Lums Pond Youth Camp

For educators, youth leaders, and organizations throughout Delaware, finding a location that seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with educational opportunities is paramount. Lums Pond Youth Camp, nestled within the expansive and activity-rich Lums Pond State Park in Delaware 19701, USA, offers precisely this unique combination. Unlike a typical family campground, this facility is specifically designed for primitive group camping, providing a rugged yet safe environment for young people to connect with nature, learn valuable outdoor skills, and engage in a wide array of recreational activities. It's a place where leadership is fostered, teamwork is encouraged, and unforgettable experiences are made against the backdrop of Delaware's largest freshwater pond.

Lums Pond Youth Camp is an integral part of the broader Lums Pond State Park, which consistently ranks as a premier outdoor destination in Delaware. While specific customer reviews for the "Youth Camp" itself are less common due to its specialized group focus, the park as a whole receives widespread acclaim for its diverse amenities and well-maintained facilities. The youth camp experience aligns with the park's overall commitment to providing enriching outdoor opportunities. Here, groups can immerse themselves in traditional camping activities while having access to the state park's extensive network of trails, a large freshwater pond, and even a thrilling treetop adventure course. This blend of primitive camping with readily available modern amenities and engaging activities makes Lums Pond Youth Camp an ideal and highly suitable location for educational and recreational programming for youth groups across Delaware.

Location and Accessibility

Lums Pond Youth Camp is advantageously situated within Lums Pond State Park, with its address being Delaware 19701, USA, a geographical marker that places it firmly in New Castle County. This location is easily accessible for groups traveling from various parts of Delaware and neighboring states, making it a convenient choice for field trips, retreats, and summer programs. The park is well-connected by major roadways, allowing for relatively straightforward bus or van travel for groups.

Being part of Lums Pond State Park means the youth camp benefits from a secluded, natural environment while still being within a reasonable distance of essential services. Nearby towns like Bear and Newark offer access to grocery stores, medical facilities, and other amenities, ensuring that groups can easily acquire any necessary supplies. The park itself is a natural oasis, centered around the 200-acre Lums Pond, which provides a stunning focal point and numerous water-based activities. The accessibility, combined with the immersive natural setting, makes Lums Pond Youth Camp an ideal choice for youth organizations looking for both convenience and a genuine outdoor experience in Delaware.

Services Offered

Lums Pond Youth Camp, as a primitive group camping facility, offers specific services tailored to the needs of organized youth groups and their adult leaders. These services facilitate a fundamental camping experience while providing necessary amenities for a safe and functional stay.

• Primitive Group Campsites: The camp provides designated primitive campsites, typically consisting of large open fields or wooded areas suitable for multiple tents. These sites often include shared amenities for multiple groups.
• Portable Toilets: Essential restroom facilities, often in the form of portable toilets, are provided on-site for convenience. Some may be ADA-accessible.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each camping section or site generally includes a communal fire ring for campfires and cooking, along with picnic tables for group meals and activities.
• Centralized Water Access: While individual sites may not have direct water hookups, there is typically a centralized frost-free water spigot or spigots available within a short walking distance for potable water. Groups are encouraged to bring their own water containers.
• Shared Pavilion (potentially): Some group camping areas may offer a shared-use pavilion, providing a covered space for activities, meals, or shelter from the elements.
• Amphitheater-Style Fire Pit (potentially): Larger group sites might feature an amphitheater-style fire pit, ideal for campfire programs, storytelling, or group gatherings.
• Access to Park Facilities: Campers at the Youth Camp have access to the broader Lums Pond State Park facilities, which include modern bathhouses with showers (a short distance away from the primitive sites), a dump station for RVs (if applicable for support vehicles), and a nature center.

It's crucial for group leaders to confirm the exact amenities and facilities available at their specific youth camp site upon reservation.

Features / Highlights

Lums Pond Youth Camp, by virtue of its location within Lums Pond State Park, offers an exceptional array of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for youth group adventures in Delaware.

• Largest Freshwater Pond in Delaware: The centerpiece of the park, Lums Pond, offers extensive opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating (rentals available May-September), and fishing. Note: swimming in the pond is not permitted.
• Go Ape! Zipline Treetop Adventure Course: A major attraction, this aerial adventure course provides thrilling ziplines, rope courses, and obstacles through the forest canopy, with options for both a main Treetop Adventure and a Treetop Journey (Junior) course for younger participants.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 10 miles of trails wind through hardwood forests, suitable for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Popular trails include the 8.1-mile Swamp Forest Trail loop around the pond and the 8-mile Little Jersey Trail.
• Nature Center: The Whale Wallow Nature Center offers environmental education, featuring local wildlife exhibits, including a 500-gallon freshwater fish tank, reptiles, and amphibians, providing a fantastic learning resource for groups.
• Athletic Fields and Courts: The park boasts a wide range of sports facilities, including football, soccer, and cricket fields, as well as tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, perfect for organized group games and activities.
• Disc Golf Course: A popular 18-hole disc golf course offers a fun and challenging activity for all skill levels.
• Equestrian Center (Sunset Stables): For groups interested in horseback riding, Sunset Stables offers lessons and trail rides, providing a unique outdoor experience.
• Summer Camp Programs: The park hosts various themed summer camps (e.g., fishing, nature, adventure, history), providing structured educational and recreational programs that youth groups might participate in or draw inspiration from.
• Pet-Friendly (in designated areas): While the youth camp is primitive, the overall park is pet-friendly, allowing for leashed pets in most areas, which is a consideration for organizations with service animals or specific needs.
• Fishing: Lums Pond is considered one of Delaware's best fishing spots, regularly stocked with various species, offering a popular activity for youth. Fishing licenses are required.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about youth camp availability, specific rules and regulations for group camping, or to learn more about Lums Pond State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Delaware 19701, USA (Lums Pond State Park is located at 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, which is the primary administrative address for the park).

Park Office Phone: (302) 368-6989

Campground Reservations (Delaware State Parks): 1-877-98-PARKS (1-877-987-2757)

Go Ape! Zipline & Adventure Park: 1-800-971-8271 or www.goape.com

It is highly recommended for group leaders to contact Delaware State Parks reservations or the Lums Pond State Park office directly to confirm all details, make reservations, and ensure all group needs are met for their stay at Lums Pond Youth Camp.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Delaware-based youth organizations, schools, and groups seeking an impactful and accessible outdoor experience, Lums Pond Youth Camp within Lums Pond State Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in providing a dedicated primitive camping area for groups, fostering self-reliance and teamwork in a natural setting. This environment is ideal for developing leadership skills, promoting environmental awareness, and offering a break from urban routines for young people.

The true value for locals, however, extends beyond just the primitive campsites. The youth camp benefits immensely from its integration within Lums Pond State Park, granting groups access to an unparalleled array of recreational and educational activities. From challenging the Go Ape! zipline course and exploring over 10 miles of diverse trails for hiking and biking, to engaging in water sports on Delaware's largest freshwater pond and learning at the Whale Wallow Nature Center, the opportunities for adventure and discovery are boundless. The availability of athletic fields and equestrian facilities further diversifies the programming potential for any youth group.

The convenience of its New Castle County location, with easy access via major roadways and proximity to nearby towns for supplies, makes logistics manageable for group leaders. This allows the focus to remain on the enriching experiences the park provides. Lums Pond Youth Camp is more than just a place to pitch tents; it's a dynamic outdoor classroom and adventure playground, making it a perfect choice for Delaware's youth to grow, learn, and create lasting memories in their own backyard.

Lums Pond Youth Camp

Delaware 19701, USA