The Diocese of Harrisburg holds an annual 1 week residential summer camp for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon County. The program is for adults (ages 18 and older) with a primary diagnosis of mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities who enjoy group activities and have no severe behavioral problems. Campers must be ambulatory and the camp is open to adults of all faiths.
Camp Kirchenwald, Lebanon County
About the Program
Activities at the camp are all adapted to the needs and abilities of adults with intellectual disabilities. These activities include:
- swimming
- canoeing
- hiking and nature study
- sports
- games
- arts and crafts
- fishing
In addition, campers will participate in evening activities in a beautiful multi-acre wooded setting.
Camper Applications
Applications for campers are now available. To view and complete the application, please click here. As part of the application process, a $100 registration fee will be collected with the application. Applications are due by May 15, 2026. Questions or issues with the registration form should be directed to campk@hbgdiocese.org.
Camper Application Form (click here)
Volunteer Registration Form: Youth & Young Adult / Adult (21+)
While campers are asked to pay a fee to attend camp and some counties will subsidize the cost of camp, the entire cost is often not paid. Donations are welcome to assist the diocese in providing this week-long experience. Your contribution helps make the camp possible for many who couldn’t afford it, enabling various activities for all attendees. A special thank you to the Knights in Action for their continued support of camp.
The camp is staffed by trained volunteers. The camp is staffed by 2 full-time registered nurses. Volunteers are always needed! Full-time staff are desirable, arriving late in the afternoon on Saturday and staying until noon on Friday. No experience is necessary, but those with experience in working with people with disabilities are especially welcome. Attendance at training is required for all volunteers.
Volunteer Registration Form: Youth & Young Adult / Adult (21+)
The cost per camper is determined annually. Please contact campk@hbgdiocese.org for current information about camper costs. Volunteers attend at no cost. A deposit is required with registration and the remainder is requested prior to the start of camp week. Camp cost includes all meals, snacks and lodging. Financial aid may be available, depending on need and registration levels.
Knights in Action Make Generous Donation to Aid Diocesan Camp at Kirchenwald – Presenting a check for nearly $7,000 to Bishop Timothy Senior and representatives from the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization, Deacon Gregory Amarante, Marianne Weltmer and Corinne Kern, camp director, officials from the Knights in Action arm of the Knights of Columbus visited the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg to donate the monies for Camp Kirchenwald – a camp that has been held for more than 30 years in the rustic environs near Colebrook and Mount Gretna, Lebanon County. Read more
Knights in Action Donate $9,500 to Support Diocesan Camp at Kirchenwald – Knights in Action, an organization dedicated to the charitable efforts of the Diocese of Harrisburg, made a sizable contribution of $9,500 to the Diocese’s Camp at Kirchenwald on Saturday, August 2, while meeting volunteers during an orientation session ahead of this year’s camp. Read more
Slideshow: Annual Camp for Adults with Disabilities – Friendships, inspiration and faith were deepened and renewed this month at the annual Diocesan Summer Camp for Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Held in the wooded acres of Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon County, the residential camp offers a week of crafts, nature walks, swimming, fishing, faith sharing, sing-a-longs and meals, among other activities. This year’s highlights included a vigil Mass for the Feast of the Assumption, a lively talent show, a juggling act and a hands-on presentation about various reptiles. Check out our video to see more!
