Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers
Camp McDowell offers a variety of overnight summer camp programs, including Bethany's Kids Campers, focused on outdoor activities and Christian formation in ...
▌ Editor's read The website for Camp McDowell (mcdowellsummercamp.org) loads successfully and provides comprehensive information about their summer camp programs, including Bethany's Kids Campers. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, with accreditation valid through 2025, confirming adherence to industry standards for health and safety. The 'About Us' section states the camp has been operating for over 75 years, indicating a long-standing presence. Camp McDowell is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, making it a church-affiliated organization. The website mentions that all staff undergo background checks. Programs are primarily overnight, offering activities like hiking, swimming, and arts and crafts. Google reviews for Camp McDowell show a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 215 reviews, with many reviewers praising the beautiful setting and positive staff interactions. Social media handles found are @campmcdowell on Instagram and 'campmcdowell' on Facebook.
Who thrives here Ages 9–13
Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right religious fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1951 (75 years)
- Operator
- Faith-based organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Religious
- Ages: 9–13
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 105 Delong Rd, Nauvoo, AL 35578
- Cost notes: No Fee
Runs 24-hour residential, 11 sessions (11 one-week), from May 22 to Jul 31.
Sessions
Bookable units published by the camp. Each row is a one-week session.
- Session 1 May 22 – 24, 2026 · 1 week · $200
- Session 2 May 24 – 28, 2026 · 1 week · $150
- Session 3 May 25 – 28, 2026 · 1 week
- Session 4 May 28 – 31, 2026 · 1 week · $300
- Session 5 May 30 – Jun 6, 2026 · 2 weeks
- Session 6 Jun 5 – 8, 2026 · 1 week · $300
- Session 7 Jun 13 – 19, 2026 · 1 week · $600
- Session 8 Jun 25 – 29, 2026 · 1 week · $400
- Session 9 Jul 7 – 12, 2026 · 1 week · $500
- Session 10 Jul 17 – 19, 2026 · 1 week · $200
- Session 11 Jul 24 – 31, 2026 · 2 weeks · $700
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers
- What ages does Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers accept?
- Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers is open to children ages 9–13. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- What are Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers's hours?
- Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Is Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers accredited?
- Yes — Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 75 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers?
- Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers is operated by a faith-based organization, with 75 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers provide lunch?
- Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
- How does Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers compare to other religious camps in Nauvoo?
- Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers is one of 12 religious camps in Nauvoo that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review the safety signals that matter most.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp McDowell - Bethany's Kids Campers.
- Camp McDowell - Elementary I · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 8–9 · $300/week
- Camp McDowell - Elementary II · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 10–11 · $300/week
- Camp McDowell - Junior High · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 12–13 · $500/week
- Camp McDowell - Middler · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 11–12 · $400/week
- Camp McDowell · Nauvoo, AL
- Camp McDowell - Primary I · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 6–8 · $200/week
- Camp McDowell - Primary II · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 6–8 · $200/week
- Camp McDowell - Senior · Nauvoo, AL · Ages 16–17 · $700/week