

The heavens declare
the glory of God...

Salem, Indiana
Summer Camp Options
Grades listed are the grade the camper will enter
in the Fall of 2023

Happy Day Camp I
Grades: 1-2
June 27
Fee: $45
Dean: Darcy Reynolds
Check in: Tuesday, June 27, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Check out: Tuesday, June 27, 6:00 p.m.
Happy Day Camp II
Grades: 1-2
July 15
Fee: $45
Dean: Erick Clemens
Check in: Saturday, July 15, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Check out: Saturday, July 15, 6:00 p.m.
Happy Day Camp! That's just what we want you to come experience--a happy day at Wonder Valley! Happy Day Camp is a one-day camp giving young kids an opportunity to experience little bits of the great experience of church camp. We will explore nature by hiking in the woods, playing in the creek, and learning about God's awesome creation. We eat in the cafeteria, rest in the dorms, swim in the pool, sing camp songs, have devotions--all while we learn more about how much God loves us!
Campers should wear comfortable shoes for playing and bring a change of clothes, just in case.
(No discounts apply to Happy Day Camp.) Campers should also bring: Bible, pencil or pen, note pad, towel, swim suit, sunscreen (see camp rule #6), pillow, sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag (for afternoon rest time.) Come join us!
Primary Sleepover
Grades: 2-3
June 25-26
Fee: $80
Deans: Don Watts
Check in: Sunday, June 25, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Monday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.
Young campers who are ready to experience an overnight camp will love Primary Sleepover!
Join the fun and excitement as we Celebrate Jesus. For God so loved the world, that He gave us Jesus, and we will use our time together to see Him. There will be lots of fun and excitement filled with games, worship, learning and of course some surprises you can only find at Wonder Valley. Get ready for the best 1-night of your summer!
Next Step
Grades: 3-5
June 28-30
Fee: $125
Deans: Kasey and Evan Comer
Check in: Wednesday, June 28, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Check out: Friday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.
Are you ready to take the next step? Get ready for a SUPER experience at camp and a bigger journey with Jesus! In our 3-day, 2-night camp, we will have tons of fun, while we learn more about how much God loves us, created us for a purpose, and equipped us to "look out for the left out." Pack your best superhero outfit for a special camp event!
3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade
Grades: 3-5
July 9-14
Fee: $260
Deans: Oakley Barger/Tiffany Copple
Check in: Sunday, July 9, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.
Calling all adventurers! Grab your gear and get ready for a week of excitement as we trek through the great adventures in the Bible. Scale the mountain with Moses, wander the unknown with the Israelites, fish the waters with Peter, and so much more! Together, we'll become more than conquerors like it says in Romans 8:37-39! Test your adventuring skills through all camp has to offer with a few surprises along the way. Are YOU ready for the great adventure?
4th, 5th, & 6th Grade
Grades: 4-6
June 4-9
Fee: $260
Dean: Jeff Weinsheimer
Check in: Sunday, June 4, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, June 9, 6:00 p.m.
"In the beginning, God created." That is how it all began, and that is the foundation of everything we believe. Creation is not only important, but it is a lot of fun. Come join us this week as we enjoy some time in God's creation at this special place.
5th, 6th, & 7th Grade Week
Grades: 5-7
July 23-28
Fee: $260
Dean: Tom Bostic/Graham Jones
Check in: Sunday, July 23, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, July 28, 6:00 p.m.
A fingerprint, a snowflake, your genetic code - what do these have in common? Absolutely nothing, other than they are 100% unique, just as you are. Come join us during 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Week where we will dive into the "One."
6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Week
Grades: 6-8
June 18-23
Fee: $260
Deans: C.J. Sweeney and Amanda Dickerson
Check in: Sunday, June 18, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, June 23, 6:00 p.m.
Theme: FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
During this high-energy, fun, and challenging week we will discover what it means to have the Spirit of God that lives within us and how that transforms the way that we live. Keeping in step with God’s Spirit allows us to live the life that God intended and display who Jesus is.
812 Week
Grades: 8-12
July 16-21
Fee: $260
Deans: David Bigelow/Jacki Wilson
Check in: Sunday, July 16, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, July 21, 6:00 p.m.
Theme: CONTRAST
During this high-energy, fun, and challenging week we will discover what it means to have the Spirit of God that lives within us and how that transforms the way that we live. Keeping in step with God’s Spirit allows us to live the life that God intended and display who Jesus is.
Teen Week
Grades: 9-13
July 2-7
Fee: $270
Deans: Darrick Willoughby/Jeff Hudelson/Darren Stroud
Check in: Sunday, July 2, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, July 7, 6:00 p.m.
