Camp Shehaqua

For Pennsylvania locals seeking a genuine escape into the embrace of nature, reminiscent of cherished childhood camp memories, "Camp Shehaqua" in Lake Harmony, PA, offers a truly unique and enriching experience. Nestled within the expansive and beautiful Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains, Camp Shehaqua isn't your typical drive-up campground. Instead, it operates as a rustic group cabin camp, primarily hosting structured programs focused on family, community, and spiritual enrichment. It's a place where you can make it "as outdoorsy as you'd like" while still feeling safe and included, making it an ideal destination for those who value meaningful connection and a deeper appreciation for the natural world right here in our own backyard.

Imagine stepping back in time to a simpler era, surrounded by old cabins and the comforting presence of water nearby, feeling "middle of nowhere (but not too far from civilization if you need it)." This essence of Camp Shehaqua is captured perfectly by its visitors. One reviewer shared their profound experience: "This place reminds me of a childhood away camp....old cabins, water nearby, middle of nowhere (but not to far from civilization if you need it). Great time to focus on being in nature." Another highlighted the transformative nature of their stay, even while getting "dirty, got rained on, managed to sweat hard and at night sleep like a baby!" The emphasis on shared experiences and spiritual growth is also evident, with programs often centering on moral education and fostering stronger family ties. For Pennsylvanians looking for more than just a place to pitch a tent, but rather an immersive experience that encourages personal growth and community bonding, Camp Shehaqua offers an unparalleled opportunity.

Camp Shehaqua is located within the picturesque Hickory Run State Park, with its address being Lake Harmony, PA 18624, USA. Hickory Run State Park itself is a massive natural preserve in Carbon County, part of the scenic Pocono Mountains region. This prime location means Camp Shehaqua is deeply embedded in one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and recreation-rich areas, offering direct access to an array of outdoor activities.

For Pennsylvania locals, accessing Lake Harmony and Hickory Run State Park is generally straightforward, with well-maintained routes leading into the Poconos. The park is situated near major thoroughfares, making it a manageable drive from various cities across the state, from Philadelphia to Scranton and beyond. Once inside Hickory Run State Park, Camp Shehaqua (along with Camp Daddy Allen) is specifically designated as an Organized Group Cabin Camp. This means it provides a somewhat more secluded and structured environment compared to the main family campground in the park.

While the camp offers a feeling of being "in the middle of nowhere," it is reassuringly "not too far from civilization if you need it." This balance is crucial; it allows guests to truly disconnect and focus on nature and program activities, while still being within reasonable driving distance of essential services or local attractions in Lake Harmony or other nearby towns should the need arise. The surrounding area of Hickory Run State Park provides ample opportunities for hiking, exploring unique geological features like the Boulder Field, and enjoying various water activities at Sand Spring Lake, ensuring that participants have plenty to engage with in the broader park environment.

Camp Shehaqua is designed to facilitate a comprehensive group and family program experience, offering services that support its unique focus on community and activities rather than individual campsite amenities.

• Rustic Cabin Accommodations: The primary offering is "rustic cabins" for lodging. These cabins are equipped with basic furnishings like beds and provide a communal living experience. While they typically "have no running water or restrooms in the cottages," modern restroom and shower facilities are shared and available in lower sections of the main campground (though the specific availability for Camp Shehaqua's programs would depend on the program's setup).

• Dining Hall/Kitchen Complex: The camp facilities often include a "large dining hall/kitchen complex" which facilitates communal meals, a central part of the program experience. Meals are usually prepared by staff, relieving participants of cooking duties.

• Shared Swimming Pool: Camp Shehaqua shares a "swimming pool that is open from about June 1 to Labor Day," providing a refreshing recreational option during warmer months. Lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open.

• Program-Oriented Facilities: The camp has common buildings for presentations, crafts, and social activities, meaning these don't always have to be held outdoors. There are also sports facilities like a volleyball field and areas for dodgeball and other sports.

• Educational & Spiritual Programs: A core service of Camp Shehaqua's programs (like the Family Camp) includes presentations on moral education, Bible stories, and Divine Principle. These are offered for various age groups, from Pre-K to adults.

• Organized Activities & Workshops: Camp programs include a wide range of activities such as crafts, sports, hiking, service projects, music, and social activities like Family Fun Night, candlelight prayers, games, campfire singing, and talent presentations. Specialized workshops like the Music & Arts Workshop are also offered.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Programs are often run by volunteers, with opportunities for participants, including high school youth, to take on roles like group leaders, sports coordinators, or even assistant camp directors.

