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.
Summer Camp Resources:
- Camp Basics
- 2027 Camps and Schedule
- Parent/Guardian Handbook
- Camp Paperwork
- Paying for Camp
What’s it Like?
Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Frederick County, Maryland, Mar-Lu-Ridge provides a welcoming, faith-centered summer camp program where children (and families!) connect with nature, build lasting friendships, and experience personal and spiritual growth.
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
We offer traditional and specialty camp sessions. See current season page.
Why are there 4 age groups?
We split the youngest age group (previously known as Juniors) into two groups to better provide programming and group dynamics for both campers and staff.
Are there any other discounts available?
In addition to our early bird discount, we do provide discounts for campers who attend multiple weeks and for families who send multiple campers. Full and partial scholarships are also available for ANY family in need. We never turn campers away!
Who are the Staff?
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?
ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.
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
What is a Try-it camp??
For our youngest campers, we are bringing back the option for half-week stays. This provides the opportunity to try out three days and two nights.
Why are the program groups sorted by grade completed instead of age?
This allows for ease of registration and cabin assignments. For example, campers with summer birthdays will be placed with peers who are more similar to them.
How are campers housed overnight?
Also, 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 (1-800-238-9974) or at mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org.
Why is the Senior High Classic not week 3?
The ELCA National Youth Gathering is held every three years during the final week of June. These are the same dates as week 3 of camp at MLR. We want to make sure that anyone who has the opportunity to attend the gathering can do so and still attend summer camp.
What’s the Cost?
Three Prices, One Excellent Experience
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 across our ministry’s operations. We recognize that our camper families also face rising costs, and with this shift we continue to subsidize each tier as we strive to keep camp accessible for all.
Mar-Lu-Ridge’s Tiered Pricing Goals
– To provide high-quality, safe, meaningful programming
– To serve community members at all income levels
– To preserve camp for generations to come.
Again, this program is voluntary and in no way influences the experience anyone will receive. It offers the opportunity for families/individuals to take an active role in supporting the true cost of any camp experience at Mar-Lu-Ridge! No family will ever be turned away for financial
reasons; full and partial scholarships are available for ANY family in need.
We also offer full and partial scholarships for all families who need them. We never turn campers away!
Note: Pricing info for the 2027 camp season will be posted soon
Why 3 Prices?
Mar-Lu-Ridge is proud to offer a tiered pricing system in which each camper family self-selects the price point that works best for them.
In 2027, we are beginning to shift the price structure to allow families to recognize the true and direct costs of camp. Families will continue to decide for themselves the payment level most appropriate for their circumstances. Selections are always confidential and all campers receive the same high-quality experience, regardless of their selection.
Tier 1 - True Cost
TBA
Tier 1 is closer to the true cost of camp, or what it costs Mar-Lu-Ridge to offer a week of camp for one camper. For families who are blessed to be able to contribute at this level, this tier includes the cost of everything: from insurance to air conditioning to staffing to food to housekeeping supplies.
Tier 2 - Direct Cost
TBA
Tier 2 reflects a price point closer to the direct cost of a week of camp for one camper.
Families who are able to contribute at this level directly cover summer camp programming, food, and summer staffing.
Tier 3 - Partially Subsidized
TBA
Tier 3 most subsidized to allow more families to send their children to camp. Mar-Lu-Ridge is committed to keeping camp available to everyone.
When in doubt, choose Tier 3!
Scholarships
At Mar-Lu-Ridge, we believe in camp for ALL. Finances should never be a barrier to participation at summer camp. We work diligently year-round with our dedicated community of donors to support the needs of the ministry, including raising funds for Camperships.
These camper scholarships are available for any family who needs one, no questions asked. God works wonders at camp and every child deserves to experience this sacred community.
If you are interested in a Campership, please contact staff at 1-800-238-9974 or at mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org.
Camp is For All
If you love the idea that no camper is turned away because of cost and want to help us continue this wonderful tradition, please consider making a gift to Mar-Lu-Ridge.