ABCOPAD Camps

Discover faith-filled adventures and unforgettable experiences at ABCOPAD’s camps!

The Value in Christian Camping

Camping Helps Make Faith Real.

Camp is a unique opportunity to live in a total Christian community. No, it's not paradise. It's real life. There are ups and downs, feelings and emotions, problems and opportunities. How can we live together in a real world as a Christian? Everyday at camp, we deal with this question in many ways. This produces a solid foundation for every young Christian. 

Camping is Filled with Fun and Friends.

At camp we connect with others from all over the region who are just like us. With our new friends we will engage in lots of new games, learn new songs, experience worship that is exciting and real. All we do at camp is designed for campers. Camp is always fun, but watch out--lots of learning is going on too!

Camping Changes Lives.

A week of camp is the most concentrated event to teach about the love of God in Jesus Christ. Persons can't live in this environment for a week and not be changed. Again and again young persons tell us that camp has helped them understand and keep their faith. For some it is the glue that keeps them connected to the church.

Camping Promotes Discipleship

Camp shows campers how to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. More than what to believe, it's all about walking the talk. The most important questions in every life -- 'Who Am I?' and 'What will I do with my life?' -- are answered at camp. At camp persons put into practice the behaviors that Jesus taught his disciples

Camp Blue Diamond

Located in Central PA near State College and Altoona, Camp Blue Diamond is a year-round, ACA accredited, Christian camp and retreat center.  

Camp Blue Diamond offers co-ed residential, adventure and family summer camps for children, youth and adults. They are home to the Centre County Camp Cadet and Penn State's Shaver's Creek Outdoor School. Blue Diamond has a lodge, cabins, pavilions and a 46-site RV & tent campground available to family, church, school and not-for-profit groups for rental. They have great spaces if you are traveling to Penn State for games, concerts, or graduation and looking for a quiet place to stay overnight. Camp can accommodate up to 180 guests.

Visit the Camp Blue Diamond web site for schedule, registration information and details.

Camp Ichthus

Located in the Lower Pocono Mountains, Camp Ichthus is tucked away in a beautiful spot close to whitewater rafting, hiking, boating, and biking. The camp is situated on approximately 100 acres of land with open fields and wooded areas. 

The camp was founded in 1954 by the First Baptist Church of Bethlehem, PA, by a group of teenagers. The young teens decided in 1954 to build an outdoor chapel as the first official camp project to establish the foundation for Christian Camping. The camp property has been a tremendous blessing of the Lord to the First Baptist Church of Bethlehem, PA. 

Camp Carmel

Camp Carmel is located on the Youghiogeheny River in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The major attractions of this location include: 

  1. The Great Allegheny Passageway- A bike trail that runs from Washington, DC, to Pittsburgh, PA. Camp Carmel is at the midpoint of the 100 mile stretch from Markleysburg, PA to McKeesport, PA. This makes Camp Carmel an ideal location for an overnight stay for youth groups on bike trips that pass by our way.

  2. Kraylick Rocks- One of the best places to rock climb in Western Pennsylvania. Just a five minute drive to the top of the mountain above Camp Carmel.

  3. Youghiogeheny River- One of the best whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. After flowing through Ohiopyle State Park, the "Yough" runs right by Camp Carmel. This makes for a great takeout spot for our campers on rafting trips.

In addition to these major attractions, campers at Camp Carmel can also look forward to swimming at two beautiful water falls, hiking on some great trails, and using our low ropes course.

Camp Judson

Camp Judson is a Christian Camp and Retreat Center located on Lake Erie in North Springfield, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1949 by a group of American Baptist Churches in northwestern Pennsylvania, today Camp Judson is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization (with the legal name “Northwestern Pennsylvania Baptist Assembly”) and a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.

Through our camping and retreat programs, we seek to encourage the growth of healthy relationships with Jesus and with others.

Camp Swatara

For many years ABCOPAD has enjoyed a partnership with Camp Swatara.  Owned and operated by the Church of the Brethren, Camp Swatara has been welcoming youth from American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware for a very long time..

How Can Your Church Support Children and Youth?

  • Offer to pay a portion of the camp fee for everyone who attends camp. Many churches pay up to 1/2 of the fee.

  • Offer scholarships to those who can't afford 1/2 the fee. Many persons in the church would adopt a camper to go to camp. This builds a great connection between the generations.

  • Recruit campers in person ... one-on-one. Let them know you feel it is important for them to attend camp. Make it a top priority!

  • Invite someone from one of the camps in our region to visit your church and talk about camp.

Reach out to a Student Ministry RMA for more information about connecting your students to camp!