Christian camps for 2026

Christian day camps from across North America offer the same fun summer activities you would expect to find at any camp, including swimming, water skiing, horseback riding, sports and much more. Not only does the camp get them outdoors, it also provides a disciplined learning environment during the usually lackadaiscal, laissez-faire summer months.

Of course, not all of these camps are merely traditional. Christian summer camps can also offer a tertiary emphasis such as camps with wilderness adventures, sports camps and Christian family camps. Many families who search for christian youth camps are also looking for church camps that combine faith, community, and outdoor fun.

What are the benefits of Christian camps?

Faith-based camps like those listed above offer a unique opportunity for kids and teens from a Christian background to deepen their faith and to mature in other ways as well. Time away from parents, spent with their peer group, presents opportunities like no other for children and teens to grow and mature. Alone together outdoors, by a campfire or during shared activities, they can have meaningful encounters with Creation and with kids and teens from other backgrounds and perspectives. For many participants, this experience becomes, essentially, a Christian youth retreat.

Here are some specific advantages and factors for parents to consider as they look over Christian kids' camps:

• Many camps are non-denominational, but not all. Some camps may have been started by a specific denominational body and may retain a connection to that background as a guiding principle in programming or in which kids they accept. The great majority of Christian summer camps today tend to be non-denominational.
• Camps may have specific programming or culture that opens children's eyes up to social issues. For example, Fraser Lake Camp in Bancroft, Ontario, has a camp store where money is not accepted. This helps eliminate socio-economic distinctions that separate some kids from others and can reduce cliquishness.
• Some Christian youth camps welcome struggling teens and work to integrate kids no matter what their background.
• Bible camps are still found in Canada, although this traditional focus may be on the wane with the movement toward non-denominationalism and progressive inclusiveness. Almost all Christian camps for kids, however, will include some form of Bible study.
• Retreat to nature is healthy. Too many young people are losing touch with the natural world, and when teens are interested in summer camp, parents should definitely support this interest. A deepened appreciation for the natural world is a worthwhile benefit of this kind of Christian retreat experience.

What types of camps might also benefit Christian families?

Other related camps you might be interested in are leadership camps, family summer camps and camps for disabled teens and kids, ideal for many Christian teens who want to expand their leadership abilities through the role of camp counselor. For parents looking for a summer camp with a Christian emphasis, look no further than camps.ca's listings above.