Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center

mission statement

Big Sandy Camp & Retreat Center seeks to touch hearts and change lives through innovative, Christ-centered activities, events and programs.

To accomplish this mission, the objectives of Big Sandy Camp are as follows:

SPIRITUALLY
     1. To give a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
     2. To challenge growth and maturity through application of God's Word in every area of the camper's life.
     3. To teach acceptance of one's self as a person of worth, for whom God has a meaningful plan for their life.

MENTALLY
     1. To formulate an attitude of increased respect for the environment and develop an increased knowledge of nature.
     2. To provide certified instruction in camping and recreational skills.

SOCIALLY
     1. To provide an opportunity to develop friendships and accept others from various backgrounds.
     2. To cultivate self-reliance and resourcefulness.

PHYSICALLY
     1. To encourage physical fitness, safety habits, and a healthy lifestyle.
     2. To provide opportunity to participate in organized and unorganized activities.

Camping at Big Sandy involves all areas of a person's life. We believe in the integration of the spiritual, physical, mental, and social aspects of the lives of our campers. In order to accomplish this, there must be an interaction among these program areas, while working toward the mission of "Touching Heats and Changing Lives". Big Sandy's camping sessions are graduated so they align with the age-specific characteristics and requirements of our campers.

Our camping program is designed to be an extension of the ministry of the local church. It is the Camp's desire that each person would experience spiritual growth and personal fulfillment through their camping experience and take those experiences home to their own local church and continue serving Christ.

Camping will generally be co-ed. The camp programming calls for worship, bible study, crafts, recreation, etc., be done in the natural environment as much as possible. In turn, the natural environment may suggest and shape much of our activities and programming. Big Sandy Summer camps have long standing traditions of good old fashioned, wholesome fun coupled with relevant and challenging speakers.

Big Sandy Camp seeks to offer a safe, Christian Community in a natural setting where campers will discover and develop their own Christian faith, as well as a sense of personal achievement. A well fed spiritual appetite, fun, accomplishments and healthy relationship with others; all help create a positive experience of camping. The ministry of evangelism and bible study will be kept as a key part of the camp programming in order to stay true to our mission.