Theme: BEAUTIFUL COLLISION
What happens when a Holy God intersects with a sinful creation? A Beautiful Collision could be the result! Come explore Esther 4 and many other places/people from God’s Word that will help us see how God has brought us here, “for such a time as this.” Through pinpoint studies in the Word to powerful worship; theme nights, family group connections, loads of laughs, deep friendships & unmistakable God moments, and throw in a “Dance Through the Decades,” Night, you won’t want to miss what God, your faculty & the Valley of Wonder has to offer in this week, teens!!
B.L.A.S.T. Week
Grades: 10 - Age 20
July 23-28
Fee: $260
Deans: Coen and Robin McFarland
Check-in: Sunday, July 23, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check-out: Friday, July 28, 6:00 p.m.
Summer B.L.A.S.T week is designed for sophomores through 20 year-olds who want to go deeper in God's Word and mature in their Christian journey. It is a 5 year curriculum outlined as follows;
Year one: Creation to King David
Year two: King David until the time of Jesus
Year three: Life of Jesus
Year four: The New Covenant
Year five: The Church
This summer we will restart the study on year one; Creation to King David! This is an in-depth week of Bible study and training with great faculty that includes lots of fun and relationship building. Current life topics will be discussed and there will be time for you to ask questions and get answers within your family for the week. Summer B.L.A.S.T will be something you remember forever. Sign up and watch your email for a letter with more info after you register! We can't wait to see you to have the opportunity to sharpen one another!
Winter B.L.A.S.T.
Grades: 9 - Age 20
December 26-29
Fee: $140
Dean: Keith Wisley
Check-in: Tuesday, December 26, 4-4:30 p.m.
Check-out: Friday, December 29, 4:00 p.m.
More info to come
SPECIALTY MAIN CAMPS
Work/Study
Grades: 9-13
May 26-29
Fee: none
Dean: John Wisley
Check-in: Friday, May 26, 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Check-out: Monday, May 29, 6:00 p.m.
This event is designed for mature campers, high school age and older. We will work on improving the camp facilities and increasing the depth of the campers' spiritual maturity. A letter of recommendation from a minister or elder must be submitted with the registration. Applicants will be evaluated by the dean and camp manager.
Youth Leadership Boot Camp
Grades: 7-13
May 27
Fee: $20
Dean: Tracy Weaver
Check in: Saturday, May 27, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Check out: Saturday, May 27, 4:30 p.m.
This is a fun and challenging event for students who may be interested in serving as Jr Faculty* at Wonder Valley Camp, or who just want to gain some confidence in relating to peers or younger students. Youth Leadership Boot Camp (YLBC) is a one-day, intensive training session that will focus on problem solving, teamwork, outside-the-box thinking and communication skills. Learn what it takes to be a real servant-leader, and build your skills an a range of areas. Space is limited to 20 students, so please register early. (No discounts apply to the YLBC event.)
*NOTE: Participation in YLBC does NOT guarantee a student will be selected as Jr. Faculty. The Dean of each week makes the final decision on scheduling faculty or Jr. faculty for their particular event.
5th-8th Grade SPECIALTY SKILLS CAMPS
Check in: Sunday, 4:00-4:30 p.m. Check out: Friday, 12:00 noon
Dean: Tracy Weaver
During these weeks, the events will occur simultaneously at the new dorm on the new property. Campers will share in worship, meals, recreation and class time, then break out in the middle of the day for their "specialties." These unique events offer campers the opportunity to sharpen their skills in a specialty of their choice while also learning more about following God's unique will for our lives, rather than following the crowd. (All ranges of skills in each specialty are welcome, from beginner to experienced.)
5th-8th Grade SPECIALTIES WEEK I: June 11-16
Check in: Sunday, 4:00-4:30 p.m. Check out: Friday, 12:00 noon
Cooking Camp
Grades: 5-8
Fee: $270
Dean: Susan Ballerstedt
Cooking Camp is for boys and girls who want to experience the art and fun of cooking. This edible education will include kitchen safety, knife skills, measuring, mixing, and many other cooking techniques. We will have fun creating many homemade dishes like pasta, quick breads, candy, pies and many other unique and yummy foods. The sessions will rotate between sweet and savory recipes and each camper will go home with their own recipe binder, and a sample of their kitchen creations. Our goal is to build a foundation to cook for a lifetime, and to be prepared to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13). For safety reasons, please wear closed toe shoes and long hair should be tied back.
