Dynamic New Summer Camp Offerings

Welcome Home

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“For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of Everything."

Hebrews 3:4

Nearing its 40th summer season, DaySpring Summer Camp is adding dynamic new programming, along with expanding its core staff of leaders and counselors to make 2022 the best summer ever.

Established in 1983 by the Diocese of Southwest Florida, DaySpring offers fun and meaningful experiences for children in a beautiful modern setting. Campers participate in a Christian program designed to help them grow by providing opportunities to explore new interests and develop skills and friendships in a Christian community. Our five-night/six-day sessions are offered for all students from 3rd to 12th grades, and a shortened session is offered for rising 3rd to 5th grade students, which lasts 3 nights/4 days. Campers participate in activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, low and high ropes courses, arts and crafts, games, sports, archery, and environmental adventure. Meals are served buffet-style in Curry Hall three times daily.

“We have many homes: church, school, family. In each place, God can be found in unique ways, but at DaySpring, God can be experienced in everything: new friendships, conquered fears, nature’s beauty, personal self-discovery, and the love of the Lord,” said Matthew Bowers, Camp Director, DaySpring.

New for 2022, Discovery Camp offers middle and high school campers the opportunity to strengthen their creative, leadership, and stewardship skills by cultivating unique areas of interest.

"At a standard session, campers get to experience a little bit of everything when it comes to our camp activities. One day they might canoe, the next they might harness up for the high ropes course, and another day might be focused on unique arts and crafts," said Matthew Bowers.

The new Discovery Camp sessions allow youth to pick a skill-based activity to focus on: activities include fishing, advanced arts and crafts, photography, outdoor survival, beginning guitar, and filmmaking.

Campers will have multiple days to work on a project and improve their skills in their selected area of interest, returning home with the foundation for a new passion. Future musicians, naturalists, filmmakers, artisans, and everyone else are welcome.

Our Kline Hall and pool area anchor the youth sector of DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center. Youth and counselors enjoy the coordinated spaces of indoor recreation, pool, sports courts, fire pit, cabins with bunk beds and spacious bathrooms with private showers and changing areas, ropes courses and waterfront.

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meet our staff

Matthew Bowers is the DaySpring Summer Camp Director and oversees Youth Ministry & Programming for the Diocese of Southwest Florida. A lifelong Episcopalian, he has been involved in Episcopal camps and youth ministries throughout the South since 2007. During that time he has served as a camp counselor, part and full-time youth director, summer camp director, and more. Matthew graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Religious Studies and sits on the National Happening Board as Vice President. Matthew and his wife, Hayden, have two dogs, Luna and Oli: outside of camp, he is an avid soccer fan and enjoys playing guitar. He is most excited about working with his Core Staff to dream up fun and engaging events that will change campers’ lives.

“In our world, the opportunity for a young person to be surrounded by an uplifting community that loves and supports them has never been more important. This is the heart of our ministry along with offering programs that speak to the spiritual questions and growth of our campers. Our campers learn so much about the world, their faith, and themselves while at camp. Whether it's through games, challenges, or devotions, campers know that their time at DaySpring is one of the most important weeks they'll have each year. They go home refreshed, renewed, and reenergized to find their place in the world and in their churches.”

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Matthew Bowers

CAMP DIRECTOR

macy kendzior

I am thrilled to be joining the DaySpring Summer Camp Staff again, now working as the camp Events Coordinator. I have grown up in the Diocese of Southwest Florida attending events at DaySpring over the years. One of my favorite parts of summer camp has always been planning and facilitating all-camp events. I love seeing campers and staff actively engaged in our group events. DaySpring holds such a special place in my heart, I truly cannot think of a better place to spend my summer!

events coordinator

we ❤ our staff!

