Cedarkirk is a year-round camp and conference center owned by the Presbyteries of Tampa Bay and Peace River.  Our mission is to be a place apart to build up the body of Christ in love. Cedarkirk is dedicated to providing a space for individuals and groups to have the opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth in a natural environment.  Cedarkirk offers overnight and day camping experiences for children and youth of all denominations.  Our goal is to provide developmentally-appropriate activities for each age group and to offer opportunities to build lasting relationships with peers, staff, and God through community-oriented fellowship, worship, and Bible study.

The Staff
The safety, training, and quality of the Cedarkirk staff is the key component to our program and a successful camp experience. Our staff are energetic, dedicated, Christian young adults who have committed their time and energy this summer to caring for your child. Each counselor goes through an extensive hiring process, including interviews and background checks. Staff that are selected receive 11 days of intense training prior to the summer with skill tests in each activity and continue with ongoing instruction throughout the summer. Our staff training (which includes First Aid and CPR certification) prepares counselors to lead small groups of campers, to relate to the unique nature of each camper, to be confident in the outdoors, and to facilitate all of our great activities that campers love. Cedarkirk staff are equipped with the skills that enable them to create a physically and emotionally safe environment for all campers.

ACA Accreditation
Cedarkirk is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association. Developed exclusively for the camp profession, this nationally-recognized organization focuses on program quality, health, safety issues, and staff qualification. ACA accreditation requires us to review every facet of our operation. Cedarkirk has voluntarily submitted to this independent appraisal done by camp experts and has earned this mark of distinction.

The Camp Experience
In each program, a “family group” including no more than eight boys (with their male counselor) and no more than eight girls (with their female counselor) will do most of their camp activities together. Every evening, these “family groups” gather for worship and an all-camp activity (such as a campfire or an all-camp swim time). The community that forms within the family group and within the camp as a whole is an important aspect of the Cedarkirk experience. Campers are expected and encouraged to be involved in all camp activities.

Our Summer Theme: Handle With Care
Our theme for this summer is “Handle With Care!” During the week, Worship Leaders (visiting pastors and church educators) and Camp Counselors will help us deepen our understanding of what it means to be caretakers entrusted with God’s creation.  In worship and in Bible Study, the entire camp community will explore the goodness of God’s creation, what it means to be a steward, and the loving relationship between God and all creation. The
“Handle With Care” curriculum is published by an ecumenical publishing partnership in cooperation with the National Council of Churches.  This publishing partnership includes the PC(USA), Church of the Brethren, United Church of Christ, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Christian Church Disciples of Christ), American Baptist Churches in the USA, and the United Methodist Church.

Roommates
It is recognized that some campers may wish to have a specific roommate during their stay at camp.  Yet, part of the camp experience is making new friends and developing community within the group.  Most Cedarkirk campers do not come to camp with a roommate.  If you desire, you may request one roommate.  Siblings will be placed in separate groups unless you advise us otherwise.  Cedarkirk invites all campers to come with an openness to new experiences and new relationships.

Scholarships
We believe that every child who wants to go to camp should be able to attend.  If you are in need of financial help to send your child to camp, scholarship money is available to assist families.  Be sure to speak with your pastor or church office as well.  Often they will help kids and their families pay for camp.  To inquire about a scholarship from Cedarkirk, please contact the camp office at 813-685-4224 ext. 1.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of your child is our first concern and priority.  Camp programs are not without risk, but we aim to minimize risk and maximize fun through effective staff training, safety procedures, and quality supervision.  Cedarkirk features a first-aid center and our staff is certified in first-aid and CPR.  Medical facilities are located in Brandon, less than 13 miles away from camp.  All activities with increased risk are supervised by a staff member trained in that particular area, including High Ropes and Canoeing.  All swimming activities are monitored by a certified lifeguard(s).  Some Cedarkirk programs will involve off-site activities; campers will travel in Cedarkirk vans and be driven by trained staff members over the age of 21.

Florida Weather
At Cedarkirk, we try to provide the opportunity for all campers to participate in every activity for their age group. However, due to Florida’s summer weather of frequent rain and thunderstorms, some activities might not be possible to complete during your child’s week of camp. Counselors are trained in teaching and leading alternative indoor activities during such times. Despite rainy days, campers have fun playing and laughing inside Cedarkirk’s facilities.

The Facilities
Cedarkirk opened in 1971 and has over 35 years of experience providing quality summer programs for children and youth. Nestled along the Alafia River, the summer camp facilities include 2 air-conditioned lodges, 2 air-conditioned cabins, 8 rustic cabins and 4 platform tents with large fans, a pavilion, a pool, playing fields, an archery range, a low-ropes initiative course, a high-ropes challenge course, a climbing wall, a labyrinth, a prayer garden, zip-lines, several hiking trails and two outdoor worship areas. For more information and pictures of the Cedarkirk facilities, please click here.