Discover Bear Creek Camp: Your Guide To Faith, Nature & Fun!
What if a place existed where individuals could discover the wonders of nature, strengthen their faith, and forge lasting bonds of community? Bear Creek Camp, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, offers precisely thisa transformative experience for people of all ages.
Located at 3601 Bear Creek Blvd, Bear Creek Township, PA 18702, Bear Creek Camp has a rich history. For many, it's a treasured family tradition. With nearly 3,000 acres of natural beauty, the camp provides an ideal setting for spiritual growth, outdoor adventures, and small group development. It is a ministry of the southeastern and northeastern Pennsylvania synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The camp's mission is clear: to invite all people to explore, celebrate, and grow in relationship with God, nature, and community. They strive to cultivate an uplifting and loving environment where each person is wholly accepted and affirmed for who they are.
To offer a closer look, here's a bio data of the camp.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bear Creek Camp |
| Location | 3601 Bear Creek Blvd, Bear Creek Township, PA 18702 |
| Synod Affiliation | Southeastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania Synods of the ELCA |
| Mission | To explore, celebrate, and grow in relationship with God, nature, and community. |
| Core Values | Uplifting and loving environment, acceptance and affirmation of all individuals, justice and peace for all. |
| Activities | Spiritual growth, outdoor living, small group development, worship, swimming, high ropes, hiking, crafts, games, devotional time, canoeing, kayaking, and geocaching. |
| Accommodations | Variety of accommodations to meet diverse group needs. |
| Partners | Andrew's (long-term partner) |
| Programs | Traditional residential camp, retreat facilities. |
| Scholarship | Eads Fund established by Andrew's to provide camp scholarships. |
| Anniversary | Celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. |
| Acreage | Nearly 3,000 acres |
| Legacy | Building on the legacy of the predecessor camps of Ministerium, Miller, and Hagan. |
For more details, you can visit the official website.
Bear Creek Camp Official Website
Bear Creek Camp offers more than just a summer camp; it provides a holistic experience, providing spiritual growth with outdoor living. The camp focuses on developing an uplifting and loving environment where each person is wholly accepted and affirmed for who they are. The Lutheran foundation calls the camp to work toward justice and peace for all of God's people, with intentional support for historically marginalized peoples. These values are at the core of everything the camp does.
The camp's programs include the traditional residential camp experience, with opportunities for spiritual growth, outdoor living, and small group development. Campers participate in activities like worship, swimming, high ropes, hiking, crafts, games, and devotional time. Those seeking adventure can try canoeing and kayaking or try geocaching. Families are also welcome to adventure on their own, fellowship in community, and rest and relax surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The camp is not just a place for children; it's also a place where young adults can grow. Many campers go on to be counselors in their college years, providing leadership to younger campers. Trained Bear Creek Camp staff are required for the use of any high or low ropes elements, ensuring safety and a quality experience for all participants.
For those seeking a retreat, Bear Creek Camp also has wonderful retreat facilities available all year round. The accommodations are designed to meet the needs of the many diverse groups they serve.
Bear Creek Camp has a long history of partnerships, with Andrew's being a long-term supporter. Andrew's established a scholarship fund, the Eads Fund, to provide camp scholarships. This support extends the camp's reach, making it accessible to a broader range of campers.
Bear Creek Camp has strong roots in the local community. The camp is located in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, offering approximately 1,880 acres of ecologically significant land. The surrounding area also provides opportunities for various activities.
The camp also recognizes the importance of commemorating milestones. In 2024, Bear Creek Camp marked its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring impact. Worship resources were available to help celebrate this significant occasion.
The camps impact extends beyond individual campers, with many alumni sharing fond memories. One reviewer describes the camp as one of the best experiences of their childhood, and now has the opportunity for their own children to experience all that they experienced. For many, Bear Creek Camp has been a part of their family for decades, with some families having a continuous involvement for the past 30 years.
Bear Creek Camp continues to build on the legacy of its predecessor camps, including Ministerium, Miller, and Hagan. It continues to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to learn and grow in faith through time in Gods creation.
Families and individuals are welcome to explore the beauty of the camp and its surroundings. Each day offers the chance to participate in favorite camp activities led by BCC summer staff like worship, swimming, high ropes, hiking, crafts, games, devotional time, and more.
Bear Creek Camp is cultivating community through experiences for individuals to explore, celebrate, and grow in Gods creation. The camps values of creating an uplifting and loving environment, coupled with a commitment to justice and peace, make it a welcoming and enriching place for all.
The camp offers both a physical address: PO Box 278, Bear Creek, PA 18602, and a phone number for inquiries: [Insert Phone Number Here].
The camp's focus on spiritual growth, outdoor living, and community development, along with its commitment to inclusivity and justice, helps create a well-rounded and fulfilling experience for all who visit.
As a part of the community, bear creek also is subject to the unfortunate events. Luzerne County (WBRE/WYOU) reported on a tragic incident that occurred in Bear Creek Township. In the report, state police released the name of a victim who drowned and died. Additionally, a camper at Bear Creek was found unresponsive in the lake and later passed away.
Your generous gifts provide opportunities to campers, maintain the space apart, and ensure the legacy of Lutheran camping in eastern Pennsylvania.
