Our Mission in Action
Since 1966, Lylewood Christian Camp has provided a safe, welcoming place where young people can step away from everyday distractions, build lasting friendships, experience outdoor fun, and grow in their faith. Founded on 13 acres donated by Arch and Edwina Lyle, the camp continues their vision by creating opportunities for children and teenagers to study Scripture, worship, serve, and experience Christian community.
Lylewood is more than a summer destination. It is a mission field close to home. Campers arrive from churches, neighborhoods, schools, and families across the region, including young people whose connection to a church is limited or unknown. Our goal is for every camper to know that they are welcomed, valued, and loved—and to leave with relationships and lessons that continue long after camp ends.
What We Do
- Operate week-long summer camps and seasonal retreats for elementary, middle school, and high school campers.
- Keep camp affordable and provide discounts and financial assistance so cost does not prevent a child from attending.
- Equip volunteers to serve as counselors, teachers, cooks, activity leaders, medical volunteers, and mentors.
- Provide a campground where churches, schools, and community groups can gather for camps, retreats, and service.
- Maintain and improve cabins, gathering spaces, recreation areas, the dining hall, kitchen, and other facilities for future generations.
- Create opportunities for worship, Bible study, friendship, confidence, outdoor play, and service.
Reaching Beyond Church Walls
Recent registration data consistently shows that roughly half or more of Lylewood campers arrive without an identifiable home congregation recorded. Some campers specifically tell us they have no church home; for many others, no church connection is provided. A blank response does not necessarily mean that a family never attends church, but the pattern shows that Lylewood reaches far beyond children whose connection to a congregation is already known.
For some young people, camp may be one of their most meaningful opportunities to open a Bible, worship, pray, ask honest questions, and experience a caring Christian community. Through counselors, teachers, volunteers, and friendships with other campers, children encounter people who listen to them, encourage them, and show them what the love of Christ looks like in everyday life.
That is why we describe Lylewood as a mission field close to home. We are not simply providing another summer activity. We are helping young people experience faith, belonging, mentorship, and church community that they may have few other opportunities to receive.
How Support Creates Impact
Lylewood is supported by donors and volunteers. Gifts help provide camper assistance, meals, program materials, utilities, sports equipment, maintenance, and facility improvements. Volunteer service turns those resources into personal care: a counselor who listens, a teacher who opens Scripture, a cook who serves a table, or a leader who helps a camper feel at home.
When families register, volunteers serve, churches partner, and donors give, they become part of a shared mission: helping young people experience faith, friendship, belonging, and the love of Christ close to home.