Dear Friends,
We hope you are all well and looking forward to spring and the possibility of getting outside and enjoying some of the wonders the world around us has to offer.
We are writing everyone who has rented any of the BYM camp properties in recent years to let you know how much we have missed you since April of 2020 and how we look forward to seeing you at camp again soon. Unfortunately, we will not be able to rent out the camps as a whole this spring due to the pandemic. However, we have another option for you to consider.
In the spring, summer and fall of 2020 we rented out 6 cabins at Catoctin Quaker Camp as campsites. Each campsite was equipped with a fire pit, picnic table and campers were given access to the bathhouse. The other public areas (Lodge, dining hall etc.) remained closed but renters were able to make use of the grounds and fire circles.
It is our plan to make 8 campsites available at Catoctin this spring. We will be listing the campsites on HipCamp, a website that will help us streamline registration, payments and make the campsites available on the internet similar to the way AirBnB makes homes available to those who are looking for places to stay. To reserve a campsite at Catoctin Friends will just go to HipCamp.com and search for campsites near Thurmont MD and look for cabins at Catoctin. They will be listed as “Elizabeth’s Cabin (#5) at Catoctin,” or “Tom’s Cabin (#14) at Catoctin,” etc. all named after Friends from Quaker history.
Friends from a particular Meeting or School who want to have a retreat or gathering could organize with members of their group and book cabins for the same dates. These groups will be able to gather at camp and safely interact using masks, social distancing, and gathering outside as appropriate. We are letting Monthly Meetings, Friends Schools and other groups who have rented camps past when we will be opening calendar so you will be prepared to make your reservations before cabins get booked by members of the general public.
Cabins will be rented for $75.00/night with a 2 night minimum. There will be a 5% discount for Sunday through Thursday nights. Guests will be allowed to have up to 8 people in each cabin. We will try to have firewood and ice available for campers to use and pay for on the honor system.
We will be opening the reservations calendars on April 5th at 10:00 am and the Catoctin Campground will be open starting April 16th. We hope that gives you enough time to get organized and encourage other members in your group to book cabins for the same dates. If you are concerned about being able to reserve enough cabins for your group please email davidhunter@bym-rsf.org in advance and I will try to block out enough cabins for your group in advance.
Peace to you all,
David Hunter,
Camp Property Manager
p.s. The Studio at Catoctin (also known as the Infirmary) is currently available for rental. It can be found on Airbnb.com by searching for listings near Thurmont MD.
