Camp Rappahannock: Where Hope Spends the Summer
Each summer, children from Annapolis head to a place that promises more than just fun; it promises hope. Camp Rappahannock is a faith-based summer program hosted by The Salvation Army, where young people from underserved communities can experience nature, friendship, faith, and personal growth in a safe and welcoming environment.
It’s more than a getaway. It’s a life-shaping experience rooted in joy, belonging, and purpose.
A Safe Place to Grow and Belong
Many of the children and families we serve don’t have access to traditional summer activities. Camp Rappahannock changes that. With a wide variety of activities, including swimming, archery, team sports, and crafts, the camp experience is full of opportunities for discovery and delight.
But more than the activities, Camp Rappahannock provides a sense of belonging. In small groups led by caring counselors, each young person is encouraged to explore their gifts and gain confidence. Whether a child is in middle school or entering high school, they learn how to build interpersonal relationships and develop important communication skills.
In this supportive work environment, campers feel seen and valued. It's a space where they can express themselves, try new things, and truly feel good about who they are becoming.
Faith in Every Moment
Spiritual growth is at the heart of Camp Rappahannock. This faith-based summer program weaves meaningful spiritual moments into each day. From early morning devotions to evening campfire worship, young people are invited to connect with God through prayer, music, and teaching.
Unlike a traditional vacation Bible school, the spiritual atmosphere at camp is immersive yet gentle. It encourages questions, reflection, and conversation. In a world that often moves fast, Camp Rappahannock gives children the time and space to grow in faith at their own pace.
As they participate in summer ministry and experience the love of Christ through mentorship and community, campers begin to understand their worth and potential in new ways.
Mentors Who Change Lives
At the heart of the camp experience are the mentors, camp counselors, and staff who serve as role models and trusted guides. These mentors, many of whom were once campers themselves, offer encouragement and support through everyday interactions.
Mentoring programs like those at Camp Rappahannock are essential for youth development. For some campers, their counselor is the first adult outside of their family to truly listen to them and invest in their future.
This kind of child mentorship plays a major role in mental health, social development, and confidence-building. It also helps kids develop problem-solving skills and better understand their strengths and weaknesses.
When campers return home, they take with them the lessons and values shared by these mentors... lessons that continue to shape their decisions, relationships, and identity long after the summer ends.
The Ripple Effect Back in Annapolis
The benefits of Camp Rappahannock extend far beyond one week.
Children return from camp more self-assured, more cooperative, and more engaged in their communities. Many continue to stay involved through The Salvation Army’s youth programs, including after-school activities, mentoring groups, and vacation Bible school.
Camp also introduces them to long-term leadership development opportunities. As they grow, many former campers go on to become counselors, volunteers, or participants in other Salvation Army programs.
In this way, the camp experience fosters a leadership culture rooted in compassion, integrity, and service. It empowers young people from underserved communities to believe in their future and to see how faith, hard work, and encouragement can unlock real change.
How You Can Help
Camp Rappahannock is made possible through the generosity of people like you. Every donation, whether large or small, helps send a child to camp and gives them a summer filled with hope and transformation.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Sponsor a camper. Your gift provides meals, transportation, lodging, and activities for one child.
- Donate supplies. Help fill backpacks with essentials like sunscreen, towels, and water bottles.
- Share the story. Follow us on social media and help spread the word about this powerful program.
- Volunteer. Support The Salvation Army of Annapolis during send-off days or help prep camp materials.
The Salvation Army donated its time, resources, and heart to make this camp possible every year. But it’s the community that carries it forward.
One Week That Can Change Everything
Camp Rappahannock is more than just a fun week away from home. It’s a place where young people find connection, build trust, and grow in ways that impact them for a lifetime.
This summer, hope moved in. Through games, chapel, and moments of pure childhood joy, kids learned that they matter. That they’re capable and deeply loved.
We invite you to be part of the next chapter in these children’s stories. Because when we invest in our youth, we invest in our future.
Help us send more kids from Annapolis to Camp Rappahannock next year.
One week. One child. One life transformed.