ABOUT US
History of Antietam Recreation... Antietam Recreation is named for the Antietam Creek which borders the camp on three sides and for Antietam Battlefield which is a few miles away. Antietam Recreation's secluded 32 acre site was the old Turner Farm and was purchased by the Rotz Family in 1971 after a long search for a piece of ground that would contain water or a stream to facilitate a recently inherited canoe and fields and pasture to accommodate their two horses. |
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Antietam Recreation is located in a rural area only minutes from Hagerstown and surrounded by woodlands and open fields. It has been a wellspring of fun, recreation, and inspiration to many children, families, groups, and organizations for the last 33 years. The family-owned and operated facility is designed to provide active, exciting, and unique activities in a friendly, Christian atmosphere.
About Bob and Mary Rotz, owners and founders of Antietam Recreation... Bob Rotz and Mary Overington grew up in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. They were high school sweethearts. Bob and Mary had been involved with camping in their early years. Bob held summer jobs at Camps Wohelo, Swatare, and Comet. And Mary worked as a counselor and program director at camps in Waynesboro, Maine, Maryland, and Mississippi. Upon finishing high school they attended Lock Haven University graduating in 1971 and were married a few weeks later. Bob, who grew up with horses, designed the horse barn and the other buildings at Antietam Recreation while teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in New Baltimore and Mowry Schools in the Waynesboro School System. He retired from teaching in 1985. |
Mary, an outstanding athlete both in high school and college, went on to play for the Mid East USA Field Hockey Team for a number of years. She taught health and physical education at East Jr. High School from 1971 until the birth of her daughter in 1981. The couple completed graduate work at the University of Southern Mississippi where they received their Master Degree and Master Equivalency in Physical Education and Recreation in 1975. Since then the couple has planned, designed, and worked at camp while home-schooling their 5 children.
In 1977 when Antietam Recreation opened their doors, their earlier vision of a camp for children became a reality. Today - it's a dream come true.
The day camp has grown from 20 campers to 350 campers per week. Groups rent the facility on Saturdays and school and home school groups utilize the facility May through September. Families and bus groups enjoy the exciting Dinner shows, performed in the winter months. |
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 Back Row: Andy, Jessica, RobFront Row: Tim, Bill, Tracey (married to Rob) |
The Rotz family has grown to include 5 children who are all actively involved in the camp. Jessica is the office manager. Rob heads up the camp's development projects. Andy is a world champion roper, and is the featured entertainment for the Christmas Shows, he is also heavly involved in the summer day camp program heading up many of the older kids activities. Tim is the director of the Christmas, Valentines, & Century of Song Shows. He produces our video productions. Check out Tim's website at www.timrotz.com. Bill heads up the lighting, sound and special effects for the shows as well as the store and maintenance in the summer months.
On 2006 we were blessed to have Tracey Thompson, who was a secretary in the office, join the family. Rob and Tracey had an outdoor wedding at the camp on August 29, 2006. In 2008 Robbie was born to Rob and Tracey and in 2009 Jake joined the family. |
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Bless India Ministries... Antietam Recreation is pleased to have the U.S. office for Bless India Ministries located at our facility. Bless India is a 501c3 non profit organization that ministers to orphans, widows and pastors in South India. Find out more about what Bless India is doing in India by visiting www.blessindia.com. |
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Timeline of Antietam Recreation...
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1971: The Rotz Family purchased the 32 acres known as the Turner Farm. 1974: Barn construction completed. 1975: Vision of Antietam Recreation put on paper; a feasibility study done. 1976: Tennis Court and pool construction begins. Layout of fields. 1977: Bathhouse completed. Antietam Recreation opens its doors with a Summer Day Camp. 1979: Group Picnics Began 1981: The pavilion is constructed. 1985: Carousel Ride 1988: Burma Bridge 1991: Boatslide, Rope swings and Barge. Tennis Court, Badmitton Court, Volleyball Court, Horshoes and Four Square. 1992: School Field Trips began 1994: Cable Ride 1995: Falconhurst 1998: Chapel and Creek Pavilions. Summer Wild West shows began 2001: The pavilion was enclosed in glass. A stone fireplace, sound and lighting system added. Antietam Recreation becomes Incorporated. 2003: Christmas Dinner and Shows began 2005: The summer Wild West Show goes public 2009: The Valentines Show began, A Jr. Camp for 5 & 6 year olds was started. 2011: The Century of Song & God & Country Shows began |
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