Our dedicated and responsible camp staff prioritize the safety, care and spiritual life of the campers first. Counselors are college-aged and junior counselors are high school upperclassmen. At least two counselors and one junior counselor are assigned to supervise each of our cabins and groups of campers. Our staff are CPR and First Aid trained and required to complete the Safeguarding All God’s People training program. Additionally, we have certified lifeguards on duty whenever our pool and waterfront are in use.

I am super excited to be the Activities Coordinator for DaySpring Summer Camp. I grew up spending my summers at DaySpring and I now have the privilege of being on staff. I look forward to working with my fellow core staff and counselors to provide campers with the best experience possible. I have always loved the high ropes course, swimming, canoeing, and playing gaga ball at camp. In fact, these were my favorite activities. My role this summer is to continue to provide campers with fun, age appropriate activities that makes each session unique and engaging. I am honored to be on staff and look forward to having a fantastic summer!

tommy chase

activities coordinator

I started attending camp at DaySpring when I was a rising third grader. Now going into my thirteenth summer, I am just as excited as I was all those years ago. DaySpring Summer Camp has given me lifelong friends and many blessings. It is a gift to be able to continue to give back and carry on that welcoming environment. After graduating from USF last spring, I have spent this last year working for Weightman Middle School in Pasco County teaching science and math to seventh graders. I am incredibly excited to get back to camp. My favorite camp activities are playing in the pool on a warm afternoon and the chaotic fun of our camp Olympics.

devon shank

leadership coordinator

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sarah colletti

Q: Why did you want to be on staff?

A: “DaySpring Summer Camp has jumped out to me since I first heard about it from my grandparents. They spoke so passionately about what a beautiful, serene, and ‘sacred’ place it is. When speaking with Matthew Bowers about what camp is really about, I knew it was something I would want to be a part of. I can’t wait to experience DaySpring as staff and spread the message of Christ’s love to the campers!”

joeisha cruz guerrido

Q: What skills or perspective do you bring to staff that will make this summer unique?

A: “I have been working for DaySpring since the summer of my freshman year in high school. I have a plethora of knowledge when it comes to working at camp. I can step up and become a leader when it's needed, but most importantly I know how to step back and let others take the lead and support them.”

lilly daniels

Q: What are you most excited about for Summer Camp?

A: “I’m excited for all of the fun activities we are putting together for the campers of all ages to enjoy.”

aly davis

Q: Why did you want to be on staff?

A: “I want to be on staff for summer camp because I love the community at Dayspring. As a camper, I loved all the fun camp activities and connecting with my DaySpring family. As a counselor, I can't want to use my creativity to contribute new ideas and energy towards making this summer special.”

matt elder

Q: What skills or perspective do you bring to staff that will make this summer unique?

A: “I am reserved but know how to have fun. The campers and the staff understand that I can go from being goofy to serious when needed, maintaining leadership and calm during activities.”

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caden kendzior

Q: What skills or perspective do you bring to staff that will make this summer unique?

A: “As a lifeguard, I look forward to keeping camp safe. I am also looking forward to being able to teach fishing at Discovery Camp.”

shelley lunsford

Q: What camp session are you most excited about and why?

A: "Elementary week. The kids at this age are always super excited and engaged in the activities at camp. Their creative minds and big personalities make it super fun for all the counselors."

chris mcconnaghy

Q: Why did you want to be on staff?

A: "When I was a camper at DaySpring, the counselors and staff made camp feel like home. I want to help others have that feeling."

luke nolfa

Q: What are you most excited about for Summer Camp?

A: “I am excited about new experiences and creating a fun environment for the kids to get wrapped up in the joy of being surrounded by God's love.”

hudson NORMAN

Q: What session are you most excited about and why?

A: “I am most excited for Middle School week due to the high amount of energy from the campers. Middle school is a time where each person is continuing to develop and express their identity, and camp provides an accepting community where campers can be themselves. Middle school is when I came to appreciate camp and began to realize the importance of the relationships I made there. It is super cool to see the campers of this session also come to understand the impact of a meaningful camp experience."

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