Bethel Youth Camp

Among the countless number of ministers, churches, groups and individuals that have worked through the years to make Bethel Youth Camp a success, there is surely one that stands out in our minds. It was Rev. I.E. Wilson who first suggested to the Bethel Brethren the idea of having a combined youth conference, geared at meeting the spiritual needs of their young people. The conference was held at Bethel Tabernacle in Decatur, Illinois during the summer of 1943, and the vision instantly took hold. For several years annual youth conferences were held at various Bethel Churches until the attendance grew to the degree that they were forced to find a larger facility. The first year for “camp” was in 1950 as they took another step by renting a campground near Decatur, but even there, they were crowded. A larger camp was rented the following year, and Brother Wilson, Rev R.R. Schwambach and Rev Glen Dyhouse began looking for permanent dormitories.

It was then that these men came across 72 acres of land just east of Lynnville, Indiana that they envisioned as a place of spiritual growth for hundreds of teenagers. The decision was made to buy the land, and construction began in July of 1954. God worked mighty miracles as thousands of dollars worth of equipment, service and materials were donated toward Bethel Camp.

The land was cleared for buildings and a lake was dug out. The churches went together and built cabins and a huge tent went up for evening services. After years of diligent prayer and hard work we were ready for our very first “Bethel Youth Camp.” From that first camp meeting in August of 1959 until today, the sole purpose has remained the same, that is, ministering to the needs of young people and training them to reach their world for Christ.

There have been many improvements made to the ranch in these past years. The big tent has been replaced by a permanent open air tabernacle. The all-weather dormitory/conference room has been one of our favorite additions to the ranch grounds. It enables us to use the facility in the cold, winter months as well as giving us some much needed extra room during the summer ranch program.

For many of the Bethel family, summer is synonymous with Bethel Youth Camp. With the promise of everything from paddleboats to sports competition to the worship in the evening services, camp has something for everyone. It’s a week of challenging classes and warm fellowship.

Believing prevention is better than cure, the entire staff is dedicated to introduce young men and women to Jesus Christ through teachings based on the Word of God. Strong emphasis is placed on teaching teenagers how to have a deeper walk with the Lord and to share Him with their world. The results have been hundreds of dedicated Christians walking with the Lord all their lives including life-long preachers and pastors, missionaries and evangelists covering the whole world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!