CAMP UNION
Bringing Christ to kids. Bringing kids to Christ.
How it all began:
Camp Union was formed as a charitable place for religious purposes in 1936 as a location for a Revival Camp Meeting. People desiring to hear the Gospel preached would come from neighboring counties to listen to well known speakers preach the Word of God. Over the years, it evolved into a place that focused on children and giving children the opportunity to hear God’s word and feel the Love of God. The land was donated by Nathaniel and Mildred McGinnis so there could be a yearly meeting. Nathaniel passed away in 1986, and Mildred in 2012. With Mildred's passing, Camp Union was left a portion of her estate, which is primarily being used to make permanent improvements to the facility so that children can continue to use the camp for decades to come. The buildings are simple and give tribute to the history of the facility.
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What to expect:
Camp Union is an overnight, summer camp facility where children and young adults (Kindergarten through college age) have the opportunity to experience the love of God out in the country, away from city lights and the distractions of technology constantly buzzing and beeping. A sign has been in the meeting place that reads “Holiness Unto the Lord” since adult services were held. This sign still hangs in the main building today, reminding us of all of God's great goodness. Camp Union is a Holy place for people to feel God’s presence surrounding them.
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Although the Camp has running water and electricity, the staff strives to keep the atmosphere simple and focused on God. There is not a swimming pool, a pond, or challenge courses – the staff and youth at camp prefer to be creative for fun activities and God is the focus of our day to day events. Everyone is passionate about forming relationships with each other that continue on for lifetimes; the campers are always excited to return to camp each summer and see some of their friends and counselors that they only see at Camp Union.
Who is there:
While on the grounds, children are supervised by volunteer staff, mostly consisting of adults and teens that have grown up at the camp. All adult staff members submit background checks and the staff is trained each year in preparation for the summer camps.
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Who is behind the scenes:
Camp Union is operated by a volunteer board of directors currently consisting of 12 people. The board members consist of adults who have a connection to the camp, some of them second and even third generations of families that have helped at the camp. Many of them either attended the camp as a child or their children attend the camp; some of the board members are also involved in the day to day operations of the summer youth program. They are all active in their own churches of various denominational backgrounds. The Board meets throughout the calendar year to ensure that the Camp is ready for children each summer.
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The cost:
Each session has a different cost, which can be found under the “Camps” tab. Costs primarily cover food and electricity to keep the camp running. The camp also depends on donations from families and area churches to offset the costs of camp and keep prices reasonable. If interested in donating, head to our "Get Involved" tab for more information.
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The location:
Camp Union is located at 29824 State Route 739, Richwood, Ohio.
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Camp Union is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the camp are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The camp's tax identification number is 05-0608204.