Camp History

Adventure Camps were formalized in the summer of 2020, evolving from the long-standing tradition of Camp Greenwood Lake, which had been organized and sponsored by The Christian Community in Chicago for over twenty years. Motivated by a desire to offer more camps, tailored camp experiences, and, above all, the need for a dedicated organization to provide support, structure, and longevity, a team of young adults took on Adventure Camps as an independent entity with the goal of expanding these beloved traditions under a fresh name and vision. This shift marks an exciting new chapter, honoring the camp’s rich history while forging a unique path forward.

For over fifty-two years, The Christian Community has fostered a rich tradition of outdoor summer camps across the United States — even longer in Europe — with programs on the West Coast in California, the East Coast from Pennsylvania to Maine, the Midwest in Wisconsin, and even in Ontario, Canada. This transformation was inspired by passionate outdoor enthusiasts and young adults and came partly in response to challenges posed by the pandemic. Faced with the possibility of suspending camps, which hold immense value for countless children, a creative solution was sought. The camps were reimagined to better serve our communities, making them more accessible and varied in their offerings while providing the framework and support to continue them well into the future.

With these changes, a new identity naturally emerged, leading to the birth of Adventure Camps. While our name and organizational structure have changed, the spirit of our camps remains deeply rooted in over fifty years of cherished traditions, lively songs, engaging games, and a profound connection to nature and youth. Adventure Camps proudly carry forward this legacy into a new era, building on a foundation of treasured experiences and community bonds. The Camps are now independently organized under their own non-profit status and board of directors. We welcome and affirm campers and staff of all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, gender identities, and sexual orientations.