Woodworking Camp
Grades: 5-8
Fee: $270
Dean: Jeff Schrock
We're excited to bring back last year's new specialty to Specialty Skills Camps. Woodworking Camp will be partnering with BenchWorx, a mobile education program whose mission is to introduce students of all ages to the art of woodworking. Each session, campers will be introduced to a new tool, followed by safety demonstrations and the time to create fun and useful projects using hand tools. Students do not need any prior experience, and all tools/materials required to make the projects are provided. (For more info about this unique program, check out www.benchworx.net )
Multi-Sports Camp (Soccer, Kickball, Frisbee and Volleyball)
Grades: 5-8
Fee: $270
Dean: Paddie Shereni
We are taking your favorite games from the playground and combining them into one action packed week of camp! Each day campers will play variations of Soccer, Kickball, Frisbee and Volleyball. We may even throw in a few other high-energy field games along the way. Participants will learn sportsmanship, teamwork and strategy in addition to the rules of the game. This camp is perfect for beginning to intermediate athletes who love all things sports, and want to combine that with a week of worship, Bible study, campfire and fun. Be sure to bring lace-up athletic shoes and sunscreen. Shin guards are also needed for playing soccer. (If you don't have shin guards, let us know and we can probably provide some.) We'll provide all the other equipment needed and water bottles. Bring your friends or come make new ones!
5th-8th Grade SPECIALTIES WEEK II: June 25-30
Outdoor Sports Camp (Archery/Hunter's Ed)
Grades: 5-8
Fee: $270
Dean: Caleb Tolliver
Check in: Sunday, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, 12:00 noon
Outdoor Sports Camp is for boys and girls who love the outdoors. We will talk a lot about safety, and actually handle and shoot firearms of all kinds along with archery equipment. As part of this event, if you pass the test, you will receive your Indiana Hunter Education card. This event always fills up, so register early to be guaranteed a spot!
HIGH SCHOOL SPECIALTY SKILLS CAMPS
High School Specialties: June 4-9
Grades 9-13
Fee: $270
Dean: Mitch Koestel
Check in: Sunday, June 4, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, June 9, 12:00 noon
During High School Specialties Week, campers can expect all the activities and experiences that make Wonder Valley special plus the opportunity to focus on one of four unique specialties: golf, art, worship, or all-sports. The four specialty groups combine to create one cohesive camp experience where campers will participate in class times, worship times, recreation, and meals all together. Additionally, campers will break into their specialty groups for a few hours each day to learn to master their craft. Campers of all skill levels and experience levels are welcomed into each specialty. No experience is required for any specialty. We will meet you where you are and help you learn and grow. Whether in a large group setting or in our small Specialty areas, we will find out more about God, and how He is there in every aspect of our life.
__________________
Golf Camp
Grades: 9-13
Fee: $270
Dean: Jason Shemanski
We are looking forward to an exciting week of learning basic golf skills and proper techniques. We will be practicing at camp, then go to a local course for competitions. It will be a good time of fellowship, learning more about God and His Word, and enjoying His beauty on the golf course. It is a great opportunity to learn golf if you are a beginner, or to improve your skills if you are experienced. Golf clubs will be provided.
Art Camp
Grades: 9-13
Fee: $270
Deans: Tracy Koestel and Stacy Doriot
Campers joining the Art Specialty will be given the chance to participate in multiple types of art throughout the week. From drawing and painting, to leather-working, to writing/acting in skits, and other types of crafts, campers will be exposed to a variety of art projects. Whether you are the next Picasso, or struggle to draw a smiley face, we will help you discover the beauty God’s creation through Art.
Worship Camp
Grades: 9-13
Fee: $270
Dean: Dale Sawin
We will engage campers and provide guided practice and breakout sessions in music ministry, leading worship, song selection, enhancing the sermon, creating atmosphere, and using drama, stories, and songs to point people to Jesus. Individuals in this specialty are encouraged to bring their instruments and ideas for songs and stories that glorify our God. No prior experience needed - just a willing spirit.
All-Sports Camp
Grades: 9-13
Fee: $270
Dean: Eric Mullins
Campers in the All-Sports Specialty will have the opportunity to be active every day by participating in a wide variety of sports. By playing everything from basketball, to pickleball, to disc-golf, kickball, rock climbing, and volleyball, campers will learn how to leverage their competitive spirit and be active for the Lord. No skill set or experience is needed – just a positive attitude!
G.R.A.C.E. WEEK
G.R.A.C.E. Week I
All ages
June 12-14
Fee: $235
Deans: Kelsey Bigelow and Bailey Couch
G.R.A.C.E. Week II
All ages
June 15-17
Fee: $235
Deans: Kelsey Bigelow and Bailey Couch
Handi-Camp is now G.R.A.C.E Week! G.R.A.C.E. is an acronym that stands for God Revealing Abilities Courageously Every day. This camp event is designed to provide disabled persons with opportunities for physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth in a carefully supervised camp setting. Two identical sessions are offered. Application deadline is May 31st.