Camp Shehaqua stands out with several unique features and highlights, primarily centered around its distinct program-based approach:

• Family-Centered Programs: What truly sets Camp Shehaqua apart is its dedication to programs "designed for the whole family, not just children of a certain age." While some activities are age-separated, many encourage families to bond together, fostering stronger family ties and creating shared experiences.

• Emphasis on Community & Connection: The camp fosters a strong sense of community, where families can bond with each other, creating an "extended family" atmosphere. This is why many families "keep coming back every year" and lifelong friendships are formed.

• Spiritual & Moral Enrichment: Programs often include presentations and discussions based on moral education and spiritual principles, offering a unique dimension to the outdoor retreat experience.

• Rustic Charm with Essential Comforts: The "old cabins" provide a nostalgic "childhood away camp" feel, allowing for a deep immersion in nature, while still having "all the necessary amenities" like communal dining, shared pool access, and clean (though rustic) facilities.

• Located within Hickory Run State Park: Being an integral part of this large state park means immediate access to its extensive hiking trails, unique geological features (like the Boulder Field), and opportunities for swimming and exploring.

• Active & Engaging Environment: With a variety of planned activities—from sports like dodgeball and volleyball to crafts, music, and even whitewater rafting (for some programs)—participants are encouraged to stay active and engaged throughout their stay.

• Digital Detox Encouraged: The camp discourages the use of electronic personal entertainment devices, promoting a distraction-free environment to encourage social interactions and immersion in nature.

Camp Shehaqua, as a program-based facility, structures its pricing around the specific events it hosts, primarily the annual Family Camps and special weekend retreats. These are not standard per-night campsite fees but rather comprehensive program fees that often include lodging, meals, and activities.

• Tiered Pricing by Age and Registration Date: Fees typically vary based on age categories (e.g., adult, young adult, child 12-17, child 6-11, child 5 and under) and an "Early Bird" discount structure, with prices increasing as the registration deadline approaches.

• Family Upper Limits: For Family Camps, there's often a "Family Upper Limit," meaning no immediate (nuclear) family will pay more than a certain amount for a week of camp, regardless of how many children they have.

• Volunteer Discounts: As the camp is run by volunteers, there are often "camp discounts" available for those who commit to significant volunteer hours (e.g., 30+ hours). Specific roles like lifeguard positions might even have certification costs covered in exchange for commitment.

• Financial Aid: The Shehaqua Family has historically offered an online form for people to request financial aid, making it possible for families who might otherwise not be able to afford it to attend camp.

• Program-Specific Pricing: Each program (e.g., Family Camp Week 1, Family Camp Week 2, Music & Arts Workshop) will have its own specific fee structure, which can be found on their registration pages.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on programs, dates, and fees, it is essential to visit the official Shehaqua Family website. Early registration is consistently encouraged to take advantage of the best pricing.

For reservations, program inquiries, and more information about Camp Shehaqua and its Family Camp programs, please use the following contact details, primarily through their official website for program details and registration:

Address: Lake Harmony, PA 18624, USA (located within Hickory Run State Park)

While a direct phone number for booking general camping isn't applicable as it's program-based, inquiries related to the Shehaqua Family programs can be directed via the contact information on their official website (shehaquafamily.org).

Camp Shehaqua at Hickory Run State Park is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for Pennsylvania locals, particularly those seeking a program-focused outdoor retreat that goes beyond traditional camping. Its unique model, centered on family and community enrichment, offers an opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and truly bond with loved ones and fellow participants in a beautiful natural setting. The rustic cabin accommodations, combined with access to a shared pool and engaging, organized activities, strike a perfect balance between immersion in nature and comfortable, structured fun.

For Pennsylvania families and groups who value moral education, shared experiences, and a welcoming, supportive community, Camp Shehaqua offers a "great time to focus on being in nature" and fosters the creation of deep, lasting memories. Its location within Hickory Run State Park provides a stunning backdrop for exploration and outdoor adventure, reinforcing the camp's commitment to nature immersion. For those who yearn for that nostalgic "childhood away camp" experience, coupled with meaningful programming and genuine connection, Camp Shehaqua stands as a unique and invaluable local resource within our own beautiful state.

Camp Shehaqua

Lake Harmony, PA 18624, USA