Lums Pond Youth Camp

For Delawareans looking for an immersive outdoor experience designed specifically for groups, Lums Pond Youth Camp presents an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled within the beautiful and activity-rich Lums Pond State Park in Bear, this dedicated camping area provides a rustic yet accessible setting for organized youth and adult groups to connect with nature, foster teamwork, and enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits. Unlike traditional family campgrounds, Lums Pond Youth Camp is tailored to facilitate group adventures, offering a unique environment for scout troops, school groups, church organizations, and other chartered groups to create lasting memories in the heart of our state.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Lums Pond Youth Camp, highlighting its location, the services it offers, and the many features that make it an ideal destination for group outings. From its primitive camping style to its proximity to exhilarating park activities, Lums Pond Youth Camp is a valuable resource for locals seeking to provide enriching outdoor experiences for their groups.

Lums Pond Youth Camp is situated within the expansive Lums Pond State Park, with a primary address often listed as Delaware 19701, USA. More specifically, the park office is located at 1068 Howell School Rd., Bear, DE 19701, and the primitive youth and group camping area has a GPS address of 2610 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701. This location in New Castle County makes it highly accessible for groups coming from across Delaware, as well as from neighboring states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its proximity to major roadways ensures a relatively easy journey for buses and vans transporting groups.

Lums Pond itself is Delaware's largest freshwater pond, a significant natural feature that provides a focal point for many of the park's activities. The youth camp area is strategically positioned to offer a sense of seclusion and wilderness while still benefiting from the broader park's amenities and managed environment. The ease of access, combined with the natural beauty of the pond and surrounding woodlands, makes Lums Pond Youth Camp a practical and appealing choice for group leaders planning an outdoor adventure close to home.

Lums Pond Youth Camp provides a primitive camping experience tailored for groups, focusing on essential facilities that support outdoor education and group bonding. The services reflect a commitment to a back-to-basics approach while ensuring necessary conveniences.

• Designated Primitive Group Campsites: The youth camping area consists of three designated primitive campsites. Each site is designed to accommodate large groups, with a maximum capacity of up to 50 persons per site.
• Tent-Only Camping: It's important to note that camping units other than tents are generally not permitted in the primitive campground, maintaining a traditional tent camping experience.
• Portable Toilets: Each group site is equipped with portable toilets, ensuring basic sanitation facilities are available. Showers and bathhouses are not available directly at the primitive campground, consistent with its rustic nature.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every site includes picnic tables and a fire ring, providing convenient areas for communal meals and evening campfires.
• No Electricity: There is no electricity available at the primitive campsites, encouraging groups to embrace a truly off-grid experience.
• No Drinking Water at Site: Potable drinking water is not available directly at the primitive campground. Groups are encouraged to bring their own water or can fill containers at the park office (1068 Howell School Rd, Bear DE 19701).
• Firewood Policy: Groups are permitted to bring their own firewood or use downed and dead wood found around the site, with a strict policy against cutting live or standing trees. Bonfires are generally not permitted, emphasizing fire safety.
• Carry In/Carry Out Trash Program: Delaware State Parks, including Lums Pond, operate on a "Carry In/Carry Out" trash program for primitive camping areas. Groups are responsible for removing all trash generated during their stay.
• Group Reservation System: Primitive camping is available by reservation only. Groups can call the Lums Pond State Park office to check availability and make reservations, which are essential due to the demand for these dedicated group sites.
• Camp Host: While not explicitly stated for the youth camp area, state parks often have park staff or volunteer camp hosts available for assistance and oversight.

Lums Pond Youth Camp's greatest highlights stem from its location within Lums Pond State Park, offering a wealth of natural attractions and recreational opportunities that are perfect for enriching group experiences.