For more information on G.R.A.C.E. Week, download our Camper Information Page. To register, download the Camper Registration Form and mail it to the camp. If you are interested in helping out with G.R.A.C.E. Week, download the Faculty Information Page To apply, fill out the G.R.A.C.E. Week Faculty Form and fill out the online Wonder Valley Faculty Screening Form.
PIONEER CAMPS
Primary Pioneer I
Grades: 2-3
June 5-6
Fee: $70
Dean: Taylor Brown
Check in: Monday, June 5, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Check out: Tuesday, June 6, 5:00 p.m.
Primary Pioneer II
Grades: 2-3
June 18-19
Fee: $70
Dean: Corrie Noll
Check-in: Sunday, June 18, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Check-out: Monday, June 19, 5:00 p.m.
Choose one of two similar opportunities to spend a night in the Pioneer campsite. Enjoy fun and learning in the great outdoors. Some of the activities include Bible lessons, campfire cooking, caving and hiking.
4th & 5th Pioneer I
Grades: 4-5
June 20-23
Fee: $150
Dean: Ben Noll
Check in: Tuesday, June 20, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, June 23, 5:00 p.m.
Come and experience life in our rustic pioneer fort. We’ll explore God’s Word and His many wonders deep in the woods, including caves, fishing and rock climbing. Come and experience God’s creation and find out what good things He has in store for you.
4th & 5th Pioneer II
Grades: 4-5
July 17-20
Fee: $150
Dean: Janet Lewis and Lisa Pardue
Check-in: Monday, July 17, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Check-out: Thursday, July 20, 5:00 p.m.
Come and experience life in our rustic pioneer fort. We’ll explore God’s Word and His many wonders deep in the woods, including caves, fishing and rock climbing. Come and experience God’s creation and find out what good things He has in store for you.
6th 7th & 8th Pioneer I
Grades: 6-8
June 26-30
Fee: $175
Dean: Zach & Megan Jones
Check in: Monday, June 26, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, June 30, 3:00 p.m.
Along with hiking, caving, team building, fishing, water sliding, playing in the creek, and all the fun that comes with spending time in God’s great world, we will also spend time in God’s Word. What are you dealing with at home or at school? What questions do you have about God and about living in this world today? Our goal is to become bold in our faith so that we can stand strong when times are rough. If you love the outdoors and want to know more about who God is and how you can know Him better, come spend a week at Pioneer Camp.
6th 7th & 8th Pioneer II
Grades: 6-8
July 24-28
Fee: $175
Dean: Zach & Megan Jones
Check in: Monday, July 24, 5:00-5:30 p.m.
Check out: Friday, July 28, 3:00 p.m.
Along with hiking, caving, team building, fishing, water sliding, playing in the creek, and all the fun that comes with spending time in God’s great world, we will also spend time in God’s Word. What are you dealing with at home or at school? What questions do you have about God and about living in this world today? Our goal is to become bold in our faith so that we can stand strong when times are rough. If you love the outdoors and want to know more about who God is and how you can know Him better, come spend a week at Pioneer Camp.
8th 9th & 10th Pioneer
Grades: 8-10
July 10-14
Fee: $175
Deans: Jason and Jessica Webster
Check in: Monday, July 10, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Check out: Friday, July 14, 2:00 p.m.
We are going to learn some pioneer and survival skills while learning attributes of God that go along with them! I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and know we will have a fun God filled week!
Young Adult Pioneer
Ages: Unmarried high school graduates to age 25
August 4-6
Fee: $80
Deans: Keith Wisley/Taylor Brown
Check in: Friday, August 4, 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Check out: Sunday, August 6, 4:00 p.m.
This pioneer event is for unmarried high school graduates to age 25, who love God’s great outdoors and want to spend a couple of days out in it, whether it's before you head off to college, or you just need a break from the busyness of life. During our young adult pioneer camp, our focus will be on unplugging from the outside world, and reconnecting with God's calling in the midst of a world bent on pulling young people from Him. In other activities, we will be striving to see God, and take practical life lessons from caving, hiking, team building games, and more! Come join us for a weekend in God's incredible creation! (no discounts for this event)
Father/Son Campout I
Grades: School Age – Adult
July 21-22
Fee: $30 per person or $80 max per family
Dean: Lucas Rife
Father/Son Campout II
Grades: School Age – Adult
July 28-29
Fee: $30 per person or $80 max per family
Dean: John Wisley
Spend some quality time with your son. We will be staying in the pioneer cabins, cooking over the fire and spending time with our Heavenly Father. Other activities may include fishing, hiking, or caving. No "Early" or "First Time" discounts apply to Father/Son Campouts. Maximum of $80 per family. Check in: Friday, 5-5:30 p.m. Check out: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.