Camp Mardela - FAQs

"How long has Camp Mardela been around?"

    Camp Mardela celebrated its 60th year of Christian camping in 2008!

"Where is Camp Mardela located?"

    Located on Maryland's beautiful eastern shore, Camp Mardela is located in Denton, Maryland, approximately 45 miles from both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

"Who can attend Camp Mardela?"

    Camp Mardela offers a series of weekend and week-long summer camps for children who have completed grades k-12, regardless of religious affiliation.  Through out the rest of the year, we also plan other events for children and adults of all ages.  For a complete list of upcoming events, visit our PROGRAMS page.

"Who is the Church of the Brethren, and what do they have to do with Camp Mardela?"

    The Church of the Brethren is a Protestant denomination with congregations nationwide. The Church of the Brethren upholds the teachings of the New Testament as the example for living. Camp Mardela is owned by the Mid-Atlantic District of the Church of the Brethren, which serves and is supported by the Church of the Brethren congregations in Maryland, Delaware, Northern Virginia, and parts of West Virginia.  Find more information about the Church of the Brethren and the Mid-Atlantic District on our LINKS page.

"Do I have to be Brethren to visit Camp Mardela, or attend one of your programs?"

    Absolutely not. All of our programs are open to anyone who wants to come. In fact only about half of our summer campers come from the local Brethren congregations.

"How is the summer theme chosen, and who designs the materials that are used?"

    The summer curriculum that Camp Mardela uses is designed and produced by the Committee on Outdoor Ministry, which is a part of the National Council of Churches (NCC). The NCC is a multi-denominational collaboration that includes members from many different Protestant and Orthodox communities including Brethren, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and many others. To find more information about the National Council of Churches, visit our LINKS page.

"What happens at Camp Mardela in between all of the programs and camps that you offer?"

    When Camp Mardela is not running its own programs, the facilities are available for rental by other groups.   To inquire about available dates or to make a reservation, visit our CONTACT US page.

"What sort of groups can use Camp Mardela?"

    Camp Mardela is frequently rented for church picnics and family reunions. We also have hosted receptions, small group retreats, youth retreats and week-long church camps. We have a range of facilities to accommodate from just a few people for one or two days, right up to groups of 100 people for a week or more!  To find out more about Camp Mardela's buildings and grounds, and our rental policies and procedures, visit our FACILITIES page.

"Is Camp Mardela open year round?"

    Yes, although the facilities that are available vary with the weather. During the winter months, groups will want to use our King Retreat Center, which can accommodate up to 30 people. When the weather is warmer, groups of up to 100 can utilize our larger dining hall and bath house, while sleeping in our retreat center, any of our six cabins, or camping out. For more specific information about each building, and what it can be used for, visit our FACILITIES page.