Mission & Values

Camp Downer’s mission is to provide a positive and affordable camping experience for youth in a safe, constructive, and welcoming environment.

Camp Downer’s Values

  • Inclusivity: Camp Downer is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children, fostering a sense of belonging and community where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced.

  • Individual Empowerment: Camp Downer strives to recognize the uniqueness of each individual and promote a sense of achievement and autonomy by encouraging personal success, self-confidence, and the development of new skills and experiences.

  • Leadership Development: Camp Downer places a strong emphasis on leadership, individual responsibility, and self-reliance, providing campers with opportunities to discover and hone their leadership styles and abilities.

  • Environmental Awareness and Stewardship: Camp Downer is dedicated to promoting awareness of the natural world, instilling values of conservation, and encouraging campers to appreciate and coexist with nature through various eco-friendly activities and programs. Camp Downer actively involves campers in environmental practices such as recycling, composting, and waste reduction, contributing to a culture of environmental responsibility.

  • Community Engagement: Camp Downer promotes a positive communal environment by providing opportunities for campers to actively participate in group activities and communal responsibilities, as well as encouraging awareness and care for others and shared spaces.

  • Relationship Building: Camp Downer values the development of personal relationships, providing opportunities for campers to interact with diverse individuals, fostering new connections, and creating an environment where friendships can flourish.

  • Spirit of Service and Empathy: Camp Downer encourages campers to embody the "Downer Spirit," emphasizing service, empathy, and a positive attitude that inspires the best in oneself and others.