Introduction The American Legion Southern Maryland Youth Camp

Introduction The American Legion Southern Maryland Youth Camp, is a project of the Southern Maryland District, The American Legion, Inc. , Department of Maryland. It’s aim is to provide camping and recreational facilities for our young people, including those with disabilities. The Youth Camp was the dream of William Kesting, past Department Commander of The American Legion. Bill signed a 99 year lease with the State of Maryland in 1981 for 30 acres of land on Surratts Road in Cheltenham, Maryland.

Youth Camp Objectives To nurture traditional values, support democratic ideals, and to provide educational opportunities that may not otherwise be available. ► To provide an opportunity for mainstream interactions between children with disabilities and those who are not. ► To promote a better understanding of nature through direct interface with the environment. ► To help teach youth how to live in harmony with their environment in order to promote the preservation of natural resources. ► To provide primitive camping facilities for organized youth groups. ► To provide domiciliary and recreational facilities for all youth. ► To provide facilities for picnics, hikes, athletic contests, and other events. ►

Main Building

Amenities Main banquet hall w/ kitchen 5 cabins that sleep 34 each 30 acres w/ 15 acres of primitive land for camping and hiking ► Gazebo ► Open fields for camping/activities ► ► ►

Side View Main Building with Gazebo and Cabin

Banquet Hall ► Seats 200 w/ area for dancing ► Commercial kitchen ► Patio ► Perfect for receptions or meetings

Cabins 5 cabins – Each sleeps 34 ► Separate room for 2 counselors ► 3 cabins have AC and Heat ► Each bunk has locker for personal items. ► Ceiling fans in each cabin ►

Cabins and Bath House

Bath House ► Separate sides for male/female ► Showers – 6 showers on each side

Fields ► Two separate fieldsapprox 10 acres each ► Great for camping, ballgames, other open field activities

Gazebo ► 40’ in diameter ► Enclosed w/ window air-conditioners ► Refrigerator ► Wood stove

Walking Trails Approx. two miles of nature trails ► Swinging bridge ► Two primitive camping areas w/ fire rings ► Amphitheatre ►

Amphitheater ► Seats approximately 100 ► Large fire ring ► Ideal for religious service or Scout ceremonies

Confidence Course ► 7 stations ► Ideal for children ages 11 to 16 ► Swing set in addition to the 7 stations

Or playground

Additional Information Address: Southern Maryland District Youth Camp 9201 Surratts Road Cheltenham, MD 20623 Mailing Address: Southern Maryland District Youth Camp PO Box 30 Clinton, MD 20735 Phone Number: 301 -782 -3338 or Bill Milligan at 301 -518 -3289 or e-mail wfmilligan@verizon. net Leave a message and a representative of the Youth Camp will return your call