For more than six decades, Falcon Camp has been a beacon for families looking for a summer experience that opens a new page for their children. Starting December 1, Ohio's Premier Summer Camp opens registration to new families and campers. Located on the scenic shores of Lake Leesville in Carrollton, the camp has become synonymous with fun, adventure and lifelong skill development.
With a strong heritage of developing thriving, confident young people, Falcon Camp offers a unique summer environment where children ages 6 to 16 can explore independence, cultivate their sense of curiosity and build community. As owner Dave Devey says, “We want to make a difference: teach life skills and values that will stay with our campers for a lifetime. »
Falcon Camp's intentional programming and supportive environment is designed to foster self-discovery, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. At the heart of the camp philosophy is the idea that children learn best through hands-on experiences and collaboration. Activities include outdoor activities such as kayaking and horseback riding, as well as creative indoor activities with art and theater, giving campers the freedom to discover their passions. “We believe in providing an off-the-grid experience where campers live and learn together,” says Dave. “It creates an authentic connection between young people, whether it’s resolving conflict or celebrating each other’s accomplishments.”
With a camper to counselor ratio of 1:4, the camp guarantees personalized attention and mentoring – a hallmark of its success. Additionally, the intimate size of the camp: accommodating 110 campers at a time, allows for deeper relationships and a strong sense of community, which sets Falcon Camp apart.
The camp's impact is felt well beyond the summer months. Parents often praise Falcon Camp for the transformation they see in their children, with some even expressing envy at the experience. “We've had parents tell us they wish there was a camp like Falcon for adults,” Dave shares with a laugh.
Falcon's influence is lasting. A former camper, Bric Bain, now in his 30s, recently reached out to Dave, reflecting on how camp helped him become the person he is today:
“Hi Dave, I wanted to send you a sincere thank you this morning. Thank you for everything you do and all the ways you showed up for me at camp. The lessons you showed me then, I see them appearing now and I always think about camp and recall that magical place for being the place that shaped me to become a better person. Camp means so much to me. Thank you for your family, for everything you give to camp and for being an example for me to follow.
“It really made my day!” Dave exclaims. “It is humbling and rewarding to realize the role we play in the training of these young people. »
Falcon Camp hopes to instill core values such as kindness, respect, creativity and a sense of responsibility to something greater than oneself. These principles are integrated into every aspect of camp life, from group activities to daily interactions. Dave often paints a picture that illustrates Falcon's culture: “Imagine a group of young people coming together to solve problems. These moments, no matter how small, teach resilience, empathy and teamwork.
Falcon Camp offers a special week-long Young Adventurer Program for new campers ages 6-10. This program is designed to facilitate children's overnight camp experience with additional supervision and tailored activities. For returning campers, traditional multi-week sessions provide opportunities to deepen friendships and broaden skills.
With registration for new families beginning December 1, now is the perfect time to reserve a spot for summer 2025. Early registration guarantees access to the camp's most popular sessions, which often fill up quickly in due to the high return rate of current campers.
Falcon Camp encourages families to consider this one-of-a-kind experience for their children. Although places are available now, demand typically increases in the spring as summer approaches. By registering early, parents can avoid the last-minute rush and give their children something to look forward to throughout the year.
To register, visit their website.