There are many Christian camps available in Virginia, so when a child pulls his bag out of the car and waves goodbye, parents can know that he is going to the best possible place for fun, exercise, and spiritual growth. Here are some of the more well-known Christian camps in Virginia.
A Child's Camp Interests
The types of Christian camps available are numerous. Choose a camp based on a child's particular interests for optimal fun. Consider these questions.
- Does the child know how to swim?
- Does she love to do arts and crafts?
- Does she long to go rock-climbing or rappelling?
- How about backpacking and horseback riding?
- Would she love to draw, paint, or put on a show?
Answers to these questions will help place a child where she will have the most fun and gain the most from the experience. Don't worry, though, all Christian camps provide plenty of opportunity for spiritual growth.
Christian Camps in Virginia
Camp Bethel, Fincastle, Virginia
Camp Bethel is a historic, peaceful site, located adjoining the Jefferson National Forest and operated by the Virginia District Church of the Brethren. Open all year, the camp offers a huge variety of overnight and day camps for children as young as 4-7 years to junior high adventure camps.
A weeks' activities while living in a cabin at Camp Bethel may include:
- Wagon rides
- Hiking
- Singing
- Swimming
- Playing in the creek
- Nature lessons
- Campfires
- Crafts
- Bible study
- Stories for the younger campers
The older camper's experience can include skits, daily group activities (like tending the Heifers), and even polar bear swims.
Camp Chanco, Spring Grove, Virginia
Camp Chanco, located along the James River, has a long-trusted reputation as being one of the oldest youth camp programs in Virginia. It is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. The camp offers traditional programs with an emphasis on values and living in a Christian community.
Geared toward boys and girls 8 to 18 years, activities range from archery to surfing. Young people stay in cabins nestled along the river. More fun activities include:
- Sports
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Caving
- Unique offering of crafts
- Drawing
- Painting
- Performing arts
Academic and spiritual activities are designed to encourage leadership and team building.
Crossroads Camp and Conference Center, Lowesville, Virginia
Kids ages 10 to 18 years can enjoy this camp, affiliated with the Baptist church. Campers at Crossroads wake up next to the Piney River for morning worship. Highlights of a week at Crossroads include hikes to the summit of Dismal Mountain and hilarious talent shows, along with daily outdoor activities such as:
- Swimming
- Diving
- Organized games
- Backpacking
- Horseback riding
For the more extreme outdoorsman, Crossroads offers rock climbing and rappelling.
Kids also take part in daily devotions led by counselors, age-appropriate Bible Study with cabin mates, and the opportunity to visit with missionaries from other countries.
Highland Retreat, Bergton, Virginia
Just to the west of the Shenandoah Valley lies this year-round Christian retreat and camp. Close to the George Washington National Forest, Highland Retreat offers beautiful views and vast wildlife. It is affiliated with the Virginia Mennonite Conference.
Camps are designed for children as young as age 5 to 12th grade. Summer programs include overnight, day, wilderness and soccer camps. Activities are somewhat limited to arts and crafts, basketball, fishing, swimming, and soccer, but the setting is idyllic.
Camp Eagle, Fincastle, Virginia
Equipped to do retreats, church picnics, school outings, and team-building events, the specialty here is still summer camp. A part of the Shenandoah Baptist Church, this camp features unique outdoor activities such as:
- The Mud Bog
- The Tarzan Swing
- A zip line
- The Spider Web for some really high adventure
Campers also get a lot of time to learn about Jesus and how to live a Christian life. In fact, the camp's mission statement is based on Psalm 103:5, "so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles." (KJV).
More Christian Camp Choices
The state of Virginia is home to 54 Christian camps. Dotted all over the state are places like:
- The Triple R Ranch in Chesapeake
- Cheerio Adventures at Mouth of Wilson
- Camp Rudolph in Yale
- Camp Piankatank in Hartfield
- Young Life Rockgridge Alum Springs at Goshen
This is just to name only a handful. Camp experiences range from peaceful to high-adventure, all with an adventure on growing in knowledge and faith. For a complete listing and more information, visit My Summer Camps.
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