Damascus Summer Camp:
Summit Lake

The newest Damascus Summer Camp location will open in 2026 at a newly renovated site in Emmitsburg, MD.

Registration IS OPEN!

Summit Lake:
Summer 2026 Sessions

High School sessions are for students entering grades 9-12. Middle School sessions are for students entering grades 6-8.

Cost per Session: $645

Register
Week 1: Middle School
June 7 - 12
Week 2: High School
June 14 - 19
Week 3: High School
June 21 - 26
Week 4: High School
June 28 - July 3
Week 5: Middle School
July 5 - 10
Week 6: High School
July 12 - 17
Week 7: Middle School
July 19 - 24
Week 8: Middle School
July 26 - 31

Location

Summit Lake Camp
7610 Hampton Valley Rd.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

1.5 hours from Baltimore
‍
Within 2 hours of Washington, DC and 3 hours from Philadelphia

explore the siteExplore the site

Phase 1 of activity and facility renovations will be completed in 2026, with additional updates ongoing!

Meeting Spaces
Lodging
Campus Landmarks
High-Adventure Activities

The Lodge

The center of the action at Damascus, located within a 5-minute walk to all cabins.

Auditorium

Stage with state-of-the-art sound and light systems, flanked by two giant screens. Capacity: 350 in row seating; expandable up to 900 with collapsible wall open to Dining Hall

Dining Hall

A spacious venue with lots of natural light. Capacity: 350 at tables, 550 in row seating. Outdoor game area on patio includes gaga pit, carpet ball, and nine-square.

Lobby and Chapel

The main lobby can serve as a gathering space for up to 100. The heart of our campus is found in the chapel, with a capacity for 25.

Lakeside Retreat Centers

Two all-in-one retreat centers overlooking Lake Joy

The large central space can host up to 50 and features an indoor fireplace and built-in kitchenette. Wings offer a sitting room area leading to five rooms for four and individual restrooms. Outdoor porch overlooks Lake Joy. Both are HVAC equipped with a capacity of 40 overnight in Amish-built bunk beds (2 per room).

The large central space can host up to 50 and features an indoor fireplace and built-in kitchenette. Wings offer a sitting room area leading to five rooms for four and individual restrooms. Outdoor porch overlooks Lake Joy. Both are HVAC equipped with a capacity of 40 overnight in Amish-built bunk beds (2 per room).

The large central space can host up to 50 and features an indoor fireplace and built-in kitchenette. Wings offer a sitting room area leading to five rooms for four and individual restrooms. Outdoor porch overlooks Lake Joy. Both are HVAC equipped with a capacity of 40 overnight in Amish-built bunk beds (2 per room).

The large central space can host up to 50 and features an indoor fireplace and built-in kitchenette. Wings offer a sitting room area leading to five rooms for four and individual restrooms. Outdoor porch overlooks Lake Joy. Both are HVAC equipped with a capacity of 40 overnight in Amish-built bunk beds (2 per room).

Activity Barn

A country-style meeting, games, and recreation space.

Central area can serve as meeting space for up to 70 in row seating, or half-court basketball and dodgeball. Game room has foosball, ping-pong, pool, and board games. Outdoor patio and firepit are located behind the barn.

Central area can serve as meeting space for up to 70 in row seating, or half-court basketball and dodgeball. Game room has foosball, ping-pong, pool, and board games. Outdoor patio and firepit are located behind the barn.

Central area can serve as meeting space for up to 70 in row seating, or half-court basketball and dodgeball. Game room has foosball, ping-pong, pool, and board games. Outdoor patio and firepit are located behind the barn.

Central area can serve as meeting space for up to 70 in row seating, or half-court basketball and dodgeball. Game room has foosball, ping-pong, pool, and board games. Outdoor patio and firepit are located behind the barn.

Renovations

Planned construction includes upgrades to existing buildings as well as newly constructed cabins

Chapel

A prayerful space to form the heart of the campus

Dining Hall

Phase II includes renovations to the existing building and the addition of a covered eating space

Auditorium

Will be able to host 300 people for nightly programming

Cabins

8 fully renovated cabins will be ready to welcome campers in the summer of 2026.

Each of these eight Amish-built cabins consists of two rooms with bunks for 10, bathrooms integrated in the center of the cabin, and a front porch. HVAC-controlled, with Amish-built bunk beds. Capacity per cabin: 20.

Each of these eight Amish-built cabins consists of two rooms with bunks for 10, bathrooms integrated in the center of the cabin, and a front porch. HVAC-controlled, with Amish-built bunk beds. Capacity per cabin: 20.

Each of these eight Amish-built cabins consists of two rooms with bunks for 10, bathrooms integrated in the center of the cabin, and a front porch. HVAC-controlled, with Amish-built bunk beds. Capacity per cabin: 20.

Air Activities

High Ropes

A custom-built course will offer 4 route options for your team, with a rappelling tower in the middle of the course

Climbing Tower

Combines the fun of a Rock Wall with the variety of Vertical Play Pen, with routes for every skill level

Giant Swing

Swing 3 at a time after your group pulls you up to a height of 25 ft

Land Activities

Paintball

Test your courage and teamwork on a purpose-built course using Tippmann 98 Custom markers

Archery Tag

Dodge, aim, and tag your opponents with foam-tipped arrows in a fast-paced, strategic game

Sacred Art

Engage in prayer as you learn a form of sacred art and craft a piece to take home with you

Water Activities

Water Obstacle

Climb, balance, swing, and slide on Aquaglide inflatables designed to challenge agility and coordination.

Zip Lines

Enjoy the beautiful view as you race down a 700 ft zip line

Beachfront

Summer time is best enjoyed at the lake!

A Note for Parents

At all Damascus programs, we have a policy we like to call “challenge by choice”. That means every camper will be invited to participate in each activity, but no one will be forced to go too far beyond their comfort zone. We encourage campers to take the next step in a way that will help them grow and develop greater confidence.

Parents
Parishes

Dear Parents

Sending your child to camp is a big decision. We are here to help answer any questions or concerns. Our trained staff is committed to the safety and faith development of your child. We want to partner with you in providing the same degree of care that you show at home in their time away.

InquireRegister Today

Multiplying the Impact

A week together at Catholic Youth Summer Camp can provide a shared experience where the youth of your community are set on fire for their faith and launched into a lifestyle of deeper discipleship that is nourished by the work of pastors, catechists, and youth ministers at home.

Connect with us to learn more about how CYSC can be a part of your parish's growth.

Inquiremanage reservation

Clergy and religious are especially invited to join for a week of summer camp (with or without a parish group). Watch the video for more about this special invitation!