Marist Brothers Exterior From Front Door

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The Marist Brothers Center at Esopus
Mid-Hudson Valley Camp

Our Story

St. Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers, felt a personal call to establish a community that would bring the message of love for all. His vision lives on through the Marist Brothers Center at Esopus – Mid-Hudson Valley Camp, where all walks of life are welcome to the Center’s retreat and camp programs that embody the Marist values of welcome and acceptance, joyful service to others, community, simplicity and humility.

As a registered 501(c)(3) located in Esopus, NY, tucked within over 160 acres of aesthetic beauty on the Hudson River, the Center works to positively foster spirituality and community, and promote volunteerism and support of others. Each year, more than 5,000 individuals walk through the MBCE gates for self-exploratory retreats, memorable camps, and fulfilling service-work

Mid-Hudson Valley Camps

In the summer months, the Center is transformed into the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp (MHVC) which started in the 1970’s as a one-week summer camp for children with disabilities. It has now grown into nine, week-long camps serving children and adults with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, deaf children, children living with cancer and inner-city students.

The MHVC is staffed entirely by volunteers who are offered a week of fulfillment and opportunities to learn about humility, patience and gain new perspectives on life. This wonderful ministry speaks to the dream of the founder of the Marist Brothers, St. Marcellin Champagnat. A unifying atmosphere of respect, joy and boundless love has come to define the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp.

RETREATS & PROGRAMMING

The MBCE facilities are available year-round for private, small group and large groups and can accommodate day or sleep away retreats. Retreats are customizable and can be run by the MBCE staff or by visiting organizations. Programs can offer experiences of community, service, team-building and spiritual formation, all while surrounded by the aesthetic beauty of the Hudson Valley.

The Marist values of welcome and acceptance, joyful service to others, community, simplicity, humility, and love of God mark the programs offered by the Center as well as the approach of all who live and serve there.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

The Challenge by Choice philosophy is at the heart of our Outdoor Adventure Program. Individuals are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and participants are guided through a series of initiative activities, low ropes and/or high ropes elements. Each element is presented as a challenge and then debriefed in a group discussion. Day programs, overnight, and two-night programs are available, and retreats are completely customizable.

All programs are conducted by a staff of facilitators who have been trained in safe operating procedures according to industry standards. Staff has modified programs for sacrament preparation, especially Confirmation. The Outdoor Adventure facilities have been incorporated into year-long programming at the MBCE.

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Our Volunteer Program

The Volunteer Program at the MBCE-MHVC helps to provide individuals from all walks of life with the tools to enhance personal growth and meet personal goals. Volunteers live on the MBCE grounds for an extended period of time and are offered opportunities to develop foundational skills in hospitality, community and youth ministry.

Volunteers make a positive impact on the MBCE’s daily operations by contributing time and talents to programs and completing projects around the buildings and grounds. Volunteers are also encouraged to dedicate personal time for reflection and self-exploration within the aesthetic beauty of the MBCE’s property along the Hudson River.