About 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 owners in 1971 after a long search for a spot of ground that would contain water or a stream to facilitate a recently inherited canoe and fields and pasture to accommodate their two horses. It 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 32 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. Upon finishing high school they attended Lock Haven University graduating in 1971 and were married a few weeks later.   Bob, who literally 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 have planned, designed, and worked at camp while home-schooling their 5 children.

The day camp has grown from 20 campers to 300 campers per week. Groups rent the facility on Saturdays and school and home school groups utilize the facility during the month of May and September.  Families and bus groups have enjoyed the exciting Dinner shows, performed in the winter months.

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. In 1977 when Antietam Recreation opened their doors, their earlier vision of a camp for children became a reality. Today 30 years later - it's a dream come true.

Back Row:  Andy, Jessica, Rob

Front 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, age 27, is the office manager, and also teaches the Character 1st class after lunch.  Rob, 24, performs in the Wild West Show, and heads up the camp's development projects.  Andy, 22 years old, is the camp's world champion roper, a key part of the camp's Wild West Shows, and a riding instructor in the summer day camp program.  Tim, 20, contributes significantly to the Wild West Shows with his acting and music, and is a counselor during day camp.   Bill, 15 years old, often plays a comedic role in the camp's shows, and is a great help in numerous aspects of the camp. 

A very recent blessing was the marriage of Rob to Tracey Thompson, who is a secretary in the office.  Their outdoor wedding took place here at camp on August 29, 2006, with the reception in the pavilion.  We praise God for this wonderful union!  Jessica was Tracey's maid of honor, and all of Rob's three brothers served as joint best men.. 

History of Antietam Recreation...

1971

Purchase of 32 acres known as the Turner Farm by Mary and Bob Rotz.

 

1972

Purchase of horses - Chioya (age 6) and Shawnee (age 4). Mary inherited her father's canoe.

 

1973

With building plans complete, a very determined Bob and Mary move into a camping trailer on the site.

 

1974

Barn construction completed. Trigger arrives (age 4)

 

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. Indoor recreation room and docks added. Goldie joins the other horses. Antietam Recreation opens its doors.

 

1978

The giant sliding board added.

 

1979

Neighbor Peanut joins the horse gang.

 

1980

Santa Fee, Brandy, and Ginger are added to our equine residents.

 

1981

The pavilion is constructed. Jessica is born.



 

1982

Bob designs the cable ride. Head Counselor Jim Hutson joins our staff.

 

1983

Purchase of house and acreage to extend our camp grounds. Robby is born.

 

1984

Giant tree swing added

 

1985

Bob's version of the horse carousel walker completed. Andy is born.

 

1986

First movie making week

 

1987

First teen camp, crafts added as an elective.

 

1988

Burma Bridge across the creek and nature trail added. Timmy is born.

 

1989

Drama and table games added to our program.

 

1990

Revised cable ride and badminton court. Boat slide construction begun. Art, baking and drama added.

 

1991

The boat slide is completed. A sound system was added. The badminton court, tennis court, and walkways were paved. We went to a 12 group schedule. Puppets and golf were also added to our electives.

 

1992

A large swing set added. Also, a new road to the Canoe dock was built to accommodate the new jet mate. Story hour and sewing added as electives. Billy is born.

 



 

1993

The pavilion roof was extended over the bathhouse to make a large new craft and rocket room. Sides were extended on the pavilion.

 

1994

Air conditioning came to the barn, and five new rope swings were added around camp. The creek zip line became a new activity; Snoopy replaced Goldie.

 

1995

Falconhurst is added as a new area of the camp, with a swinging rope bridge, fort, rope ladders, and direct access to the creek for rump-bumping.

 

1996

Concrete extension added to pavilion, footers and other preparatory construction completed for enclosing pavilion. General improvements made to bath houses.

 

1997

Bathhouses were tiled. Deck built near kayak dock, new stairs built to creek. Andy's Arabian horse Idja becomes part of the riding program.

 

1998

Pool heater installed. Chapel (Observation Deck) built and a roof added to the kayak dock.

 

1999

Acoustical ceiling installed in basement, Wild West show added, baking/nature rooms remodeled and new office added.

 

2000

The extension on the bathroom locker room was built. Patsy and Sandy join the corral.

 

2001

The pavilion is enclosed in glass. A stone fireplace, sound and lighting system is added. Antietam Recreation becomes Incorporated. The Rotz Children take active roles in the direction and development of Antietam Recreation.

 

2002

Kitchen expanded and the addition of the 3 horses: Rusty, the Black Stallion, and Twister. New door added to office. Revised the cable ride.

 

2003

Bleachers added to show area.  Campers enjoy a new carousel ride.  Bathrooms are expanded and a second barge is built.

 

2004

Library, paintball, and air-soft are added as electives.  A hay wagon is purchased for the new winter “Chuckwagon” show.  A new camp tour bus transports campers on field trips.

 

2005

Western Town is expanded to include a 2 story building.  The Wild West Show goes public, with a full schedule of  summer shows.  2 new horses added.

 

2006

Beautiful gardens created around camp, including a new stone walkway.  Bleachers are expanded at the Western Town to accommodate larger crowds. 

 

2007

Office was renovated. Bombardment room was recreated :)  The first DVD of Memories was produced.