Our Program

Our Campers! 

Our campers are the reason we are here today and the main focus of our mission. Children between the ages of 7 and 15 are invited to join us at GCC. Most of our campers are local floridians but every summer we attract others from across the US and around the world. It is quite common to see campers from Europe and South America taking part in our traditional camping experience! 

Daily Schedule at Camp

6:55 A.M.     Wake up bell
7:30              Morning Mass
8:10              Breakfast
8:40              Cabin clean up
9:10               1st activity      
10:00            2nd activity      
10:50            3rd activity
12:00 P.M.    Lunch
12:30            Rest period
2:00              Snack time (Canteen)
3:00             1st afternoon activity
4:00              2nd afternoon activity
5:30             Dinner
6:00             After dinner activities
7:00             Chapel
7:30             Evening activity
9:30             Bedtime

The morning activities include: archery,
boating, riflery, swimming and arts & crafts

The afternoon activities include such things as sports, low ropes activities, capture the flag and swimming.

The campers choose their after dinner activities from such activities as basketball, kickball, soccer, fishing, etc.

The evening activities include ice cream socials, dances, flashlight tag, night hikes and overnight camping trips.

Spirituality

As a Catholic camp, the opportunity to gather for the celebration of the Mass in our unique chapel is a special moment for staff and campers alike. Bible vigils, Benediction and other prayer experiences are a part of our evening prayer services. In this natural outdoor setting one feels a special closeness to God our Creator.

Health

The quality of health of each camper and staff member is of the utmost importance. Every camper must submit a completed health form with a notarized signature. They must also attach a copy of their physical examination from within the last year. No child should be sent to Camp until all symptoms of colds or other ailments have cleared up. The Camp staffs a certified health care professional and the services of a doctor are available in Inverness just 5 miles away. If needed, Citrus Memorial Hospital is also located in Inverness. The health care professional administers all medications.

Housing and Meals

Cabins - Campers are assigned to a cabin according to age and gender. Each cabin has up to 12 campers and at least 2 counselors. The counselors supervise and live in the cabins with the campers. The cabins are built along the lake shore to take advantage of the cooling lake breezes.  Upon arrival at their assigned cabin the campers pick their bunk beds which becomes their own during their stay at camp. Each cabin area has it's own shower and restroom facility located a short walking distance away. 

Meals - Meals are prepared by our resident cook and are served in our dining hall which is situated under the shade of giant live oaks and looks out on the waters of Lake Tsala Apopka.  Rough mortar, hand-worked timbers, wagon wheel chandeliers and mounted animal heads add to the atmosphere of pioneering and outdoor life. Our cook works especially hard to ensure all campers receive a balanced diet. Campers eat with their cabins and each day a new table waiter (one of the campers from the cabin) is assigned to serve the food. 

Acitivities

Good Counsel Camp offers a general camping program which includes the following:

Archery - Whether you are a beginner or near expert level, our archery program will help you increase your skills.  We seek to bring out the best in the development of your archery abilities.

Boating - You will have opportunities to pilot canoes, kayaks, and row boats.  The handling of a boat presents new experiences to you in exploring the islands and coves of Lake Tsala Apopka with its picturesque scenery.

Campfires - Special occasions at Camp are marked by the closing of the day with awesome campfires, our specialty is the Creation Campfire which tells the story of the creation of the world.

Field Trips - You will have the opportunity for day trips and overnight excursions to special places such as the Dry Lake Bed (DLB), Sumter, the Haunted House, the Dames Cave, and Tomahawk Lodge located on the crystal clear Rainbow River.

Locations such as Sumter, the Dames Cave and Tomahawk Lodge are located offsite from the main camp property. Transportation will be provided by the camp for such activities. 

 

Fishing - If you enjoy fishing, you will have the opportunity to practice your skills in Lake Tsala Apopka.  Our dock is a favorite spot to cast your line or drop your hook in hopes of catching a big one.



Handicraft - Tye dye, leather craft, felt craft, bead work, and lanyards are just some of the crafts which will give you the opportunity to develpe your creativity.  You will actually surprise yourself at the skill and creative ability that you will develop working on these projects.

Hiking - The nature trails beckon you to explore them and will lead you to sites such as Stage Coach Inn, the burnt store, Skull Tree and other surprises. You will explore what lies beyond the cabin area and make discoveries while learning the beauty of God's creation.

Ropes course - A low challenge rope course is offered which fosters the development of team effort and group participation.  Get ready to experience the tension traverse, the swinging log, the nitro crossing, the spider's web, the trust fall and "the wall".

Recreational sports - A variety of organized recreational activities are offered for yourenjoyment including basketall, softball, soccer, volleyball, kickball, and capture the flag.

Riflery - The safe and proper way to handle a rifle is of primary importance.  A healthy respect for guns is taught as well as the fact that guns are not toys.  The younger campers use BB guns while the older campers use .22 caliber rifles.

Risk - Our camp-wide game of Capture the Flag and one of our most anticipated activities of the summer!

Swimming - The most popular activity on a hot summer day is swimming in our pool.  Our life guards assist you in strengthening your abilities and skills.  You will also have the opportunity to cool off with a "free swim".

Tubing - The smooth surface of the lake provides an excellent setting for tubing off the shores of Good Counsel Camp.