The Christ Child Society’s founder, Mary Virginia Merrick, believed that a “fresh air” experience was critical for urban children.
In 1881, she began by sending children to private farms for a period each summer. In 1954, the Christ Child Society purchased 88 acres on the Patient River in Southern Maryland. This property became the Christ Child residential summer camp. For over 40 years several generations of children attended our Christ Child camp.
Since 1998, the Society has provided camp scholarships for at risk children who otherwise might not have a recreational experience. These “camperships” allow children to attend a variety of camps in the Washington area, providing inner city children safe and affordable summer camp experiences. Camp scholarships are provided on a need based, first come first served basis. Priority is given to children attending schools served by the Christ Child Society School Counseling Program.