St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center

For Ohio families and groups seeking a camping and retreat experience that nurtures spirit, fosters community, and creates unforgettable memories, St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center in Farmdale, Ohio, offers a truly special destination. Described by visitors as a "magical fantastic place" where "amazing staff and events" abound, this center stands out for its profound sense of belonging, famously encapsulated by the sentiment, "We are ALL Family." It’s more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant community dedicated to holistic growth and fellowship.

St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center primarily serves as a youth and family summer camp, rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions, but it welcomes all children. Its programming is designed to blend faith-based learning with engaging outdoor activities, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. This focus on structured, enriching experiences within a supportive and warm environment makes it an exceptional choice for Ohioans looking for a meaningful and memorable retreat.

St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center is located at 2795 Wakefield Creek Rd, Farmdale, OH 44417, USA. Farmdale is nestled in Trumbull County, in the northeastern part of Ohio, providing a serene, natural setting ideal for a camp and retreat environment. This location offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Ohio countryside.

Despite its rural charm, Farmdale is reasonably accessible from major population centers across Ohio. Its position in Northeast Ohio means it's within a manageable driving distance for families and groups from Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, and surrounding areas. The rural roads leading to the center contribute to the feeling of getting away, yet the address is straightforward for navigation, ensuring a smooth arrival for campers and retreat participants. This blend of secluded nature and convenient access makes it an ideal spot for local Ohioans seeking an enriching experience close to home.

St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center offers a comprehensive suite of services primarily focused on its summer camping programs and retreat capabilities. These services are designed to provide a structured, safe, and enriching environment.

• Youth Summer Camping Programs: The core offering includes various themed summer camps for different age groups, such as the Diocesan Church School Camp (ages 9-12), Teenage Conference (ages 13-18), and Mommy and Me/Daddy and Me (ages 4-8 with parents). These programs offer multi-week sessions.

• Faith-Based Education: Daily prayer services (Morning Matins, Evening Prayers), church school lessons, "Living Orthodox" discussions, and talks with priests are integral parts of the camp experience, focusing on spiritual growth within an Orthodox Christian setting.

• Accommodations: Campers typically stay in cabins, grouped by age and gender, with dedicated counselors. The center has a total of 5 cabins plus a cook's cabin.

• Certified Staff: The camp prides itself on "amazing staff," including certified lifeguards for swimming activities and Registered Nurses (RNs) on staff for all sessions to manage medical needs.

• Food Services: A kitchen staff provides a variety of selections daily, catering to different preferences and ensuring campers are well-fed.

• Emergency Contact Procedures: While cell phones are prohibited for campers, access to camp phones or counselor phones is provided for calls home if needed, and parents can contact camp directors for urgent matters.

• Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships, often up to 50% of the cost, are available through some parishes (like the Supronenko Fund) for youth wishing to attend, based on family participation in parish life.

St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center stands out for its unique blend of spiritual development, diverse activities, and a profoundly welcoming atmosphere, making it a "magical fantastic place" as noted by visitors.

• Holistic Development Focus: The camp emphasizes growth in faith, confidence, teamwork, and personal development through a balanced schedule of spiritual learning and recreational activities.

• Wide Range of Activities: Campers enjoy a variety of engaging activities including sports (Ukie Olympics, basketball, volleyball, field hockey), crafts (making keepsakes, painted prayer stones), singing, dancing, campfires, scavenger hunts, hayrides, and various themed evening activities. There are also water-related activities beyond just the pool.

• Swimming Pool: The presence of a pool, with depths ranging from 3 to 8 feet, and a certified lifeguard on staff, ensures a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all campers, regardless of swimming ability.

• Dedicated Play and Sports Areas: Beyond organized sports, the camp likely features fields and spaces for general play, aligning with a camp environment focused on outdoor recreation.

• Strong Sense of Community ("We are ALL Family"): This ethos is a core highlight, with former campers often returning as counselors, fostering a continuous legacy of mentorship, friendship, and deep bonds that contribute to a "home away from home" feeling.

• Technology-Free Environment: A strict no-cell phone and electronic device policy encourages campers to fully engage in activities, build relationships, and enjoy a distraction-free natural setting, promoting deeper connections.

• Experienced and Caring Staff: Reviews consistently praise the "amazing staff," who are described as fostering a positive and inclusive environment, guiding campers, and ensuring their safety and well-being.

St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center’s primary "promotions" are tied to its structured summer camping sessions and the value these programs offer. While general discounts for daily public access are not typically available, as it primarily serves as a camp and retreat center, specific financial considerations exist:

• Sliding Scale Tuition and Family Rates: Tuition rates are often calculated per family and may involve a sliding scale, with decreasing costs for additional children or weeks. For example, the tuition structure indicates a base rate for the first child/week, with subsequent children or weeks being priced lower (e.g., $375 per additional child/week).

• Parish Subsidies/Scholarships: Many local Orthodox parishes, including those like St. Vladimir UOC, offer scholarship funds to help offset tuition costs for their youth. These scholarships can cover up to 50% of the cost and are awarded based on criteria such as active family participation in parish life.

• Early Registration: While not explicitly stated as a discount, popular sessions can fill up quickly, implying that early registration is a "promotion" in itself by guaranteeing a spot.

For detailed information on current tuition rates, specific family pricing examples, or to inquire about scholarship opportunities through affiliated parishes, interested families should visit the official St. Vladimir’s Camp website or contact them directly.

For more information about St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center, including program dates, registration, and specific policies, you can contact them directly:

Address: 2795 Wakefield Creek Rd, Farmdale, OH 44417, USA

Phone: While the provided information includes (440) 548-2716, public data also indicates +1 216-798-0815 for Matushka Catrina (a contact for calls/texts) and 330-583-2521 for the main camp phone (answered 7 am-11 pm). It's best to try the specific camp numbers for program inquiries.

It is highly recommended to visit their official website for the most up-to-date schedule, online registration forms, and comprehensive FAQs regarding policies (e.g., cell phone, medical, pick-up/drop-off).

For Ohioans, St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center represents an exceptional opportunity for a distinctive and enriching outdoor experience. Its fundamental appeal lies in its strong emphasis on community, spiritual growth, and a diverse range of engaging activities, making it far more than just a typical campground. The consistent praise from visitors, who describe it as "magical," "fantastic," and a place where "We are ALL Family," underscores its unique ability to foster deep connections and a profound sense of belonging.

For parents across Ohio, the structured summer programs offer a valuable opportunity for children and teens to grow, learn, and build character in a safe, supervised, and technology-free environment. The dedicated staff, certified lifeguards, and on-site nurses provide peace of mind, while the varied activities, from sports and crafts to daily prayer services, ensure a well-rounded experience. Even for non-Orthodox families, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere means that all children can benefit from the camp's focus on positive values and personal development. Its accessible location in Farmdale, Ohio, further enhances its suitability, allowing local families to provide their children with transformative summer experiences without extensive travel. St. Vladimir's Camp and Retreat Center is truly a gem in Ohio, offering a blend of fun, faith, and fellowship that creates cherished memories year after year.

St. Vladimir’s Camp and Retreat Center

2795 Wakefield Creek Rd, Farmdale, OH 44417, USA