Planning a summer camp experience for your church group, youth ministry, high school leadership team, or private organization? Renting a private summer camp facility gives your group the freedom to create your own schedule, theme, and memories — without the hassle of coordinating every detail from scratch.
At Orange Springs Retreat Center in Central Florida, we specialize in an exclusive-use summer camp rental for groups of 60–200+ guests. Our flat per-person rate model is designed to be straightforward and all-inclusive, so you can focus on what matters most: building community, teamwork skills, outdoor excitement, spiritual growth, or simply unforgettable summer(or winter) fun.
Here’s exactly what’s included when you rent a summer camp like ours — and what you should know before booking.
The Simple Per-Person Pricing Model
Most private summer camp rentals (especially those serving organized groups) use an all-inclusive per-person rate rather than nickel-and-diming you with add-ons.
When you book with Orange Springs Retreat Center, your rate covers:
- All meals for the duration of your stay (prepared fresh on-site)
- Comfortable lodging for every member of your group
- Exclusive use of our entire 100+ acre lakefront property — no other groups on site
- Full access to meeting spaces, most recreational facilities, and self-directed activities at no extra charge
This transparent model eliminates surprises and makes budgeting simple for churches, schools, and nonprofits.
Comfortable Lodging for Your Entire Group
Your group stays together in our well-maintained lodging facilities, designed to comfortably accommodate groups from 60 to 200+ guests.
Because we were originally a traditional sleepaway camp (Camp Shalom), the property features the classic summer camp feel — think cabin-style and dormitory living that encourages bonding and late-night conversations. All buildings are heated and air-conditioned for year-round comfort, with large covered porches perfect for evening hangouts or rainy-day gatherings.
You’ll have the entire lodging area to yourselves for maximum privacy and group cohesion.
Nutritious, Customizable Group Meals
No one wants to cook or coordinate food for 100+ people on retreat. That’s why we include all meals prepared by our on-site Chef Kevin.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and typically snacks or evening options
- Nutritious, kid-friendly, and group-pleasing menus
- Fully customizable — dietary restrictions, theme nights, or special requests accommodated
- Chef Kevin is on staff for both weekend and week-long retreats
Your group leaders can relax knowing meals are handled professionally and on schedule, freeing everyone to participate fully in programming.
Exclusive Use of the Entire Property
One of the biggest advantages of renting a private summer camp facility is exclusivity.
When you book Orange Springs, your group has the whole place to yourselves: – No sharing fields, the lake, or meeting rooms with strangers – Complete freedom to run your own schedule, worship services, small groups, or team-building activities – A distraction-free environment surrounded by nature (bordering the Ocala National Forest)
This private setting is ideal for church retreats, youth camps, high school leadership weekends, men’s/women’s groups, and corporate team-building.
Meeting Spaces & Program Support
Effective summer camp programming needs good spaces for teaching, worship, small groups, and activities. We provide:
- Multiple meeting rooms of various sizes for lectures, breakouts, or crafting
- A dedicated theater/lecture room with overhead projector for movies, presentations, or large-group sessions
- Indoor creative spaces and outdoor pavilions
- Flexible setup options so you can configure rooms to fit your agenda
Bonfires are available upon request — perfect for evening worship, testimonies, or classic camp s’mores nights.
Recreation & Activities: Included 24/7
Summer camp should feel fun and active. Most of our recreational offerings are available for your group to enjoy at any time during your stay at no additional cost:
Lake & Water Activities
- Swimming in our pristine, crystal-clear spring-fed lake with a beautiful white-sand beach
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating (equipment provided)
- Lake inflatables and water play (seasonal)
- Fishing (bring your own poles — brim, bass, and speckled perch are common)
Land Sports & Games
- Four well-maintained hard-surface tennis courts (bring your own rackets)
- Indoor basketball courts
- Soccer field
- Multiple volleyball courts (including beach volleyball)
- Open fields for capture the flag, ultimate frisbee, or your own games
- Gaga ball and other camp classics
- Walking and nature trails throughout the 100+ acre property
Evening & Group Activities
- Evening campfires (upon request)
- Stargazing and nature time in a low-light-pollution area near the Ocala National Forest
These activities run on a self-directed basis — your group leaders or designated staff supervise as needed. It’s the classic summer camp freedom with modern reliability.
Activities Available by Request (Additional Fees May Apply)
Some higher-adventure elements require advance coordination and professional facilitation:
- High & low ropes courses with zip lines — available upon request with our referred facilitators (pricing based on group size)
- Archery — requires separate outside facilitation arranged in advance
We’re happy to help you add these for an enhanced experience. Just let us know early so we can reserve facilitators.
What’s Usually NOT Included in a Summer Camp Rental
To set realistic expectations, here’s what your group is typically responsible for:
- Your own program staff and counselors — We provide the venue and support; you bring the leadership, curriculum, and supervision ratios appropriate for your group.
- Transportation to and from the property
- Personal gear (fishing poles, Bibles/study materials, bedding if needed, etc.)
- Specialty programming or off-site trips (we can sometimes assist with recommendations)
- Insurance — All groups carry their own liability/event insurance
We’re transparent about this model because it’s what allows us to keep rates reasonable while giving you full control over the experience.
Why Groups Love Renting Our Florida Summer Camp
- Proven track record — We’ve hosted many successful retreats and camps since 2003
- Ideal location — Just 35 minutes from Ocala, ~1.5 hours from Orlando, Tampa, or Jacksonville
- Year-round readiness — Fully heated and air-conditioned, though summer lake days are our specialty
- Christian Camp & Conference Association (CCCA) member — Added peace of mind for faith-based groups
- Stress-free logistics — One point of contact, flat-rate pricing, and an on-site team that genuinely cares about your group’s success
Whether you’re running a high-energy youth camp, a reflective church retreat, a leadership intensive for high schoolers, or a private family reunion-style camp, the model works beautifully.
Ready to Rent a Summer Camp for Your Group?
Summer dates fill quickly — especially popular weeks in June, July, and early August.
Note: We are now accepting reservations and deposits for summer 2027 and beyond. Planning ahead ensures you get your preferred dates and the best availability for your group size. Although 2026, is currently fully booked, we do keep a waitlist
Next Steps: 1. Visit our Amenities page for photos and more details 2. Contact us directly at 561.221.7773 or through our website inquiry form 3. Request a customized quote, sample menu, or virtual tour 4. Ask about our info packet and group planning checklist
We’d love to help you create an incredible summer camp experience that your group will talk about for years.
This guide was created to help group leaders, youth pastors, camp directors, and organizers understand exactly what to expect when renting a private summer camp. At Orange Springs Retreat Center, we believe clear communication leads to the best retreats.