• Delaware's Largest Freshwater Pond: The 200-acre Lums Pond is the park's centerpiece, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Groups can rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats from May through September. While swimming is not permitted in the pond, the water activities are plentiful.
• Go Ape Ziplining & Treetop Adventure Course: A major attraction within Lums Pond State Park is the "Go Ape" zip line and treetop adventure course. This provides an exhilarating and challenging experience for participants, promoting teamwork and courage. It's often included in various summer camp programs at Lums Pond.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The 6.4-mile Swamp Forest Trail and the 8.1-mile Little Jersey Trail (shared-use) offer diverse scenery and opportunities for nature exploration and physical activity.
• Nature Programs and Education: Lums Pond State Park frequently hosts nature programs and educational initiatives, often with a focus on youth. These can include topics like animal adaptations, stream studies, and becoming "Junior Naturalists," providing valuable learning experiences for groups.
• Fishing: Lums Pond is a popular spot for fishing, stocked with striped bass, bluegill, crappie, and various freshwater bass species. Two fishing piers are available, and groups can engage in this activity with proper Delaware fishing licenses.
• Diverse Wildlife and Flora: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, frogs, snakes, great blue herons, osprey, and songbirds, as well as wildflowers. This rich biodiversity provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and nature study.
• Seasonal Events and Summer Camps: Lums Pond State Park hosts various special events and summer camps, many of which are focused on outdoor adventure, science, and water sports, which youth groups staying at the primitive camp may be able to participate in or observe.
• Sports Fields: The broader Lums Pond State Park also features all-purpose athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a disc golf course, offering additional recreational options for groups.

As a facility within the Delaware State Parks system, Lums Pond Youth Camp's pricing and offerings are generally standardized, rather than having frequent commercial "promotions" or "special offers." The focus is on providing an affordable and accessible outdoor experience for organized groups. The established rate for primitive group campsites is $60.00 per site per night, which is very competitive for accommodating large groups of up to 50 persons.

However, groups should be aware of any broader Delaware State Parks initiatives. For instance, in the past, Delaware State Parks have offered seasonal discounts on camping during off-peak times (e.g., 50% off fall weeknights). While these may typically apply more to family campgrounds, it's always worth checking the official Delaware State Parks website or contacting the park office directly to inquire if any such state-wide initiatives could apply to group reservations for the youth camp. Additionally, while not a "promotion," the existence of various summer camps and educational programs at Lums Pond State Park (some of which have associated fees) offers a valuable add-on experience for youth groups, providing structured activities and learning opportunities during their stay.

For inquiries, reservations, and detailed information about Lums Pond Youth Camp and the broader Lums Pond State Park, contacting the park office directly is the most reliable method.

• Main Park Address: 1068 Howell School Rd., Bear, DE 19701, USA
• Specific GPS Address for Primitive Youth & Group Camping Area: 2610 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA
• Park Phone Number: (302) 368-6989
• Email: For specific program or general inquiries, the Delaware State Parks website often lists general email contacts (e.g., DNREC_LumsPrograms@delaware.gov for some programs).
• Official Website: It is highly recommended to visit the official Delaware State Parks website for Lums Pond (destateparks.com/park/lums-pond) for the most current information on rules, regulations, reservation policies, and any updates on facilities or activities. The website will also typically provide details on how to make reservations for primitive group camping, which is often done by calling the park office directly to check availability.

When contacting the park, be prepared with your group size, desired dates, and any specific questions regarding activities or facilities, as this will help the park staff assist you more efficiently.

For residents and organizations within Delaware, Lums Pond Youth Camp represents an exceptional and highly suitable resource for fostering outdoor skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature among youth and adult groups. Its primary suitability for locals lies in its convenient location, specialized group facilities, and the wealth of enriching activities available within Lums Pond State Park.

Being centrally located in New Castle County, Lums Pond is an easily accessible destination from anywhere in Delaware, making it ideal for schools, scout troops, and community groups seeking a close-to-home outdoor experience without extensive travel. The dedicated primitive group campsites, designed to accommodate up to 50 individuals per site, eliminate the logistical challenges of booking multiple smaller sites, simplifying planning for group leaders.

Furthermore, the park itself offers a diverse array of features that cater specifically to group engagement. From the thrilling Go Ape ziplining course that promotes physical activity and cooperation, to the extensive trail system perfect for educational hikes and nature observation, there are myriad opportunities for both adventure and learning. The programs and activities often led by park naturalists provide valuable insights into local ecosystems and conservation, aligning perfectly with educational objectives.

Lums Pond Youth Camp is more than just a place to stay; it's a dynamic outdoor classroom and an adventure hub. For Delawareans, it offers an affordable and authentic way to introduce groups to the joys of camping, build camaraderie, and create lasting memories in one of our state's most cherished natural areas. It's a testament to Delaware's commitment to providing accessible and enriching outdoor experiences for its communities.

Lums Pond Youth Camp

Delaware 19701, USA