Welcome to CAMP-of-the-WOODS
Thank you for accepting the invitation to serve as a speaker at CAMP-of-the-WOODS. You have been prayerfully selected, and we consider your engagement to be a divine appointment. We look forward to receiving the Word of God through you.
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 and retreats, we serve more than 15,000 members annually, meeting people in different seasons of life as they grow in Christ.
Our mission is to:
Present the Biblical Truths of Jesus Christ, develop Christian leaders, strengthen the faith of individuals and families, and promote global evangelism.
We are grateful for your willingness to be part of that mission during your week at Camp.
Top Links for Speakers
All the details including travel, lodging, meals, and reimbursement.
What’s expected from you as a speaker during your time at Camp.
A checklist with resources so we can ensure your engagement runs smoothly.
Serving as a Speaker at Camp
Our Ministry & Mission
CAMP-of-the-WOODS exists to provide a place where individuals and families can step away from the demands of everyday life, enjoy time together, and be strengthened in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our summer speakers play an important role in that ministry. Through Chapel, Quest, and other teaching opportunities, speakers help our members engage with Scripture and consider how their faith shapes everyday life.
We ask each speaker to approach the week with an understanding of the unique setting and ministry of CAMP-of-the-WOODS.
Our Members
CAMP-of-the-WOODS welcomes families in every stage of life. Many have been coming for generations, while others are discovering Camp for the first time. Members come from throughout New England and the Northeast, as well as from across the country.
While every member is different, several themes characterize the Camp experience.
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For many, Camp is a family tradition spanning generations. They return for the people they love, familiar traditions, the Christian atmosphere, and the memories they continue to make together.
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Members come to step away from the pace and pressures of everyday life. They value rest, spiritual refreshment, time together, and a place where their children are safe and well cared for.
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Many members would describe themselves as ordinary churchgoing Christians. They come with a range of spiritual maturity and life experiences, and many are eager for biblical teaching that helps them grow.
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Children and young adults are an important part of the Camp family. They come to learn more about God, build lifelong friendships, enjoy the outdoors, and experience Camp for themselves. Many are continuing a family connection that goes back several generations.
What Members Value
Across generations and life stages, members consistently value:
Solid Christian teaching
A welcoming, hospitable environment
Family time and meaningful relationships
Safety and freedom for their children
Camp traditions and familiar experiences
The beauty of the Adirondacks, from the beach to outdoor excursions
A genuine break from the demands of everyday life
An Important Consideration
Our members arrive carrying a wide range of experiences and circumstances. Some may be seeking deeper spiritual growth; others may simply need a week to get away from everyday life, reconnect with their families, be reminded of what matters, and leave with their spiritual tanks filled.
We ask speakers to speak truthfully and faithfully from Scripture while remembering the setting in which they are speaking. Difficult truths should not be avoided, but Camp is a place of renewal. We encourage teaching that gives members biblical perspective, hope, encouragement, and practical help for living out their faith when they return home.
We also ask speakers to be thoughtful about spending significant time on topics that may be politically charged, divisive within the Christian community, or particularly negative. Our desire is for our members to leave Camp with their faith strengthened and their focus renewed on Christ.
FAQs
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Men
Sunday morning chapel is the most formal setting. A button-up shirt with dress pants is appropriate. A suit and tie are not required.
Weekday chapels and Quest series are more relaxed. Polos, jeans, or general business casual attire are all appropriate.
For chapel services, Quest, and other visible ministry settings, long pants are encouraged.
Outside of chapel, attire can match the activity. Casual or athletic wear is appropriate for recreation and informal settings.
Women
Sunday morning chapel is the most formal setting. Dresses, skirts, or dress pants paired with a blouse or nice top are appropriate.
Weekday chapels and Quest series are more relaxed. Dresses, skirts, or pants with a blouse, sweater, or casual top are all great options.
For chapel services, Quest, and other visible ministry settings, attire should remain modest and professional, consistent with the expectations of our staff culture. In warmer weather, shorts and skirts are welcome, with lengths that reflect a modest and professional standard.
Outside of scheduled responsibilities, attire can match the activity. Casual or athletic wear is appropriate for recreation and informal settings.
Sunday morning chapel is the most formal setting. A button-up shirt with dress pants is appropriate. A suit and tie are not required.
Weekday chapels and Quest series are more relaxed. Polos, jeans, or general business casual attire are all appropriate.
For chapel services, Quest, and other visible ministry settings, long pants are encouraged.
Outside of chapel, attire can match the activity. Casual or athletic wear is appropriate for recreation and informal settings.
Women
Sunday morning chapel is the most formal setting. Dresses, skirts, or dress pants paired with a blouse or nice top are appropriate.
Weekday chapels and Quest series are more relaxed. Dresses, skirts, or pants with a blouse, sweater, or casual top are all great options.
For chapel services, Quest, and other visible ministry settings, attire should remain modest and professional, consistent with the expectations of our staff culture. In warmer weather, shorts and skirts are welcome, with lengths that reflect a modest and professional standard.
Outside of scheduled responsibilities, attire can match the activity. Casual or athletic wear is appropriate for recreation and informal settings.
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Quest speakers, yes. If you would like to provide handouts, please send them to Camp no later than two weeks before your scheduled week whenever possible.
This allows our team adequate time to prepare materials for distribution.
Chapel speakers, please note Tibbitts Auditorium and the larger audience is not conducive to handout material.
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Chapel speakers are welcome to call for a response from the audience; however, the layout of Tibbitts Auditorium does not generally allow for a traditional altar call.
The teaching format of Quest does not include an altar call.
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Wi-Fi is available in many common areas of Camp. However, not all accommodations receive a strong signal.
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CAMP-of-the-WOODS provides an honorarium to each speaker in appreciation for their time, preparation, and ministry with our members.
The honorarium will be provided during your stay at Camp.
A completed W-9 is required before payment can be issued.
Speaker Quick Links