For winter youth camps, youth attend as part of a church group. Please provide one adult sponsor for every eight (or less) youth. If you have a small group or individual that needs a sponsor, contact us for help in connecting with another group. Questions can be answered by contacting us at (269) 476-9744 or by email.
Winter Family Camp 2025
February 14–16
Theme: Sacred Connections Camp Pastor: Gwen Gustafson-Zook, program director (and Les Gustafson-Zook on music)
Winter Family Camp promises a weekend for rest (we cook for you!), intergenerational play and child-accessible worship. This retreat runs Friday evening through Sunday noon, and is open to all who consider themselves “family” – no matter how you define it. Camp runs from Friday through Sunday with Friday dinner @ 6:30pm the first event and Sunday brunch @ 11:30 am the final event.
Weather-permitting, we’ll have fabulously fun winter activities like snow tubing, sledding, cross country skiing, and broomball on the ice. We just might convince you that winter is your favorite season at camp!
Families are housed in their own private accommodation (cabin or lodge room) with a self-contained restroom and shower.
Scholarships are available and can be requested during the registration process.
In 2025, Gwen Gustafson-Zook, program director, will lead worship times reflecting on the theme of “Sacred Connections.” Her husband, Les Gustafson-Zook, will join her in leading music throughout the sessions.
Register forWinter Family Camp 2025
High School Winter Camp 2025
January 3–5
Camp Pastor: Sarah Werner
A weekend set aside for high school aged youth to retreat together in the peaceful woods of Camp Friedenswald.
Youth attend with church youth groups for a time to reconnect with one another, experience the beauty of the world in winter, worship God, and play!
Sarah Werner is the communications coordinator for Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA and leader of Olentangy Wild Church in Columbus, Ohio. She teaches theology and biblical studies courses at PATHWAYS, a theological education program affiliated with the United Church of Christ. She is the author of Rooted Faith: Practices for Living Well on a Fragile Planet (Herald Press, 2023).
Register forHigh School Winter Camp 2025
Junior High Winter Camp 2025
January 10–12
Camp Pastor: Clayton Gladish
This winter camp is planned for youth grades 6-8 and their church sponsors or pastor(s). It’s an opportunity for youth across Central District Conference and beyond to gather for a weekend of worship, play, rest, and renewal.
Activities are weather dependent and may include sledding, cross country skiing, tube run, hiking, singing, indoor games, and more.
Speaker Bio: Clayton Gladish (he/him) has a curious mind, compassionate heart, and practical spirit, which come in handy as part of the pastoral team at Silverwood Mennonite (Goshen, IN). Clayton grew up in British Columbia, found faith in his young adult life, and chose Mennonites as his spiritual family. He is passionate about helping people understand the Bible better and making their faith their own through activities that engage our minds, bodies, and hearts.
Register forJunior High Winter Camp 2025