About Us

About Our Mission

The Derry Township Camping Association, Inc primary task is to overseeing all aspects of the day to day operation of Camp Catherine ensuring that it continues to meet its goal of providing a modern, yet rustic, camping and meeting facility for the use by Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, community groups and individuals, that is clean, safe, local, and affordable.

We carry out both our youth and adult missions by teaming up with local leaders and resources to provide an environment where one can explore, appreciate, and learn, while enjoying various experiences in the great out of doors.

For those who desire to utilize or present their own programs or meeting in a not so formal setting we offer our Main Lodge with a large open area. It is air conditioned and has a fully stocked kitchen. For that company picnic or family gathering we have a covered pavilion with a large BBQ, 7 fire rings where you can enjoy your evening socializing, cooking off hot dogs, burgers, and s’mores while watching the wildlife grazing or strolling the grounds doing some star gazing.

Because we are open year round Camp Catherine is unique in its offerings which are, but not limited to: winter camping, open area tent camping, covered camping, lodge cooking and meeting facilities, pavilion cooking and picnicking, hiking trails, 7 campfire rings, wildlife viewing, archery classes, creek side trails, fishing, swimming and wading, nearby boating and canoeing, programs on local plant and wildlife recognition, and easy access to major entertainment venues. These are only some of the benefits of staying at Camp Catherine.

Camp Catherine

  • A rustic 4 acre camp site bordering the Swatara Creek
  • Located just north of Hershey
  • Minutes from are attractions
  • Easy access to major highways
  • Available for year round use
  • Facilities for day and overnight use
  • Security Patrols and lighting
  • Tent Camping only, no RVs

Activities

  • Large field for activities and camping
  • Campfire circles & activity platform
  • Horseshoe pits
  • Orienteering Course
  • Open sky for star gazing
  • Nature Trails
  • Gaga Pit, Volleyball, Badminton
  • Archery Training

Camp Facilities

  • Air Conditioned lodge with stone fireplace
  • Fully stocked kitchen
  • Dining / Meeting / Sleeping for up to 60
  • Pavilion with BBQ
  • Two screened Adirondacks
  • Group Camping Area
  • Outdoor Chapel
  • Archery Range (small fee)
  • Firewood Available (small fee)

Some Details

  • We serve individuals, businesses, and groups of all ages
  • We provide support for your program
  • Reservations required
  • Low rental rates based on duration of stay and facilities used
  • DTCA is all volunteer organization
  • DTCA has openings for new board members
  • CC operates solely on donations and rental fees since dedication in 1962
  • Many community service projects available

Short Term Projects

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Long Range Plans

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Carrying out our Mission

The Derry Township Camping Association, Inc primary task is to overseeing all aspects of the day to day operation of Camp Catherine ensuring that it continues to meet its goal of providing a modern, yet rustic, camping and meeting facility for the use by Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, community groups and individuals, that is clean, safe, local, and affordable.

We carry out both our youth and adult missions by teaming up with local leaders and resources to provide an environment where one can explore, appreciate, and learn, while enjoying various experiences in the great out of doors.

For those who desire to utilize or present their own programs or meeting in a not so formal setting we offer our Main Lodge with a large open area. It is air conditioned and has a fully stocked kitchen. For that company picnic or family gathering we have a covered pavilion with a large BBQ, 7 fire rings where you can enjoy your evening socializing, cooking off hot dogs, burgers, and s’mores while watching the wildlife grazing or strolling the grounds doing some star gazing.

Because we are open year round Camp Catherine is unique in its offerings which are, but not limited to: winter camping, open area tent camping, covered camping, lodge cooking and meeting facilities, pavilion cooking and picnicking, hiking trails, 7 campfire rings, wildlife viewing, archery classes, creek side trails, fishing, swimming and wading, nearby boating and canoeing, programs on local plant and wildlife recognition, and easy access to major entertainment venues. These are only some of the benefits of staying at Camp Catherine.

Volunteers Needed

The Derry Township Camping Association, Inc. operates Camp Catherine on an all-volunteer basis and is comprised of up to fifteen members on its Board of Directors.

Camp Catherine is the gem she is today because of the continued efforts of so many volunteers, both past and present. Our group of volunteers have many skills, but we still have voids that need to be filled. There is no job or task that is not vital to the overall mission of Camp Catherine and your volunteer efforts will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. If you have a special talent or skill you feel could help further the mission of Camp Catherine, or if you just want to help out, then by all means contact a board member.

Camp Catherine Community Service and Volunteer Credit Program

Earn credit for every volunteer or service hour spent at Camp Catherine. Your time will be credited to your individual or family account or to a nonprofit or other group of your choosing. These credits can be redeemed towards free, or discounted, camping or other events sponsored by Derry Township Camping Association, Inc.  It’s a wonderful way to give back to your community while spending time in the great outdoors.

Under Pennsylvania law, those volunteers who work directly with children must have current clearances on file with Derry Township Camping Association. It’s free, ask us how to obtain yours.