Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of western Pennsylvania, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Camp & Retreat Center (OLMC) is the kind of place where adventure meets purpose—and where faith and fun go hand in hand.
Located in Volant, PA, OLMC was created to give young people and families a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and experience something deeper: community, nature, and a relationship with Christ.
Through what they call “Adventure Catechesis,” the camp blends outdoor excitement with meaningful faith experiences, showing that spirituality isn’t separate from life’s best moments—it’s woven right into them.
Rev. Joseph Freedy, Spiritual Advisor to the Dry Bones Ministries—the non-profit group that runs the camp—and also the priest at Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City, said OLMC is the place to be this summer. He says there are programs for kids, young adults, adults, and families. According to Freedy, the programs bring the faithful back to nature.
“We get them out into nature and away from screens,” he said. “We’ve found it to be transformative.”
Freedy said that a society that has become attached to their phones and social media, find time at OLMC peaceful. He said kids who reluctantly gave up their phones for alternative activities at the start of a camp day actually end up not wanting their phones back at the end of the day.
The reason for that could be that at the heart of OLMC are its vibrant, high-energy programs designed for a wide range of ages.
- Younger campers can jump into Explore Day Camp, where days are filled with creek stomping, hiking, arts and crafts, music, games, and even ropes courses—all while learning about faith in a natural, engaging way. Camp runs Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the weeks of July 13-17, 2026, and July 20-24, 2026. Bus transportation is available at select sites, as a part of the registration. Learn more here.
- Older campers can take things further with overnight adventures at Work Service Camp (also called Mission Week), where teens focus on prayer, sacrifice, and serving others. It’s a five-night camp June 21-26, 2026, for youth entering grades 8-12 in Fall 2026. Learn more here.
- Family camping is a new camp experience for 2026 designed for families to unplug, reconnect, and grow together in faith and community surrounded by God’s creation. Over the course of three days, families can enjoy shared outdoor activities, meaningful time together, and opportunities for prayer and reflection in a welcoming Catholic environment. It will be held June 27-29, 2026, and July 1-3, 2026. Learn more here.
- Young Adult Experience is a new (2026) summer overnight adventure designed for young adults (ages 21-30) to grow in faith, community, and leadership in a beautiful outdoor setting. Participants will have opportunities to deepen their relationship with Christ, build lasting friendships, and engage in meaningful Catholic fellowship and activities tailored to their stage of life. It will be held July 9-12, 2026. Learn more here.
Each program’s webpages offer information about the programs, how to register, and even packing lists!
Behind every great camp experience is an even greater team, and OLMC’s staff are a huge part of what makes the magic happen. Staff members are young adults who bring energy, leadership, and a genuine love for working with kids and sharing their faith. They spend about ten weeks together in the summer (including training), leading activities, guiding campers, and building a joyful, faith-filled community. For those interested in joining, becoming a staff member is more than just a summer job—it’s a full-time, immersive experience that challenges you, grows your leadership skills, and invites you to make a lasting impact. Those interested in becoming a staff member can apply on the website.
Whether you come as a camper or a counselor, OLMC isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you long after summer ends.
Learn more about OLMC:
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Address: 289 Camp Elliot Lane, Volant, PA, United States, 16156
Email: camp@drybonespgh.org
Call: (724) 533-8013
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