Welcome to to Footprints, Gravatt’s faith formation program. This year our Footprints program is being led by Lay Chaplain Etta Gantt. Etta, with the help and guidance from Father John Bethell, has prepared a summer's worth of activities for our campers to experience

Gravatt just got word we will receive a grant from the United Thank Offering for the development of three outdoor learning centers that will support environmental education and the ministry of hosting retreats

 “This year will be big! Your little brother is officially part of the Gravatt staff family!” At least that is what I keep telling myself. But what dawned on me recently is that my brother is already a part of my Gravatt family.

Did you know that 7% of children in South Carolina have a parent serving time in jail or prison? I

There are so many fun activities that we get to do at Camp Gravatt. Some of my favorites are Polar Bear, archery, and high ropes, but by far my favorite thing at camp is mealtime. 

If there is one word to sum up how Gravatt positively impacts children, it is “home.”

Because of Gravatt, I’ve mastered the artistries of friendship bracelets and paint pens. I’ve befriended baby goats and caught a chicken. I’ve found that coffee can be consumed at all hours of the day. I’ve made lifelong friends and countless memories. But more importantly, because of Gravatt, I have learned so many things.

Written by Camper Mom Jennifer Suber with input from other Gravatt moms and edited by the summer camp staff.

Two years ago, I was preparing for my senior year at Lander University. I always felt that I would have time to decide what my next steps would be after school, but that fourth and final year of my college career snuck up on me - and I did not feel like I was prepared to graduate. Many students around me talked about what paths they were taking and the jobs they had in place once they had their degree in hand, future employers just waiting for their arrival. Many of my peers were ready to move on, but I did not feel the same. What did I want to do with my degree? Where did I want to go?

Open to all ages from infant to senior citizen, Family Camp began as an opportunity for young campers to experience a sample of camp life with a parent or trusted adult by their side. Many families have made Family Camp a tradition and come back year after year.

More than half of 4th graders in the United States are not proficient in reading. Illiteracy is strongly related to unemployment, poor health, and incarceration rates. Students reading below grade level at the end of third grade are four to six times more likely not to graduate from high school, which means their chances of continuing the cycle of poverty and the need for welfare for themselves, their children, and their communities are great.

In response to issues stemming from illiteracy, Gravatt partnered with the Diocese of Upper South Carolina to develop Camp Adventures in Reading (Camp AIR), 

Former summer camp staff member, Madelyn Smith, shares why she gives to Gravatt.

Fire has always been a part of the southern landscape, from lightening fires to its use by native Americans and early settlers as a management tool.  Fire is also a part of Gravatt’smission to be good stewards of our environment. Gravatt’s forest management plan prescribes the use of fire in our forests. 

The Gravatt Environmental Education Program (GEEP) is one way Gravatt fulfills its environmental mission. For the past five years, GEEP has existed to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of South Carolina natural resources.