Great camp and retreat experiences change lives. They begin and continue spiritual journeys. They introduce new friendships and rekindle old ones. They challenge us to grow in mind, body and spirit as we live together in Christian community.

Chestnut Ridge is a place where ministry is thriving, largely because of the commitment of staff, parents, retreat leaders and the local community. At Chestnut Ridge, children, youth and adults discover, reconnect and celebrate God and God’s creation.

Last year, we served more than 1,300 summer campers, over 70 full-time after school campers, and almost 10,000 year-round guests from churches, colleges, non-profits, schools and scouts. We thank God for the lives touched by this ministry and we are ever mindful of the call to continue to reach more people with God’s message of grace.

A key component of our long-term sustainability as a ministry is our annual fund, “Pass It On.” The annual fund underwrites a portion of the center’s operational expenses and therefore benefits all of our summer camp families and retreatants by reducing the ministry’s dependence on fee income for sustainability.

Currently, our ministry is funded by program fees (86%), NC United Methodist Conference support (9%), and individual gifts (5%). We strive to keep the experience accessible to as many people as possible; yet, our dependence on program fees makes that a challenge. As we look toward the future, our plan to support the ministry includes increasing the portion of our budget funded by gifts and grants, thereby reducing our dependence on fee based revenue. This shift toward relying more heavily on annual giving will enable us to keep the amount of ministry costs passed on as fees to a minimum.

Your Annual Fund Gift Supports:

• Quality camp programs for children and youth
• Teambuilding programs for youth and adults that create stronger communities
• Outdoor educational opportunities for school age students to learn about the environment
• A safe, Christian environment for local students after school
• Socially responsible purchasing
• Demonstration organic gardening
• Animal husbandry and education

If you are currently utilizing the programs and space at Chestnut Ridge, you already play a vital role. We invite you to take the next step in supporting this important ministry by including Chestnut Ridge among the charitable organizations you support this year. Your partnership in the form of a tax deductible donation will keep the Christian camp and retreat experience affordable and excellent for all who attend. Your support keeps the gates open wide, reflecting our calling to manifest God’s peaceable kingdom and make Christ’s love visible in our world.

Gifts may be made via check or credit card to: Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd. Efland, NC 27243. You can also donate online by clicking the blue "Donate" button on the right hand side of this webpage.