Liberty Camp USA History

Liberty Camp Geauga is now Liberty Camp USA.

The idea for Liberty Camp Geauga was birthed in 2014 by Linda J. O’Brien, Founder and Director. The passion to undertake the project came from her concerns that America’s educational system was presenting less and less factual American history and eliminating the values that this country was founded on.  Worse yet, the void created by stripping our country’s history from text books is being filled with fantasy text regarding Marxism and Socialism.

The initial hurdle was fund raising.  The startup money for the camp was estimated to be approximately $5,000.  O’Brien sold raffle tickets for use of her timeshare generating nearly 50% of the startup costs and the balance was funded by O’Brien.  O’Brien was joined by a small group of committed and like-minded citizens who dedicated their time to LCG’s start up.

When considering possible locations the Director of the Geauga Park District, Mr. John Oros, recommended the Chickagami Park located six miles south of Burton Square. Liberty Camp Geauga was officially launched in 2015 and scheduled for the last week in July. A number of individuals volunteered for reenactor roles and in the spring of 2015 LCG posters went up across Geauga County.  The response was most encouraging. The initial year camper and teen enrollment reached 90.

In the years that followed the text was expanded through extensive research, input from Williamsburg and help from professional reenactors of the American Revolution.  Today the camp follows an accurate timeline of America’s founding years and brings to life the names, dates and events of the fight for freedom in a fun and participative reenactment.  Campers learn history by experiencing it not by memorizing it.

Campers entering 2nd through 7th grades come as Time Travelers who pass through a portal to the 1700’s to learn the truth and gain an appreciation and respect for America’s exceptionalism.    Young Patriots, 8th grade through college age youth, help bring history alive as assistant reenactors. Time Travelers are met by General James of 2076 who has traveled back in time to warn the Time Travelers that America needs their help to change the course of time and strengthen liberty to keep freedom alive.

Campers interact with the known heroes, the forgotten heroes and the unknown heroes who were never written about in text books. Unknown heroes impress upon the campers that they may never be written about in history books yet they each have a role to fulfill to contribute to keeping America free. It is not one’s name but rather the individual’s contribution that matters.  Campers experience the life challenges, struggles and sacrifices of the Colonists learning that freedom is not free –it comes at a precious cost.

Campers learn that America is a Constitutional Republic not a democracy and that the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are critical pillars of freedom that must be protected to preserve America’s God given liberties. The importance of personal virtue, including truth, perseverance, courage, vigilance and valor are learned as they stand with America’s founding citizens.  Campers experience the work, play and food of the 18^th Century.  They even learn the manners of the time!

In 2021 Liberty Camp Geauga expanded into Lake County and became Liberty Camp USA. Chickagami Park continues as the location for camp in Geauga County during the last week in July.  The Lake County location is the Lake Metroparks’ Hidden Lakes of Leroy Township and occurs during the second week in July.

Thanks to generous donors and committed volunteers the cost of LCUSA remains at only $70 for the week.  LCUSA is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation with the goal of re-igniting the flame of patriotism in today’s youth by teaching true American history in a fun and memorable way.   The goal of the camp is not to make money – it is to make America’s next great generation of patriots! It is our hope and prayer that that this educational experience will spread across our exceptional Country!!

In 2019 Liberty Camp Geauga was honored by the Ohio House of Representatives with a Commendation stating “We note with pride that the State of Ohio continues to prosper through the work of individuals such as those associated with the camp, who are striving to ensure that the important details of our country and its past are transmitted to future generations.”

Learn more at www.LibertyCampUSA.com

Contact us:  Linda J. O’Brien, Founder and Director, 440-725-2064

Liberty Camp USA is where American patriots meet and travel back in time to the 1770’s to learn about their country’s history.