Camp Registrations Open, Opportunities Abound

13Mar

Here in Findlay, Ohio we had one of our first 70 degree days in 2026 and ever since, we haven’t been able to stop thinking about our Summer Camps.

Registration for most of our camps are open and our camps are ready for another season of developing leaders, living and growing in Christian community, and unplugging to experience creation.

Camps play a crucial role in the lives of young people, many of which will make a consequential decision for Christ while at camp. Beyond that, camps are a unique space where kids of all ages can learn what it means to work out their faith in community. It challenges and refines young people, providing them with opportunities to step into a leadership role.

Monty Harlan, Camp Director at both Otyokwah and Bear Lake said that, “We’re developing leaders and developing disciples. That’s our whole DNA. My goal is that everyone that comes through the program has grown in some way.”

History already stands behind Director Monty’s words. Our camps have been serving the Kingdom for many decades. Camp Berreman celebrated their 75^th anniversary in 2022 and you can read about all the good work they’ve done in over ¾ of a century in our Archives Museum’s News Magazine. A plethora of CGGC pastors, elders, deacons, trustees, and lay leaders made their way through camps over the years. Our camps continue to raise up leaders, and helping kids grow in their confidence and faith.

We’re asking all our readers to help spread the word about camp registration so that more young people can have a chance to grow into leaders and disciples in their own right.

Some see our camps as just another opportunity for our young people to have fun, play games, and get out doors with other kids. Those things are true, and camp is tremendously fun, and a great way for kids to get outside and unplug, but camp is more than that. Ryan Long, Director at Camp YoliJwa explained how he sees the CGGC camps, “[They are] an extension of what’s going on within the church walls. Our desire [is] to be an extension outside of your church, of what your church is currently doing.”

In truth, there is no better way to help fulfill this mission at our camps then getting involved yourself. Our camps are always looking for volunteers and additional staff. Below you’ll find links to volunteer and staff application forms where you (or someone you know) could become an indispensable asset to our camps.

Did you know that the CGGC has 8 camps spread all across the United States, from East to West:

Camp YoliJwa, Doubling Gap, Pennsylvania
Camp Sonrise Mountain, Markleysburg, Pennsylvania
Camp Otyokwah, Butler, Ohio
Great Lakes Conference Youth and Family Camp, Michigan
Bear Lake Camp, Albion, Indiana
Camp Maranatha, Ramsey, Illinois
Camp Berreman, Mt. Carrol, Illinois
Camp Inspiration, Potosi, Missouri

Click any of the links below to learn more about our Camps, or visit our new camp webpage: camps.cggc.org to stay up to date.

Within the United States, 5 of our 7 Regions have camps. The odds are good that there is a camp near you. And the odds are even greater that our camps can use your help and support. Whether it’s spreading the words about registration sign-ups, sponsoring a student’s camping trip, or even filling a roll as a staff member or volunteer, our camps rely on partnerships with our churches and members.

Campers learn how to live as a Christian in community. Camp is a weeklong proving grounds where campers gain self-confidence and independence. They then return to their own communities transformed.

Do you feel called to help? Our camps are looking for: