Camp Falling Rock

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Camp Falling Rock is located at 40.175377720482714, -82.30924525922379, aproximatly 11 miles north of Newark Ohio. It is owned and Operated by Simon Kenton Council, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

History

The Church Group

The earliest documented use of the property is from the 1880's, when the camp was used as a church retreat by a group from Mt. Vernon. Church retreat camps were common in this area of Licking County, the terrain is challenging for agriculture, and the rock formations and cliff faces provided an excellent backdrop for such activities. An inscription from this time on a rock wall reads: "Camp Whip-Poor-Will Mount Vernon, Ohio 1888" The church camp administration building, believed to have been built in 1883, stood on camp until 2013.

The Early Years

Licking County Council purchased 34 acres of land in 1926. In 1927 the property was established as Camp Falling Rock. The name of the camp was chosen for a rock formation along the main road approaching the camp. When driving along the road it would appear that the overhanging rocks were about to fall into the road.

During the first year the property was used for unit camping and activities, meanwhile fundraising was carried out to build the five small barracks buildings and a dining hall. Construction was completed on these buildings in 1927. One of the barracks buildings survives and serves at the boat house.

Summer camp opened at Camp Falling Rock for the first time in 1928. During these first few years camp was accessed on a scout built monkey bridge spanning the Rocky Fork Creek. Later a foot bridge was built, and a permanent bridge was installed by the county in 1931.

The cost for the first season of camp was $10 per two week session, two sessions were offered that first summer.

Facilities

Programs