Camp Kirchenwald

For Pennsylvanians seeking an enriching outdoor experience that combines adventure with personal growth, Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon, PA, stands as a cherished local treasure. More than just a traditional campground, Kirchenwald is an immersive retreat and summer camp facility operated by The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and a supportive, community-oriented environment, making it a favorite place for individuals, youth, and families across the state. Whether you're looking for a structured program for your child, a peaceful retreat, or an adventurous group outing, Kirchenwald provides a distinctive opportunity to connect with nature and foster personal development right in your home state.

Camp Kirchenwald is beautifully situated at 1 Cut Off Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA. This address places it within 340 acres of scenic forest, adjacent to an additional 4,000 acres of State Game Lands, offering a vast natural playground. Its location in Lebanon, PA, makes it readily accessible for residents throughout Pennsylvania, particularly those in the central and southeastern regions. While providing a secluded and immersive outdoor experience, Kirchenwald is still within a reasonable driving distance from major population centers, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways, summer camp sessions, or group retreats without the burden of extensive travel. The peaceful setting allows visitors to feel truly "a place and time apart," while its accessibility ensures convenience.

Camp Kirchenwald provides a wide range of services and facilities, catering to various group sizes and preferences, from summer campers to adult retreat groups.

• Diverse Lodging Options: The camp offers a variety of accommodations including comfortable retreat lodges (such as Bear's Den, Cottage, Myers Retreat Center, SchreiberHaus), Adirondack shelters, platform tents, teepees, and traditional tenting sites in their Wilderness Village Campsite. Some lodges feature full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and climate control, offering a more comfortable stay.
• Program Services and Equipment: Kirchenwald can provide a wide variety of staff-led programs by reservation, including low ropes and group-building initiatives, high ropes, a climbing tower, a zip line, archery, and mountain biking. They have all the necessary equipment to outfit groups for most activities.
• Dining Facilities: A Main Camp Kitchen and Dining Pavilion are available, indicating the ability to provide meals for groups and programs. Some lodging options also include fully equipped kitchens for self-catering.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Clean and accessible restroom and shower facilities are available throughout the camp areas, ensuring comfort for all guests.
• Year-Round Operation: Kirchenwald is open year-round, offering opportunities for retreats, programs, and outdoor activities in every season.
• Trained Staff and Counselors: The camp prides itself on having well-trained counselors and staff who guide campers through various activities, Bible study, worship, and challenging events, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
• Financial Aid: For certain programs, financial aid may be available based on need, making programs accessible to a wider range of participants.

What truly sets Camp Kirchenwald apart is its extensive array of outdoor adventure and recreational features, coupled with its focus on personal and spiritual growth.

• Adventure Programming: A key highlight, Kirchenwald offers thrilling activities like rock climbing (off-site), caving/spelunking, canoe/kayak trips (on/off-site), a high ropes course, climbing tower, and a zip line. These activities are often incorporated into their adventure series programs.
• Lake and Waterfront Activities: The camp features a lake, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and aquatic ecology studies. A swimming pool is also available for refreshing dips.
• Extensive Trails: On-site hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the scenic forest, providing excellent opportunities for exploration and exercise.
• Athletic Fields and Courts: The camp is equipped with athletic fields, a sand volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a gaga pit for various sports and games.
• Nature and Ecology Focus: Activities like animal encounters, forest ecology, wildlife ecology, and a Yurt Nature Center provide educational opportunities to learn about the natural world.
• Arts & Crafts: Programs often include creative activities such as nature crafts, wood carving, and pottery.
• Worship Areas: Several dedicated outdoor worship areas, including Hillside, Lakeside, and Woodland Worship Areas, emphasize the camp's spiritual foundation.
• Leadership Development: Many programs focus on developing leadership skills through challenging activities and group initiatives.
• Family and Inter-generational Programs: Kirchenwald offers specific programs like "Family Camp" that focus on inter-generational Bible study, worship, crafts, canoeing, and challenge course activities, fostering family bonds.
• Proximity to State Game Lands: Being adjacent to 4,000 acres of State Game Lands significantly expands the accessible natural area for hiking and enjoying wildlife.

Camp Kirchenwald, as part of The Lutheran Camping Corporation, offers several types of discounts and financial assistance for its programs, particularly for summer camps and resident programs. These are designed to make the enriching experiences more accessible.

• Full Payment Discount: Often, a discount (e.g., $15) is offered if full payment for a program is included with registration by an early bird deadline (e.g., April 5th).
• CampPerson Discount: If your congregation was represented at one of the annual "CampPerson" meetings, campers from that congregation may receive a discount (e.g., $20) on their registration for full-week, resident programs. It's worth checking with your local congregation or the Camping Office for eligibility.
• Additional Children/Weeks Discount: Families with multiple children attending or a single child attending multiple weeks can often receive a progressive discount (e.g., $25 for the second child/week, $50 for the third). This applies to full-week, resident programs.
• Invite-a-Friend Discount: This is a popular promotion where both an existing camper and a new camper (who has never attended Kirchenwald or Nawakwa summer camp before) receive a discount (e.g., $25 each). Alternatively, the inviting camper might receive a free additional week of camp up to a certain value. Specific coupons and conditions apply, available on their website.
• Tiered Pricing System: For some programs, Kirchenwald employs a voluntary tiered pricing system (e.g., Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3), allowing families to choose the rate that best fits their financial situation. This helps to make camp affordable while supporting the ministry.
• Financial Aid/Camperships: Financial aid may be available depending on need and registration levels, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring all children have the opportunity to attend.

For the most current and detailed information on specific discounts, eligibility, and how to apply, it is always best to visit The Lutheran Camping Corporation's official website or contact Camp Kirchenwald directly.

For more information, to make reservations, or to inquire about programs at Camp Kirchenwald, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1 Cut Off Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA
Phone: (717) 964-3121
Mobile Phone: +1 717-964-3121
Email: kirchenwald@lutherancamping.org (General inquiries for summer camp)
Retreat Reservations: (717) 677-8211 (for retreat facility bookings)

The camp also has a mailing address (PO Box 459, Lebanon, PA 17042) for correspondence. Due to the popularity of their programs, especially during summer, early registration is highly recommended.

For residents of Pennsylvania, Camp Kirchenwald offers a truly exceptional local resource for outdoor activity, personal development, and community building. Its convenient location in Lebanon County means that a meaningful escape into nature is never too far away, minimizing travel stress and maximizing time spent enjoying the experience.

The reviews from past attendees highlight its status as a "favorite place," with children loving the programs offered. This strong positive sentiment speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. Whether it's the thrill of the climbing tower, the peace of a lakeside canoe trip, the camaraderie of group-building initiatives, or the reflective moments of Bible study, Kirchenwald provides a holistic environment. Its diverse lodging options cater to various comfort levels, making it accessible to many.

Beyond the physical activities, Camp Kirchenwald's mission to be "The Church in a place and time apart where Christ's love is experienced and faith is renewed" provides a deeper layer of enrichment often sought by families. It fosters an environment where children and adults alike can grow spiritually, gain confidence, and build lasting friendships. For Pennsylvania families and groups seeking a unique blend of adventure, education, and spiritual nourishment within a beautiful and supportive natural setting, Camp Kirchenwald is an unparalleled local destination that promises cherished memories for years to come.

Camp Kirchenwald

1 Cut Off Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA