Summer Camp: The Basics

At Mar-Lu-Ridge, we believe in providing space for community, service, and sanctuary

Campers of all ages experience and engage in cooperative learning while participating in new activities, all in a safe, non-threatening, non-competitive, and hands-on environment that builds campers’ confidence along with an understanding of what it means to live as a community in Christ. All activities are led by our incredible summer staff.

What's it like?

All Mar-Lu-Ridge campers will enjoy:

Faith-based activities such as Bible study & worship
Outdoor recreation and education
Social activities with fellow campers & young adult staff

In addition to our traditional camp sessions, we also offer many specialty camp sessions, including: Adventure, Arts, and Horseback camps. Visit our current season page for more information on current offerings.

What's it like?

All Mar-Lu-Ridge campers will enjoy:

Faith-based activities such as Bible study & worship
Outdoor recreation and education
Social activities with fellow campers & young adult staff

A note on tiered pricing

We believe in camp for all!

We are proud to offer a tiered-pricing system in which each camper family self-selects the price that works best for them. Selections are always confidential, and all campers receive the same high-quality experience regardless of their selection.

We work hard to offer our summer staff competitive wages, as well as keep up with rising costs. We recognize that our camper families also face rising costs, and we keep our prices as low as possible to make camp accessible for all. We also offer full and partial scholarships to all families who need them. Apply for a scholarship using our Financial Assistance Form. We never turn campers away!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are your staff? What training do they have?

Mar-Lu-Ridge staff members are carefully selected and specially trained to ensure a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable experience of faith. All staff go through extensive background checks and 10 days of on-site training. Registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, certified specialty instructors, lifeguards, and pastors are also present each week during the summer to provide a safe, healthy environment.

What does ACA Accreditation mean for me?

Being an ACA-accredited camp means that we meet over 200 standards for safety, emergency management, and staff qualifications as set forth by the American Camp Association. We want the very best for our campers, which is why we aim to meet the highest standards for camping in the United States. To learn more, visit the ACA website

How are campers housed overnight? How do you protect a camper’s privacy?

Mar-Lu-Ridge is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for all people. In a cabin setting, this means teaching and enforcing boundary and privacy practices for all campers and staff. Mar-Lu-Ridge’s cabins have two rooms, separated by a central door. Each room of the cabin has its own separate bathroom and shower, and its own exterior door. Each cabin is also equipped with a pop-up changing tent. At no time do campers or staff change clothes in a common area.

Campers are housed in small groups by gender identity. It is our practice to place program groups together by age, with the boys in one room of the cabin with their counselor and the girls in the other room of the cabin with their counselor. The central door between the rooms is closed most of the time, and campers are expected to stay on their side of the cabin. The door may be open for counselors to assist each other with behavior management and group coordination. The door is also open for supervision purposes during the staff evening break, when one staff member supervises the entire group of sleeping campers.

If you have questions about housing and privacy practices, please contact the camp office (301-874-5544) or at mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org.