About CAMP-of-the-WOODS
For over a century, CAMP-of-the-WOODS has existed to help people of every generation know Christ, grow in their faith, and live out the Gospel.
Why We Exist
The mission of Gospel Volunteers, Inc.* is to present the Biblical Truths of Jesus Christ, develop Christian leaders, strengthen the faith of individuals and families, and promote global evangelism.
We believe that when people are given intentional time away—surrounded by God’s creation, grounded in His Word, and encouraged through Christian community—hearts are renewed, faith is strengthened, and lives are transformed for God’s purposes.
*CAMP-of-the-WOODS is owned and operated by Gospel Volunteers, Inc.
Where We’re Going
We envision CAMP-of-the-WOODS as an avenue for lives to be continually shaped by the truth of Scripture and the love of Christ—impacting families, churches, and communities for generations to come.
By God’s grace, we prayerfully seek to see:
Individuals growing in a personal, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ
Families strengthened and united through faith
Young people discipled and equipped to live boldly for Christ
Churches refreshed, encouraged, and supported in their ministry
Leaders developed who will serve the Church and the world with humility and grounded conviction
Our Story
This vision is rooted in a story that began more than a century ago.
The heart of CAMP-of-the-WOODS began in 1900, when George and Etta Tibbitts established a camp with a single Gospel-centered vision: to create a place where people could encounter Jesus Christ through “vacation with purpose.”
Over the years, CAMP-of-the-WOODS has grown into a year-round ministry united around that same Gospel purpose. Through a variety of ministry pathways—including summer vacations, retreats, and more—we serve more than 15,000 members annually, meeting people in different seasons of life as they grow in Christ.
What We Believe
Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith
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We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, and that the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired of God. They are without error in the original text, and they are the final authority for faith and conduct.
Joshua 1:8; 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalms 12:6; Psalms 19: 7-11; Isaiah 40:8; Jeremiah 23:29; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 5:17-18; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33; John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:24-25; 2 Peter 1:20-21 -
We believe in one God, and that the Godhead eternally exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and that these three are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and worthy of the same honor and obedience.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; John 10:30; John 14:9b & 11; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6 -
We believe in the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ. He is fully God and fully man, one person with two distinct natures. We believe that He was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. We believe that He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, was raised bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and advocate.
Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-18; John 10:30; John 11:25-27; Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:5-10; Philippians 2:6-7 -
We believe that man was originally created in the image of God, but sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Therefore, everyone is eternally lost and is incapable of saving himself or herself. Every person is in need of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. God in His mercy sent His son Jesus Christ so that all who will trust in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3: Genesis 6:5-6; Psalms 51:5; John 3:16-18; Romans 1:18; Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:20 & 23; Romans 6:23; Romans 7:21-25; Romans 8:1; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:1 -
We believe in the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ by His death on the cross for all who trust in Him. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation. We believe in His physical bodily resurrection and ascension into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God the Father, and is the only mediator between God and man, who continually makes intercession for His own.
Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:34-35; John 3:16; Acts 1:9-11; Acts 2:24; Romans 8:34; Romans 10: 9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:15,17 & 21; Ephesians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 10:19-22 -
We believe that the only way to heaven is through the free grace of God, who gave Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, to be our representative and substitute for our sins. We believe that in the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross, He was the perfect all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. We believe that all who by faith alone, apart from any good works on their part, receive Jesus Christ, are born-again of the Holy Spirit. Thus, they become children of God and are eternally saved. Further, we believe that there is no other way to receive salvation.
John 3:16; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:28-29; John 6:40; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Acts 13:38b-39; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 5:1-2a; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:4-9 &13; Titus 3:5-8; Hebrews 9:22; Revelation 1:5 -
We believe in the physical return of Jesus Christ to earth again. We believe that He will come personally, visibly and bodily, and will consummate history and fulfill the plan of God. We believe that the time of the second coming of Jesus Christ to earth is known only to God. We further believe that all who have trusted in Him will share in His glory eternally, while those who have not believed in Him will spend eternity consciously separated from God in everlasting punishment.
Zechariah 14:3; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 24:36; Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; Romans 8:16-17; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:11-14
How We Live It Out
Our mission is expressed through a variety of ministry pathways that meet people in every season of life.
Rest & Renewal
We offer summer vacations and retreats that combine fellowship with biblical teaching and intentional spiritual rhythms.
Faith Formation
From our Tapawingo Girls’ Camp to our young adult discipleship LIFT Program, and even through our online Bible study, we help people build lasting relationships, deepen their faith, and grow as Christ-centered leaders.
Service & Impact
Through our programs for summer staff, year-round interns, and mission trips, Christians are equipped to serve the Church and share the Gospel locally and globally.
An Invitation
There’s a place for everyone here—from children discovering Christ, to teens and young adults growing in faith, to families and individuals seeking spiritual renewal amidst community.
Come and experience what God is doing across generations at CAMP-of-the-WOODS.