Come July 30, generations of families and friends will once more move into tents and step out for food, fellowship and faith activities at the 120th session of Carey’s Camp near Millsboro.

The camp consists of 47 wooden cabins, or “tents,” which have replaced the canvas tents present there when it opened in 1888, surrounding the tabernacle, where church services are held. There is also a boarding tent and a confectionary, where snacks are sold. The camp was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

“I’m excited about this year,” said Jo Dorey, who has been attending the camp for 56 years, 54 of those with her husband Ralph, who has been chairman of the camp since the mid-1980s.

Dorey said anybody from everywhere comes to the annual camp, whose tents are owned and maintained by the families. The land was donated by Elijah and Levenia Carey in 1884 for construction of Carey’s United Methodist Church. The camp, a site for summer revival meetings, opened a few years later. In addition to worship services, the camp holds Vacation Bible School, youth activities and concerts.

This year, lunch and dinner will be catered by Doyle’s Restaurant Inc. from Selbyville. Attendees can also provide their own meals. Residents also pay a small amount for electricity. In addition to tents, there are spaces for 12 campers, but only one or two spots remain for this year, according to Dorey. Residents who miss the chance to stay overnight can attend individual events.

This year’s camp, which runs July 30-Aug. 10, kicks off with The Dixie Melody Boys from Kinston, N.C.  Rev. Paul Sherwood will lead the first service on July 31, with entertainment by The Cash Family. New this year is The Hyssong’s from Maine, who will lead worship on Aug. 9. There is no fee but attendees may give donations. Prayer warriors meet each night at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary. All services begin at 7:30 p.m.

Bible school will be held Aug. 4-8, from 10 a.m. to noon for children, with a closing program held Aug. 8 for parents. New this year will be a volleyball court and youth services for teens.

Fundraisers are also planned to raise money for repairs and possible new construction of the boarding tent and confectionary. The cost to construct a new building to house the current two would be approximately $100,000, Dorey said. Bake sales will be held Aug. 2 and 9 on the campgrounds and a chicken barbeque is planned for September.

For a complete list of events, visit www.geocities.com/careyscamp or call the Doreys at 934-7665. Carey’s Camp is located on Carey’s Camp Road, just off of Route 24, west of Millsboro.