormitory and kitchen building close for the winter months as it has no heat. There is a small lodge available for meetings and small day retreats.

Carson-Simpson Farm Christian Center is located at 3405 Davisville Road in Upper Moreland.

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